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Billfish Tournament Rules
updated January 4, 2010
Entry Fees: $5300 ($5000 plus FL Sales tax). Includes 6 VIP entries to all tournament festivities.
Total Entry Fee including Swordfish Jackpot: $6360 ($6000 plus FL sales tax).
1. SPIRIT OF THE TOURNAMENT Back to Index
The Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament is committed to fair competition, good sportsmanship and the conservation of our natural resources.
These Rules have been adopted by the Tournament Committee to create a level playing field upon which Participants may compete fairly for the honors and awards bestowed by the Tournament. Participants are invited to compete in the Tournament in reliance of their reputation for integrity.
It is the intent of the Tournament Committee that Tournament activities demonstrate respect for the resources of the Gulf of Mexico. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to disqualify any Participant demonstrating a disregard of those resources from this and all other fishing tournaments sponsored, in whole or in part, by Bay Point Marina.
2. COMPLETED TOURNAMENT Back to Index
The Tournament is a “can-to-can’t” tournament format beginning at the firing of the start flare on Thursday July, 15th and fishing up until time to weigh in on Saturday, July 17th. At least six (6) hours of either day of offshore fishing by at least one-third of the Registered Boats constitutes a completed tournament. In the event of inclement weather, the Tournament will be completed on which ever day (July 17 or 18) that the Tournament Committee declares acceptable for competition. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to reschedule the Tournament. In the event the tournament is canceled by the Tournament Committee, 100% of tournament entry fees (not including $1590 registration deposit) will be refunded to the team contact with three weeks. Entrants may elect to roll over tournament entry fee to the following year.
3. TOURNAMENT CHECK-IN Back to Index
A team member representing the Invited Participant must check-in at Tournament Headquarters prior to 5:00pm on July 15. No boat shall be qualified to take part in the Tournament until a team member of the Invited Participant completes the check-in process and provides the Tournament with all information required by the Tournament Committee. Tournament entry deposits are non-refundable, even in the event tournament is cancelled. Entry fees will not be refunded after July 14th, 2010. Any entry waiting list formed by the Tournament Committee will require $1590 ($1500 plus FL sales tax) deposit to secure position. Deposit may be applied to entry fee should position become available.
4. CAPTAIN’S MEETING / READING OF THE RULES Back to Index
The Captain’s Meeting will be held at 5:30pm on July 15, 2010. Attendance at this meeting by the Captain or team member of each boat is mandatory. If the Captain or a team member does not attend, the team automatically accepts and agrees to be bound by instructions given at the meeting.
5. DEPARTURE AND FISHING Back to Index
At approximately 7:30pm on Thursday, July 15th, the Bay Point cannon will be fired signaling the start of the Boat Parade from Bay Point Marina to St. Andrews Pass. Boats will line up in the pass and await the flare gun shot at approximately 8:00pm signifying the official start of the tournament. There will be a five minute countdown. Boats may not pass the southern tip of the jetty before the flare gun shot; any boat departing the St. Andrews Pass prior to the flare gun firing will be disqualified.
• All billfish caught and released or boated must be reported to Tournament Headquarters on single side band radio frequency 4125 kHz or by telephone to Steve Arndt at 850-348-0801 (Backup # 850-235-6911). In the event communication with Tournament Headquarters is not immediately possible, notification should be made to another Boat and efforts made to communicate with Tournament Headquarters should be continued.
• All fish must be caught in the spirit of IGFA rules.
• Once a boat has departed St. Andrews Pass they may start fishing, and continue fishing, with no time restrictions.
• Tournament Committee will broadcast Friday’s Tournament Standings at 8:00am, 9:00am and 10:00am on Saturday, July 17 on SSB 4125 kHz.
6. WEIGH-IN AND QUALIFICATION OF BILLFISH & GAMEFISH Back to Index
• All fish must be weighed on the scales at Bay Point Marina.
• Fish to be weighed must be brought to the weigh-in dock on the boat upon which they were caught. Blue Marlin may be considered for transfer to another participating yacht only in cases of verifiable engine/mechanical failure on the yacht upon which the billfish was caught which prohibit the safe transport of Billfish to the scales. In no instance may a Blue Marlin be transferred to another vessel unless pre-approved by communication with the Tournament Committee. All transfers will be considered disqualified unless approved by the Tournament Committee. Participants may be required to submit to a polygraph test at the discretion of the Tournament Committee.
• The Tournament Scales are open Friday from 7:00-10:00pm, and Saturday from 6:00-10:00pm.
• Boats having fish to weigh in must be inside Bay Point waters, specifically, inside Channel Marker #1 of the Bay Point entrance channel, by the designated closing hour for the scales. In the event the Bay Point entrance channel becomes inaccessible, USCG day marker # 2 of Grand Lagoon will serve as cut off point. Boats inside USCG day marker #2 in Grand Lagoon by the designated closing hour will be eligible for weigh-in. The tournament committee will make an announcement on VHF Channels 16 and 78A should it become necessary to change cut off points.
• Only undamaged fish which are fresh and in edible condition are eligible to be weighed. The Tournament reserves the right to reject any fish due to poor condition or mutilation.
• All fish brought to the scales become the property of the Tournament.
• Fish must be tagged with the Boat and Angler’s name before unloading at the weigh-in dock. Fish will not be weighed if they do not have a properly completed weigh-in tag.
• All fish must be accompanied by a completed weigh-in report.
• The Angler must accompany the fish to weigh-in scale.
• Gamefish (Blue Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin and Swordfish) are measured in pounds recorded to the tenth of a pound. In the event of a tie in weight pounds, the first fish weighed wins.
• The Weighmaster’s decision is final.
7. ELIGIBLE SPECIES
Back to Index
The following gamefish species are eligible for weight competition when caught from waters of the Northeast Gulf of Mexico are the rigs of LA considered Northeast, I would consider them Northcentral by Anglers in accordance with these Rules. Fish not meeting these requirements will be disqualified.
• Blue Marlin — 103 inch minimum length (lower jaw to fork of tail)
• Dolphin — 20 lb. minimum weight
• Tuna (any species) — 20 lb. minimum weight
• Wahoo — 20 lb. minimum weight
• Swordfish — 60 inch minimum length (lower jaw to fork of tail)
8. CATCH AND RELEASE RULES Back to Index
• Only billfish caught and released according to these Rules are eligible for Cash Awards and Optional Cash Awards as described herein. (Swordfish not eligible for Catch and Release Points)
• A billfish is considered officially caught and released when either the swivel hits the tip of the rod or the mate grabs the leader. All releases must be reported to Tournament Headquarters on SSB 4125 KHZ or via satellite phone to Steve Arndt at 850-348-0801 (backup # 850-235-6911).
• Video verification is required for billfish to be eligible for competition. The video must show the billfish next to the boat, clearly identify the species of the billfish, and record the official release. Continuous unbroken video required once swivel hits the rod tip or mate touches the leader.
• Catch and Release Verification Videos must be turned in at the weigh-in dock or fuel dock as directed by tournament officials between the hours of 6:00pm and the closing of the scales on either July 16 or July 17.
• Catch and Release Points are awarded as follows:
• Blue Marlin — 600 points
• White Marlin — 250 points
• Sailfish — 200 points
• Unidentified Billfish — 75 points
• Billfish may not be removed from the water.
• Verification images become the property of the Tournament. All recorded images and sounds become the property of the tournament and may be used by the tournament for display purposes on the Jumbo Tron during weigh in and in future marketing campaigns.
• Catch and Release winners are determined by total points. In the event of a tie in points, the following shall apply:
1. The team who released the highest number of verifiable blue marlin is deemed the winner.
If a tie remains:
2. Places are determined by the team which reached the greater number of catch points first, as verified by GPS time recorded on video at the time of release, thereby breaking the tie. GPS time set to Central time zone.
3. 1.In the event unforeseen circumstances result in a tie situation which cannot be broken, the Tournament cash award and optional cash awards for that position will be divided equally between tied teams and all tied teams will be recognized as co-winners.
9. LICENSES AND PERMITS Back to Index
Registered boats and anglers must comply with all Federal and Florida state laws regarding fishing licenses, size limits, bag limits and any other regulations that may apply. For information regarding Florida Saltwater Fishing Licenses refer to www.floridaconservation.org (specifically http://myfwc.com/fishingareas.html) or call 888-347-4356. For information regarding Federal HMS Permits refer to www.nmfspermits.com or call 888-872-8862 for automated renewal.
10. SPORTSMANSHIP AND LIABILITY Back to Index
Participants agree to compete in the spirit of IGFA Rules. Poor sportsmanship as determined by the Tournament Committee will be grounds for disqualification from this and all future tournaments sponsored, in whole or in part, by Bay Point Marina. Invited Participants, on behalf of their invitees, associates, employees, agents and guests accept the following conditions:
• Participants enter at their own risk.
• Bay Point Marina, the St Joe Company, Coastal Marina Management, Tournament Committee members and all persons directly and indirectly connected with the operation of Tournament are exempt from any liability for loss, damage, negligence, harm or injury suffered by a Participant, entrant, sports fisherman, boat captains, crew members, passengers, vessels or equipment which may occur during the Tournament.
• Tournament sponsors and charities are exempt from any liability arising from the acts of Bay Point Marina. No partnership exists between Bay Point Marina and the tournament sponsors or charities.
11. POLYGRAPH TESTING Back to Index
Registered participants agree to submit to a polygraph examination if requested by the Tournament Committee. Failure of any angler to comply will result in disqualification of the entire team. Disqualification will result in complete forfeiture of any and all entry fees, prize monies and other prizes, and the team will be refused entry to future tournaments. The decisions of the Tournament Committee are final.
12. DISQUALIFICATION Back to Index
Disqualification will result in forfeiture of Entry Fee, Optional Entry Fee, Cash Awards, Optional Cash Awards, Trophies, Prizes and Invitation to future tournaments.
13. PROTESTS Back to Index
Protests must be presented in writing to the Tournament Committee by Midnight, July 17 and accompanied by a non-refundable payment of $500. Resolution of all protests will be declared prior to the Awards Celebration on July 18.
In the event the Tournament Organizers/Rules Committee cannot render or refuses to render a final and binding decision with respect to any dispute, protest, claim, difference, or controversy under review, the matter shall be resolved by binding arbitration as decided by an arbitrator designated by the Tournament Rules Committee. The decision rendered in arbitration shall be in writing and shall be final and binding upon all parties. Arbitration will take place in Bay County, Florida within seven days of conclusion of the tournament. Once the decision is rendered, it will produce the effect of “res judicata” and the parties shall fully comply with the decision without delay. The Participants specifically waive any right to a trial by judge or jury.
14. GAMBLING Back to Index
Gambling is grounds for immediate disqualification.
15. TOURNAMENT AWARDS Back to Index
In addition to trophies, cash prizes are awarded as follows: 80% payout of entry fees collected in each division .
• Blue Marlin : First----payout will be 100% to first place. (80% of entry fees)
• Tuna : First—50%, Second—30%, Third—20% If there are only two qualifiers 60% of third place money will be added to first place and 40% to second place
• Wahoo : First—50%, Second—30%, Third—20% If there are only two qualifiers 60% of third place money will be added to first place and 40% to second place
• Dolphin : First—50%, Second—30%, Third—20% If there are only two qualifiers 60% of third place money will be added to first place and 40% to second place
• Catch and Release : First—50%, Second—30%, Third—20% If there are only two qualifiers 60% of third place money will be added to first place and 40% to second place.
• Opt-In Swordfish Category : Payout will be 80% of opt-in entry fee. First—50%, Second—30%, Third---20%
In the event no eligible fish are weighed in the Blue Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo or Dolphin Categories, the Cash Awards assigned to that Category are added to the Cash Awards of fish caught in all other Categories in a proportional manner as determined by the Tournament Committee.
In the event no eligible fish is weighed in the Swordfish Category, 80% of entry fees (90% of Optional entries) will be refunded within three weeks.
Payment of Tournament Awards is by check. Checks are written after the Tournament Awards Celebration on Sunday, July 18th and are mailed to recipients within ten days of tournament completion. One check is written for both tournament awards and optional categories to each Participant. The Tournament accepts no responsibility for the division of any cash awards, whether tournament awards or optional awards, between team members.
16. OPTIONAL ENTRIES Back to Index
Participants may pay an Optional Entry Fee in one or more of the following Categories:
• Blue Marlin: $5000, $2000, $1000, $750, and $500 Categories
• Tuna: $2000, $1000, $750, $500, and $250 Categories
• Wahoo: $2000, $1000, $750, $500, and $250 Categories
• Dolphin: $2000, $1000, $750, $500 and $250 Categories
• Catch and Release: $2000, $1000, $750, and $500 Categories
• Swordfish: $2000, $1000, $750, and $500 Categories
• Captain and Mate (Crew): $500 and $250 Categories
• Optional Entry Fees will be accepted and registered in the name of an Invited Participant.
• Payment of an Optional Entry Fee is not required to compete for Tournament Cash Awards.
• Payment of an Optional Entry Fee qualifies Participants to compete for Optional Awards.
• Optional Entry Fees are subject to 6.0% Florida and local sales tax.
• Ninety percent of all Optional Entry Fees collected are distributed in the form of Optional Cash Awards.
• Ten percent of Optional Entry Fees collected are contributed to the funds used to support not-for-profit Tournament Charities and to underwrite the cost of Tournament activities.
• Participants who wish to pay an Optional Entry Fee prior to June 30, may pay by personal or company check made payable to Bay Point Billfish Tournament, or by major credit card. Credit card payments are subject to a processing fee of 3.5 percent.
• Optional Entry Fees collected after July 15 must be paid in United States Currency, Cashier’s Check made payable to the Bay Point Billfish Tournament or by Credit Card—Personal Checks will not be accepted.
• Optional Cash Awards for Blue Marlin will be paid according to tournament rules.
• Optional Cash Awards for Catch and Release are determined by points according to Tournament Rules.
• Optional Cash Awards for Tuna, Wahoo and Dolphin are determined by weight according to Tournament Rules.
• Optional Cash Awards for Swordfish are determined by weight according to Tournament Rules.
• In the event there are only two qualifiers in a Category eligible for an Optional Cash Award, 60% of third place money will be added to first place and 40% to second place in that Category.
• In the event that no fish is weighed by an Optional Participant in a Category eligible for an Optional Cash Award, Ninety percent of all Optional Entry Fees collected for that Category are returned to the Participant(s) who paid Optional Entry Fees for that Category. Refunds will be issued in the form of a check within three weeks of tournament completion.
• The winners of Optional Cash Awards are announced at the Tournament Awards Celebration. Payment of Optional Entries must be in one form of payment only. Multiple forms of payment (i.e, check, cash, credit card) are not allowed.
• All Optional Entries paid are final. Once an Optional Entry has been made, it cannot be withdrawn.
• Rulings made by the Tournament Committee are final in all disputes regarding Optional Rules, including all tie-breaking decisions..
17. OTHER AWARDS Back to Index
The Tournament is not responsible for awards, invitations or prizes offered or presented by third parties.
18. VIDEO REQUIREMENTS Back to Index
Verification/Identification Marker
Each boat will be assigned a marker and wristband upon signing in at Captains meeting. These verification markers must appear in all submissions. Also referred to as the Designator.
Release Verification Recordings
All recordings submitted for the purpose of verifying a Catch and Release entry must include the following:
1. A recorded segment of the angler fighting the fish. A clear view of the Identification Marker and wristband must be included within the context of this segment.
2. A recorded segment of the Billfish in the water. This segment must include sufficient footage to clearly and easily identify its species and approximate size. Judges are looking for Dorsal, Anal or Pectoral fins.
3. A recorded segment that includes footage of the rod and reel being used, the billfish in the water and either the swivel touching the rod tip or the wire man holding the leader.
4. A recorded segment that includes footage of billfish being released. A clear view of the Identification marker, wristband, and close up confirmation of the GPS time readout at the time of release must be included within the context of this segment. GPS time should be set to the Central Time Zone.
NOTE: Once the swivel hits the rod tip or the mate touches the leader continuous unbroken video is required until the billfish has been released.
Verification Cards and Release Affidavits
Completed Verification Cards and signed Release Affidavits must accompany each camera/video recording to the scoring judges.
Multiple Fish on a Single Recording
The taping of multiple catch and release entries may be submitted on a single recording provided the Verification Card is properly completed.
Submission of Recordings
Verification recordings must be submitted not later than the closing of the scales on Saturday, July 18. Recordings should be submitted as soon as practical upon return to the marina. All recorded images and sounds become the property of the tournament and may be used by the tournament for display purposes on the Jumbo Tron during weigh in and in future marketing campaigns. Images will be copied from digital hard drive cameras. Tapes, CD’s and DVD’s, etc. will be kept by the tournament for 30 days.
2010 Tournament Committee:
Scott Burt, Chris Miller, Steve Arndt, Tom McAuley, Chrystal Hubbard, Paul Pristas, Scott Rossman and Craig Martin (Weigh Master)
Rules Committee:
Scott Burt, Tom Putnam, Sonny Middleton
updated January 4, 2010
Entry Fees: $5300 ($5000 plus FL Sales tax). Includes 6 VIP entries to all tournament festivities.
Total Entry Fee including Swordfish Jackpot: $6360 ($6000 plus FL sales tax).
| Tournament cash awards (80% payout) will be presented to winners in Blue Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin and Billfish Catch and Release. | |
| Blue Marlin | 1st place. (103” minimum length), 40% of total Tournament cash awards. |
| Tuna | 1st, 2nd and 3rd place (20lb min), 15% of total Tournament cash awards. |
| Wahoo | 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place (20lb min), 15% of total Tournament cash awards. |
| Dolphin | 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place (20lb min), 15% of total Tournament cash awards. |
| Catch and Release | 1st, 2nd and 3rd place (As verified by video recording), 15% of total Tournament cash awards. |
| New for 2010 | Opt-in Weighed Swordfish Jackpot: $1060 buy-in ($1000 plus FL sales tax). 50/30/20 Split. (80% payout) |
- Tournament limited to the first 70 yachts to register by paying non-refundable registration fee deposit of $1590 ($1500 deposit plus FL sales tax).
- Balance of total entry fee due by July 10th, 2010. Registration positions not paid in full after this date will become open and available to other participants. (Tournament open entry format).
- Entry fees paid after July 10th, 2010: $5830 ($5500 plus FL sales tax)..
- Entry fee paid after July 10th, 2010 including Weighed Swordfish Opt-in: $6890 ($6500 plus FL sales tax).
- Tournament dockage at Bay Point Marina is guaranteed and complimentary Wednesday July 14th, 2010 through Sunday July 18th, 2010 to the first 25 yachts to register by paying non-refundable registration fee deposit of $1590 ($1500 deposit plus FL sales tax). Normal overnight dockage rates will apply to boats registering after 25 teams.
- Tournament slip availability restricted to the first 50 teams to register that are not home-ported out of Bay Point Marina.
- Note: Registration Deposits are non-refundable. Participants who withdraw prior to Wednesday July 14th, 2010 will receive a refund equal to total entry fee paid less $1590 ($1500 registration deposit plus FL sales tax). Registration fees are non-refundable on or after Wednesday, July 14th, 2010.
1. SPIRIT OF THE TOURNAMENT Back to Index
The Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament is committed to fair competition, good sportsmanship and the conservation of our natural resources.
These Rules have been adopted by the Tournament Committee to create a level playing field upon which Participants may compete fairly for the honors and awards bestowed by the Tournament. Participants are invited to compete in the Tournament in reliance of their reputation for integrity.
It is the intent of the Tournament Committee that Tournament activities demonstrate respect for the resources of the Gulf of Mexico. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to disqualify any Participant demonstrating a disregard of those resources from this and all other fishing tournaments sponsored, in whole or in part, by Bay Point Marina.
2. COMPLETED TOURNAMENT Back to Index
The Tournament is a “can-to-can’t” tournament format beginning at the firing of the start flare on Thursday July, 15th and fishing up until time to weigh in on Saturday, July 17th. At least six (6) hours of either day of offshore fishing by at least one-third of the Registered Boats constitutes a completed tournament. In the event of inclement weather, the Tournament will be completed on which ever day (July 17 or 18) that the Tournament Committee declares acceptable for competition. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to reschedule the Tournament. In the event the tournament is canceled by the Tournament Committee, 100% of tournament entry fees (not including $1590 registration deposit) will be refunded to the team contact with three weeks. Entrants may elect to roll over tournament entry fee to the following year.
3. TOURNAMENT CHECK-IN Back to Index
A team member representing the Invited Participant must check-in at Tournament Headquarters prior to 5:00pm on July 15. No boat shall be qualified to take part in the Tournament until a team member of the Invited Participant completes the check-in process and provides the Tournament with all information required by the Tournament Committee. Tournament entry deposits are non-refundable, even in the event tournament is cancelled. Entry fees will not be refunded after July 14th, 2010. Any entry waiting list formed by the Tournament Committee will require $1590 ($1500 plus FL sales tax) deposit to secure position. Deposit may be applied to entry fee should position become available.
4. CAPTAIN’S MEETING / READING OF THE RULES Back to Index
The Captain’s Meeting will be held at 5:30pm on July 15, 2010. Attendance at this meeting by the Captain or team member of each boat is mandatory. If the Captain or a team member does not attend, the team automatically accepts and agrees to be bound by instructions given at the meeting.
5. DEPARTURE AND FISHING Back to Index
At approximately 7:30pm on Thursday, July 15th, the Bay Point cannon will be fired signaling the start of the Boat Parade from Bay Point Marina to St. Andrews Pass. Boats will line up in the pass and await the flare gun shot at approximately 8:00pm signifying the official start of the tournament. There will be a five minute countdown. Boats may not pass the southern tip of the jetty before the flare gun shot; any boat departing the St. Andrews Pass prior to the flare gun firing will be disqualified.
• All billfish caught and released or boated must be reported to Tournament Headquarters on single side band radio frequency 4125 kHz or by telephone to Steve Arndt at 850-348-0801 (Backup # 850-235-6911). In the event communication with Tournament Headquarters is not immediately possible, notification should be made to another Boat and efforts made to communicate with Tournament Headquarters should be continued.
• All fish must be caught in the spirit of IGFA rules.
• Once a boat has departed St. Andrews Pass they may start fishing, and continue fishing, with no time restrictions.
• Tournament Committee will broadcast Friday’s Tournament Standings at 8:00am, 9:00am and 10:00am on Saturday, July 17 on SSB 4125 kHz.
6. WEIGH-IN AND QUALIFICATION OF BILLFISH & GAMEFISH Back to Index
• All fish must be weighed on the scales at Bay Point Marina.
• Fish to be weighed must be brought to the weigh-in dock on the boat upon which they were caught. Blue Marlin may be considered for transfer to another participating yacht only in cases of verifiable engine/mechanical failure on the yacht upon which the billfish was caught which prohibit the safe transport of Billfish to the scales. In no instance may a Blue Marlin be transferred to another vessel unless pre-approved by communication with the Tournament Committee. All transfers will be considered disqualified unless approved by the Tournament Committee. Participants may be required to submit to a polygraph test at the discretion of the Tournament Committee.
• The Tournament Scales are open Friday from 7:00-10:00pm, and Saturday from 6:00-10:00pm.
• Boats having fish to weigh in must be inside Bay Point waters, specifically, inside Channel Marker #1 of the Bay Point entrance channel, by the designated closing hour for the scales. In the event the Bay Point entrance channel becomes inaccessible, USCG day marker # 2 of Grand Lagoon will serve as cut off point. Boats inside USCG day marker #2 in Grand Lagoon by the designated closing hour will be eligible for weigh-in. The tournament committee will make an announcement on VHF Channels 16 and 78A should it become necessary to change cut off points.
• Only undamaged fish which are fresh and in edible condition are eligible to be weighed. The Tournament reserves the right to reject any fish due to poor condition or mutilation.
• All fish brought to the scales become the property of the Tournament.
• Fish must be tagged with the Boat and Angler’s name before unloading at the weigh-in dock. Fish will not be weighed if they do not have a properly completed weigh-in tag.
• All fish must be accompanied by a completed weigh-in report.
• The Angler must accompany the fish to weigh-in scale.
• Gamefish (Blue Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin and Swordfish) are measured in pounds recorded to the tenth of a pound. In the event of a tie in weight pounds, the first fish weighed wins.
• The Weighmaster’s decision is final.
7. ELIGIBLE SPECIES
Back to IndexThe following gamefish species are eligible for weight competition when caught from waters of the Northeast Gulf of Mexico are the rigs of LA considered Northeast, I would consider them Northcentral by Anglers in accordance with these Rules. Fish not meeting these requirements will be disqualified.
• Blue Marlin — 103 inch minimum length (lower jaw to fork of tail)
• Dolphin — 20 lb. minimum weight
• Tuna (any species) — 20 lb. minimum weight
• Wahoo — 20 lb. minimum weight
• Swordfish — 60 inch minimum length (lower jaw to fork of tail)
8. CATCH AND RELEASE RULES Back to Index
• Only billfish caught and released according to these Rules are eligible for Cash Awards and Optional Cash Awards as described herein. (Swordfish not eligible for Catch and Release Points)
• A billfish is considered officially caught and released when either the swivel hits the tip of the rod or the mate grabs the leader. All releases must be reported to Tournament Headquarters on SSB 4125 KHZ or via satellite phone to Steve Arndt at 850-348-0801 (backup # 850-235-6911).
• Video verification is required for billfish to be eligible for competition. The video must show the billfish next to the boat, clearly identify the species of the billfish, and record the official release. Continuous unbroken video required once swivel hits the rod tip or mate touches the leader.
• Catch and Release Verification Videos must be turned in at the weigh-in dock or fuel dock as directed by tournament officials between the hours of 6:00pm and the closing of the scales on either July 16 or July 17.
• Catch and Release Points are awarded as follows:
• Blue Marlin — 600 points
• White Marlin — 250 points
• Sailfish — 200 points
• Unidentified Billfish — 75 points
• Billfish may not be removed from the water.
• Verification images become the property of the Tournament. All recorded images and sounds become the property of the tournament and may be used by the tournament for display purposes on the Jumbo Tron during weigh in and in future marketing campaigns.
• Catch and Release winners are determined by total points. In the event of a tie in points, the following shall apply:
1. The team who released the highest number of verifiable blue marlin is deemed the winner.
If a tie remains:
2. Places are determined by the team which reached the greater number of catch points first, as verified by GPS time recorded on video at the time of release, thereby breaking the tie. GPS time set to Central time zone.
3. 1.In the event unforeseen circumstances result in a tie situation which cannot be broken, the Tournament cash award and optional cash awards for that position will be divided equally between tied teams and all tied teams will be recognized as co-winners.
9. LICENSES AND PERMITS Back to Index
Registered boats and anglers must comply with all Federal and Florida state laws regarding fishing licenses, size limits, bag limits and any other regulations that may apply. For information regarding Florida Saltwater Fishing Licenses refer to www.floridaconservation.org (specifically http://myfwc.com/fishingareas.html) or call 888-347-4356. For information regarding Federal HMS Permits refer to www.nmfspermits.com or call 888-872-8862 for automated renewal.
10. SPORTSMANSHIP AND LIABILITY Back to Index
Participants agree to compete in the spirit of IGFA Rules. Poor sportsmanship as determined by the Tournament Committee will be grounds for disqualification from this and all future tournaments sponsored, in whole or in part, by Bay Point Marina. Invited Participants, on behalf of their invitees, associates, employees, agents and guests accept the following conditions:
• Participants enter at their own risk.
• Bay Point Marina, the St Joe Company, Coastal Marina Management, Tournament Committee members and all persons directly and indirectly connected with the operation of Tournament are exempt from any liability for loss, damage, negligence, harm or injury suffered by a Participant, entrant, sports fisherman, boat captains, crew members, passengers, vessels or equipment which may occur during the Tournament.
• Tournament sponsors and charities are exempt from any liability arising from the acts of Bay Point Marina. No partnership exists between Bay Point Marina and the tournament sponsors or charities.
11. POLYGRAPH TESTING Back to Index
Registered participants agree to submit to a polygraph examination if requested by the Tournament Committee. Failure of any angler to comply will result in disqualification of the entire team. Disqualification will result in complete forfeiture of any and all entry fees, prize monies and other prizes, and the team will be refused entry to future tournaments. The decisions of the Tournament Committee are final.
12. DISQUALIFICATION Back to Index
Disqualification will result in forfeiture of Entry Fee, Optional Entry Fee, Cash Awards, Optional Cash Awards, Trophies, Prizes and Invitation to future tournaments.
13. PROTESTS Back to Index
Protests must be presented in writing to the Tournament Committee by Midnight, July 17 and accompanied by a non-refundable payment of $500. Resolution of all protests will be declared prior to the Awards Celebration on July 18.
In the event the Tournament Organizers/Rules Committee cannot render or refuses to render a final and binding decision with respect to any dispute, protest, claim, difference, or controversy under review, the matter shall be resolved by binding arbitration as decided by an arbitrator designated by the Tournament Rules Committee. The decision rendered in arbitration shall be in writing and shall be final and binding upon all parties. Arbitration will take place in Bay County, Florida within seven days of conclusion of the tournament. Once the decision is rendered, it will produce the effect of “res judicata” and the parties shall fully comply with the decision without delay. The Participants specifically waive any right to a trial by judge or jury.
14. GAMBLING Back to Index
Gambling is grounds for immediate disqualification.
15. TOURNAMENT AWARDS Back to Index
In addition to trophies, cash prizes are awarded as follows: 80% payout of entry fees collected in each division .
• Blue Marlin : First----payout will be 100% to first place. (80% of entry fees)
• Tuna : First—50%, Second—30%, Third—20% If there are only two qualifiers 60% of third place money will be added to first place and 40% to second place
• Wahoo : First—50%, Second—30%, Third—20% If there are only two qualifiers 60% of third place money will be added to first place and 40% to second place
• Dolphin : First—50%, Second—30%, Third—20% If there are only two qualifiers 60% of third place money will be added to first place and 40% to second place
• Catch and Release : First—50%, Second—30%, Third—20% If there are only two qualifiers 60% of third place money will be added to first place and 40% to second place.
• Opt-In Swordfish Category : Payout will be 80% of opt-in entry fee. First—50%, Second—30%, Third---20%
In the event no eligible fish are weighed in the Blue Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo or Dolphin Categories, the Cash Awards assigned to that Category are added to the Cash Awards of fish caught in all other Categories in a proportional manner as determined by the Tournament Committee.
In the event no eligible fish is weighed in the Swordfish Category, 80% of entry fees (90% of Optional entries) will be refunded within three weeks.
Payment of Tournament Awards is by check. Checks are written after the Tournament Awards Celebration on Sunday, July 18th and are mailed to recipients within ten days of tournament completion. One check is written for both tournament awards and optional categories to each Participant. The Tournament accepts no responsibility for the division of any cash awards, whether tournament awards or optional awards, between team members.
16. OPTIONAL ENTRIES Back to Index
Participants may pay an Optional Entry Fee in one or more of the following Categories:
• Blue Marlin: $5000, $2000, $1000, $750, and $500 Categories
• Tuna: $2000, $1000, $750, $500, and $250 Categories
• Wahoo: $2000, $1000, $750, $500, and $250 Categories
• Dolphin: $2000, $1000, $750, $500 and $250 Categories
• Catch and Release: $2000, $1000, $750, and $500 Categories
• Swordfish: $2000, $1000, $750, and $500 Categories
• Captain and Mate (Crew): $500 and $250 Categories
• Optional Entry Fees will be accepted and registered in the name of an Invited Participant.
• Payment of an Optional Entry Fee is not required to compete for Tournament Cash Awards.
• Payment of an Optional Entry Fee qualifies Participants to compete for Optional Awards.
• Optional Entry Fees are subject to 6.0% Florida and local sales tax.
• Ninety percent of all Optional Entry Fees collected are distributed in the form of Optional Cash Awards.
• Ten percent of Optional Entry Fees collected are contributed to the funds used to support not-for-profit Tournament Charities and to underwrite the cost of Tournament activities.
• Participants who wish to pay an Optional Entry Fee prior to June 30, may pay by personal or company check made payable to Bay Point Billfish Tournament, or by major credit card. Credit card payments are subject to a processing fee of 3.5 percent.
• Optional Entry Fees collected after July 15 must be paid in United States Currency, Cashier’s Check made payable to the Bay Point Billfish Tournament or by Credit Card—Personal Checks will not be accepted.
• Optional Cash Awards for Blue Marlin will be paid according to tournament rules.
• Optional Cash Awards for Catch and Release are determined by points according to Tournament Rules.
• Optional Cash Awards for Tuna, Wahoo and Dolphin are determined by weight according to Tournament Rules.
• Optional Cash Awards for Swordfish are determined by weight according to Tournament Rules.
• In the event there are only two qualifiers in a Category eligible for an Optional Cash Award, 60% of third place money will be added to first place and 40% to second place in that Category.
• In the event that no fish is weighed by an Optional Participant in a Category eligible for an Optional Cash Award, Ninety percent of all Optional Entry Fees collected for that Category are returned to the Participant(s) who paid Optional Entry Fees for that Category. Refunds will be issued in the form of a check within three weeks of tournament completion.
• The winners of Optional Cash Awards are announced at the Tournament Awards Celebration. Payment of Optional Entries must be in one form of payment only. Multiple forms of payment (i.e, check, cash, credit card) are not allowed.
• All Optional Entries paid are final. Once an Optional Entry has been made, it cannot be withdrawn.
• Rulings made by the Tournament Committee are final in all disputes regarding Optional Rules, including all tie-breaking decisions..
17. OTHER AWARDS Back to Index
The Tournament is not responsible for awards, invitations or prizes offered or presented by third parties.
18. VIDEO REQUIREMENTS Back to Index
Verification/Identification Marker
Each boat will be assigned a marker and wristband upon signing in at Captains meeting. These verification markers must appear in all submissions. Also referred to as the Designator.
Release Verification Recordings
All recordings submitted for the purpose of verifying a Catch and Release entry must include the following:
1. A recorded segment of the angler fighting the fish. A clear view of the Identification Marker and wristband must be included within the context of this segment.
2. A recorded segment of the Billfish in the water. This segment must include sufficient footage to clearly and easily identify its species and approximate size. Judges are looking for Dorsal, Anal or Pectoral fins.
3. A recorded segment that includes footage of the rod and reel being used, the billfish in the water and either the swivel touching the rod tip or the wire man holding the leader.
4. A recorded segment that includes footage of billfish being released. A clear view of the Identification marker, wristband, and close up confirmation of the GPS time readout at the time of release must be included within the context of this segment. GPS time should be set to the Central Time Zone.
NOTE: Once the swivel hits the rod tip or the mate touches the leader continuous unbroken video is required until the billfish has been released.
Verification Cards and Release Affidavits
Completed Verification Cards and signed Release Affidavits must accompany each camera/video recording to the scoring judges.
Multiple Fish on a Single Recording
The taping of multiple catch and release entries may be submitted on a single recording provided the Verification Card is properly completed.
Submission of Recordings
Verification recordings must be submitted not later than the closing of the scales on Saturday, July 18. Recordings should be submitted as soon as practical upon return to the marina. All recorded images and sounds become the property of the tournament and may be used by the tournament for display purposes on the Jumbo Tron during weigh in and in future marketing campaigns. Images will be copied from digital hard drive cameras. Tapes, CD’s and DVD’s, etc. will be kept by the tournament for 30 days.
2010 Tournament Committee:
Scott Burt, Chris Miller, Steve Arndt, Tom McAuley, Chrystal Hubbard, Paul Pristas, Scott Rossman and Craig Martin (Weigh Master)
Rules Committee:
Scott Burt, Tom Putnam, Sonny Middleton