06/08/2026
Tournament Information & Rules
Entry for this tournament is $75.00 per boat and will be limited to 25 paid boat entries. All the following rules will be explained the morning of the tournament, and strictly enforced. Any infractions of these rules will result in disqualification from the tournament.
*All contestants (of age) must have in their possession a SC state issued freshwater fishing license and follow all SC state fishing rules and regulations.
*All fishing vessels must have proof of valid state registration.
There must be a USCG-approved PFD for each person on the boat.
*At the start of the tournament each vessel must follow the SCDNR rules before official sunrise.
*Each boat will be sprayed with the provided sprayers from the BPW before being allowed to enter the water.
*Every boat operator will adhere to the idle speed only rule. Motor size is not restricted, but any and all outboard motors will be operated at idle speed only.
*Tournament weigh in will consist of a 3, 14” fish limit (black bass only)
*Any fish of questionable length will be measured. 1 courtesy measurement will be granted for each boat(must be requested before weighing)
*Trying to weigh a short fish will result in the loss of that fish, plus an additional 0.25 lbs.
*Fish may only be taken by use of artificial bait, no live bait, or trolling.
**There will be a 0.25lb penalty for each dead fish weighed.
Any tie will be decided by big fish.
*All protests must be presented in writing before the close of the weigh in.
*All boats must be present and in the water by 5:50 am and in front of the landing.
*Start of the tournament will be signaled at 6:00 am.
*Weigh in will begin at 12:00 pm. Any boat that fails to check in at the landing by 12:05 pm will forfeit the tournament and deemed DNF.
*When the scales close, all results will be final.
*All live fish will be returned to the lake.
*Off limits to fishing: from the boat ramp to the adjacent bank and to the right of the ramp.
*Tournament will pay back 3 places, and big fish.
*After you have registered and paid, there will be no refunds due to being a first come basis. If you send in payment but not in the first 25, you will receive a full refund.
*All decisions will be made by the tournament directors and the SC Peach Festival.
The South Carolina Peach Festival is now accepting Lake Whelchel Bass Tournament Applications for this year’s festival in Gaffney, South Carolina!
