2024-2025 Lake Hickory Winter Trail

Join us every Saturday from November 9th to March 1st (excluding 12/21 and 2/8) on the Lake Hickory Winter Trail! All tournaments launch and weigh-in at Wittenburg Acess on Lake Hickory.
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• Dates: Every Saturday from November 9th to March 1st (excluding December 21st and February 8th)

• Location: Wittenburg Access, Lake Hickory

• Championship: Scheduled for March 1st with the top 15 teams, tournament winners, and the top 5 from the “Last Chance” tournaments.

Schedule & Weekly Results:

Points Standings

Special Events
• The Warriors Journey Tournament: Saturday, December 14th, in partnership with Hank Cherry. Participants earn double points.

Tournament Information

• Sign-Up: Begins at 7:00 AM; cutoff at 7:45 AM (no payment accepted at weigh-in).

• Fishing Time: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

• Early Registration: Tuesday to Friday (after 5PM) at Wayne’s Marine Service. The first 10 registrants draw for starting order.

Rules & Regulations

• Safety Requirements: Life jackets and kill switches required when the big motor is running.

• Morning Prayer: Held before blast-off.

• Fish Limit: 5 fish limit; 3 fish must be 14” or larger; 2 fish of any size. Disqualification for bringing 3 undersized fish.

• Culling: Must occur on the water; no culling in the parking lot or ramp.

• NC Laws: No fishing inside “Keep Out” buoys around the dam, Duke Energy areas, or swimming area at Wittenburg Access.

• The Lake Hickory Winter Trail, Tournament Directors, Trail Committee, and any Sponsors or affiliates SHALL NOT be held responsible for you or your partner's belongings, accidents, etc. before, during, or after tournament hours.

Fees and Payouts

• Entry Fee: $25 per person, with an optional $25 side pot (both teammates must contribute to side pot).

• Special Rates: Kids under 16 fish free with a paying adult; women also fish for free (side pot fee applies if participating).

• Youth Prize: $25 from Niehaus Equipment to the highest-finishing youth each tournament.

• Championship Funds: $100 withheld per tournament to contribute to the championship prize. 100% of the side pot is paid back weekly.

Points & Eligibility

• Points System: Points awarded to the top 20, starting at 100 for the winner. Places below 20th receive 5 points.

• Original Team Requirement: Initial registration partner must stay the same for points. Alternates allowed twice per season (unless fishing with someone 16 or younger).

• Championship Eligibility: Must fish 7 tournaments and be in the top 15 in points, or win a tournament to qualify.

• Last Chance Series: Points reset for teams below 15th place; top 5 after four Last Chance tournaments advance to the championship.

Behavioral Expectations

• Code of Conduct: All participants agree to follow the rules without debate.

• Social Media: No negative posts about the event or participants allowed.

• Entry Rights: Tournament directors reserve the right to deny entry at their discretion.

Protest Procedures

• Requirements: Photo or video evidence needed to protest.

• Deadline: Must file a protest before weigh-in and payouts are complete.

• Polygraph Testing: Tournament directors may request polygraph testing if needed.

Schedule Adjustments

• Weather Cancellations: Announced by 7:00 PM on Fridays.

• Benefit Tournaments: Schedule adjusted for external benefit events. Non-points tournaments held during those events.

Championship Information

• Eligibility: Top 15 teams, tournament winners, and top 5 from Last Chance tournaments. Original teams must fish together.

• Entry Fee: No entry fee for the championship.

• Super Side Pot: $150 per boat.

• Prize Funds: Championship prize money continues to grow, updates will follow.

Contact

• Tournament Contacts:

Travis Kilby: 828-291-3100

Chad McKinney: 828-640-4319

• Sponsors and Support: Thanks to all sponsors and supporters for making the trail successful. We’re looking forward to another great season!