2026 MUSIC CITY

BIG BASS CHALLENGE

Hosted by FINN’S TACKLE SHOP

Official Rules & Information

Event Dates:  March 1 – April 30

Species:  Largest Large Mouth or Small Mouth Bass

Official Weigh-ins: @ Finn’s Tackle Shop –

3676 Bell Road

Nashville, TN  37214

 

Divisions:  Adult & Youth

Winner Announcement:  May 1^st on Instagram, Facebook, and at Finn’s Tackle Shop

 

DIVISIONS & PRIZES

·      ADULT DIVISION (18+) – Prize:  $500

·      YOUTH DIVISION (17 & under) – Prize:  $250

o   Youth participants 12 years and under must have parent/guardian consent and signature

o   Participants ages 13-15 years must have a TN youth fishing license

ENTRY FEES

·      Early Entry (Now – Feb 28):  $25 Adult / $15 Youth

·      Event Entry (Mar 1 – April 30):  $35 Adult / $25 Youth

All entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

OFFICIAL RULES

1.  Eligibility & Registration

a.       All participants or parent/guardian must possess and present a valid Tennessee Fishing License at registration and at every weigh-in.  NO EXCEPTIONS!

b.      Participants will be registered under their TN fishing license number.  Those who are 12 years and under will need to register in person at Finn’s Tackle Shop and will be given a registration number after registering that must be presented at every weigh-in.

c.       Adult division participants must be 18 or older as of March 1.

d.      Youth division participants must be 17 or under as of March 1.

2.  Catch Requirements

a.       Eligible Species:  Large Mouth Bass or Small Mouth Bass

b.      Only one fish per day per registered participant may be weighed in.

c.       Fish must be alive

d.      Fish must be caught using rod and reel only.  Any suspicion of foul play will be at the judge’s (Finn’s Tackle Shop Staff) discretion.

e.       Fish may be caught in any legal body of water (lakes, rivers, ponds).

3.  Weigh-In Procedures

a.       Participants may enter one (1) fish per day per license holder.

b.      A fish may only be weighed once and cannot be re-entered.  Photos will be taken in the event foul play is suspected.

c.       Participants may submit entries on as many days as they choose during the event.

d.      All weigh-ins will be conducted at Finn’s Tackle Shop during the designated store hours:

o   5:00 am – 6:00 pm Daily

e.       The registered participant, along with their TN fishing license, must be present at weigh-in.  NO EXCEPTIONS!

o   Those participants 12 years and under must have their registration number along with a valid adult’s fishing license they were wishing with present at weigh-in.  NO EXCEPTIONS!

f.        In the event of foul play, staff may request a photo of the angler holding the fish at time of to verify legitimacy.  So, take photos!

g.       All weigh-ins will be conducted by authorized staff only.

h.      All decisions made by Finn’s Tackle Shop staff are final.

4.  Judging & Winner Determination

             Primary Metric:

             Heaviest Bass Wins in each Division.

             Tiebreakers (in order):

1.       Total number of fish weighed-in.

2.       Total amount of weight of all fish weighed-in.

3.       Coin toss

5.  Conduct, Integrity & Sportsmanship

a.       Any form of cheating, dishonesty, or rule manipulation is forbidden, including:

o   Entering a fish you did not catch

o   Tampering with fish

o   Using illegal or non-rod-reel methods

o   Submitting frozen, preserved, or altered fish

b.        Harassment, interference, or intimidation of other participants is prohibited.

c.        Violations may result in immediate disqualification and/or permanent banning.

d.       Participants must comply with all Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) laws and regulations.

6.  Weather, Closures & Emergencies

a.       In the event of severe weather or unplanned store closure, weigh-ins will be suspended until reopening.  Announcements will be posted on the storefront as well as posted on our Facebook page.  MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK!

b.       No late weigh-ins or alternative weigh-in locations will be permitted. Finn’s Tackle Shop knows that the traffic in the Nashville area can quickly become a nightmare.  If you are rolling late to the shop due to traffic or for any other reason, please call the shop before closing to see if someone is available to stay late so that you can get your fish weighed.  Please note that not everyone can stay late due to prior engagements and that our wait time needs to be within reason.  If we can stay, we will!

7.  Media Release

By participating, you authorize Finn’s Tackle Shop to use photos, videos, names, and catch information for announcements, promotions, or marketing.  Finn’s Tackle Shop sends occasional updates on fishing reports, local lake conditions, contest announcements, and exclusive shop discounts.  Upon registration, your information will be used so that may receive such announcements to your email or SMS.  You may unsubscribe at any time.