CrappieMasters and CUSA tourney question.

[FalconSmitty]

I know the lake is off limits right before the tourney. What I need to know about is catching bait.
I use a light before daylight to catch shad for my day crappie chasing on my home lake..

Is it legal to cast a net before tourney start time?? Can you use the light???

I can't find it in the rules.

[1weezer]

I don't run tournaments any longer but if I did, I would answer that question with a yes, you can catch your bait. As long as you don't use a rod and reel or catch any crappie in your net and keep them, your fine. If you cheat, the polygraph is going to catch you. I don't know any one that could lie and be able to pass the polygraph.

[GregG]

If you are in your boat, I'd think you would be breaking the rules. If you are on the bank or tossing a net from a pier, I would think that would be some kind of "gray" area. I would contact the tournament director and get their opinion before doing anything like that first.

[harleyrider04]

If you feel that catching bait is fishing you might fail the poly, don't know if I would chance it. If your asking that question you would likely fail, a conscience is a good thing..polys are nerve racking enough even if you have'nt done anything wrong..

[DTG]

i agree with Weezer

[pstone]

Most of them say you can be on the lake and at your spot, but no lines in the water till a certain time, so I wouldn't see a problem with catching bait before then, as long as you are not using a pole and line to catch them..

[ShilohRed]

I don't run tournaments any longer but if I did, I would answer that question with a yes, you can catch your bait. As long as you don't use a rod and reel or catch any crappie in your net and keep them, your fine. If you cheat, the polygraph is going to catch you. I don't know any one that could lie and be able to pass the polygraph.

Todd could he works for the state.:D

[FalconSmitty]

I guess I need to Email the director but I believe it to be legal. I just want to be sure. I'd hate to lose all my prize money when we win at Talquin in a few weeks..:D I dream!

[crappiehunter]

Pete,
You know I do not have conscience. If I did I would not hang around people like Shilohred, Weezer, and Canepole. It is just a competition between me and the state to see who can screw the other the most! I think I'm winning! HAHA!

Todd could he works for the state.:D

[AUTiger]

Don't take these guys word for it Smitty...if you have a question then it's probably best to contact the Tournament folks....as for my opinion, I go buy minnows before the fishing time starts I would think you could go catch them with a cast net....