SPRO HARD BAIT TOURNAMENT, LAKE GUNTERSVILLE, AL

SATURDAY, March 1ST, 2025

“ONLY SPRO HARD BAITS MAY BE USED”

$125.00 PER TEAM ENTRY

NO REGISTRATIONS will be accepted after 8:00 PM (CT) ON Tuesday, February 25th, 2025.

NO REGISTRATIONS will be accepted on the morning of the tournament.

NO MANDATORY TOURNAMENT MEETING
All teams are responsible for reading their information packet handed out at tournament check-in.

STARTING POSITIONS WILL BE DETERMINED BY A RANDOM COMPUTER-GENERATED DRAW

CHECK-IN WILL BE ON FRIDAY, February 28th, 2025 FROM 3:00-5:30 pm (CT) at Civitan Park.

Civitan Park 

1130 Sunset Dr

Guntersville, AL 35976

At check-in each, team will receive a goodie packet and anglers will receive one hat per person. 

 

TOURNAMENT BOAT CHECK & BLAST OFF
Saturday Morning, March 1st, 2025

Civitan Park

1130 Sunset Dr

Guntersville, AL 35976

Times will be announced at check-in Friday, March 1, 2024 (EST) and times will also be in your tournament packet.

 

SPRO Team Open Release Form

I, in consideration of me being allowed to participate in any way in the above fishing tournament and accompanying festivities (“Event”), agree and acknowledge:

 1)  Liability Release: On behalf of myself and my heirs, successors, servants, assigns, executors, administrators, guardians, and conservators, I HEREBY RELEASE, DISCHARGE, CANCEL, WAIVE, COVENANT NOT TO SUE, ACQUIT, AND HOLD HARMLESS SPRO, Inc., JML Outdoors LLC., Justin Locatis and its tournament directors, partners, employees, consultants, principals, agents, servants, heirs, administrators, shareholders, successors, directors, officers, representatives, attorneys, and assigns (collectively for purposes of this form known as SPRO) as well as any governmental entity where the event is held, and agree to hold them free and harmless for, from, and against any and all claims, judgments, appeals, rights, demands, costs, expenses, liabilities, obligations, actions, and causes of actions of any character or form whatsoever, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, arising from their negligence or otherwise, including, but not limited to, all liabilities for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death caused by such negligence or otherwise resulting from participation in the event listed above (the “Claims”).

 2) Rules & Membership:  I have read, understand, acknowledge, and agree to abide by all rules set forth by SPRO and JML Outdoors LLC. for the All SPRO Products Team Open.  I understand that should I be found in violation of any SPRO Products Team Open rule, it may result in a penalty, event disqualification, and forefeture of any prizes earned at the event in which I participated. 

 3) Indemnification:  I also agree to indemnify and defend SPRO and JML Outdoors LLC. against the claims, and other damages, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, resulting from any claim made by me or my agents or successors-in-interest.  I understand and agree that under this provision, SPRO and JML Outdoors will be indemnified by me whether SPRO or JML Outdoors potential liability for claims has risen as a result of SPRO or JML Outdoors negligence alone or of co-negligence with me, or the negligence of others, with respect to all claims.

 4) Assumption of Risk:  I acknowledge that this Event involves certain risks and hazards, including the risk of accidental injury or death, or loss or damage to property, resulting from wild animals, inclement weather, accidents, equipment malfunctions, collisions, falls, drowning, equipment and gear, related injuries or other causes known or unknown to SPRO or JML Outdoors LLC.  I also acknowledge that I carry the minimum levels of state mandated liability insurance for any vessel or vehicle that I may operate as a participant in this event.

 5) Good Health & Expertise:  I attest and verify that I am physically fit, am enjoying good health, and have sufficient expertise and stamina for participation in this Event.  I understand that fishing and hunting are physically strenuous activities and that I will be exerting myself during this Event, and that if injured as a result of heart attack, panic, hyperventilation, or any other physical malady, etc, that I expressly assume the risk of said injury. 

 6) Promotion:  I also irrevocably authorize SPRO or JML Outdoors and any assignee to use my name, voice, likeness, biographical information and/or tips in photography, audio, video, or any other format for publication, advertising, promotional or any other purposes, without restriction as to changes or alterations from time to time.  I understand that I will not be entitled to receive any royalties or other compensation in connection with such use.

 I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE CAREFULLY READ, UNDERSTAND, AND AGREE TO ALL CONDITIONS AND TERMS SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT.  I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT. I UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS A LEGALLY BINDING AND ENFORCEABLE CONTRACT.  I SIGN OF MY OWN FREE WILL AND INTEND FOR MY SIGNATURE TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE GREASTEST EXTEND ALLOWED BY LAW. 

2025 SPRO HARD BAIT Rules

These rules and regulations are the official rules for the SPRO HARD BAIT Tournaments. These rules are subject to change at any time without notice. It is the responsibility of each competitor to read and understand these rules. By entering into a SPRO event you agree to abide by all of the rules and criteria set forth below. Furthermore, you agree that the tournament director or his representative have the final decision in all matters related to the tournament and its outcome.
Should a protest occur the tournament director/SPRO may withhold any winnings while an investigation into the protested angler takes place. It is each angler’s responsibility to know and understand the rules prior to registering for any SPRO event.

1: Participation: Participation in a SPRO event is open to anyone providing a team or team member has not:
A) Fished a BASS Elite Series, Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, or MLF event in the last 3 years.
Guided on the host lake within 3 years of the event.
The tournament director has the final decision of who is eligible to fish a SPRO event.

2. Baits: ONLY SPRO HARD BAITS MAY BE USED  All SPRO lures must be stock colors that SPRO currently produces. No Modification to the bait may be made unless prior written approval is given by the tournament director prior to competition.

Baits:

·  ONLY SPRO HARD BAITS MAY BE USED AND MUST BE WORKED AS THEY WERE  INTENDED.

·  BAITS MAY NOT BE ALTERED IN COLOR IN ANY WAY

·  YOU MAY OPEN/CLOSE THE HOOKS

·  YOU MAY ADD A SPLIT RING

·  YOU MAY ADD SUSPEND STRIPS OR WIRE.

·   OTHER THAN WHAT IS MENTIONED ABOVE NO MODIFICATIONS MAY BE MADE.  BAITS MUST REMAIN STOCK.  NO EXCEPTIONS!!

 

LIST OF BAITS ALLOWED:

• WALKING HAINT 110 AND 125
• ZERO MINNOW
• ZERO SWIMMER
• E POP
• CREEPER 80
• HUNTER 65 AND 65 MD
• CARBON BLADE
• ARUKU SHAD
• SPRO KGB CHAD SHAD 180
• WAMEKU
• CYCLONE PROP
• OUTSIDER CRANK
• LITTLE JOHN
• SPIN JOHN
• FAT JOHN
• SPEED DEMON
• FAT PAPA WALKER 
• FAT PAPA CRANKBAITS
• MCSTICK
• MCDART
• MCRIP
• RKCRAWLER
• MADEYE MINNOW
• MADEYE DIVER
• RAT
• HARD SWIMBAIT
• SASHIMMY SWIMMER

3: Off-limits: There will be no off limits for pre-fishing. You must check in within the designated check in time for the event you are fishing. Once you check in and receive your boat number you may not fish until tournament morning after your number is called. No fishing within 50 feet of a working gas pump. No fishing within 25 yards of another boat first anchored with the trolling motor up. No fishing in any area that is marked “No Entry”, “No Fishing”, or that implies no fishing or access by local, state, or federal officials. 

4: Solicitation of Information: All anglers are expected to locate their own fish. No angler shall knowingly solicit information or pre-fish with anyone other than an immediate family member, team partner, or another angler eligible to compete in a SPRO event after the registration deadline without prior written consent from SPRO or the tournament director. 

5: Guides: Hiring guides for the purpose of locating bass for a SPRO event is strictly prohibited. Any angler found to have hired a guide on the body of water in which a SPRO event is held within 30 days of the event shall be subject to disqualification. SPRO considers splitting prize money or a portion of any prize money with any angler not eligible to fish a SPRO event as hiring a guide.

6: Membership: We do not require a membership to fish a SPRO event. 

7: Safety: All participants shall observe local and state regulations specific to boating safety at all times during practice and competition and do not hold either the SPRO, its director, staff, or sponsors liable for anything that happens during an event. A United States Coast Guard approved life vest must be on and secured by all competitors anytime the outboard motor is on. The boat operator shall have the ignition shut off device (kill switch) attached to themselves anytime the outboard motor is running. 

8: Observers: The tournament director may grant permission for an angler to have an observer in the boat. This observer must be approved by the tournament director prior to registration and is not allowed to fish or assist in landing a fish in anyway. This includes hanging onto an object to keep the
boat from moving, handing the competing angler the net, netting the fish, handing the competing angler a rod, lure, or bait, bait selection, etc. The observer is only there for safety reasons. 

9: Boat/License Requirements: All watercraft that is used during a SPRO event if required by law must have attached a US Coast Guard rating plate. The horsepower of the boat shall not exceed the maximum horsepower requirements stated on the US Coast Guard rating plate. Each boat shall have a working kill switch, aerated live-wells, and be properly registered. Each contestant must have and provide proof of upon request a current fishing license with necessary stamps or endorsements. Any citation given by local, state, or federal law enforcement officials shall be grounds for disqualification. 

10: Insurance: It is the sole responsibility of all SPRO participants, competitors, and owners to carry and maintain the state required minimum liability coverage for themselves and their passengers. 

11: Permitted Fish and Fishing Methods: All largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass must be taken in a conventional and sporting manner. At no time shall any angler be permitted to use more than one rod, one reel, and one bait at a time. Anglers are only permitted to use the SPRO baits approved for the SPRO tournament they are entered in. 

12: Tournament limits: Unless lake rules state a lesser number the tournament limit of bass shall be 5 fish per team. The minimum size limit shall be determined by the tournament director prior to the event. At no time shall a team possess more than a limit of fish. Once a limit is achieved and the next fish is caught the team must cull immediately. No culling inside the host marina will be allowed. 

13: Encroachment: While some lakes fish smaller than others, anglers are requested to use common sense and work with other competitors. As a general rule no team shall pull within 25 yards or 75 feet of another competitor’s boat. Having a cast land within 10 yards or 30 feet of another competitor’s boat shall be considered encroachment. 

14: Penalties: All penalties shall be assessed by the tournament director if necessary. Dead fish shall have a penalty of .50lbs. Short fish or illegal fish (in case of slot lakes) shall be a loss of 1lb plus loss of fish. Don’t be late to check in. All anglers are required to check in on time with a tournament official. Any angler/team checking in late will have their catch for the day disqualified. If an angler’s/team’s check in time is 3:00 you have until the clock turns to 3:01 before you are late. 

15: Mechanical issues: In the case of a mechanical issue one member of the team may bring their fish in with another competitor. An angler/team can be towed in by any boat not in the tournament. 

16: Alcohol and Drugs: The use/possession of alcohol or drugs during tournament hours is strictly prohibited. 

17: Angler Cooperation: All anglers/teams are required to cooperate with tournament officials at all times both on and off the water. This is included but not limited to request for polygraphs, pictures, and information for press releases. All photographs taken by SPRO staff are the property of SPRO & JML Outdoors and may be used at any time for advertising or information purposes. 

18: Sportsmanship: All contestants are to follow the highest standards of sportsmanship. Any angler/team that is found to have brought unfavorable publicity to SPRO or the sport of bass fishing shall be subject to disqualification. 

19: Protests: All protests must be given in writing to the tournament director within 30 minutes of the anglers check in time. It will be the tournament director’s responsibility to make a decision based off of the information provided by both parties. Both parties involved must be readily available for discussion with the tournament director when requested. 

20: Polygraph Test: All anglers who entered in the All SPRO Tournament are subject to independent polygraph test. Refusal to take a polygraph or failure to pass polygraph will result in disqualification, loss of entry fee and any winnings.