TOURNAMENT FORMAT
- This is a boat/team tournament meant for enjoyment of the whole family. We will be adhering to IGFA rules but all anglers will be operating on the honor system.
- Anglers and Junior Anglers will be specified to the STA Fishing Tournament Committee at the Captain’s Meeting. Total of 6 individuals per boat.
- 7:30 AM Lines In: All boats leave from their home port and fish on their own (no need to check-in at Cocoplum Marina).
- 2:00 PM Lines Out: All boats depart to Cocoplum Marina.
- 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM: Weigh-in at Cocoplum Marina.
- Fishing Tournament Weigh-In: All eligible fish must be entered for official weigh-in in the presence of a boat/team representative.
- Fishing Tournament Boundary: US Territory Only
- Fishing Tournament Channel: UHF Channel 71
ELIGIBLE FISH
- Off-Shore: Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), Wahoo, Cobia, Kingifish, Blackfin Tuna/Yellowfin Tuna (not including Bonito) are the only species of fish eligible for prizes.
- In-Shore: Snapper, Grouper, Snook.
All fish presented for weigh-in must be in fresh, edible condition and caught that tournament day. No mutilated fish (based on tournament committee’s opinion) will be accepted. Minimum acceptable weight of 10 pounds is required for entry into the tournament. A maximum of 4 fish per boat/team may be weighed in.
SCORING
1 point per pound will be awarded to each boat/team/angler for their eligible fish. All entries must be weighed in at the certified scale at the official weigh-in location (Cocoplum Yacht Club, 6500 Prado Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33143), and in the presence of the boat/team entering them. Any fish may be examined by any means necessary.
TROPHIES
- Off-Shore: Tournament 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place
- Off-Shore: Heaviest Fish
- Off-Shore: Junior Angler (12 & Over)
- Off-Shore: Junior Angler (Under 12)
- In-Shore: Overall Winner
- In-Shore: Best Fish
- Children’s Seawall Tournament: 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place
CAPTAIN’S MEETING
There will be a Captain’s Meeting at the STA Family Center on May 15, 2025 from 6:00 PM. At least one representative from each team must be present. All anglers and their families are encouraged to attend. The rules of this tournament may be amended verbally or in writing at the time of the meeting. Anglers are responsible for being well-informed of all rules.
RULES
Unless otherwise stated, IGFA rules will apply throughout this tournament.
CALCUTTA
Contest for an additional $100.00 per boat (to be finalized during the Captain’s Meeting).
JUNIOR ANGLER
For purposes of scoring, there is no minimum weight for the Junior Angler Division. Fish weighed in for this division, may also be weighed in for the overall division. Junior Anglers fish for free but must be registered as part of a team/boat.
CHILDREN’S SEAWALL TOURNAMENT
Registration is included with the Family Party Pass.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be awarded. All registered anglers will receive a fishing rod combo and a tournament T-shirt.
Individual registrations may become available based on capacity.
EQUIPMENT
This is a rod and reel only tournament. Unlimited tackle is permitted, and live bait may be used.
Power-driven reels—including motorized, hydraulic, or electronically operated devices—are strictly prohibited. Any equipment that provides the angler with an unfair advantage is not allowed.
FISHING TIMES & INSTRUCTIONS
The official tournament time and announcements will be broadcast over VHF Channel 71.
If a fish is being actively fought at lines-out time, it must be reported immediately over VHF Channel 71 and weighed in no later than 3:30 PM on the day of the tournament. The Tournament Director will keep and enforce the official time.
Boats/teams may depart from any marina and are not required to check in prior to the start of fishing. However, to be eligible for weigh-in, you must be at the scale or in line by 3:30 PM.
WEATHER
This is a Captain’s Choice tournament. Each participant is solely responsible for determining whether their vessel is seaworthy and whether it is safe to proceed based on local weather conditions. Captains and crews are strongly encouraged to monitor weather forecasts and use sound judgment to ensure the safety of their boat, crew, anglers, and guests when departing and returning from sea.
In the event of unsafe weather conditions, the STA Fishing Tournament Committee reserves the right to postpone or reschedule the tournament to a later date.
PROTESTS
No protesting will be allowed by any means.
FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATIONS
The weight and/or length of eligible fish submitted for weigh-in must comply with all applicable State of Florida and federal fishing regulations. All tournament boats must possess current and valid Florida Saltwater Fishing Licenses, as well as any additional permits required by law, at the time of weigh-in.
Any team found to be without the proper licenses or permits will be considered in violation of state and/or federal law, and their catch may be disqualified.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
All participants enter this tournament at their own risk. By participating, all individuals and entities agree to release and hold harmless St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School, the STA Fishing Tournament Committee, the STA Fishing Tournament Sponsors, and all related officers, directors, members, partners, volunteers, and any other persons or entities associated directly or indirectly with the operation or sponsorship of this tournament.
This release applies to any and all claims for libel, slander, loss, damage, negligence, injury, or death that may be sustained by any participant, entrant, fisherman, their companions, boat captains, mates, crew members, guests, vessels, or equipment during or in connection with the tournament.