Tournament Rules

1. Eligibility

  • The tournament is open only to registered anglers.
  • Minors must have a parent/guardian’s consent and, if required, be accompanied by an adult.

2. Registration

  • The entry fee must be paid before the registration deadline.
  • Each angler/team must register their boat (if applicable).
  • No substitutions after the tournament begins.
  • Maximum of (4) registered anglers per vessel.
  • No refunds on ticket purchases.

3. Tournament Hours

  • Official start and end times will be announced before launch.
  • Fishing outside tournament hours is prohibited.
  • All catches must be made during tournament hours to qualify.

4. Fishing Area

  • Fishing is limited to designated inshore waters only.
  • All anglers must follow local, state, and federal fishing regulations.

5. Boats & Equipment

  • All registered vessels must be seaworthy and comply with all safety laws.
  • All required safety gear must be onboard.
  • Only rod and reel fishing is permitted.
  • No electric reels, traps, nets (except landing nets), or spearfishing allowed.

6. Bait & Lures

  • Artificial lures and/or live bait are allowed (as specified by the tournament).

7. Eligible Species

  • Only designated inshore species are eligible (e.g., redfish, snook, speckled trout, flounder).
  • Any protected or out-of-season species must be released unharmed.

8. Scoring & Measurement

  • Scoring may be based on:
    • Total weight
    • Total Length (catch-photo-release)
    • Largest single fish
  • Official measuring devices/scales must be used and provided by the participant.
  • The designated tournament sticker must be displayed in the picture of the official measuring device.
  • All submissions must include TWO photographs: A picture of the contestant holding the fish, and a picture of the fish on the official measuring device.
  • Participants must pinch the tail in submission photos.
  • It is the angler’s responsibility to make sure measurements are clear, legible, and meet tournament requirements.
  • Judges’ decisions are final.

9. Catch Handling

  • Fish must be handled in a humane manner.
  • Dead fish may be disqualified if live release is required.
  • Altering fish (stretching, freezing, weighting) results in disqualification.

10. Sportsmanship

  • Anglers must act in a respectful and ethical manner.
  • No harassment, crowding, or interference with other competitors.

11. Check-In & Weigh-In

  • All boats/anglers must return by the official check-in time.
  • Fish presented after the deadline will not be scored.

12. Penalties & Disqualification

  • Violations of rules may result in:
    • Weight/length penalties
    • Loss of fish
    • Disqualification
  • Serious violations may result in removal from future tournaments.

13. Liability

  • Participants fish at their own risk.
  • Tournament organizers are not responsible for injury, loss, or damage.
  • All anglers must comply with boating and fishing laws at all times.

14. Rule Changes

  • Tournament officials reserve the right to interpret and amend rules.
  • Any changes will be announced before the start of the tournament.