IGFA's objectives are founded on the beliefs that game fish species, related
food fish, and their habitats are economic, social, recreational, and aesthetic
assets which must be maintained, wisely used and perpetuated; and that the sport
of angling is an important recreational, economic, and social activity which the
public must be educated to pursue in a manner consistent with sound sporting and
conservation practices.
IGFA Tournament Rules (PDF
Format Doccument) |
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Bisbee's Tournament Rules:
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Los Cabos Billfish Tournament Rules |
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Part One -
Bisbee's TOURNAMENT RULES
Updated May
16, 2007 (#3 & #10, in red)
Rules, including published rules, are
subject to change without notice.
Final instructions are given at each Captain's
Meeting:
East Cape: Tuesday, July 31st at
6:00pm, Pool Deck
Los Cabos: Friday, October 19th at
6:00pm, Baja Cantina (Marina)
Black & Blue: Tuesday, October
23rd at 6:00pm, Puerto Paraiso Mall
1. Rules Acceptance & Captain's Meeting
A) It is the sole responsibility of
the participating anglers, captains and crews to
know and abide by the tournaments' rules. By
entering the event they acknowledge this and agree
to such.
B) Anglers and boat captains should
attend the scheduled Captain's Meetings. If they
don't attend, they automatically accept and agree to
be bound by instructions given at the meetings.
C) By entering any of the the
Bisbee's Black & Blue Tournaments, all participants
agree to accept the rules of the tournaments and
accept all decisions made by the Rules Committee as
final.
2. Permits & Licenses
All participating anglers must possess a valid
personal Mexican Fishing License. A representative
from the Mexico Department of Fisheries will be
on-site during registration at all events to sell
Licenses and Permits.
Permit & License Information
3. Tournament Start
The official start of the fishing day is a
shotgun-flare start. All boats must be behind the
official starting line 15 minutes prior to the
shotgun start. Any boat not clearly behind the start
line at this time will be disqualified from the
day's fishing. Any anglers or captain disqualified
for this violation a second time will be immediately
disqualified from the entire event,
and forfeit any winnings
and/or entry payments.
4. Bait Fishing Prior to Tournament Start
Teams may attempt to catch bait until 15 minutes
prior to the official start time. At this time, all
fishing lines and teasers must be removed from the
water.
5. Fishing Days and Times
East Cape-Wednesday,
Thursday, Friday 7:00am-4:00pm
Los Cabos-Saturday, Sunday
8:00am-5:00pm
Black & Blue-Wednesday,
Thursday, Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
A fish hooked prior to end of fishing may be fought
until boated, released or lost provided the team
arrives at the weigh station prior to its closing
for the day if they have a fish to weigh or release
to report.
The Tournament Committee reserves the privilege of
changing starting and ending fishing times to
coincide with weather, tides, and improved
probability of better fishing conditions.
6. Extending Fishing Time
Fishing time will not be extended during the
tournament unless all anglers are included and no
qualifying fish have been caught.
7. Hand-Offs Between Vessels
Between the tournament's fishing hours, no vessel
entered in the tournament may be involved in the
handing off or receiving of anything from another
vessel whether that vessel is entered in the
tournament or not, or any other entity of any sort
including bait receivers. The Rules Committee may
choose to grant special permission IN ADVANCE to
waive this rule if someone's personal safety or
health is at risk.
8. Weather
In the event of inclement weather, the tournament
will commence on the first day the tournament
organizers declare. Should this day fall on the
second out of three originally scheduled days of
fishing, two days will be fished and all tournament
awards will be presented based on these two days of
fishing. Should this day fall on the last originally
scheduled day of fishing or if this day falls after
all originally scheduled fishing days, one day will
be fished and all tournament awards will be
presented based on that one day of fishing. The
tournaments are "fish at your own risk" events.
9. Official "Tournament"
If any portion of the scheduled fishing days is
fished, the time fished will constitute a
tournament, and the awards money will be presented
as per the tournament's official rules.
10. Cancellation
In the event a tournament is canceled prior to any
portion of the scheduled fishing days being fished,
or no qualifying fish are caught in the tournament,
the published percentage amount of Entry Fee and
Optional Category monies that were allocated for
cash awards will be returned by mail to the
Team Contact. One
check per team.
11. Boundaries
Teams are required to fish within the boundaries
laid out by the Tournament's Grid Map, and to call
in the grid location of every hook-up. Grid maps are
published in the Tournament Journal and are
available during registration at each event. In
general these boundaries are: East Cape-50 mile
radius from host resort, Los Cabos and Black &
Blue-40 mile radius from Cabo San Lucas.
12. Communications
The VHF radio channels, backup channels and
telephone numbers used to contact Radio Control are
provided during the Captain's Meeting. You can also
pick up a copy when you pick up your team bags
during registration.
13. Eligible Species & Points
* Only black or blue marlin count for tournament
points in non-release cash award categories.
** Dorado and tuna are eligible in the East Cape and
Los Cabos Offshore Tournaments only, NOT the Black &
Blue.
14. Penalty Points
Black or blue marlin weighing less than 300 pounds
are awarded zero (0) points and additionally
penalized twenty-five (25) points plus two (2)
points for every pound under 300 pounds. For
example, a 290 lb. black or blue marlin would be
awarded 0 points and penalized 25 points plus 20
points, making the total points for the fish -45.
The negative points are deducted from the team's
overall weight points and affect the scoring for the
Top Five Teams only.
15. Official Billfish Release
A billfish is considered officially released when
the leader connection is wound to the tip of the
rod, or the mate or other crew member touches the
leader.
16. Reporting Billfish
Boat captains are to report to Radio Control at the
time of hook-up Boat Name, Angler Name, Grid Area
and Species. The boat captain must again report to
Radio Control when the billfish is lost, released or
boated. In addition, billfish still being fought at
lines out must be reported to Radio Control.
Gamefish do not need to be reported.
Times are recorded to the whole minute. The
time recorded by Radio Control is the official time
of release.
Any team or crew intentionally reporting wrongful
information to tournament control for the purpose of
altering the tournament standings or results will be
immediately disqualified from the event, and forfeit
any winnings and/or entry payments.
17. Billfish Catch Affirmations
The Billfish Catch Affirmation (BCA) form is the
Team's record of billfish hooked and subsequently
released, tagged, lost or boated. Affirmations are
compared to the radio logs for verification.
Billfish should be recorded as caught to ensure
accuracy. If you catch a billfish, you must turn in
a BCA on the same day it was caught. Billfish Catch
Affirmation forms are distributed during
Registration.
Lost billfish should be recorded on the BCA for
statistical purposes. The same applies to recording
whether it was tagged.
Before turning in your BCA be sure it's filled in
completely including a suffix if necessary for the
angler (i.e. Jr., Sr., III). If the angler was a
Lady check off under the L column.
The boat captain and all anglers who caught billfish
must print their name and sign the BCA indicating
they affirm the information as recorded. BCAs must
be turned in daily at the Weigh Station before it
closes. If you did not catch a billfish you do not
need to turn in a BCA.
18. Cash Release Division Verification
The following
pertains to the Black & Blue only.
Each team in the Cash Release Division (Level 2) is
issued an Official Tournament Camera during
Registration. Additional cameras are available at
the Weigh Station during fishing days.
At the beginning of each fishing day Radio Control
will announce the day's verification object. At that
time you must take a photo of the verification
object so Tournament Officials can verify on which
day the billfish was caught. The team then takes
photos of billfish as they are released. The photo
must show the billfish next to the boat, and
identify the billfish species. If the species cannot
be positively identified the team will be awarded
the lowest number of points (100) for the release.
BCA forms must be turned in daily, however, cameras
should not be turned in until the end of the
tournament. If you fill up the camera you can turn
it in at the Weigh Station and pick up another
camera. All cameras must be turned in to the Weigh
Station by 10:00pm of the last day of fishing.
19. Boating Marlin & Weigh-In
A) ANY marlin brought onboard a
boat must be weighed. Any team intentionally
mutilating a fish for the purpose of altering
tournament standings or results will be immediately
disqualified from the event, and forfeit any
winnings and/or entry payments.
B) All fish intended to be weighed
must be presented to the weigh station on the same
day they are caught.
C) All marlin that are weighed
during the tournament must be weighed at the
tournament's official weigh station.
D) The rod, reel, line, leader,
lure and hook(s) must accompany each fish to be
weighed and be presented to the weighmaster.
E) Any fish brought to the weigh
station may have its mouth taped closed. However,
once the weighmaster has raised the fish the angler
will be asked to remove whatever is sealing the
mouth closed (tape, string etc.), and clip any
external leader material to the outer edge of the
fish's mouth. Except for artificial lures, nothing
will be pulled from the fish's mouth, however,
whatever may fall from the fish due to gravity will
remain out when determining the fish's weight.
20. Weigh Station Locations and Times
East Cape: located on the
beach in front of the Hotel Buena Vista; weigh-in
hours for all three days of fishing are
7:00am-7:00pm.
Los Cabos: located in
front of the Puerto Paraiso Mall; weigh-in hours for
the first day 8:00am-8:00pm, second day
8:00am-7:00pm.
Black & Blue: located in
front of the Puerto Paraiso Mall; weigh-in hours for
all three days of fishing are 8:00am-9:00pm.
Weigh station officials will continue to weigh fish
for all boats that arrive in front of the weigh
station prior to its closing.
21. Breaking Ties
Ties between the weight of two or more fish are
broken by the time the fish was weighed. Ties
between Release Points are broken by the time of
release as recorded on the radio logs. Times are
recorded to the whole minute.
22. Protests
Any protest must be presented in writing to the
Tournament Director before the official closing of
the weigh station on the day of the alleged
infraction. The Tournament Director will turn over
the protest to the Rules Committee and the Committee
will rule as soon as is feasibly possible. All
protest letters must be accompanied by $500 USD
cash, which will be returned to the protesting team
only if the protest ruling is in favor of the
protest.
23. Truth Affirmation Examination
The following pertains to
the Black & Blue only.
One person from each team that is receiving cash
awards must complete a polygraph examination. This
person must have been directly involved with the
capture of the fish (angler, captain or wireman).
The selection of the person to receive the
examination is made by Tournament Officials. We try
to schedule the exam at the time of weigh-in,
however, please leave your local contact information
with tournament officials at the weigh station in
case we have to change the schedule. Examinees must
be sober at the time of the examination.
Failure to comply, or failing the examination, will
result in disqualification of the entire team.
Disqualified teams forfeit any and all entry money,
prizes or prize money. The decision of the Rules
Committee is final.
24. Waiver
By entering the tournament, all anglers, crews and
guests, hereinafter referred to as Participant(s),
agree to and understand the following:
THAT deep sea fishing has numerous obvious and
non-obvious inherent risks that are always present
in such an activity despite all safety precautions.
Related injuries can be severe requiring more
hospital days and resulting in more lasting residual
effects than injuries in other activities. All
participants acknowledge such risks and hereby
freely assume same.
25. Disputes
All disputes, claims, differences or controversies
including, without limitation, protests arising out
of, or in relation to, any aspect of the tournaments
shall be decided by the Rules Committee and shall be
final and binding.
26. Binding Arbitration
In the event the Rules Committee cannot render a
final and binding decision in regard to the claim,
difference, controversy or protest under review the
matter shall be resolved by binding arbitration
under the commercial arbitration rules of the
American Arbitration Association in Orange County,
California USA. The decision rendered pursuant to
arbitration shall be in writing and shall be final,
binding and conclusive between the parties. The
parties shall have no further recourse, except for
those provided for review and nullity. Once the
decision is rendered and is final it will produce
the effect of "res judicata" and the parties shall
fully comply with the decision without delay. All
parties waive any right to a trial by judge or jury.
END OF TOURNAMENT
RULES |
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Part Two - EQUIPMENT RULES |
Updated March 7,
2007
The East Cape and Los Cabos Offshore Tournaments are
"Team" Tournaments; the Black & Blue Marlin
Tournament is an "Angler" Tournament. This means
there are differences in the way the equipment
and/or tackle can be managed or manipulated leading
up to, during and following the playing of a fish.
These differences will be clearly pointed out in
these rules.
Two pages of diagrams follow to assist in the
clarification of these rules.
ILLUSTRATED EQUIPMENT RULES (PDF document)
Anglers are responsible for their own bait. Any
lures, teasers or bait may be used as approved by
these rules and accompanying diagrams.
EQUIPMENT RULES FOR ALL BISBEE TOURNAMENTS
A. LINE
1. Dacron, monofilament, multifilament, and lead
core multifilament lines may be used. Provided they
are all of a "manufacturers stated line class" of
130 pounds or less. Line by the trade name of
Spectra is acceptable. Wire lines are prohibited.
B. LINE BACKING
1. Backing not attached to the fishing line is
permissible with no restrictions as to size or
material. 2. If the fishing line is attached to the
backing, the backing may not exceed the event's
maximum.
C. LINE(S) ON REELS
Use of 2 different lines on a single reel and/or
Top-Shots.
1. Two different types or strengths of lines may be
used on a single reel provided each of the lines
meets the tournament's described requirements. This
is commonly called using "top-shots".
2. The connecting knot, splice or braid may not
exceed seven (7) feet in length.
3. Anglers weighing fish must report the use of this
top shots or the use of two different lines on their
reel at the time of weighing in their fish in order
for weigh station personnel to examine the line(s)
and connecting method.
D. DOUBLE LINE
The use of a double line is not required. If one is
used, it must meet the following specifications:
1. A double line must consist of the actual line
used to catch the fish.
2. Double lines are measured from the start of the
knot, braid, roll or splice making the double to the
farthermost end of the knot, splice, snap, swivel or
other device used for securing the trace, leader,
lure or hook to the double line.
3. In all line classes up to and including 20
pounds, the double line shall be limited to 15 feet.
The combined length of the double line and leader
shall not exceed 20 feet. The double line on all
classes of tackle over 20 pounds shall be limited to
30 feet. The maximum combined length of the double
line and leader is 40 feet.
E. LEADER
The use of a leader is not required. If one is used,
it must meet the following specifications:
1. The length of the leader is the overall length
including any lure, hook arrangement or other
device.
2. The leader must be connected to the line with a
snap, knot, splice, swivel or other device.
3. Holding devices are prohibited.
4. There are no regulations regarding the material
or strength of the leader.
5. In all line classes up to and including 20 lbs.,
the leader shall be limited to 15 feet. The combined
length of the double line and leader shall not
exceed 20 feet.
6. The leader on all classes of tackle over 20
pounds shall be limited to 30 feet. The combined
length of the double line and leader shall be
limited to 40 feet.
F. ROD
1. Rods must comply with sporting ethics and
customs.
2. The rod tip must be a minimum of 40 inches in
length. The rod butt cannot exceed 27 inches.
3. These measurements must be made from a point
directly beneath the center of the reel. A curved
butt is measured in a straight line.
G. REEL
1. Reels must comply with sporting ethics and
customs.
2. Power driven reels of any kind are prohibited.
This includes motor, hydraulic, or electrically
driven reels, and any device, which gives the angler
an unfair advantage.
3. Ratchet handle reels are prohibited.
4. Reels designed to be cranked with both hands at
the same time are prohibited.
H. HOOKS FOR BAIT FISHING
1. For live or dead bait fishing no more than two
single hooks may be used. Both must be firmly
imbedded in or securely attached to the bait. The
eyes of the hooks must be no less than a hook's
length (the length of the largest hook used) apart
and no more than 18 inches apart. The only exception
is that the point of one hook may be passed through
the eye of the other hook.
2. The use of a dangling/swinging hook is
prohibited. No double or treble hooks.
I. HOOKS AND LURES
1. When using an artificial lure with a skirt or
trailing material, no more than two single hooks may
be attached to the line, leader, or trace. The hooks
need not be attached separately. The eyes of the
hooks must be no less than an overall hook's length
(the overall length of the largest hook used) apart
and no more than 12 inches apart. The only exception
is that the point of one hook may be passed through
the eye of the other hook. The trailing hook may not
extend more than a hook's length beyond the skirt of
the lure.
2. The tournament recognizes products produced by
Quick Rig Corporation under the trade name "Double
Trouble Hooks" as acceptable tackle to be used in
the tournament.
J. OTHER EQUIPMENT
1. Fighting chairs may not have any mechanically
propelled devices that aid the angler in fighting.
2. Gimbals must be free swinging. Any gimbal that
allows the angler to reduce strain or to rest while
fighting the fish is prohibited.
3. Harnesses may be attached to the reel or rod, but
not to the fighting chair. The harness may be
replaced or adjusted by a person other than the
angler.
4. Rod belts or waist gimbals are permitted.
5. Gaffs used to boat or land a fish must not exceed
8 feet in overall length. In using a flying or
detachable gaff the rope may not exceed 30 feet. The
gaff rope must be measured from the point where it
is secured to the detachable head to the other end.
If a fixed head gaff is used, the same limitations
shall apply and the gaff rope shall be measured from
the same location on the gaff hook. Only a single
hook is permitted on any gaff. Harpoon or lance
attachments are prohibited. Tail ropes are limited
to 30 feet.
6. Entangling devices, either with or without a
hook, are prohibited and may not be used for any
purpose including baiting, hooking or fighting the
fish.
7. Nets may not be used to obtain a fish.
8. Outriggers, downriggers, spreader bars and kites
are permitted to be used, provided that the actual
fishing line is attached to a snap or other release
device, either directly or with some other material.
The leader or double line may not be connected to
the release mechanism either directly or with the
use of a connecting device. Spreader bars are also
acceptable when used strictly as a teaser.
9. Daisy chains, birds, floats and similar devices
may only be used if they do not unfairly hamper or
inhibit the normal swimming or fighting ability of
the fish, thereby giving the team an unfair
advantage in fighting, releasing or boating the
fish. Acceptability of this equipment will be
determined by the rules committee on an individual,
as needed basis. Note: Should a team not wish to
rely on a rules committee decision, they may opt to
place a release device above the bait or lure which
contains the hook(s). In this case, the release
device may be attached to the double line and/or
leader.
10. A safety line may be attached to the rod
provided that it does not in any way assist the
angler in fighting the fish.
ANGLING RULES SPECIFIC TO THE EAST CAPE & LOS CABOS
A. The East Cape and Los Cabos tournaments are "Team
Tournaments". In these events the tournament does
not regulate who may be involved in the management
of, or the manipulation of, the equipment and/or
tackle leading up to, during, or following the
playing of a fish.
B. Once a fish is hooked, the rod/reel involved in
playing the fish must stay in physical contact with
the angler(s).
C. When a fish is hooked or entangled on more than
one line, the team must cut away the extra line(s)
as quickly as possible.
ANGLING AND EQUIPMENT RULES SPECIFIC TO THE BLACK &
BLUE
A. Teams may have up to six (6) anglers fishing at
any given time. All anglers must be registered
during Registration.
B. FROM THE MOMENT A FISH STRIKES A BAIT OR LURE, no
one other than the individual angler involved in the
catching of that fish may touch or handle the rod,
reel or line involved (including the double line).
Should this happen, the Rules Committee's decision
for disqualifying the fish will be based on whether
or not the angler was aided by the outside contact,
potentially altering the outcome of the capture or
release of the fish.
If a fish strikes a lure or bait while someone other
than a registered angler is holding the rod, he/she
must immediately place the rod in the closest rod
holder, and clear the area so a registered angler
may obtain the rod and begin fighting the fish. In
this scenario, the non-angler may not adjust the
drag or set the hook before placing the rod into the
rod holder. The only exception is: If the reel is in
free spool when the fish strikes the non-angler may
bring the drag up slightly from free spool before
placing the rod into the rod holder for the sole
purpose of preventing a back lash. He/she may not
dramatically increase the drag for the purposes of
setting the hook.
C. If an obstacle (rubber band, etc.) blocks the
passage of the line through the rod guides and has
to be removed from the line, the obstacle shall be
held and cut free. Under no circumstances should the
line be held or touched by anyone other than the
angler during this process.
D. From the time that a fish strikes, anyone onboard
may remove the other lines, teasers and other
devices used from the water.
E. If live baiting or trolling artificial lures or
dead bait is performed by anyone other than a
registered angler it must be done with the fishing
rod placed in a rod holder that is affixed to the
boat.
F. Once the leader is brought within grasp of the
mate, or the end of the leader is wound to the rod
tip, more than one person is permitted to touch the
leader-this DOES NOT apply to the double line.
G. One or more gaffers may be used in addition to
persons holding the leader. The gaff handle must be
in hand when the fish is gaffed.
THE FOLLOWING ACTS WILL DISQUALIFY A CATCH IN ANY OF
THE BISBEE TOURNAMENTS
1. Failure to comply with the tournaments' general,
equipment or angling regulations.
2. Resting the rod in a rod holder, on the gunwale
of the boat, or any other object while playing the
fish.
3. Hand lining or using a hand line or rope attached
in any manner to the angler's line or leader for the
purpose of holding or lifting the fish.
4. Shooting, harpooning, or lancing any fish at any
stage of the catch.
5. Chumming with or using as bait the flesh, blood,
skin, or any part of mammals other than hair or pork
rind used in lures designed for trolling or casting.
6. Changing the rod or reel while the fish is being
played.
7. Splicing, removing, or adding to the line while
the fish is being played.
8. Using a size or kind of bait that is illegal to
possess.
9. Attaching the angler's line or leader to part of
a boat or other object for the purpose of holding or
lifting fish.
10. If a fish escapes before gaffing and is
recaptured by any method other than as outlined in
the angling rules.
11. When a rod breaks (while the fish is being
played) in a manner that reduces the length of the
tip below minimum dimensions.
12. Mutilation to the fish, prior to boating the
catch, caused by sharks, other fish, mammals, or
propellers that remove or penetrate the flesh.
(Injuries caused by leader or line, scratches, old
healed scars or regeneration deformities are not
considered to be disqualifying injuries.)
THE FOLLOWING WILL DISQUALIFY A CATCH IN THE BLACK &
BLUE
1. When a fish is hooked or entangled on more than
one line.
END OF ANGLING & EQUIPMENT RULES
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Part Three - PERMITS &
LICENSES |
Updated March 7,
2007
The following information is provided as general
information about Mexican Fishing License and Boat
Permit Regulations. Please verify all information
with the Mexico Department of Fisheries.
A representative from the Mexico Department of
Fisheries will be set up on-site during registration
at each event to sell Licenses and Permits.
REGULATIONS
1. A Fishing License is required for any individual,
regardless of age, who wishes to fish in fresh or
salt water in Mexico. This rule applies to all
people fishing out of boats or fishing underwater
while skin diving. A Fishing License is not needed
when fishing from land.
2. A Boat Permit is required in Mexican waters for
all inflatable, car-top, trailerable, or non-trailerable
boats, as well as any dinghy or additional boat
aboard the vessel, regardless of size or constructon,
that will be used for sport fishing and that are
registered as a Pleasure Boat. Permits will not be
issued to any boat which has a commercial
registration or which will be used in a commercial
capacity as a sport fishing charter, commercial
fishing, or sightseeing where passengers pay a fee.
Do not apply for Boat Permit if you are engaged in a
commercial activity or if your boat is registered as
a commercial vessel.
3. All passengers, regardless of age, aboard a boat
in Mexican waters that is engaged in fishing must
have a Mexican Fishing License in their possession,
regardless if they are fishing or not.
4. A copy of the current registration must be
submitted with your application for a permit.
5. All Fishing Licenses and Boat Permits are
personal and non-transferable. Any alteration,
mutilation or transfer of these documents will
render them void and may result in fines or
temporary seizure of your boat. HANDLE THEM WITH
CARE!
RATES (subject to change)
Boat Permits
Boats under 23 feet: $32.55
23 feet to 29 feet 11 inches: $65.10
30 feet or higher: $97.65
Fishing Licenses
Weekly: $22.90
Monthly: $32.80
Yearly: $42.70
APPLICATIONS
Applications for Mexican Sport Fishing Licenses can
be obtained at the Mexico Department of Fisheries
office in San Diego, however, most people purchase
them through their local fishing and tackle store or
Mexican insurance dealer. Completed applications
should be submitted to:
Mexico Department of Fisheries
2550 5th Avenue, Suite 101
San Diego, CA 92103
Telephone 619-233-6956; Fax 619-233-0344
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to
2:00 pm to answer any questions.
Applications sent to this address must be
accompanied by a cashier's check or money order for
the exact amount due, and made payable to "Oficina
Recaudadora de Pesca"; personal checks are not
accepted. For mail orders, be sure to include a
stamped self-addressed return envelope. |
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Los Cabos Billfish Tournament
Rules |
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TOURNAMENT RULES
The Tournament
The Los Cabos Billfish Tournament is a three-day
big-fish team event with top-team honors going to
the team that tallies the most points per pound
during the tournament and pays down to third place
(first, second and third). The tournament will also
award cash and prizes to the team(s) that catch the
largest fish (by weight) in three eligible billfish
species.
A release trophy and cash prize will also be awarded
to the boat releasing the most eligible billfish. Optional
marlin, tuna, wahoo and dorado jackpots will also
award cash and prizes.
Entry Fee
The fee is $4,000 per team (up to six registered
anglers). This basic entry fee covers the
participation of one to six registered anglers. It
also covers attendance at all planned entertainment
and social activities for up to six participants.
- $100 for
each non-angler participation-ticket package.
(Guests of anglers are welcome but are required
to purchase participation tickets for entry to
all planned entertainment and social functions.)
$50 for Awards Cocktail and Dinner Banquet only
October 20. The tournament committee reserves
the right to deny tournament entry of any
individual, organization or corporation.
A final
registration, captains meeting and kickoff party
will take place from 4 to 8:30 p.m., October 16, at
the Playa Grande Resort.
All teams that are preregistered and teams needing
to register must send at least one representative to
obtain tournament credentials and the team captain's
bag. All anglers and boat captains must attend the
scheduled angler/captains meeting at 6:30 p.m.,
October 16, at the Playa Grande Beachside Terrace.
If they do not attend, they accept and agree to be
bound by all instructions and/or rule changes made
during that meeting. In an effort to maximize
participation, registrations will be accepted until
7 a.m., October 17.
Angler, Crew and Boat
Requirements
Without exception, each boat must have on board one
designated boat captain and at least one designated
mate. Captain and crew changes are allowed but must
be communicated to the tournament committee prior to
any day's fishing. There is a limit of six
registered anglers per boat in this tournament;
however, if a team has an angler drop out, an
additional angler can be signed on if he/she
registers and pays the tournament committee $100
BEFORE the start of that day's fishing. Designated
captains and mates can also be registered anglers.
Guests are allowed on the boats. Boats may receive
aid from other boats in the form of towing due to
mechanical failure. Teams and boats are NOT allowed
to receive assistance in landing or releasing fish.
All participants must exercise good and courteous
sportsmanship whether at the dock, under way or
fishing.
Schedule of Events
Event location: The Playa Grande Resort. Weigh-ins
at the weigh gantry in front of Picante Sportfishing
next to Puerto Paraiso Mall.
October 16 - Final registration,
captains meeting and kickoff party from 4 p.m. to
8:30 p.m. at the Playa Grande Resort. Captains
meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m.
October 17 - We will have a visual
checkout each morning from 6:15 a.m. till 7:15 a.m.
(The BIMINI START is at 7:30 a.m. - Fishing day:
7:30 a.m. start, 4:30 p.m. lines out.)
October 18 - We will have a visual
checkout each morning from 6:15 a.m. till 7:15 a.m.
(The BIMINI START is at 7:30 a.m. - Fishing day:
7:30 a.m. start, 4:30 p.m. lines out.)
October 19 - We will have a visual
checkout each morning from 6:15 a.m. till 7:15 a.m.
(The BIMINI START is at 7:30 a.m.)
October 20 - Awards Banquet will be
held at 6:30 p.m. at the Playa Grande Resort.
Rules
IGFA rules apply in this tournament unless otherwise
stated. (See release rules for scoring release
points.) (*Registered anglers are allowed to pass
the rod when fighting fish.)
It is the
responsibility of each team and crew member to know,
understand and abide by IGFA and tournament rules
during this competition. Any angler, captain or mate
who deliberately breaks these rules will be
immediately expelled and disqualified from this and
future tournaments WITHOUT a refund of any jackpot
or registration fees. All winners may be asked to
take and pass a polygraph test. For a complete list
of the IGFA rules, go to www.igfa.org.
*Designated mates CANNOT HOOK the fish or touch the
ROD, REEL OR LINE at ANYTIME for ANY REASON after
the fish is hooked up unless they are also
registered anglers. (*Registered anglers are allowed
to pass the rod when hooking and fighting a fish.)
*The bait-and-switch method of angling is permitted;
however, fish must be hooked at least 10 seconds
before the mate may touch the leader.
*Wind-on leaders are permitted but may not exceed 30
feet as per IGFA rules.
*A 45-nautical-mile fishing boundary is in effect
for this competition. Any tournament boat witnessed
venturing outside of these boundaries by at least
two other participating tournament vessels will be
disqualified from further competition. However, in
an effort to avoid false claims against tournament
leaders, any fish taken by the offending vessel on
days prior to the alleged infringement will still be
eligible for prize money. Any boats found making
false claims of boundary infringement will be
disqualified WITHOUT a refund of any jackpot or
registration fees and banned from further
competition.
Eligible Species
Blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, sailfish,
spearfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado.
SCORING
Billfish Division
One point per pound for every blue marlin officially
weighed and verified over 300 pounds. One point per
pound for every black marlin officially weighed and
verified over 300 pounds. One point per pound for
every striped marlin officially weighed and verified
over 175 pounds. In the event that a billfish is
brought to the scales and fails to make the minimum
weight limits for the species, the team catching the
fish will be penalized 250 points PLUS two points
per pound that the fish is under the minimum weight.
They will receive no other points for the fish.
Any billfish
boated for ANY reason MUST be weighed. Failure to
weigh a boated fish will result in immediate
disqualification for the remainder of the tournament
and forfeiture of all points previously earned.
*Only one
marlin may be taken per day, per angler.
Each eligible billfish species (blue marlin, black
marlin and striped marlin) will be scored one point
per pound.
RELEASE RULES
All teams must provide their own digital still or
video camera to verify releases. The camera must
show the correct time and date on each photo or
video. To score an official release, the fish must
be at leader and an identifiable photo must be taken
of the fish, showing the control-number code, time
and date. When you know you are going to release the
fish, you must call tournament control and ask for
the control-number code. The control-number code
will be between 1 and 5. Then have your designated
photographer or any other crew member hold up the
number with his/her fingers or number card next to
the fish as the photo is taken. The photo must
identify the species, number code, time and date. After the
release photo is taken, the official time, species,
control number and angler name must be written on
the catch-report affidavit. Each registered angler
and boat captain must then sign the catch-report
affidavit. At the end of the day's fishing, the
camera, catch-report affidavit and all photos or
video footage taken must be brought to the weigh
station for verification of official release points.
Failure to do so will result in disqualification of
that day's catch.
Catch-Report Affidavit
All catches must be recorded on the
catch-report-affidavit sheets provided. The official
time, species, control-number code and angler name
must be written on the catch-report affidavit. Each
registered angler and boat captain must then sign
the catch-report affidavit. The
catch-report-affidavit sheets must be turned in at
the weigh station each day whether you catch a fish
or not.
. In the event of a tie, the team reaching the
highest score first wins.
. All winners may be asked to take and pass a
polygraph examination.
TWD Jackpot
The optional tuna/wahoo/dorado jackpot is purely a
biggest-fish category with scoring calculated at one
point per pound. The largest tuna (yellowfin),
dorado and wahoo caught over the three-day event win
the jackpot. Minimum weights for this category are
as follows:
Yellowfin tuna - 40 pounds; dorado - 25 pounds; and
wahoo - 25 pounds. Only teams registered in the TWD
jackpot are eligible for cash and prizes.
Marlin Jackpots
Optional marlin jackpots are offered for most
releases per day, largest marlin per day and largest
marlin of the tournament. Only teams registered in
the marlin jackpots are eligible for cash and
prizes.
Line
130-pound-test maximum; tournament or non-tournament
lines are eligible. If the stated line test is
130-pound or less on the label, it is allowed in the
tournament.
Leaders
The length of the leader is the overall length
INCLUDING any lure or hook arrangement.
In all line classes exceeding 20-pound (10 kg), the
leader shall be limited to 30 feet (9.14 meters).
The combined length of the double line and leader
shall not exceed 40 feet (12.19 meters) total.
The tournament
committee holds the right to examine any tackle,
line and/or leaders at anytime during the event.
Refusal to allow the committee to examine any
tackle, line and/or leaders will result in immediate
disqualification from the event WITHOUT a refund of
any jackpot or registration fees.
Rods
Unlimited in use or numbers.
Teasers
Unlimited in use or numbers.
Baits
Live bait, dead bait, lures and any combination
thereof are permitted in this tournament.
Fighting Times
In the event of late hookups, etc., all fish must be
back to the weigh station and in the slip by 12 a.m.
on the day of the catch. There will be no exceptions
to this rule.
Daily Fishing Hours
Fishing will commence at 7:30 a.m. and end at 4:30
p.m. each day.
*All fishing for live baits must be completed 15
minutes prior to lines in. Any tournament boat
fishing for live bait between 7:15 a.m. and 7:30
a.m. may be disqualified from that day's fishing.
Any boat may resume fishing for live bait AFTER the
7:30 a.m. start.
*The tournament committee reserves the privilege of
changing starting and finishing times for any reason
they deem necessary. We will have a visual checkout
each morning from 6:15 a.m. till 7:15 a.m. (The
BIMINI START is at 7:30 a.m.) Boats will proceed
past the committee boat in an orderly fashion and
display their boat number to the
tournament-committee member; he will record your
departure and inform you by radio that you have
checked out. (Boats running late due to mechanical
problems, etc., and that can't make the Bimini start
can check out over the radio at any time during the
day. But they must inform tournament control of
their problem and estimated time of departure BEFORE
7:30 a.m.)
Bimini Start
All boats must be behind the official starting line
prior to the daily 7:30 a.m. Bimini start. ANY boat
that is beyond the official starting line when the
flare goes off may be disqualified from the day's
fishing.
Communications
All billfish hookups, releases and lost fish are to
be reported to the tournament control along with the
boat name, boat number, angler name and fish
species. The tournament control's time will act as
the official time for any and all catches and
releases without exception. The official tournament
channel will be 28. In the event that channel 28 is
not available, use channel 26 as a backup. A Los
Cabos cell-phone number on which teams can also
communicate will be given at the captains meeting.
During the last hour of fishing each day, all
hookups must be reported.
Captains Meeting
All anglers and boat captains must attend the
scheduled angler/captains meeting at 6 p.m., October
16, at the Playa Grande Resort. If they do not
attend, they accept and agree to be bound by all
instructions and/or rule changes made during that
meeting.
Weather
There is no weather committee. The tournament is
conducted on a "fish at your own risk" basis. If any
portion of the tournament is fished and a team or
teams land or release fish that match the
tournament's eligible species and minimum weight
limits, then prizes will be awarded.
Base-Entry Fee
$4,000 per team up to six anglers. This base-entry
fee covers the participation of one to six
registered anglers. It also covers attendance at all
planned entertainment and social activities for up
to six anglers. *$100 for each
non-angler participation-ticket package.
Guests of anglers are welcome but are required to
purchase participation tickets for entry to all
planned entertainment and social functions.
Optional Jackpot Fee
There are optional jackpots available to all teams
registered in the general tournament. Each fee
represents a team entry into a specific jackpot
division. For more information, see the Prizes and
Awards section.
Protests
All protests must be stated in writing and
accompanied by $100. All protests will be settled
the day of the incident. All protests must be in the
hands of the tournament's designated rules official
by 7 p.m. on the day of the alleged incident -
unless there is a protest regarding a fish that
comes to the scales late. The protesting party, as
well as the accused team members, captain and crew,
MUST be present in any official protest hearing. If
the accused or protesting teams fail to show up for
the protest hearing, then they are forfeiting their
right to be heard and will abide by the decision
made by the official tournament judges. All
decisions made by the official tournament judges are
final. |
GLADIATOR CHARTERS
Cabo Yacht Center
Cabo San Lucas Marina, BCS Mexico 23410
Telephone from the United States 011-521 (624) 151-5708
Toll Free from the United States (866) 702-6337
Locally (624) 143-9712
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