IBP Fueled HP Trail – Official Rules (2026)
Long Island, NY / CT / Northeast
First and foremost: We respect each other as anglers, the sport, and the area around us.
Notes:
Entry/payment details may vary by event. Always follow the event posting and Tournament Director
instructions.
Tournament Director decisions are final.
Key Rules (Quick Read)
**** 5 fish limit per boat • 12" minimum length ****
**** Artificial lures only • NO live bait • NO trolling ****
**** Ignition kill switch must be operable • Prohibited substances: NO alcohol/illegal drugs ****
**** INSURANCE REQUIRED BEFORE FISHING ANY IBP EVENT (Minimum $300,000 boating liability •
proof in boat) ****
***** ALL BOATS MUST BE BACK ON TIME *****
Format / Platform
• Open format: all events are open; membership is optional.
• Fishing Chaos is the official platform used to collect tournament data.
• Angler of the Year (AOY) points are for IBP members only.
Catch Limit / Eligible Fish
• Limit: 5 bass per boat (Largemouth and/or Smallmouth).
• Minimum length: 12 inches.
Short Fish (Clarified)
• Short LIVE fish: 1 lb penalty per short fish weighed.
• Short DEAD fish: DQ for the day.
Courtesy Measure (Length Check)
• One courtesy measurement is allowed per boat/team per event.
• Must be requested before any fish is placed into the weigh bag / submitted at the weigh-in table.
• If the courtesy fish measures short, it must be released and may be replaced with another legal fish.
• Any fish actually weighed and found short is subject to short-fish penalties (short live = 1 lb penalty, short
dead = DQ).
Lures / Methods
• Artificial lures only. No live bait.
• Trolling as a means of fishing is prohibited.
• No culling of dead fish.
Livewell & Fish Care
• Livewell must be operational, aerated, and minimum 15-gallon capacity.
• Livewells may be inspected before launch.Dead Fish Penalties
• 1 dead fish = 0.25 lb
• 2 dead fish = 0.5 lb
• 3 dead fish = 1 lb
• 4 dead fish = 2 lb
• 5 dead fish = 4 lb
Safety Requirements
• All required safety equipment must be in working order.
• Throwable device must be accessible at all times during the event.
• Ignition kill switch must be operable; violation results in DQ.
• Prohibited substances: No alcohol or illegal drugs.
Boat / Trailer Requirements
• Boats may be inspected prior to launching.
• Boats and trailers must have current registration stickers.
Insurance Requirement
• Insurance is required before fishing any event with Island Bass Pursuit.
• Minimum $300,000 per occurrence boating liability insurance required.
• Proof of insurance must be kept in the boat; random checks may occur.
• Failure to provide acceptable proof = DQ (Tournament Director has final say).
Check-In, Launch Order, and Time
• Registration closes 30 minutes before tournament start time.
• Launch order is randomized (draw system). Boats may be released in approx. 30-second intervals.
• Start/finish times are set by the Tournament Director.
Late Return
• 1 lb per minute late, up to 15 minutes. After 15 minutes = DQ.
• If you anticipate being late, contact the Tournament Director.
• Late arrivals must not fish until their livewell is inspected by the Tournament Director or another
participant.
Conduct, Courtesy & Compliance
• Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disqualification.
• Maintain a respectful distance from other boats.
• All local fishing and boating laws must be followed. Any on-the-water infraction with law enforcement
results in DQ; further penalty is at the Tournament Director’s discretion.
Tie-Breakers
• First tie-breaker: Team with the largest fish.
• If fish were released and the largest fish cannot be verified, the Tournament Director will split the
winnings for the tied place/standing.Practice / Fishing Restriction
• Fishing is not allowed after 12:01 AM on the day of the event.
Challenges
• Each angler may challenge one fish of another team per event.
Prize Money
• Payback: 90% of entry fees.
• Season Lunker Pool: One-time $25 per angler, 100% payback. Must fish a minimum of 4 events to claim
prize.
Final Authority: Tournament Director decisions are final. IBP reserves the right to refuse participation to
individuals/groups disqualified elsewhere for adverse conduct; entry fees may be forfeited in such cases.