Iowa’s Bass Elite Solo Trail – Twelve Mile

2026 Iowa’s BEST Solo Bass Trail Rules

Welcome to the 2026 Iowa’s BEST Solo Bass Trail! All anglers are expected to compete with honesty, integrity, and respect for fellow participants and the waters we fish. Please review the official tournament rules carefully before each event.

 Catch & Weigh-In Rules

5-fish limit – no length restriction.

Dead fish penalty: 1 lb per dead fish.

No culling dead fish. Dead fish cannot be weighed for Big Bass.

Big Bass tie-breaker: Big fish breaks tie on bag limit. Big bag breaks tie on Big Bass.Weigh-in begins 15 minutes after check-in time.

 Blast-Off & Check-In Procedures

Blast position determined by dowel draw at the ramp.

The dowel must be returned to the check-in boat before the official check-in time.

  Penalty: 1 lb per minute late, up to 15 minutes.

  After 15 minutes, total weight = 0 lbs for the day (not a disqualification).

 On-the-Water Conduct

The angler occupying water has exclusive rights to fishable space within a reasonable casting distance.

Other anglers may not cast into that area without permission.

Any law enforcement citation on the water = disqualification for that event.

No live bait, no trolling, no snagging, and no unconventional fishing methods.

Alabama rigs are allowed but limited to 1 hook only.

Non-puncture cull tags only. Use of puncture cull tags = disqualification.

 Sportsmanship & Conduct

All state and federal laws must be followed at all times.

No alcohol or illegal substances during tournament hours.

Unsportsmanlike behavior may result in disqualification at the tournament director’s discretion.

Respect fellow anglers, boaters, and anyone enjoying the lake. Sportsmanship is expected from everyone.

 Protests, Points & Disqualifications

Any on-the-water protest must be filed before weigh-in begins.

Anglers may protest the scalemaster if weigh-in procedures are not followed.

Disqualification (DQ):

Results in 0 AOY points for the event.

The disqualified event cannot be dropped from AOY standings.

The tournament director has final authority on all rulings, penalties, and protests.

 Angler Responsibility

By entering the Iowa’s BEST Solo Bass Trail, you agree to follow these rules, maintain good sportsmanship, and promote ethical competitive fishing throughout the 2026 season.