Catch and release tournament rules...

Van Wildonher · 10-08-2009, 11:23 PM

Can anybody point me in the direction of some catch and release tournament rules? Looking for a starting point... Billfish, Wahoo, Dorado, Barracuda, Kingfish, tuna, etc.

whitey · 10-09-2009, 05:21 AM

http://www.themarlinclub.com/IGFA-Rules.htm

Deep C · 10-09-2009, 02:24 PM

They vary from event to event. Some are honor system. Some involve observers... Then we get more modern events that require time date stamp digital photos. They scan, watermark and verify dates for a blank chip. Others add other dimentions such as color coded cards to either follow or be used in the verification shot...
In the photo ones they often require the pic be of enough quality to determine species. Release distance varries. In most cases sailfish tournies require fifteen feet max on leader. Marlin events often go to 30 feet though. Some extreme events though I think require leader cut within 3 feet of fish. Yet others don't count if you don't tag them.
Some permit passing of rod from mate to angler while others are strictly angler handles it from bite til boated.
I know it sounds confusing but each event is different...

Van Wildonher · 10-09-2009, 02:45 PM

Thanks. So can wire leaders be used in most tournaments?

IGFA says:

D. LEADER
The use of a leader is not required. If one is used, it must meet the
following specifications:
The length of the leader is the overall length including any lure, hook
arrangement or other device, and is measured to the bend of the last
hook. The leader must be connected to the line with a snap, knot,
splice, swivel or other device. Holding devices are prohibited. There
are no regulations regarding the material or strength of the leader.

Deep C · 10-09-2009, 02:52 PM

You can use wire if you wish. In billfishing though the choice is almost always monfilament... Baits have a more normal action and its less visible. In some cases guys go to fluorocarbon to reduce visibility... In billfish tournaments circle hooks must be used when using natural or combination lure over natural baits...

Van Wildonher · 10-10-2009, 04:07 PM

Any other suggestions are welcome...

SeaMent · 10-10-2009, 04:51 PM

go to inthebite.com look up the tourny schedule and you can review the rules of these tournys as most all are release tournys !!!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-09-2009, 05:21 AM	#2
whitey Deep C is my idol. Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Doylestown, PA Posts: 3,459 Boat: 48' Ocean Yacht Home Port: Cape May, NJ Occupation: mechanic, Wholesale sales for Stalker Outfitters	http://www.themarlinclub.com/IGFA-Rules.htm

10-09-2009, 02:24 PM	#3
Deep C Master of all things wet Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: The Plywood State Posts: 14,605 Boat: Several Home Port: Palm Beach Best Catch: Mrs Deep Occupation: Killin Stuff	They vary from event to event. Some are honor system. Some involve observers... Then we get more modern events that require time date stamp digital photos. They scan, watermark and verify dates for a blank chip. Others add other dimentions such as color coded cards to either follow or be used in the verification shot... In the photo ones they often require the pic be of enough quality to determine species. Release distance varries. In most cases sailfish tournies require fifteen feet max on leader. Marlin events often go to 30 feet though. Some extreme events though I think require leader cut within 3 feet of fish. Yet others don't count if you don't tag them. Some permit passing of rod from mate to angler while others are strictly angler handles it from bite til boated. I know it sounds confusing but each event is different...

10-09-2009, 02:45 PM	#4
Van Wildonher Bite me Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 248 Boat: Anything with an engine. Home Port: Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras Best Catch: 220 pound Blue Marlin on HAND LINE.	Thanks. So can wire leaders be used in most tournaments? IGFA says: D. LEADER The use of a leader is not required. If one is used, it must meet the following specifications: The length of the leader is the overall length including any lure, hook arrangement or other device, and is measured to the bend of the last hook. The leader must be connected to the line with a snap, knot, splice, swivel or other device. Holding devices are prohibited. There are no regulations regarding the material or strength of the leader.

10-09-2009, 02:52 PM	#5
Deep C Master of all things wet Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: The Plywood State Posts: 14,605 Boat: Several Home Port: Palm Beach Best Catch: Mrs Deep Occupation: Killin Stuff	You can use wire if you wish. In billfishing though the choice is almost always monfilament... Baits have a more normal action and its less visible. In some cases guys go to fluorocarbon to reduce visibility... In billfish tournaments circle hooks must be used when using natural or combination lure over natural baits...

10-10-2009, 04:07 PM	#6
Van Wildonher Bite me Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 248 Boat: Anything with an engine. Home Port: Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras Best Catch: 220 pound Blue Marlin on HAND LINE.	Any other suggestions are welcome...

10-10-2009, 04:51 PM	#7
SeaMent Crab mustard is good Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 820 Home Port: O.C. MD. Best Catch: my kids	go to inthebite.com look up the tourny schedule and you can review the rules of these tournys as most all are release tournys !!!