Rules

Official Rules of Competition 2026

The Saltwater Kayak Trail exists so kayak anglers can enjoy the competitive atmosphere that tournament fishing has to offer. In addition, camaraderie and sportsmanship among anglers is what makes our community great, and playing fair, respecting fellow anglers and our series is of utmost importance. We want you to fish with us, we want you to have an enjoyable time, and we want you to be safe and get home after our events knowing you gave it your all and conducted yourself in the best way possible.

1. RULES AND PENALTIES:

The following rules shall apply to all Saltwater Kayak Series ("SKS") tournaments, with the following exceptions:

(a) rules for special tournaments may differ from those contained herein and (ii) these rules may be changed by SKS immediately upon notice by SKS to its members, which notice may be published on SKS's, web and/or social media platforms. Interpretation and enforcement of these rules shall be left exclusively to the Tournament Director(s) or his/her designee at a tournament. In the event of a rule violation, the Tournament Director(s) or a rules committee

may impose such sanctions as deemed appropriate by them, including without limitation, disqualification, forfeiture of prizes, entry fee and prohibition from participation in subsequent tournaments. Subject to the appeal process set forth in Section 17 (“Truth Verification Test”) below, the decision of the Tournament Director(s), his/her designee or the rules committee shall be final in all matters and not subject to appeal. Except for very serious rules violations, as determined by SKS, and any rules that might lead to disqualification of an angler from participation in the Saltwater Kayak Series tournaments or other SKS events, rules violations must be reported immediately to tournament officials within 24 hours of the final check-in on

the day of the alleged violation.

Penalties for rules violations may include the following:

(1) Reduction of competition hours as determined by the Tournament Director(s).

(2) Loss of one or more fish caught in potential violation of rules or regulations.

(3) Loss of length(s) in 1/2" increments of one or more fish, with 1/2" being the minimum penalty and entire fish being the maximum penalty (see "b" above).

(4) Disqualification from the tournament in question.

(5) Disqualification from future SKS events, which may be from a specific number of events, a specific period of time or may be a lifetime disqualification.

(6) Any different or additional penalties determined by the Tournament Director(s) including, but not limited to, reduction of points toward championship qualification.

(7) All federal, state, and local laws, rules, markings, orders and warnings must be followed. Violation of any laws may be cause for penalization or disqualification.

(8) All violations of laws will be turned over to the proper authorities for investigation and possible prosecution. This includes, but is not limited to, cheating, harassment, wildlife violations, illegal drug use and any other illegal activity.

2. PARTICIPANTS AND ELIGIBILITY:

(a) Participation in this tournament series is open only to current members of Saltwater Kayak Series who are 16 years of age or older. Proof of age to the satisfaction of tournament officials is the responsibility of the potential competitor. Annual membership dues must be paid before participants can register and compete in their first or any event in a calendar year. All annual memberships begin on January 1st and expire on December 31st regardless of when a participant pays his/her dues within that given year for that year. All annual membership dues for 2026 are $40.00 USD and are non-transferable and non-refundable and will not

be discounted or prorated for anyone who pays/joins anytime after January 1st of a new year.

(b) To receive the maximum AOY points, the angler will use their best 3 out of 4 regular season events. (Event AOY points and structure to be outlined in a separate document).

(c) All competitions are conducted/scored using Topwater Tracker . Each angler who wishes to participate in such an event must create a free, Topwater Tracker account before the first day of the competition.

(d) A PROPERLY COMPLETED OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM MUST BE RECEIVED BY TOPWATER TRACKER ON OR BEFORE THE DEADLINE DATE.

(e) The registration deadline for a particular event will be at 4:00 pm on the Friday before the official start of the event, going by the local time of the event headquarters.

(e) Entry fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable regardless of the date of the cancellation once you have been confirmed in a tournament. Any exceptions to this rule will be at the sole discretion of tournament officials and considered on a case by case basis.

(f) Any person’s participation in any Saltwater Kayak Series tournament is at the sole discretion of Saltwater Kayak Trail officials.

(g) All Saltwater Kayak Series events will be held on a Saturday. If the weather is unsafe on Saturday the event will be moved to Sunday. If a Saltwater Kayak Series event is completely cancelled entry fees will be refunded. ( Except any paypal or TMS fees)

(f) Each calendar year prior to competing in a Saltwater Kayak Series event, all competitors must complete a W-9 that will be provided by SKS. If tax status or address changes occur, new forms must be submitted prior to participation in the next SKS event.

(g) Tournament entry fees must be received by the tournament management system on or before the entry deadline date. The Tournament Director reserves the right to discontinue acceptance of applications prior to the deadline and the right to extend the acceptance date.

(h) Any person under the age of majority in the state in which they reside entering a tournament must also have permission and a signed release from a parent or legal guardian.

3. OFF-LIMITS, PRACTICE AND COMPETITION:

(a) The Official Practice Period will begin at 6:00 AM the Saturday prior to the event and end at 4pm local on that Friday.

(b) The Saltwater Kayak Series officials reserve the right to adjust off-limits and practice period days. Official off-limits and practice period days will be published for each event prior to registration opening.

(d) During practice and competition, anglers are not allowed to make changes to the waterway, and it must be utilized how it’s naturally presented. This includes but is not limited to adding, cutting, or removing trees/ brush, digging/ filling ditches, adding or removing rocks and purposely adding or removing vegetation.

(e) Utilizing private or non-confirmed event launches during practice is allowed.

(f) All time on water during official practice and tournament must be done in a vessel in accordance with Section 8: KAYAK REGULATION. Being in ANY boat not in accordance with Section 8: KAYAK REGULATION on tournament waters two weeks prior to the official practice period, outside of an emergency or director approved job, will result in disqualification.

(g) Motors: If the watercraft is legally registered, electric motors will be permitted for practice at all events. All Motorized kayaks must follow all USCG and State rules.

(h)Testing equipment on tournament waters after the start of the pre-tournament meeting is NOT permitted unless approved and supervised by a tournament official.

(i) Pre-fishing during the Official Practice period with non-competitors is not allowed and could result in a penalty or disqualification

(j) All contestants must have a valid fishing license for the state in which the tournament is taking place, and the state that the angler is fishing in.

Championship and 2 day events only

(k) Scouting in new waters after fishing ends on Day 1 is not allowed. Anglers are expected to immediately proceed back safely to their take-out once fishing ends on Day 1.

(l) Drones are not permitted to be used to locate fish during the official practice period or on tournament days. The use of drones for filming purposes is allowed if the Tournament Director has been notified before the official practice period starts.

4. SOLICITATION OF INFORMATION:

The soliciting for (asking for), purchasing of, or bartering for information from anyone other than registered competitors, for the purpose of locating or catching fish on tournament waters, including, but not limited to, GPS waypoints (other than through commercially available sources) and the hiring of fishing guide services is not permitted during the OFFICIAL PRACTICE period. No communication with any competitor after 4pm on the Friday before the tournament and till the conclusion of the event for the purpose of sharing information or locating fish on tournament waters.

(a) Hiring or using a guide in any way including any communications in regards to tournanent waters within 21 days of the event is prohibited.

(b) non-public websites, blogs and/or social media pages set up for the specific purpose of sharing information with individuals or a small group of individuals are NOT publicly available sources.

(c) On the water verbal (meaning no electronic devices) communication between competitors is allowed, including after lines out of a multi-day event.

(d) During tournament hours (First Launch through Lines Out) an electronic device may not be used to speak to someone in or outside of the tournament about fishing strategies, techniques, etc. The device can only be used for communication between the angler and the SKS staff, social media updates, safety checks, ride coordination and/or work and family urgent situations/emergencies. Anglers are encouraged to post on social media platforms before, during and after competition.

(e) Any questions or concerns about tournament rules or violations need to be communicated with SKS staff immediately and initially to be considered.

5. PRE-TOURNAMENT MEETING/CHECK-IN (CAPTAIN'S MEETING):

It is mandatory that all contestants attend the pre-tournament check-in, board check and briefing. Each contestant must check in prior to the pre-tournament briefing in person and at the designated location. Check-in hours and locations will be announced for each individual tournament per the tournament information document.

6. SAFETY:

(a) Each contestant is REQUIRED to wear a fastened U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while fishing from or maneuvering their kayak during the Saltwater Kayak Series tournament hours. The personal flotation device must always be worn on the outside of all clothing and visible. Inflatable belt PFDs are not considered satisfactory in Saltwater Kayak Series 9events.

(b) All kayaks must be equipped with an emergency whistle, a 360-degree light, and a Hi-Visibility flag that MUST be flown on the kayak at all times during competition

(c) Competitors are expected to use sound judgement and are accountable for their own actions when faced with a potentially dangerous situation. (i.e., lightning, excessive wind, rough waters, recreational and commercial marine traffic, hunting areas, etc.)

(d) At the discretion of the Tournament Director(s), tournament days may be shortened, postponed or canceled due to unsafe weather or water conditions, or other circumstances that may result in unsafe conditions.

(e) IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, COMPETITORS SHOULD CALL 911 FIRST AND THEN NOTIFY TOURNAMENT OFFICIALS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

(f)) COMPETITORS ARE ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE KAYAK AND SEEK SAFE SHELTER IN BAD WEATHER WHERE DANGER MAY BE IMMINENT.

(g) It is suggested that all competitors perform a safety check prior to each day’s competition.

7. ANGLER CODE OF CONDUCT AND SPORTSMANSHIP:

(a) Competitors in SKS tournaments are expected to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety and conservation. Any infraction of these fundamental sporting principles may be deemed a cause for penalization or disqualification.

(b) Use of alcohol or the use of drugs (other than those drugs purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by a licensed physician) by any competitor, during the official practice or during the tournament, will not be tolerated and shall be cause for automatic disqualification from this and all future SKS tournaments. No alcoholic beverages or prohibited drugs shall be allowed in the boats during the official practice or competition days.

(c) Maximum courtesy must be practiced at all times, especially with regard to boating and angling in the vicinity of non-competitors who may be on tournament waters. Any act of a competitor, which reflects unfavorably upon efforts to promote fisheries conservation, clean waters and courtesy, may lead to penalization or disqualification.

(d) All competitors are bound by the prevailing statutes and regulations of the various states in which they fish. Some regulations may differ from these rules resulting in fines, citations or other penalties at the discretion of law enforcement and may or may not result in tournament penalties. Competitors are responsible for research of fishing and boating regulations.

(e) Anglers participating in any SKS-sanctioned event shall observe this code of conduct and the applicable rules for the specific event in which they are participating. Anglers and family members of anglers shall at all times conduct themselves in a professional manner that demonstrates integrity, honor and respect toward fellow competitors, tournament staff and the general public and does not reflect unfavorably on SKS, its members, officers or representatives, tournaments or sponsors.

(f) Anglers are frequently in the public eye and are considered role models by young people; therefore, it is imperative that tournament competitors demonstrate good sportsmanship in fishing. Sportsmanship is defined as fair play, respect for opponents and polite behavior while competing in the sport.

(g) The following are examples of unacceptable behavior by competitors or family members of competitors in SKS events that will be cause for penalties as outlined in this document:

1. Heated public disagreements with SKS officials, other competitors, fans and volunteers during an event.

2. Public attacks through media, including social media, upon the integrity of SKS rules or officials.

3. Public comments that an angler or family member knows, or should reasonably know, will harm the reputation of SKS, SKS officials and its sponsors.

4. Displays of anger and displeasure for reasons related to fishing competition or the event, where members of the public, including other anglers, spectators and the media, are present.

5. Publicly questioning or criticizing a tournament official or official decision, ruling or penalty except through the proper channels.

6. Abuse (physical, verbal, threatening or slanderous) of tournament officials, volunteers, fellow competitors or others connected with a SKS event, including comments on social media.

7. Offensive or slanderous comments with racial, cultural or sexual overtones regarding event officials, event personnel or fellow anglers.

8. Intentionally interfering with a fellow angler’s ability to compete (for example, working with a non-competitor to block other anglers or hold spots before or during tournament hours).

(h) Any disqualification, suspension, or other disciplinary action imposed by any tournament or fishing organization may result in penalization or disqualification from competition and rejection of an application for participation in a SKS tournament.

(i) Any angler who violates any of the provisions of the Sportsmanship Rules or the Angler Code of Conduct may be subject to reduction of points, forfeiture of tournament winnings and

suspension from competing in individual SKS-sanctioned events, permanent ban from competition or any combination thereof deemed appropriate by SKS.

(j) Anglers are allowed to communicate with one another while in proximity as long as there is no intentional sharing to gain a competitive advantage.

(k) In both official practice and competition, competitors are required to have all licenses and permits required on the tournament waters in which they fish. This includes a valid registration on motorized kayaks.

8. KAYAK REGULATION:

(a) Watercraft propulsion is restricted to paddle, pedal, pole or electric motor. (See electric motor restrictions, below in Subsection 8(b).

(b) Unless specifically prohibited, the use of electric motors in competition is approved with the following restrictions:

1. Electric motor must be attached to the kayak in a safe manner for operation.

2. An electric motor used to propel a watercraft needs to meet the following criteria or be approved by a SKS official:

3. Manufacturer’s labeled Maximum HP/Thrust Capacity is 3 HP or 125 foot-pounds of thrust.

4. Competitors must comply with all boating regulations pertaining to motorized kayak/electric - propulsion watercraft registration, use and operating restrictions for the designated fishing area.

5. No more than one electric motor may be attached or even aboard a kayak regardless of combined horsepower/thrust/power rating.

(d) Allowed vessels include those that the manufacturer identifies and sells as a kayak, including inflatable kayaks and modular kayaks, stand-up paddle boards (SUP).

(e) Other watercraft must be specifically approved as exceptions in advance of competition by SKS Management.

(f) Catamaran-style personal fishing vessels complying with all other regulations will be eligible.

(vii) No “homemade” kayaks, sailboats, jon boats, pirogues, coracles, rowboats, dinghies, skiffs, float tubes, inflatable rafts or rigid inflatable boats (e.g., Zodiac), pontoon boats, pontoon-style pond boats, twin-hull watercraft or similar.

(g) The use of a manual or motorized anchor system is permitted.

(h) Mother shipping, tethering/holding is strictly prohibited. Any transportation coordination with a non-competitor is also strictly prohibited unless approved by SKS officials due to an emergency.

(i) By officially entering, contestants agree to submit their kayak to an inspection by SKS personnel.

9. TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT:

(a) All fish must be caught alive in a conventional sporting manner by the angler out of their vessel with no outside assistance from anyone.

(b) All lures must adhere to state regulations.

(c) ONLY artificial lures may be used, with the exception of pork trailers and biodegradable soft baits. Commercially sold scents may be added and used.

(d) Anglers may not catch fish or weigh in fish that have been caged or confined in an area prior to the tournament.

(e) Angles may not chum or fish within 100 ft. of boats that are using chum.

(f) Only ONE fishing rod may be used at a time.

(f) Each cast must be completed before another cast is allowed, and there can never be more than one presentation from one rod actively fishing in the water at any time.

(g) Trolling as a method of fishing is NOT allowed. Long lining and drifting with current/wind are allowed. (Trolling is defined as directly using the vessel’s propulsion to present a lure).

(h) All fish caught while sight fishing must be hooked inside the mouth.

(i) A foul hooked fish will not be scored. (A foul hooked fish is defined as a fish that has been hooked behind the gill plates in the body.)

(j) No fish are to be kept on stringers. Fish gripping devices are acceptable to temporarily hold fish in the water.

(k) An angler’s catch must be safely released before casting or fishing may resume.

(l) Unless posted otherwise, the fish must be targeted and caught while the angler is inside the kayak. (NO WADE FISHING)

10. PERMITTED FISHING LOCATIONS:

(a) Restrictions, designated launch points, official tournament waters, and other location mandates may be issued for individual events.

(b) Contestants will be provided with official water launches and/or boundaries and restrictions specific to each event. Failure to comply will lead to penalization or disqualification.

(c) only designated public boat and kayak launches are permitted during event days. NO side of the road or combat launching.

(d) Portaging is allowed only within the stream banks / river banks. Anglers are not permitted to exit the streambed to access the surrounding property. (A streambed is the channel bottom of a stream or river, the physical confines or channel margins are known as the stream banks or riverbanks during all but flood tide stage.) Failure to do so will lead to penalization or disqualification.

(e) Kayak anglers are responsible for verifying their launch is in the designated boundaries as well as paying any launch fee required to utilize the facility. Maximum of $20.00

(f) Anglers can launch at more than one (1) legal location during a tournament day.

(g) Anglers do not have to take out where they launched as long as the take-out is also a legal launch unless there is an emergency communicated with the SKS staff.

(h) Ride coordination and shuttling are NOT allowed during event days.

(i) Contestants may fish anywhere on tournament waters available to the public except areas posted or otherwise designated as “off-limits,” “no boats,” “keep out,” “restricted,” “no trespassing” or “no fishing” (or similar language or markings intended to restrict public access) by SKS, commercial property owners and/or local, state or federal officials. Failure to do so will lead to penalization or disqualification.

(j) All fishing must be conducted from inside the kayak (NO WADE FISHING) unless otherwise stated by tournament officials. Only an angler’s arm or arms can extend into the water to help land a fish they hooked legally. The use of a net is permitted.

(k) At no time may a contestant leave the kayak to land a fish, photograph/submit a fish or make the kayak more accessible to fishing waters unless allowed in the event and communicated by the Tournament Director(s). Anglers can beach their kayaks to take safe pictures to be submitted.

(l) The cutting of trees, bushes and/or logs, or digging access trenches/ditches after the start of the official practice period and/or the removal of official local, state or federal barricades at any time to make an area more accessible by kayak is strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification from the tournament.

(m) Boats may never be tethered to buoys or safety signs.

(n) The use of cables, ropes, chains or any type of block and tackle system to maneuver a kayak into fishing waters is strictly prohibited.

(o) Using any items, including the kayak or fishing line, to block an area off to other competitors or anglers is strictly prohibited.

11. SCORING:

(a) Scoring is determined by length using 1/4-inch increments of each contestant’s catch during each tournament day via the “Catch, Photograph, and Release” (CPR) method.

(b) Each competitor will be provided with a unique identifier for the tournament.

(c) Each regular season event will be 1-day events, with lines-in and lines-out times for that day. These times will be provided prior to the start of the Official Practice period of each event.

(d) The longest verified length of each individual species will be totaled for the anglers score each day. Maximum length of any species is 31.75"

(e) Officials will round down and to the nearest 1/4 inch.

(f) The contestant with the highest total (3 fish slam) score after the tournament day is the winner. ( 3 fish slam will always beat 2 fish and 2 fish will always beat 1 fish)

(g) Only the selected species consisting of the following: Redfish, Flounder, Speckled Trout, and (Snook at select tournaments) are accepted species.

(h) All fish must measure/ score a minimum legal harvest length in the state that the tournament headquarters is located unless otherwise specified for individual events. Fish submitted that fail to measure/ score the legal minimum in the state that the tournament headquarters is located ” with mouth completely closed will be denied.

12. MEASURING DEVICE:

(a) Only fish submitted on a KETCH 32" measuring device that has been checked, marked, and authorized by the Saltwater Kayak Trail tournament director will be scored.

(b) Ketch Board offerings are the mandatory and official measuring devices for the Saltwater Kayak Trail. ONLY the 32” Metal Ketch board in any color that isn’t black.

(c) Contestants are expected to bring their own measuring device. Those devices must be checked and approved prior to every event and may be inspected at any time by Saltwater Kayak Trail staff.

(d) A clean measuring device is expected to ensure we can give you a proper score.

(e) Anyone found to be using a measuring device that is determined to be not legal will be penalized or disqualified from the tournament.

13. PHOTO CRITERIA:

(a) These items are included in the rules for the tournament director(s)/judge(s) to establish the criteria for fish submissions/catch to be scored accurately. Failure to comply with these criteria may or may not result in penalization or disqualification.

1. Each fish photo must include all the following criteria to avoid penalties or disqualification:

The entire fish, from the tip of the lip to the end of the tail must be located on the approved measuring device, while in a tournament legal vessel. (IF any part of the tail is off the board, the fish will be disqualified.)

2. Anglers must be able to submit their original photos to our tournament submission application.
There will be no manual submissions.

3 . Pinching of the tail is permitted. (NO HANDS ON THE FISH).

4. The tip of the lip/nose against the post end of the measuring device, and the tail inside the measuring board. If the tail is outside the measuring board the fish will be disqualified.

5. The mouth of the fish must be CLOSED COMPLETELY. (ONLY REDFISH CAN HAVE MOUTH OPEN)

6. The tail of the fish must be lying flat on the board and will be measured to the longest point.

7. The fish must be facing to the left, tail to the right, belly toward the angler.

8. Measuring device markings must be clearly visible with no obstruction, including the actual numbers.

9. Assigned unique identifier must be visible.

10. All pictures must be taking directly over the fish, no angled photos will be accepted

11. Fish must be clear of any holding devices including fishing lure, hook or line. Failure to comply will lead to fish being disqualified

12. Original/Raw photo only. Screenshots, crops, duplicates and edited photos will be disqualified.

(b) Although not required for initial submissions, for challenge purposes, it is suggested that the angler take a release video beginning with the fish on the board and showing the identifier, and then the fish actively swimming away. Failure to produce a release video in the event of a legitimate challenge from another competitor or judge, as determined by SKS staff, could result in penalization or disqualification.

(d) The handheld electronic device used for photo submissions and release videos must also be the same device used for uploading entries to the approved Tournament Management System (TMS). This device must be capable of “geo-tagging” photos and videos, and must have “geo-tagging” active for any photo submissions and release videos to be approved/scored.

(e) Any questionable issues with a fish should be immediately brought to the SKS official’s attention.

(f) The quality of the photo submitted is the responsibility of the angler.

**All criteria above must be met to avoid immediate penalty or disqualification **

14. SCORING PENALTIES:

(a) Mouth cracked or slightly open: 0.5 inch deduction

(b) Mouth open or no attempt to close: 2 inch deduction

(d) Tail hanging off measuring board (top or bottom): No score

(e) If a deduction makes the scorable measurement of the fish drop below the legal harvest length the fish will not be scored.

15. ADVANCING TO THE SALTWATER KAYAK SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP:

(a) For the 2026 Season, anglers will be required to register and compete in no less than two (2) of our four (4) regular season events scheduled for the year to qualify to compete in the SKS Championship.

16. TIES:

(a) Ties between anglers will be automatically broken by the time of check in at the official weight in.

(b) Big fish ties will be broken by the earliest photo submitted of their largest fish.

(c) At the Saltwater Kayak Series Championship, in case of a tie for overall AOY champion at the end of the tournament, there will be a sudden-death fish-off between the tied competitors under the direction and special rules established by tournament officials. All other ties will be resolved by the tiebreakers listed above.

17. TRUTH VERIFICATION TEST:

By registering and/or placing his/her signature on the official tournament entry form, each competitor agrees to submit to a truth verification test and abide by its conclusion should he/she be accused of any rule violation. The Tournament Director(s), rules committee or such person designated by the Tournament Director(s) shall have the discretion to determine the need for a truth verification test. Failure of a truth verification examination is NOT appealable. The Tournament Director(s) or his/her designee shall be responsible for selecting an independent expert to administer and interpret the results and establishing, in consultation with the expert administrator, the scope of the questions which may be asked during the test. The Tournament Director(s) or his/her designee shall have the sole responsibility of selecting the location, date and time of the test, with respect to all concerned parties’ schedules. The competitor shall make himself/herself available at the location selected by the Tournament Director(s) and shall cooperate in all respects with such a test. Random truth verifications tests may be administered on-site during the course of a Saltwater Kayak Series event.

(a) Consumption of alcohol or any mind-altering substance is strictly prohibited prior to a truth verification test.

(b) Refusal to participate in the polygraph or voice stress analysis examination will result in disqualification from the tournament.

18. PROTESTS AND REPORTING PROCEDURES:

Each competitor agrees to report to the Tournament Director(s) immediately any violation or infraction of any tournament rules. Failure to report violations may be cause for penalization or disqualification. All protests must be submitted in writing to the Saltwater Kayak Series officials, along with a $100 cash deposit, during event hours or within 24 hours of the announcement of the official results. The protester also agrees that if there is a question of verifying the charge of a protest that he or she may be subject to take a polygraph and agree to testify in a court of law if necessary. If the Tournament Director, or polygraph, upholds the protest, the cash deposit shall be returned to the contestant submitting the protest.

If a protest is filed a protest committee will be established by SKS, which shall

comprise three (3) members of the Saltwater Kayak Series rules advisory board who are non-competitors in the event in question.

19. TAXES:

Where and when state laws require income taxes be paid on cash awards to nonresidents, the taxes will be automatically deducted prior to the awards being presented to the winners. Competitors are responsible for all applicable taxes on both cash and merchandise awards. Various states require withholding tax on merchandise be paid upon the awarding of certificates, and anglers awarded merchandise certificates in these states are responsible for remitting their tax to SKS. Failure to meet those obligations may result in reduction of points, fines, other

penalties and/or disqualification from all future SKS events.

20. PAYMENT / PRIZES:

(a) The number of paid places will be no less than 10% of the total number of paid entrants.

(b) Saltwater Kayak Trail reserves the right to distribute payouts at their discretion based on the total purse and number of paid entrants.

(c) The Saltwater Kayak Trail reserves the right to add money and prizes to paybacks as well as distribute prizes at their discretion

21. WAIVER AND RELEASE:

As a condition of participation in each tournament, each competitor must execute a waiver and release of liability, and a name and likeness release.

22. RULE CONSISTENCY AND SHARING:

These rules were developed from the culmination of many national events and a collective collaboration of tournament directors over many years. They are public for your viewing in the Saltwater Kayak Series events and we encourage them being shared and used to help create a uniformity in our sport and spread the knowledge of proper practices for this style of competitive fishing.