Rules and Regulations

How To Win the Hook & Paddle Series

There will be several individual tournaments that make up the series, these will take place all over New Brunswick. Each tournament will be a catch, photograph and release event. Participants can enter one or all of the tournaments and are trying to catch as many different eligible species as possible. From each event, anglers will submit their best length of each species caught. You can upgrade your previous totals as the series continues at different tournaments. Upon completion of the final tournament of the series, the angler with the highest combined species length and bonus points will be crowned as the Hook & Paddle Champion, there will be prizes at each tournament as well for the overall winners at the end of the series.

This year in addition to our usual Top 3 Overall Series winners, we will also add a new award for the angler that has the best Fish Only Total Length – this means the combined total of only the anglers fish lengths, (excluding any bonus points) will be the Species Length Champion.   This allows any angler to focus on specific species they want to improve at any given tournament, instead of focusing on overall series points.

How to Win Individual Tournaments

Each tournament will be a catch, photograph and release event. Participants are trying to catch as many different eligible species as possible in that tournament. From each event, anglers will submit their best length of each species caught, the lengths will be added up, and prizes will be awarded for top finishers at each tournament.

Tournament Standings are determined by the combined length of eligible species caught on tournament day.  Bonus points will be awarded for the following at each tournament: 

  • 1st place – 10 points
  • 2nd place – 9 points
  • 3rd place – 8 points
  • 4th place – 7 points
  • 5th place – 6 points
  • 6th place – 5 points
  • 7th place – 4 points
  • 8th place – 3 points
  • 9th place – 2 points
  • 10th place – 1 point

a.     3 points will be awarded for catching the “Lunker Target Species” (see individual tournament details for specific target species for each event) (If anglers are tied – all will receive 3 bonus points)

b.     1 point for catching the Target species (see individual tournament details for specific target species for each event)

Summarized Rules and Regulations for Hook and Paddle Tournaments:

  1. All tournaments are shotgun start at 8:00 am and photos must be submitted by 3:00pm. Tournament fishing must be within the specified times and boundaries. Fish caught outside this time or boundaries will be disqualified. These are Catch-Photo-Release events only.
  2. Fishing must be done via a single-person kayak OR paired up in a canoe within the specified boundaries for each tournament. All anglers must launch from the designated launch location, participants are not able to pack up and relocate within the boundaries during the tournament hours. See each location’s boundary map provided on https://hookandpaddle.ca/hp_locations
  3. All fishing must comply with provincial, Energy and Resource Development updated regulations. These can be found on their website http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/erd/natural_resources/content/fish.html
  4. We have listed 16 species that are eligible for entry, with bonus points awarded for Target Species. The greatest length of each fish species caught will be added together to determine each tournament’s standings. Total length is the measurement from the tip of the closed mouth as it contacts the measuring device, to the tip of the tail (with the tail collapsed) in order to get the longest possible length measurement. Each participant is responsible for knowing the difference between species that are eligible.
  5. At least one clear, detailed, colour photo showing a full-length side view of fish must accompany each entry. The fish should fill as much of the frame of the photograph as possible. Both the fish and device should be the same distance from the camera. The photos must be clear enough to easily tell the length of the fish. Judges have the authority to make each call on a case-to-case basis, see full rules.
  6. All anglers must submit their photos as per the posted tournament submission time to qualify their catches. Photos will not be accepted after the posted schedule time.
  7. As guests of the host facilities and surrounding areas, we must act in a responsible manner both on and off the water. Failure to comply may result in disqualification and possible removal from the tournament or host site, see full rules.
  8. Hook and Paddle does not support the keeping or harvesting of fish during the time frame of its events.
  9. Rods and Bait — Each Participant will be allowed a maximum of two lines in the water at any time (unless otherwise stated). Additional rods may be rigged and ready, but not in use. Artificial and Live baits are permissible for each tournament (unless otherwise stated)
  10. It is the responsibility of the angler to know all the regulations and to obtain all angling licenses and related permits.
  11. Tournament registration will not be refunded under 48 hours notice of your cancellation. We are happy to work with you to join the next available tournament, see full rules.
Full Hook and Paddle Rules




Please respect the rules, have a great time and keep your Boat-A-Float!