2008 International Eelpout Festival
Official Rules

Weigh-in Scale Hours: Friday, Feb. 15 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Tent Hours: Friday, Feb. 15 Noon - 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Unlike other uppity winter fishing events, fish houses ARE allowed and encouraged. And don't expect us to drill your holes, we have a hard enough time finding staff to set up our tents -- buy a StrikeMaster and drill your own.

1. The Annual International Eelpout Festival officially begins at noon on Friday February 15, 2008 and concludes at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday February 17, 2008. The awards and closing ceremonies will be held at noon on Sunday February 17, 2008.

2. All participants must be registered and have in their possession an official International Eelpout Festival button, which may be purchased at the registration tent at the Walker City Park or at participating Walker area businesses. Cost of a button is $10.

2b. The contestant that catches the rainbow trout posing as an eelpout must catch and present at the official scale in Walker City Park the fish and tag DURING SCALE HOURS. Fish presented after the scale officially closes at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday February 17, 2008 are ineligible for any prizes. The identifying tag must remain on the fish or it is ineligible for any prizes. Immediate family members of contest officials are ineligible. One rainbow trout has been tagged and released into the waters of Leech Lake. $25,000 will be paid to the angler that legally catches and presents the fish during contest hours. Anglers must purchase a trout stamp while possessing the trout. All other rules apply.

3. All fish entered must come from Leech Lake. Contestants agree to submit fish sample for DNA testing. A lie-detector test will also be used and if the eelpout fails, one will be administered to the angler.

4. All State of Minnesota Game and Fish laws apply.

5. All fish must be caught legally by hook and line.

6. All fish must be registered alive at the Official Eelpout Headquarters Weigh-In Station, located in the tent at Walker City Park. Fish caught overnight should be kept in a container of water until weigh-in tent opens. Solid frozen fish will not be accepted!

7. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:

Weight Category: Top ten weights for single pout. In the event of a tie the first fish registered wins.

Individual Tonnage: This award will be presented to the individual catching the most weight of eelpout during the festival.

Team Tonnage: All teams must submit a roster of team members by 3 p.m. on Friday, February 15, 2008. All team members must be registered at the headquarters of the International Eelpout Festival at Walker City Park and posses an official eelpout button. Teams may have a roster of not more than 20 members. Winning team will be determined by the total weight of the eelpout registered by the team. Any eelpout caught by a team member is eligible in any other category.

Most Representative Shelter: This award will be given to the team judged to have constructed the most lavish eelpout bivouac on Leech Lake.

Most inspiring young angler

Eelpout Bowl Category: Register one pout and you are entered! Thousands of dollars in prizes! All prizes awarded in this category will be selected by random drawing to be held at the Sunday awards ceremony. Each eelpout is registered earns one entry. Only one prize awarded per festival registrant in the Eelpout Bowl category.

8. Additional Rules and Regulations: Winners in all categories with the exception of the grand prize, must be present at the Sunday awards ceremony. Winners not present will be disqualified. The decision of the judges in all matters will be considered final.

9. Producers and promoters of the International Eelpout Festival are not responsible for thefts, accidents or injuries while participating in the contest.