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 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.
- All eligible fish must be entered for official weigh-in in the presence of a boat/team representative.
- Boundary for fishing is US Territory Only
- 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), 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, 16, 2023 from 6:30 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 as part of Family Party Pass. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awarded. All anglers will receive a fishing rod combo and a tournament T-shirt that is worn at school for PE days. Individual registrations may open up depending on availability.
EQUIPMENT: This is a rod and reel tournament only. The tackle is unlimited and live bait may be used. Power driven reels of any kind are prohibited. This includes motor, hydraulic, or electronically driven reels or any device that gives the angler an unfair advantage.
FISHING TIMES/INSTRUCTIONS : Official time for both will be announced over VHF Channel 71. Fish being fought at lines-out time must be announced over VHF Channel 71 and weighed in no later than 3:30 PM on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The official time will be kept by the Tournament Director. All boats/teams may leave from any marina and do NOT have to check-in anywhere prior to start time. You must be at the scale or in line by 3:30 PM in order to have your fish weighed.
WEATHER: Captain’s Choice, all other participants are responsible to determine that their craft is sea-worthy and are advised and encouraged to be familiar with the local weather conditions and forecasts to determine if the conditions permit the safety of the boat, crew, anglers, and guests to proceed to depart to sea and return in a safe and prudent manner. In the event of unsafe weather conditions, the tournament committee may choose to postpone or reschedule the tournament for a later date.
PROTESTS: No protesting will be allowed by any means.
FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATIONS: The weight and/or length of the eligible fish submitted for weigh-in is subject to the State of Florida and/or federal laws. All tournament boats must possess current and valid Florida Saltwater Fishing licenses and any other permits required by applicable law at the time of weigh-in. Any team without valid permits and/or licensing are in violation of state and/or federal law and may have their fish disqualified at the time of weigh-in.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY: It is expressly understood that the participants in this tournament enter at their own risk and that the STA Fishing Tournament Committee Members and St. Thomas the Apostle, their officers and directors and all persons connected directly or indirectly with the operations of this tournament, or any sponsor of the tournament shall be exempt from any liability whatsoever for liable, slander, loss, damage, negligence, harm, injury, or death suffered by any participant, entrant, fisherman or their companions, boat captains, mates, crew members, guests, vessels and equipment which may occur during or in conjunction with this tournament.