​​BANK ANGLER TRANS-TASMAN RULES:

​The rules for this competition is to ensure the safety of each angler, members of the public, the fish, and to provide a level playing field for all competitors. All competing anglers must read, understand and comply with the rules, etiquette and penalties described herein.
  1. Fishing must be carried out respecting the spirit and traditions of an international Carp Angling event.
  2. The competition is open to competitors from the age of 10 if accompanied by a guardian.
  3. The organisers will have absolute control and discretion over the competition, rules and terms and conditions.
  4. The organisers reserve the right to modify all or part of the rules and T&C at any time.
  5. The organisers reserve the right to change the venue if for some reason the planned venue can’t be used.
  6. All anglers must be in possession of a valid NSW angling licence and present it prior to the peg draw and or at any other time during the competition. Anglers who do not have a valid fishing licence will not be allowed to take part until they can provide proof of their NSW freshwater fishing licence.
  7. Competition rules also include the terms, conditions and disclaimers.
  8. Competitors who are unruly, intoxicated, under the influence of any substance, playing loud music or act in any way that is a nuisance, distraction or irritation to any other angler must be reported to the organisers who will take further action which may include disqualification and or removal by the police or other means. This is necessary for security and safety reasons as well as to ensure an enjoyable event for all participants.
  9. Care must be taken when using a vehicle and speed must be no more than 20km/h to ensure the safety of all.
  10. All offences will be reported to the organisers and dealt with in accordance with their seriousness and may lead to disqualification.
  11. No refund or compensation or pay-out of any kind will be made in case of disqualification.
  12. No refund will be made if competitors withdraw within 30days of the competition starting date. Organisers discretion will be used.
  13. No competitor may fish Blowering dam within 36 hours prior to the start of the competition.
  14. Organisers may use competitors image at their sole discretion on any support material they deem appropriate at the time of the event and in the future.
  15. Marketing by Individuals, Businesses and Groups: No individual, business, social platform or Group or any of its employees, associates or members are allowed to use this event to directly or indirectly market or promote any service, event, activity, product, without the written consent of Bank Angler. These privileges will most likely only be reserved for Individuals, Businesses and Groups we associate with and whose intentions are to add value to the event, assist us in achieving our goals and does not conflict with existing sponsors or organisers interests.
  16. Wherever reference to significant proceedings is made, the following dates apply:

Welcome and Peg draw – 7:30 – Monday 24 March 
Start of competition – 12:00 – Monday 24 March
End of competition – 12:00 – Friday 28 March 
Prize giving and Social – 18:00 – Friday 28 March

SECTION A – APPLICATION / REGISTRATION

Due to the potential high water level and reduced bank space we unfortunately have to limit the number of pegs to 30 for BATT2025.

Registration dates (Subject to changes):
Open: 10 September 2024
Close: TBA - See the "BANK ANGLER TRANS TASMAN COMPETITION" Facebook page for updates.
Registration payment: $180 (Cut-off date tbc)

A01- All interested anglers must first complete the Application form which will become your registration document if you are approved to take part in the competition. Both team members must complete their own separate application form.
A02- Teams MUST consist of two anglers. Only teams with two confirmed members will be placed on the "Registered Teams" list.  Individual anglers will be on the "Pre Registration" list so people can see who's still looking for a team member. The names of anglers who does not have a team mate by the registration cut-off date will go in a hat and paired by "Lucky draw". Same will happen in case of a late entry or when team members withdraw.
A03- The following are not requirements but will play a role in the application process:
  • Existing member of a Bank Angler / AFCAA / NZ Coarse Angling club.
  • Has a written endorsement from a member of a Bank Angler / AFCAA / NZ coarse angling club.
  • Has a proven track record as carp angler who respect the sport’s rules and ethics.
  • Description of your history and current activities as carp angler.
A04- The Application / Registration form can be downloaded from the following link: Application Form
A05- Completed forms must be sent to: [email protected] before the respective close off dates.
A06- Applicants will be informed of the outcome and those who are successful can make payment through the link on our SHOP PAGE . Please use your full name (as indicated on the registration document) as reference and forward proof of payment to [email protected]
A07- Full payment from both team members must be made before the close-off date.
A08- Competitors must present proof of registration and Valid NSW fishing license prior to the peg draw. Failure to do so will result in exclusion from the competition and venue until proof can be provided.
A09- A signed Application / Registration form confirm acceptance of the event rules, terms & conditions and disclaimer.

SECTION B – OFFICIAL PICTURE & PEG DRAW
B01- The official group photo will take place just before the peg draw
B02- All competitors are required to be present and where possible exhibit a national flag.
B03- The peg draw will take place after the photo session and only then will competitors know where they’ll fish.
B04- As part of the peg draw process, a member of each team will be invited to draw a number. This number will indicate the order in which the peg draw will take place.
B05- In the event that a team “miss their call” to come forward, the draw will proceed in order, without them. It is the team’s responsibility to follow the draw and come forward according to their “Draw Order Number”. The “missed call” team will then be recalled to come forward after the draw has been completed and prior to any possible late arrivals/registrations.
B06- The peg draw format is a straight draw. Ticket drawn will state Peg Number.
B07- Competitors will only be allowed to go to their pegs once the organisers give the instruction to do so.

SECTION C – BOATS, DRONES, SONAR DEVICES ETC.
No boats, kayaks, canoes, remote control boats, any other floating device, drone, fish finder, sonar device, depth finder or underwater camera  will be allowed for the duration of the competition.

SECTION D – ALLOCATION OF PRIZES
D01- The competition placings will be determined by the cumulative weight of the 6 biggest carp caught per team, with the Team having the combined greatest weight being declared the winners. The same format will be used to determine further team positions.
D02- If the result is tied, the Team who caught the biggest fish will be declared the winner – If there is still a tie, the biggest fish (weight) on a count back will be declared the winner. 
D03- From 2024 there will be an overall winner as well as three Zones with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each Zone 
D04- There will also be individual trophies for the 6 heaviest fishes. 
D05- The organiser’s decision regarding positions and prizes is final.

SECTION E – FISHING RULES
E01 - Only registered competitors, organisers, marshals and registered Helpers are allowed to bivvy up on the banks.
E02 - Teams must set up their rods within 10 meters either side of the peg marker.
E03 – Competitors must not cast outside the limits of their swim, such limits to be marked by an imaginary line marking the middle distance between two peg markers. Any disputes as to the competitors fishing outside this area must be reported immediately to the marshals / event organisers. Marshals / event organisers have the discretion to request that competitors reposition their rods and rigs as and when directed. The general casting direction is towards the dam's opposite side / western bank.
E04 - Team members are allowed to assist and handle each other's fishing equipment. The angler who strike must then also play the fish even if it is on a team mate's rod.
E05 - Competitors are required to have their own carp sacks and or knotless, fish friendly carp keepnets to hold fish until weighing. Sacks and keepnets will not be provided by the organisers.
E06 - No Catapults / Slingshots of any shape or size allowed  except for a "balls-out" pouch used with a fishing rod(NSW Fishing regulations)
E07 - The organisers retain the right to search all competitors’ tackle, accommodation or vehicles to combat any form of cheating or rule breaking. Anglers found cheating will be reported to the organisers and banned from the competition without any refund or compensation.
E08- Any team with more than four baited rigs in the water at any one time will be immediately disqualified from the competition.
E09- Entering the water is only permitted to hip depth.
E10- Competitors must comply with requests from Bank Angler Trans-Tasman photographers and or approved Journalists at all times regarding media coverage, except if they are in the process of landing a fish. All photos and video material can be used by the organiser for any purpose.
E11- If both competitors in a team wish to leave their swim for any reason whatsoever their rods must be reeled in except if they have line of sight or a wireless bite alarm receiver.
E12- Anyone found to be encroaching upon other's water could be penalised. Any boundary differences must be finalised before the match begins. The organiser’s decision will be final on all boundary disputes. Where a suitable outcome has not been found the Head Marshal / organisers will divide the pegs equally with an imaginary line marked between the competitor’s swims.
E13- Competitors must refrain from shining light on the water or opposite bankside especially if it is in the direction of a neighbouring swim. Netting of fish may require the use of light on the water and will not attract any penalties as long as focus remain in the vicinity of the fish, landing net, Carp sack or keepnet.
E14 – Any attempt to corrupt the person doing the weigh-in, officials or organisers will lead to immediate actions, which may result in disqualification.
E15 – Any queries regarding the rules have to be put forward before the start of the event and no later than before the draw.

SECTION F – MATCH RULES
F01- The official start of the competition will be signalled by the sounding of horns.
F02- NO baiting up, feature finding or casting into the water may take place before the start of the competition.
F03- Only variants of CYPRINUS CARPIO will count.
F04- Each line may only have one single hook attached.
F05- Use of The Twig (or similar devices) as well as auto-stiking rod holders are not allowed. 
F06- An unhooking mat or cradle must be used at all times (not provided by the organisers).
F07- No Live Baiting except for worms, maggots and other insects.
F08- Each team is allowed to have four rods with baited hooks in the water. Anglers are also allowed to have additional fishing rods set up as long as they are not within 5 meters of the water's edge and have no hook attached to the rig.
F09- Plumbing and spod rods are allowed in addition to the baited rods but only for plumbing & spodding purposes.
F10- Hooked fish should be landed without interfering with other competitor’s lines. If lines become tangled and the anglers cant agree on who's fish it is then the anglers must contact one of the organisers who will then make a decision.
F11- If possible fish must be landed within the defined area of the competitor’s swim. Any transgression of this rule will be considered on its merits.
F12- Fish not hooked inside or within 3cm of the mouth will be disqualified.
F13 – Anglers playing a fish at the time the final siren sounds must inform neighbouring anglers by shouting loud and clear “Fish on”
F14- Any fish hooked before the final siren sounds must be landed within 20 minutes of the end of the competition or it will be excluded from the final results.
F15- A horn sound at 12pm on Friday will signal the end of the competition.
F16 – Carp specimen, Bank Angling and Match / Coarse fishing styles are allowed.

SECTION G – RECORDING A CATCH
Important rule notice: Weighing of fish will occur at specific times during the competition. This will most likely be between 7 am - 10:00 am and 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm. 
Anglers must take photos of fish before the weigh-in as it waist the weighmasters time and only prolong the weigh-in process.
The number of fish that needs to be weighed will become less as the competition progress. We also request that fish smaller than those already recorded are returned to the water and not kept in a carp sack or keepnet. Anglers are allowed to use their own scales to determine whether or not a fish is bigger than any of the six recorded by the team. This process may change depending on the number of volunteers / officials. It is the angler's responsibility to promptly present and return fish after the weigh in. 
G01- Weighed and recorded fish must be returned immediately at all times unless otherwise instructed.
G02- Each weighed fish must be witnessed by the official doing the weighing and one member from the team. 
G04- Recorded fish to be weighed exclusively with official equipment.
G05- Carp to be kept individually in carp sacks and or fish friendly, knot-less carp keepnets until weighed. Carp sacks and Keepnets are not supplied by Organisers. It is recommended that each team has sufficient carp sacks and or keepnets.
G06- The Organiser’s Official Log Sheet is the official document by which the competition is being run. It is the Competitor’s responsibility to ensure that all details are correctly entered.
Details to be filled include:
* name of the participant who caught the fish
* peg number
* weight of the catch in kg
G08- As part of the procedure, several other photographs may have to be taken for marketing purposes. Please allow authorized people to carry out their requirements without hindrance. 
G09- Fish welfare is paramount therefore fish must be returned safely to the water. Fish to be release and swim off in presence of the Weighmaster.

SECTION M – YELLOW/RED CARDS, PENALTIES, DISQUALIFICATION & BAN
M01- Any offence committed during the competition AND state of swim at the end of event will carry a penalty or disqualification.
M03- Penalties can be: a strict fishing ban up to 12 hours.
M04- A second Yellow Card automatically confirms Red Card status and immediate disqualification from the event. Competitors are then asked to leave the competition site immediately.
M05- Depending on seriousness of offences which have lead to a Red Card & Disqualification, organisers can add a ban ranging from 1 to 3 years but if deemed necessary can be extended to a life-ban.
M06 – Competitors who receive a penalty, suspension, revocation and/or ban, cannot request payment or hold liable the Bank Angler Trans-Tasman organizers, any of its associates, or any other business, entity or individual directly or indirectly involved or associated with the competition.

SECTION N – LOCAL RULES
N01- Permission to use the venue has been granted for the duration of the event subject to us treating the property with respect and leaving it in the same condition we got it.
N02- Camping on all pegs has been granted on the basis that competitors do not litter or damage the environment. This include but are not limited to digging holes or damaging / removing plants.
N03- No fire may be left unattended at any time. All fires must be fully extinguished after use. The fire must always be small enough to be easily put out if need be. A 20 Litre bucket filled with water must at all times be within 2 meters of the fire. Breaking this rule can result in severe penalties. No fires will be allowed in case of a Fire ban. Any other restrictions or fire bans will be communicated to competitors as soon as the organisers become aware of it.
N04- Please keep the venue clean at all times.
* Limit glass bottles by the bank and dispose of them appropriately.
* At the end of the event it is the competitors’ responsibility to remove ALL of their rubbish.
* Each swim will be inspected and if necessary photographed by the organisers at the end of the event. Please ensure that it is left in pristine condition or you will be held accountable.
* Competitors who break the rules are at risk of being named and shamed on event website and social media pages and in addition may be banned from competing for a period determined by the organisers.

SECTION O – EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN:
Details will be provided before the competition commence.