Official Tournament Rules

This is what anglers need on tournament day. It should be concise (3–5 pages) and focused on competition.

1. Eligibility

• Valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License
• All crew members must be registered before tournament start

2. Entry Requirements

• $250 per boat
• Minimum 15 boats
• Maximum 40 boats
• Registration complete upon payment

3. Tournament Boundaries

• Boca Inlet
• Boynton Inlet
• Palm Beach Inlet
• Jupiter Inlet

4. Tournament Format

• Catch • Record • Release
• No captain's meeting
• No weigh-in
• Word of the Day released the morning of the tournament
• Lines In and Lines Out announced by the Tournament Director

5. Official Tournament Time

• Tournament Director's official clock is the official tournament time.
• Device timestamps are for verification only.

6. Legal Catch

• Leader must be touched by a registered team member.
• Fish must remain in the water.
• Fish must be released alive.
• Fish lost before leader touch do not count.

7. Fishing Rules

• Live bait only
• Maximum five fishing lines
• Maximum two kites
• Maximum one dredge
• Inline circle hooks required
• Maximum 15-foot leader

8. Video Verification

Video must clearly show:

• Sailfish
• Leader touch
• Angler stating their name
• Word of the Day
• Visible timestamp
• Healthy release

Video must be continuous and unedited.

9. Hooking Rules

• One angler must fight the fish from hookup until release.
• No passing the rod.
• Only registered crew may touch the leader.
• Multiple hookups permitted.

10. Scoring

• One point per verified sailfish release.
• Most verified releases wins.
• Each catch must be reported via text with time, angler name and team name.

11. Tie Breakers

1. Earliest verified release
2. Earliest final verified release
3. Tournament Director decision

12. Video Submission

• Within 30 minutes after Lines Out.
• Late submissions will not be accepted.

13. Communication

• Communication between registered tournament boats is permitted.
• Outside assistance is prohibited.
• Emergency communication is always permitted.

14. Captain Responsibilities

• Safe operation of vessel
• Compliance with all laws
• Required safety equipment
• Responsible for crew

15. Mechanical Breakdown

• Tow assistance allowed for safety.
• No transferring to another boat.
• Fishing may resume only from the registered vessel after repairs.

16. Weather Policy

• Tournament Director may delay, shorten, suspend, postpone, or cancel.
• Less than 15 boats = refund.
• Weather cancellation = refund or reschedule.

17. Tournament Director Authority

• Final authority on:
  • Rules
  • Scoring
  • Video review
  • Weather
  • Protests
  • Disqualifications

18. Protest Procedure

• Written protest within 30 minutes of unofficial results.
• Tournament Director's decision is final.

19. Sportsmanship

No:

• Interference
• Harassment
• Reckless boating
• Cheating
• Rule violations

20. Emergency Authority

The Tournament Director may immediately stop fishing for:

• Lightning
• Waterspouts
• Severe weather
• Coast Guard advisories
• Unsafe conditions

21. Calcuttas

Sailfish Calcutta

• $100
• Most verified sailfish releases

Largest Kingfish Calcutta

• $100
• Largest fish on a certified scale
• Video proof required

General Rules:

• Optional entry
• Winner-take-all
• Must be registered
• Disqualification forfeits winnings

22. Prize Payouts

• 1st — 50%
• 2nd — 30%
• 3rd — 20%

Champion also receives:

• Three Gulfstream Custom Rods Live Bait Rods

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Tournament Waiver & Legal Agreement

This is signed once at registration.

Assumption of Risk

Participants acknowledge the risks associated with offshore fishing.

Release of Liability

Participants release Gulfstream Custom Rods, the Tournament Director, sponsors, volunteers, and staff from liability arising from participation, except as prohibited by law.

Medical Authorization

Participants authorize emergency medical treatment and accept responsibility for related expenses.

Insurance

Participants are responsible for maintaining their own vessel, medical, and liability insurance.

Photo & Media Release

Permission to use photos, videos, names, and tournament results for promotional purposes.

Indemnification

Participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless the tournament organizers from claims arising from participation.

Governing Law

Florida law governs the tournament. Venue shall be Palm Beach County, Florida.

Acceptance & Signature

Signature lines for:

• Captain
• Boat Name
• Date
• Printed Name