For Immediate Release: September 29, 2025
NPFL Amends “No Info” Rule
WILKESVILLE, Ohio—The National Professional Fishing League today announced it is amending Rule 4, the “No Information Rule,” so as to reduce the no-information period—which previously began on January 1 of each year—to begin 30 days before official practice begins on scheduled tournament waters. The revised rule will be in effect for the 2026 NPFL season.
“The so-called ‘no-information rule’ has long been a challenge in all tournament competitions and for every tournament organization,” said NPFL president Brad Fuller. “Decades ago, before the internet and all the means of communication available at our fingertips today, it was a challenge, and that challenge is even more burdensome now. Polygraph examinations and other truth-detection methods certainly help, but it’s impractical on a league-level to test every competitor, and prohibiting the gathering of information for months or the better part of a year creates another problem that’s just as big in the marketplace.
“We want our anglers to be ‘out there,’ meeting with and talking to the fans. The anglers want that, too. Just as importantly, their sponsors want it. It’s why they support the pros. But if the pros have to worry about having a casual conversation at a gas pump or in a tackle shop because someone makes an offhand comment about a favorite lure or worm color, it’s gone too far, and it only serves to make our sport less accessible and fan friendly.”
The NPFL’s revised “no information rule” will prohibit competitors from obtaining illicit information about locating or catching fish from tournament waters within 30 days of the date of official practice for each respective event.
“We’re optimistic that this rule change will foster angler, fan, and sponsor relations and ultimately grow our great sport,” Fuller added. “We also believe it will add to the integrity of the sport and our competitions. Those goals are always at the forefront of what we do and why we do it. We hope the other leagues will follow suit. The refinement of rules like this one is not a competition between organizations. It’s a way we can all make things better and serve our sport.”
