Iowa’s Bass Elite Solo Trail – Rathbun

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.

Iowa’s BEST Solo Bass Trail – 2026 Season Announcement

Attention all anglers!
All permits are approved and Iowa’s BEST is now accepting entries for the inaugural 2026 season!

I’m excited to take over the solo trail previously hosted by Weekend Warriors Bass Tournaments. A huge thank-you to Nick and the Weekend Warriors crew for their dedication in growing the trail. As a fellow tournament angler, I wanted to keep this great series alive—and make it even better!

What’s New for 2026

• Higher payouts across all events
• Bigger Angler of the Year (AOY) prize
• Simplified format with the same fun, competitive spirit
• 100% payback of all entry fees (minus permit and event costs) directly to anglers

Entry Details

• Season Entry Fee: $800 (must be paid in full by April 1, 2026)
• Deposit: $100 to hold your spot
• Field Cap: 30 anglers
• Payment Options: Venmo (friends/family), cash, or check

👉 To join or learn more, message Jacob Clark or text 402-680-8455. Spots will fill fast!

🗓️ 2026 Tournament Schedule

Qualifier 1: April 12 – Little River (South Ramp) – 7:00 AM–3:00 PM
Qualifier 2: May 31 – Brushy Creek (South Ramp) – 6:00 AM–2:00 PM
Qualifier 3: June 21 – Rathbun (Honey Creek Ramp) – 5:30 AM–1:30 PM
Qualifier 4: July 19 – Three Mile (Main Ramp) – 5:30 AM–1:30 PM
Qualifier 5: August 2 – Twelve Mile (Main Ramp) – 6:00 AM–2:00 PM
TOC (Championship): October 3–4 – Okoboji (Upper Gar Ramp) – 7:30 AM–3:30 PM

Note: All tournament lakes go off-limits at 12:01 AM the Monday prior to each event.
Official practice for the TOC will be Friday, October 2 (off the water by 6:00 PM).

💰 Payouts (Based on 30-Boat Field)

Qualifier Payouts:
1st – $1,104.55 | 2nd – $690.34 | 3rd – $414.20 | 4th – $331.36 | 5th – $220.91
Big Bass: $100

Payouts subject to change with sponsor additions or minor expense adjustments.

🏆 Angler of the Year (AOY)

• 10% of total pot (after expenses) – Estimated $2,384.47 payout
• Points-only format: 1st = 30 pts, 2nd = 29 pts, etc.
• Lowest Qualifier dropped – AOY based on 4 best Qualifiers + TOC points
• DQ = 0 points and cannot be dropped

🎯 TOC Qualification

• Top 10 in AOY standings (best 4 of 5 events)
• All Qualifier winners automatically advance
• TOC payouts announced later — expect them to be huge!
• 20% of all Open event fees go directly to the TOC pot