Rules
Format & scoring
- Catch-photo-release, scored on TourneyX by total length. Standings update live during the event.
- 12" minimum length to count.
- The tournament identifier code must be visible in every photo submitted to TourneyX. The code is released at 6:00 PM the night before each event.
- Specialty formats (like Soft Plastics Only at Bartlett) are listed on each event below and on the schedule — read them before you pack your box.
Measuring boards
KETCH Co. measuring boards and YakAttack boards are the only boards allowed. Fish are laid on the board, mouth closed, for the photo.
- Cracked mouth: −¼" deduction.
- Mouth wide open: −1" penalty.
Membership
AZ Kayak Summer Slam membership is required to compete. Membership is $25 for the season and includes a Summer Slam t-shirt. You must be a member before the tournament. Pay by PayPal to sales@sdcustomshirts.com, or fill out and sign the form on the Membership page.
Entry & payouts
- Standard entry — $30: fun fishing and bragging rights. Top 3 receive a plaque.
- Money category — +$50 ($80 total): required to be in the running for the $5,000 Championship prize.
- Big Bass — $500: paid every event to the biggest bass, whether you're fun fishing or in the money.
Angler of the Year & Championship
This is a points series. Points earned at every stop build your Angler of the Year standing on TourneyX. The top 20 in the final standings qualify for the Championship at Lake Havasu on September 26–27, 2026, where $5,000 cash is awarded to the winner.
Captains meeting & safety
- The captains meeting is virtual and includes important details — please watch it.
- Launch and take out at public access points only.
- A worn PFD is required any time you're on the water. Directors may delay or cancel for weather.
- Respect other anglers, other lake users, and the fishery. Cheating means a lifetime ban.
Release of liability
Participant agrees to hold AZ Kayak Summer Slam and its successors, assignees, licensees, partners, dealers, employees and volunteer staff harmless for any liability from any injury or damage arising from the participation of this event.
Specialty formats this season
Some stops restrict what you can throw. Here's the full list — these are also stamped on the schedule.
Soft plastics only — your main bait must be a soft plastic (drop shot, wacky rig, swimbait, Texas rig, and the like). A bait that only uses a soft plastic as a trailer does not count.