RULES 

A full list of rules will be included in your team packet and will be made final at the Captain's Meeting.

Teams may depart from any port between Destin and Mexico Beach following the Captain's Meeting and return to the scales by truck or boat.  

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REGISTRATION

• At least one team member must show up to Registration & Captain's Meeting on May 17. 

• Two divisions - Offshore & Reef.  You may fish one or both.  

• Registration and optional jackpots close on May 17 at 7:00pm. 

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OPTIONAL JACKPOTS

• Optional Jackpot payouts will be the total amount of the monies received, minus 10% for tournament service fees with the remaining 90% to be paid out.  All jackpot divisions will pay 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place with a 50%, 30%, 20% split, assuming a minimum of three fish are weighed in per species.  If only two fish are weighed, the split becomes 60%, 40%.  If one fish is weighed, the winner receives 100%.  If no fish are weighed, a refund will be given to the teams entered in that optional.  The Winner Take All jackpots will be 100% payout. 

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FISHING TIME

• Boats may depart from any port between Mexico Beach and Destin immediately following the Captain's Meeting.

• Fishing ends on Sunday, May 19.  You must be checked in to weigh your fish no later than 4:00pm.

 

WEIGH-IN PROCEDURES

• Scales open at 3:00pm on Sunday, May 19.  All teams must be checked in no later than 4:00pm to weigh their fish.

• We will make the call at the Captain's Meeting in regards to scales being open on Saturday depending on participation.  

• A tail tag with the team name and angler’s name must accompany each fish before unloading to the scales. Tail tags will be given in your entry packet.  All fish weighed at the scales must be returned to the boat.  

• The tournament committee reserves the right to reject any fish entry due to its condition or one that does not meet the eligible requirements set by this tournament.  Fish are subject to gutting at the scales.  The condition of the fish will be left up to the scrutiny of the Tournament Director and/or Committee.  Their decision is final. ​

• Polygraphs may be administered at the discretion of the Tournament Director.

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QUALIFYING 

• Pelagic division fish must be a minimum of 15 lbs.  Each team will be allowed to weigh-in a maximum of three fish per species.  One swordfish may be weighed in the optional category and must be at least 47" lower jaw/fork.  

• Reef fish do not have a weight minimum, but must be legal.  Each team will be allowed to weigh-in a maximum of three fish per species, within legal limits if there are enough team members on the boat.

• Catch & Release billfish is an optional category.  Billfish must be recorded on the score card provided with proper video verification.  200 points per billfish release.

• Harpoons are allowed.  No electric reels.

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REPORTING BILLFISH

• Each boat is required to record all billfish that are released in the order in which the fish are caught on the Billfish Scorecard.  The order of the recorded releases must match the order that appears on the video.  It’s encouraged to call or text in all releases as they happen. Reporting is monitored by calling or texting Crystal (337) 802-5525.

• Be prepared to give the following information: 

  • Team or Boat Name, Angler’s Name, Species, & Time released​

• Do not report Tuna, Dolphin, or Wahoo on the scorecard. 

• Video verification is required for each billfish released and recorded on the scorecard.  Video submitted for consideration of points must include the following technical elements: 

  • ​Angler fighting the fish, include video of the rod & reel

  • Cockpit panoramic view

  • Tournament designator 

  • The catch (swivel at the rod tip or team member touching the leader)

  • Show the billfish for species identification

  • The release of the fish

  • Secondary cockpit panoramic view

  • Clear shot of the GPS date and time (central time zone)  to be used for official release time.  Hold the video steady for several seconds to allow clear focus of the date & time (this is critical.)

• Video verification becomes property of the tournament.  Please use a fresh SD card to have the videos readily available.  Cell phone videos are acceptable.  

• Tournament designators will be assigned at the Captain’s Meeting. 

• Catch & Release placements are determined by points awarded as follows:  200 points for any billfish release  

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PERMITS & LICENSES 

All captains and participants must be familiar with and are responsible for all licenses and permits required by the State of Law.  

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AWARDS

• The primary contact of each team will be the representative payee to receive all payments of cash awards.  Payments are made by check.  A single check will be written to the team’s representative for a combined total payout after a W9 is completed.  ECBGFC accepts no responsibility for the division of any cash awards between team members.  

• Payouts are based on the number of entries.  Catch & Release awards will be presented to the teams with the most accumulated points utilizing video verification. ​

• If no qualifying fish are weighed in for any category, the cash award assigned will be added to other categories in a proportional manner as determined by the Tournament Director.  

• Top Lady Angler and Top Junior Angler Awards will be presented to the one angler based on points.  One (1) point per pound for fish weighed in and 200 points per billfish release.  

• Swordfish and King Mackerel is an optional entry for the pelagic division, not included in the tournament base entry. 

• In case of a tie, placement is determined by time.