new OC Tuna Tournament rules

[Squidnation]

what do you guys think of the new OC tuna tournament rules?




As a result of the change in bluefin regulations this year, allowing recreational anglers only 1 bluefin per trip measuring between 27" and 59", the Ocean City Tuna Tournament has announced the following changes:

1. Lines in at 7:00 am... Lines out at 3:00 pm

2. Boats will only be allowed to weigh 1 bluefin tuna measuring between 27" and 59" each day.

3. Only bigeyes and yellowfin tuna will count in the big money, Added Entry Level "F", $5,000 Pro Jackpot. Bluefins will not count.

4. Minimum weight for tuna will be 25 lbs.

5. Added Entry Level "G" will be a 50/50 charity split with 50% going to the single largest fish and the other 50% going to charity

[Vaughan]

Bill i like them! I think it will create a much more open tournament. Boats will have to really go out and find the fish instead of just pulling waybacks inshore. At the very least it will be interesting.

[frankypettolina]

Not a fan of the earlier start time- it gives the advantage to the big fast rigs, encourages running in the dark, and I see no logical plusses to it.

The rest of them are ok

[OCcaptain]

Not a fan of the earlier start time- it gives the advantage to the big fast rigs, encourages running in the dark, and I see no logical plusses to it.

The rest of them are ok

You are right Franky. I'm not too sure I like the 100 mile limit either it also gives the big fast boats a advantage.

[Squidnation]

I agree Franky this really altered our calcutta plans. The fast boats clearly have an advantage. I would be in favor of omitting the bluefin altogether and reducing the limit to 70 miles.

Good Luck to everyone fishing the Tournament. In spite of the rule changes it is still one of my favorite tournaments next to the Mid Atlantic 500 and the kids classic.

[Fishthebite]

I think the rules are fine.

If you have a slower boat, then go out earlier and take your time. Eliminating a time to leave the inlet cures the "fast boat" issue.

I do have one question. Are circle hooks mandatory for natural baits since all IGFA rules apply in this tournament?

Good luck to all!

[frankypettolina]

Good point bill- 100 mile limit is truly a joke anymore. it is a random number that has been used for years, and until the last decade it really did not matter as few, if any boats had the speed to do it in tournament times.

Lets assume an average speed of 20 to 25 knots for boats in good conditions. You woul dhave to leave at 2:30 to 3 am to make start time, and run at cruise in the dark. Neither safe nor smart. BUT, if you have a 30 to 40 knot rig, you are leaving at4, and only have one hour in the dark. Fast forawrd to the end of the day. 100 miles to go at 3 oclock- tough for the "average" boat to get home in good conditions.

Now lets look at this weekend. 20 or more SW all three days in the offshore report. With the lion's share of the yft being 90 plus miles away (no matter what locations you may read- these fish are coming from an assload of miles away) and that 90 plus miles being in a northerly direction- Most boats don't have a chance. At least not if they fish past noon and want to get home in time for the scales.

I have been asked if i would be in favor of limiting the distance in the Club tournaments to 75. I would, but i feel like the committee as a whole would not. It would definitely make a difference in the count during the tourneys- this weekend only one white was caught less than 80 miles away.

BUT this brings up a whole new point. If the 7 or 8 boats that fished 90 miles away joined us in the "local" canyons- what would have been caught??

[frankypettolina]

Circle hooks are not mandatory as there is no billfish division.

leaving early works fine in the morning- how do you get to the scales by 7? is that not a disadvantage?

[Fishthebite]

Franky,

Be ready at lines in, and get your limit by 12-1pm, as I know you will, and the scales wont be an issue .........

On a side note, if they are changing some rules, why not keep the scales open longer to accomodate the sporty conditions this weekend?

[BigSteads]

Hope you can get eyeballs to the boat before 1:30 and pray for tail wind.