Alton Catfish Classic (4-3-2027)


                                                                                                                               

Alton Catfish Classic (4-3-27)

100 Boat Cap

Registration and Fees

  • Entry Fee: $500 Cash if you pre-register at Bluff City Outdoors or by mail; $525 if paid by credit card online.
  • Refund Policy: No entry fees will be refunded within 30 days of the event. No exceptions.

Event Schedule

  • Tournament Date: April 3rd, 2027
  • Tournament Hours: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Boats must be in the weigh-in line by 4:00 PM – NO exceptions.
  • Mandatory Captain's Meeting: One participant from each team must attend the mandatory meeting on April 2nd, 2026, from 5:00 PM – 7:00PM, held at:
    • The Flock, 210 Ridge St., Alton, IL
      Note: If you cannot attend, due to work or a family emergency please contact Alex Nagy at 573-723-2127.

Takeoff and Livewell Checks

    • Check-in: Begins at 5:00 AM at the Alton Amphitheater parking lot.

    • Livewell checks will be conducted at this time.

    • Boats will stage in assigned areas before launch.

    Launch / Leave Times by Boat Number:

    • Boats 1–25 → 5:00 AM

    • Boats 26–50 → 5:10 AM

    • Boats 51–75 → 5:20 AM

    • Boats 76–100 → 5:30 AM

Trailering Boundaries

  • Boundaries: Once Boat is launched, there are no boundaries, with the following specifications:
    • Main Boat Ramp: Alton Marina.
    • Mississippi River: Between Downtown St. Louis, MO, and Grafton, IL.
    • Missouri River: Furthest upriver: Sioux Passage / Pelican Island
    • Illinois River: Furthest north: Grafton, IL (Port of Grafton).
    • Ramps: Any accessible ramp that allows public launch is permitted.

Team Composition

  • Teams are limited to a maximum of three people. Additional members are allowed only if they are 14 years old or younger, and if the boat's capacity is not exceeded.

Catch Regulations 

  • Fish Limit: Teams may weigh in a maximum of three (3) fish per boat. Eligible species are Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, and Flathead Catfish.

  • Culling Allowance: During tournament hours, teams may temporarily possess one (1) additional fish for culling purposes, allowing a maximum of four (4) fish in the livewell at any time. Teams must reduce their catch to three (3) fish before arriving at weigh-in.

  • Live Fish Only: Only live fish will be accepted at weigh-in. Dead or foul-hooked fish will not be accepted.

  • Fishing Method: Rod and reel only. A maximum of six (6) rods may be actively fishing per boat at one time, unless state regulations require fewer. There is no limit on the number of rods carried in the boat.

  • Prohibited Methods: Anglers may not fish or net fish while outside the boat. Stringers, decoy bags, snagging, and other non-rod-and-reel methods are prohibited.

  • Boat Spacing: Tournament boats must maintain a minimum distance of 50 yards while anchored and 50 feet while drifting from another tournament boat.

  • Culling After Trailering: No culling is allowed once the boat has been loaded onto the trailer.

Sportsmanship and Conduct

  • Prohibited Activities: Alcohol and drug use are prohibited during tournament activities.
  • Chumming: No chumming or baiting of fishing areas before or during the tournament.
  • Compliance: All state and federal laws must be observed, including mandatory use of PFDs and kill switches. PFDs must be worn by all anglers during takeoff.
  • Fishing and Boating Licenses: Each team is responsible for ensuring they have valid licenses.
  • Conduct: All participants must adhere to high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety, and conservation. Unsportsmanlike conduct will result in disqualification. All decisions made by the tournament director are final.

Additional Rules

  • Pre-Fishing:  All boats must be off the water by 5:00 PM on Friday, April 2, 2027. Boats may not re-enter the water until they are officially released on Saturday. 
  • Buddy Fishing: Sharing of information regarding techniques, baits, locations, etc., is strictly prohibited during tournament hours.
  • Fish Handling: Fish must be placed into weigh totes with care – no throwing or mishandling will be tolerated.
  • Polygraph Testing: All winners are subject to a polygraph test. Refusal to take the test will result in disqualification.
  • Boat Numbers: Issued based on the order of registration and payment.
  • Protests: All protests must be submitted in writing to the tournament director before the awards ceremony begins.
  • Tiebreaker: In the event of a tie, the big fish weight will serve as the tiebreaker.
  • Insurance: Liability insurance is the responsibility of the boat owner. Proof of insurance must be with the boat and cover all passengers. Random checks may be conducted. Failure to provide proof when requested will result in disqualification.
  • Weather Contingency: In case of severe weather, competitors may leave their boats to seek shelter.

Miscellaneous

  • Social Media: Live feeds are encouraged.
  • Waiver/Release: Entry into the tournament binds participants to the waiver/release for the Alton Catfish Classic.
  • Amendments: Alton Catfish Classic reserves the right to amend or change any rule for safety or other reasons.
  • Document Status: This document is subject to change without notice.
    Last Revised: 09/22/2026