Burlington, IA (8-9-2026)


                                                                                                                               

Twisted Cat Outdoors Official Rules

(Burlington, IA - August 9th, 2026)  

Online registration opens February 9th, 2026 at 7:30 PM Central. Any checks or cash received before online registration opens will have priority.

These rules have been established to promote fairness, safety, conservation, and the responsible handling of fish. Our goal is to advance the sport and set a positive example for all.

These events may be recorded for video production and distribution. Entries may not be sold, bartered, or transferred without the written consent of a tournament official.

Twisted Cat Outdoors regular season event entry fees are $300, with a 100% payback, plus an additional $500 added to the Big Fish Pot by LuxXdek.

Entry Fees / Refunds

  • Entry Fee: $300 (+ $15 online processing fee). Register online at TwistedCatOutdoors.com.
  • Alternative Payment Methods:
    Entry fees may be paid by check ($300) or cash if received by the Monday prior to the event.
  • Checks must be made payable to Twisted Cat Outdoors.
  • Late Entry / Registration:
    Entries received within 5 days of the event or at the Captain’s Meeting (non-mandatory) will be subject to a late fee:
    • $325 cash.
    • $340 online.
    Registration closes at 9:00 PM on Saturday August 8th.
  • Refunds / Transfers:
    Refunds or transfers may be requested at least 10 days prior to the event and are subject to a $25 administrative fee (online processing fees are non-refundable). No refunds or transfers will be accepted within 10 days of the event.
Mailing Address:
Alex Nagy
705 North 4th St.
Warsaw, IL 62379

Captain’s Meeting

  • Date: Saturday, August 8th, 2026
  • Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Rules discussion at 6:30 PM)
  • Location: TBD
  • Attendance: Non-mandatory, but encouraged for registration, socializing, food, drinks, and merch. If enough interest, a Calcutta will be held.

Takeoff and Boat/Livewell Checks

  • Check-in: TBD
  • Boat / Livewell checks will be conducted at this time.
  • TBD

Launch:

  • TBD 

Tournament Hours

  • Tournament Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • All boats must be checked in by 4:00 PM.

Pre-Fishing

  • Allowed until 6:00 PM the day prior to the event.
  • After this time, boats must be off tournament waters.
  • Tournament waters are defined as any water accessible by boat on tournament day.

Forward-Facing / Live Sonar

  • The use of forward-facing sonar or real-time live sonar technology is strictly prohibited on tournament day. This includes, but is not limited to, Garmin LiveScope, Lowrance ActiveTarget, Humminbird MEGA Live, or any similar technology capable of real-time forward, down, or 360-degree observation of fish or bait.

    Forward-facing or live sonar may not be used for any purpose during tournament day.

    Violation of this rule will result in immediate disqualification.

Weigh-In Limits

  • Limit: Maximum of 5 fish per boat.
  • Culling Allowance: During tournament hours, teams may possess no more than one (1) additional fish for culling purposes, for a maximum of six (6) fish total in the livewell at any time.
  • Culling: Culling is not allowed once the boat is loaded on trailer.
  • Eligible Species: Blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish.
  • Dead Fish: Not allowed at weigh-in. Presenting a dead fish = disqualification.

Fishing Rules & Methods

  • Fishing Method: Rod and reel only.
  • Bait: Any legal bait permitted under state law.

Rod Limits

  • Maximum of 6 rods in use.
  • No limit on rods in the boat.

Team Size & Minors

  • Maximum of three (3) adult anglers per team.
  • Additional passengers age fourteen (14) or younger are allowed if boat capacity is not exceeded.
  • All minors under eighteen (18) must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Teams with more than three anglers must designate which three anglers will receive points.

Safety Rules

  • Life Vests: Must be worn while underway.
  • Weather: The event will continue unless the director and five (5) randomly selected captains deem conditions unsafe.
  • Livewells: Required. Recommended 40+ gallons. The director may disqualify inadequate setups.
  • Insurance: Boat owners are responsible for maintaining liability insurance covering all passengers.

Sportsmanship & Conduct

  • Prohibited: Snagging, chumming, baited holes, fishing outside the boat, alcohol, marijuana, or illegal substances during tournament hours.
  • Spacing: Maintain 50 yards when anchored, 50 feet when drifting/spot-locked.
  • Buddy Fishing: Sharing info, baits, or spots during tournament hours is prohibited.
  • Sportsmanship: Disorderly conduct = grounds for disqualification.

Fish Handling & Weigh-In Procedures

  • Use grippers/gloves when handling fish.
  • Larger fish should be handled by two anglers.
  • Dropping fish is discouraged.
  • All fish must be placed into weigh totes with care (no throwing or mishandling).

General Rules

  • Amendments: Twisted Cat Outdoors may amend rules for safety or other reasons.
  • Polygraph: All participants subject to polygraph. Refusal or failure = disqualification.
  • Tie-Breaker: Largest documented fish decides ties. If no documentation, a coin flip will determine.
  • Protests: Must be submitted in writing before awards. None accepted afterward.
  • Social Media: Live feeds encouraged but do not share sensitive info during tournament hours.
  • Compliance: All state and federal laws must be followed, including proper licensing.

Waiver / Release of Liability

By entering, participants acknowledge they have read and understand these rules. Participation is voluntary, and entrants assume all risks, including weather, injury, death, boat traffic, and river conditions. Entrants waive and release Twisted Cat Outdoors LLC, Alex Nagy, sponsors, officials, staff, and volunteers from liability. Entrants also grant permission for use of photos, videos, or event records for promotional purposes.