CHAPTER 88
FISHING TOURNAMENTS
571—88.1(462A,481A) Definition. “Fishing tournament” means any organized fishing event with 6 or more boats or 12 or more participants where an entry fee is charged or prizes or other inducements are awarded, except for waters of the Mississippi River, where the number of boats shall be 20 or more and the number of participants shall be 40 or more.
571—88.2(462A,481A) Permit required. A permit issued by the department of natural resources is required to conduct a fishing tournament on public waters under the jurisdiction of the state. Fishing clinics and youth fishing days are excluded.
571—88.3(462A,481A) Application procedures. The following procedures shall be used to administer fishing tournaments:
	1.	Application shall be made on a standard form provided by the department and shall include the name, address and telephone number of the sponsoring organization or individual, the location and date of the tournament, total value of the prizes, and expected number of participants.
	2.	The application shall be received by the department area fisheries management biologist at least 30 days prior to the proposed event.
	3.	Applications will not be accepted prior to July 1 of the year preceding the calendar year in which the tournament is scheduled.
	4.	The number of tournaments at any one access area during a given day may be restricted if deemed necessary to avoid congestion with the public or competing tournaments. The capacity of facilities as boat ramps, docks and parking lots shall be considered when assigning tournament sites.
	5.	Permits are not transferable.
571—88.4(462A,481A) Permit conditions. The department may impose special conditions not specifically covered herein for any fishing tournament if deemed necessary to protect the resource or to ensure public safety. Special conditions may include, but not be limited to:
	1.	Release of live fish.
	2.	Fish measured to length and released from boat.
	3.	Multiple weigh-ins when water temperatures exceed 70°F.
	4.	Aerated live wells.
	5.	Designated release areas.
	6.	Designated release persons.
571—88.5(462A,481A) Reports. Rescinded IAB 3/5/03, effective 4/9/03.
These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code sections 462A.16 and 481A.38.
[Filed 10/14/88, Notice 8/24/88—published 11/2/88, effective 1/1/89]
[Filed 2/14/03, Notice 12/11/02—published 3/5/03, effective 4/9/03]