Garland, TX (1-31-2026)


                                                                                                                    

Twisted Cat Outdoors Official Rules

(Garland, Texas – January 31, 2026)

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 possible 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, featuring a 100% payback, plus an additional $500 added to the Big Fish Pot by Castaway Midwest.

Entry Fees / Refunds

  • Entry Fee: $300 (+ $15 online processing fee). Register online at TwistedCatOutdoors.com.

  • Alternative Payment Methods: Checks ($300) or cash (if paid by the Monday before the event).

  • Refunds/Transfers: May be requested at least 10 days prior, subject to a $25 fee (processing fees not refunded). No refunds or transfers within 10 days of the event.

  • Mailing Address:
    Alex Nagy
    705 North 4th St.
    Warsaw, IL 62379

  • Late Entry: Entries made within 5 days of the event, at the Captains Meeting, or prior to launch = $325 cash / $340 online.

Captain’s Meeting

  • Date: Friday, January 30, 2026

  • Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Rules discussion at 6:00 PM)

  • Location: Bass Pro Shops Parking Lot, 5001 Bass Pro Dr, Garland, TX 75043

  • Attendance: Non-mandatory, but encouraged for registration, socializing, food, drinks, and merch. If enough interest, a Calcutta will be held.

Takeoff and Livewell Checks

  • Check-in: Begins at 5:30 AM at Bass Pro Shops Parking Lot (5001 Bass Pro Dr, Garland, TX 75043).

  • 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 → 5:30 AM

  • Boats 26–50 → 5:40 AM

  • Boats 51–75 → 5:50 AM

  • Boats 76–100 → 6:00 AM

Boat Launch & Tournament Hours

  • After boat check, you may launch.

  • Teams may begin moving once launched, but no fishing until 7:00 AM (cast netting for bait allowed).

  • Tournament Hours: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

    • Lines in: 7:00 AM

    • Lines out: 3:00 PM

    • Must be in weigh-in line by 4:30 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 = any water accessible by boat on tournament day.

Weigh-In Limits

  • Limit: Maximum of 5 fish per boat.

  • Size Rule: No more than 2 fish over 30", 3 fish under 30".

  • Measuring Tool: Parks Enterprise rulers will be used.

Rod Limits

  • Maximum of 10 rods in use.

  • No limit on rods in the boat.

Team Size & Minors

  • Teams limited to 3 people.

  • Additional members allowed only if 12 years or younger, provided boat capacity is not exceeded.

  • All minors (<18) must be accompanied by an adult.

Safety Rules

  • Life Vests: Must be worn while underway.

  • Weather: Captains decide if safe to launch. The event continues unless the director and 5 randomly selected captains deem it unsafe.

  • Live Wells: Required. Recommended 50+ gallons. Director may disqualify inadequate setups.

  • Insurance: Boat owners are responsible for liability insurance covering all passengers. Proof may be checked at random.

Sportsmanship & Conduct

  • Fishing Method: Rod and reel only.

  • Bait: Any legal bait per state law.

  • Eligible Species: Blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish.

  • Dead Fish: Not allowed at weigh-in. Presenting a dead fish = disqualification.

  • Foul Hooked Fish: Not accepted (any hook behind the gill plate).

  • Culling: Not allowed once the boat is on the trailer.

  • 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.