- 2026 Team Tournament Trail Limpopo Rules
2026 Committee
Alexis Kuises
Deon Van Zyl
Kobus Snyman
……………………….
- Documentation
2.1 All boats are required to present a valid Certificate for 2026 upon request.
2.2 All anglers must have a valid fishing license which must be presented upon request where applicable.
2.3 All anglers interested in participating in the 2026 SABAA TTT Final shall be active SABAA members. Anglers take full responsibility to register and join SABAA.
2.4 All anglers interested in participating in the 2026 SABAA TTT Final shall also be members of BASSMASTERS Anglers take full responsibility to register and join SABAA.
2.5 Registration for SABAA and BASSMASTER shall be done through the www.sabaa.co.za website.
2.6 Payment for SABAA and BASSMASTER shall be done by the angler through Credit Card payment to www.sabaa.co.za No payment to the Team Tournament Trail Limpopo shall be accepted
2.7 Registrations shall be completed before TTT Final. Membership numbers shall be forwarded to the TTT LIMPOPO Administration.
2.8 SABAA and BASSMASTER membership is not necessary for participating in the Team Tournament Trail Limpopo competitions and all anglers without these registrations shall still be eligible for invitation to the 2026 TTT LIMPOPO Event 4.
- Schedule, Registration, Fees & Captains meeting
3.1 The venue and duration of the competition is a s per schedule. The committee reserves the right to alter the scheduled venues and times as necessary.
3.2 The entry fee for the 2026 Trail will be R500.00 per team, per competition.
3.3 The entry fee is to be paid in cash on the morning of the competition upon registration and entry.
3.4 The entry fee does not cover any costs related to accessing the launch/competition venue.
3.5 The entry fee is non-refundable.
3.6 Competitors are allowed to make use of any launching facilities at the scheduled venue.
3.9 Competitors are only allowed to launch boats on the day of competition. No boats will be allowed on the water in the days leading up to the event in accordance with ruling 9.
3.10 Captains meeting shall take place 15 minutes before start time of each competition.
3.11 Teams arriving after the start of the captains meeting shall wait until after official start before they can enter, draw tags & launch.
3.12 Live-well checks will be done by the committee before each competition commences.
3.13 Details about each event will be communicated via email and the TTT LIMPOPO Facebook page at least 1 week in advance.
- Team structure
4.1 Teams shall register before the start of the 2026 TTT LIMPOPO season or at the first event of their attendance.
4.2 Team name registered shall be fixed for the remainder of the season. Team names shall only be changed at the discretion of the TTT LIMPOPO committee.
4.3 Teams are to nominate 2 main team members as well as a reserve angler.
4.4 Reserve anglers do not need to be affiliated to SABAA or BASSMASTERS.
4.5 Reserve anglers need to be nominated during team registration. Should no reserve angler be nominated, the team will consist of the 2 main members only.
4.6 Reserve anglers may be nominated as reserve angler for more than 1 TTT LIMPOPO team.
4.7 At all times of competition, at least one of t h e 2 main members registered or the reserve angler shall compete in the event. The 2nd member of the team on the day may be any other person.
4.8 Only the 2 main members of the team shall be eligible to participate in the 2026 SABAA TTT Final.
- Tags, Gates & Blast off Procedure
5.1 All teams will draw a tag number & starting position during the captains meeting. The sequence of drawing will be determined by the order of team entries on the morning.
5.2 Boats are only allowed to blast off and beach through the marker boys (gates) at weigh station.
5.3 A no-wake zone will be enforced in between the weigh station and gates as well as within 30m of other stationary boats. Teams are to adhere to all no-wake zones.
5.4 Before the commencement of the Captains meeting, all boats shall be beached on the shoreline within the no-wake zone.
5.5 As teams are drawing tag numbers during the Captains meeting, numbered stake boards will be available for tag numbers 1-45. Team members drawing tags will collect their corresponding numbered stake board from the weighmaster.
5.6 Once the last team has drawn their tag, collected their numbered stake board and moved off to their boat, the committee will signal the start of the competition.
5.7 Once signalled, boat #1 will push away from the shore and head towards the starting gates.
5.8 Once boat #1 is moving, teams are free to fall in to order behind boat #1. Thus, boat #2 will follow boat #1, boat #3 will follow boat #2 etc.
5.9 Teams are at all times required to hold up the numbered stake board visible to other teams.
5.10 Once a team has passed through the gates, they are free to blast off.
5.11 Teams with high tag numbers are requested to remain beached on the shoreline until their tag number is close to blast off.
5.12 Teams are not allowed to jump the queue.
5.13 Teams are not allowed to crowd the exit gates.
5.14 As there will only be 45 numbered stake boards, in the event that there are in excess of 45 boats, the remainder of the angling field with tag numbers higher than 45 will be free to blast off in any order once boat #45 has left.
5.15 Should a tag or stake board be lost during competition the team(s) must notify at least one of the committee members and weighmaster before closure of tag board. Team(s) will then still be able to weigh their bag(s) & qualify for points & prizes.
5.16 Lost tags will have to be replaced by team(s) at the cost of R 200/tag – payable before weigh-in. Should the team not be able to pay at the venue it is their responsibility to pay to one of the committee members as soon as possible. The person/s forming the team will not be allowed to enter or compete in any following events until the R200 is paid. This shall also apply when entering with a different team name.
- Eligible Fish
6.1 Only Bass (All strains) will be eligible to be weighed in.
6.2 There is no minimum length or weight requirements.
6.3 No dead fish will qualify (A permanent weigh-station will be available throughout the day). A dead fish will not form part of the total bag weight or qualify for any of the big fish prizes. The weigh-masters’ decision whether a fish is alive or not is final.
6.4 A fish is deemed as being dead when not gilling
6.5 In the event that a team presents a dead fish, the dead fish
shall count as one of the teams 5 fish allowed to be weighed
in, but the fish shall not be added to the teams’ points.
6.6 The bag limit will be a five (5) fish maximum.
6.7 No fishing shall be permitted in the no-wake zone of the weigh-station.
6.8 The committee reserves the right to alter the requirements for fish before the start of any competition. Alterations in the requirements shall be communicated during the captains meeting.
- Weigh-in Procedure
Keepnet weigh-in procedures in South Africa, particularly for SABAA tournaments, require a continuous, uninterrupted video recording using the Keepnet App on a verified digital scale. The video must show the scale zeroed, a clear weight reading (typically 300g), and the live, healthy release of the fish, usually using a lip-grip.
Key Procedures for Keepnet Weigh-ins:
Verified Equipment:
- Scales must be verified by officials, display the Keepnet logo, and use a lip grip rather than a hook.
Continuous Video:
The video recording must include:
- Showing the scale at zero.
- Weighing the fish, ensuring the whole fish and scale screen are visible.
- Reading the weight aloud.
- Releasing the fish back into the water immediately afterward, showing signs of life.
Safety & Ethics:
- Hands must not touch the scale or fish during the weight reading to ensure an accurate, free-hanging weight.
App Usage:
- The Keepnet app is used to log the catch, which includes recording the weight, fish length (optional or as required), and metadata, ensuring the biggest fish are highlighted (auto-cull).
Submission:
- The data and video are synced via the app, often on the water, to ensure immediate submission.
Failure to adhere to the video standards (e.g., hiding the scale, improper release) will result in the disqualification of the fish.
- Competition Rules
8.1 A team will consist of a minimum of one (1) an d a maximum of two (2) anglers.
8.2 Only boat fishing will be permitted. No shore angling permitted. No Jet Ski’s, Canoes or Rafts shall be allowed to enter.
8.3 No anglers permitted to go on shore during duration of competition except at weigh station. Anglers may only disembark at any shoreline to seek shelter in the event of unsafe circumstances such as storms, lightning, hail etc. No fishing permitted during the time a team is seeking shelter on the shoreline.
8.4 Life jackets must be worn prior to the main engine (outboard)
being started and during the time that the main engine is running.
8.5 No angler will be permitted to fish with more than one rod at a time. The action of reeling in and storing the selected rod must be completed before another rod may be used to fish with.
8.6 No Alabama / Umbrella rigs permitted during the tournament.
8.7 Only artificial lures allowed. No live baits will be allowed.
8.8 Disqualified teams will not be eligible for an y prizes or point allocation to the log on the day (0 points for the day.)
8.9 Complaints/disputes/incidents shall be logged through the use
of the incident report form available from the weigh station. Any incident to be reviewed by the committee needs to be documented through this process. No fees will be payable to log a complaint. Incidents/complaints shall be reviewed/judged before the commencement of the prize giving ceremony.
8.10 The decision of the committee regarding complaints/disputes will be final.
8.11 The Team Tournament Trail Limpopo and its’ committee members will not be held responsible for any damages, accidents, theft or losses to any of the participants or equipment.
8.12 Teams are required to sign an indemnity form on the registration sheet acknowledging that the TTT LIMPOPO is not responsible for any theft, damage, loss, injury etc. to any person or equipment.
8.13 The official time for the day will be confirmed through the use of a time check during the captains meeting. All competition regulations & rules applicable to time will follow the Chairman’s time communicated during the time check.
- Pre-fishing
9.1 Pre-fishing will not be permitted at any of the set venues less than five (5) days before the competition dates. No pre-fishing within seven (7) days of the TTT LIMPOPO Final.
- Disqualification
10.1 Teams shall be disqualified for the breach of the following
rules:
10.1.1 Rulings: 5.3, 5.12, 5.13, 5.15, 5.16
10.1.2 Rulings: 6.6, 6.7
10.1.3 Rulings: 7.6, 7.15, 7.16
10.1.4 Rulings: 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7
- Venues & Dates – 2026
The Team Tournament Trail Limpopo 2026 schedule will consist of 4 events and 8 competitions.
DATE VENUE EVENT HOURS:
Event 1
16/05/2026 & 17/05/2026
Venues
Albasini Dam
Fishing Times
Day1 06h30 to 16:00 – Tzaneen Dam
Day2 07h00 to 15:00 – Ebenezer Dam
Event 2
13/06/2026 & 14/06/2026
Venues
Tzaneen
Fishing Times
Day1 06h30 to 16:00
Day2 06h30 to 14:00
Event 3
04/07/2026 & 05/07/2026
Venues
Arabie Dam
Fishing Times
Day1 06h30 to 16:00
Day2 06h30 to 14:00
Event 4
01/08/2026 & 02/08/2026
Venues
Nandoni Dam
Fishing Times
Day1 06:00 to 16:00
Day2 06:00 to 14:00
Nationals
TBA/11/2026
Venues
TBA
- Code of Conduct
1.All participating anglers agree to follow the rules of the competition with no exceptions.
2. Anglers are to always conduct themselves to the best degree of sportsmanship during an event and to be ambassadors to our sport and the TTT LIMPOPO. Keeping in mind the prosperity of the TTT LIMPOPO and kinship with fellow anglers.
3.The use of the social media platforms associated with the TTT LIMPOPO (WhatsApp, etc) are a privilege and anglers are requested to keep their posts relevant and appropriate.
4. If an event should arise in which an angler has a grievance toward an event or person the appropriate channels must be followed to resolve said matter.
If any angler fails to follow the laid-out rules of the TTT LIMPOPO or above mentioned points of the Code of Conduct, it is fully within the Committee's rights to implement disciplinary action against said angler. The result of which may be exclusion in an upcoming event, removal from social media platforms or termination of the privilege participate in the TTT LIMPOPO altogether.
IMDEMNITY
PART 1:
Express assumption of risk associated with competitive angling and the related activities, hereafter Activities:
1. I, hereby represent/declare that: a. I am in good health, in proper physical condition or using prescribed medication to participate in the Activities; and b. I will not consume or use any alcohol or illicit or drugs (incl. Prescription) which would in any way impair my ability to participate in the Activities safely. c. I agree that it is my sole responsibility to determine whether I am sufficiently fit and healthy enough to participate in the Activities. d. I understand and acknowledge the physical and mental rigours associated with the Activities are inherently dangerous and may represent an extreme test of a person’s physical and mental limits and condition.
2. I do hereby affirm and acknowledge that I am familiar with all the inherent hazards, risks and hazardous conditions which may exist in connection with angling activities, transportation of equipment related to the activities, and travelling to and from activity sites. Inherent hazards and risks include but are not limited to:
a. Risk of injury from the activity and equipment used in angling can be significant including the potential for permanent disability and death.
b. Possible equipment failure and malfunction of my own or others’ equipment which may have been rented, borrowed or personally owned.
c. My own negligence and the negligence of others, including organisers, selectors, officials, independent contractors or other representatives of SABAA and organisations SABAA is affiliated with.
d. Hazards related to angling which includes but are not limited to collision, hazards that may result in wetness, injury, exposure to elements, hypothermia, impact of my body upon the bank, injection of water into my body orifices, marine life forms, and drowning.
e. I will abide by the rules and will not enter the water as stipulated in the rules.
f. Cold weather and heat-related injuries and illness including but not limited to frost nip, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, sunburn, hypothermia and dehydration. I agree to prepare sufficiently and take the necessary precautions to protect myself from the elements.
g. Exposure to outdoor elements, including but not limited to inclement weather, thunder and lightning, severe and varied wind, temperature and all other weather conditions. I agree to follow the official's instructions regarding lightning and or any other extreme weather conditions immediately.
h. Attack by or encounter with insects, reptiles, and animals. I will inform my team members and the officials if I am allergic to bee stings and will ensure that I have sufficient medication at the event.
i. Accidents or illness is occurring in remote places where there are no available medical facilities. I will make sure that my team members and the officials are aware of my condition and I will have sufficient medication for example asthma inhaler, at the event.
j. Fatigue, chill, and dizziness, which may diminish my reaction time and increase the risk of an accident.
k. My sense of balance and physical coordination may be impaired due to exposure and fatigue.
l. Injury or loss of property due to fire. If I am a smoker, I will not toss my cigarette in the veld.
m. Loss of property due to fast-rising water levels or crime.
n. I understand the description of these risks is not complete and that unknown or unanticipated risks may result in injury, illness, or death.
PART 2:
Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims and Indemnity Agreement.
3. In consideration for being permitted to participate in any form of angling and related activities, I hereby agree, acknowledge and appreciate that:
a. I HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property, WHETHER CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE, the following named person or entities, herein referred to as SABAA.
b. To release SABAA, their organisers, officials, representatives, agents, and volunteers from liability and responsibility whatsoever and for any claims or causes of action that I, my estate, heirs, survivors, executors, or assigns may have for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death arising from the above activities whether caused by active or passive negligence of the SABAA or otherwise. By executing this document, I agree to hold the SABAA harmless and indemnify them in conjunction with any injury, disability, death, or loss or damage to person or property that may occur as a result of engaging in the above activities.
c. By entering into this declaration/agreement, I am not relying on any oral or written representation or statements made by the SABAA, other than what is outlined in this agreement.
d. This release shall be binding to the fullest extent permitted by law. If any provision of this statement is found to be unenforceable, the remaining terms shall be enforceable.
PART 3:
Photograph/Video Recording Release Agreement
4. I hereby:
a. Grant permission to SABAA to take photographs or make video recordings of me and to publish/broadcast and use my photograph/video recordings in any and all publications for any lawful purpose including, without limitation, publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web content.
b. Authorise SABAA to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish or distribute any photographs/video recordings taken by them, their agents, partners and. I waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product, including written or electronic copies of my photograph or likeness. Additionally, I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising out of or in any way related to the use of any photograph or other likeness of me or my image.
c. Hold harmless, release and forever discharge SABAA from any and all claims, demands, actions and causes of action which I, my heirs, personal representatives, assigns, or any other person or persons acting on my behalf have or may have arising out of or relating to this photograph/video release (the “Release”).
d. Warrant that I have read this release carefully, understand its terms and conditions, and acknowledge that I have signed this release freely and voluntarily, without any inducement, assurance or guarantee and that I intend for my signature to serve as confirmation of my complete and unconditional acceptance of the terms of this release.
I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, AND I FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS AND UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP LEGAL RIGHTS BY ELECTRONICALLY SIGNING IT WHEN I ENTERED THE EVENT, AND I AGREE TO IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT.