Jennifer Dudas, Tournament Director
[email protected]
407-533-0123
While all efforts are made to keep this information current, all published rules shall be considered unofficial. Official rules will be distributed and announced at the registration check-in and captains meeting. All participants agree to the terms of these rules by participating in the tournament.
Entry: Boats and participants competing in the Bermuda Billfish Blast July 3-7, Bermuda Big Game Classic July 13-17, or SeaHorse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament July 19-23 are eligible for the Bermuda Triple Crown (BTC) Billfish Championship 2024. There is no additional entry fee to compete in the championship. Winners receive Champion Rings, Trophies, Apparel and many other prizes. The series also offers optional jackpots to compete for cash awards.
Rules: All participants competing in the BTC must follow the rules governing each qualifying tournament. Boats earning points do not have to use the same participants/anglers at each event. The sum of all official points earned at each qualifying event will determine the total points awarded for the BTC. The boat with the highest total points will win the series. In the event of a tie, the boat accumulating the points first will be the champion.
Scoring: Each qualifying event has the same scoring system for billfish. Boats receive 500 points for blue marlin releases and one point per pound for every blue marlin that meets or exceeds the minimum 500-pound weight. White marlin, spearfish and sailfish are worth 100 points. Boats weighing undersized blue marlin are penalized 500 points plus two points for every pound the fish is underweight. Points are accumulated during the three events with the high point boat winning the championship.
Awards: This is a boat championship with awards going to the boat with the highest point total. A total of up to five championship rings and trophies will be awarded to the winners at the final leg of the tournament series. Only registered anglers, captains and mates who competed in the qualifying events are eligible for the awards. The champion boat captain, mate and high point anglers will determine the recipients. Boats are not required to have the same team representative or anglers competing in each tournament.
All optional jackpot divisions are 88% payback.
BTC Overall Points Jackpot $5,000
The fee to enter the BTC Overall Points Jackpot is $5,000 and is optional. Teams must register before their first entered tournament fishing day in the series to be eligible.The Bermuda Triple Crown Points Jackpot will be awarded to the top three teams with the most overall series points of the three event series and will be awarded accordingly;
First place 50%, Second Place 30%, Third Place 20%.
Only teams registered in the Bermuda Triple Crown Points Jackpot will be eligible for these cash awards
BTC Big Three Marlin Jackpot $5,000
The fee to enter the BTC Big Three Marlin Jackpot is $5,000 and is optional. Teams must register before their first entered tournament fishing day in the series to be eligible. The BTC Big Three Marlin Jackpot will be awarded to the top three teams with the three largest marlin by weight in the series and will be awarded accordingly; First place 50%, Second Place 30%, Third Place 20%
Only teams registered in the BTC Big Three Marlin Jackpot will be eligible for these cash awards
BTC Heavy Hitter Winner Take All Largest Marlin Jackpot $10,000
The fee to enter the BTC Heavy Hitter Winner Take All Largest Marlin Jackpot is $10,000 and is optional. Teams must register before their first entered tournament fishing day in the series to be eligible. BTC Winner Take All Largest Marlin Jackpot will be awarded to the team catching the largest blue marlin by weight in the series. Only teams registered in the BTC Winner Take All Largest Marlin Jackpot will be eligible for this cash award.
BTC 20th Anniversary Top Release Points Bonanza $20,000
The fee to enter the BTC 20th Anniversary Top Release Points Bonanza Jackpot is $20,000 and is optional. Teams must register before their first entered tournament fishing day in the series to be eligible. The BTC 20th Anniversary Top Release Points Bonanza Jackpot will be awarded to the top three teams with the most overall series points of the three event series and will be awarded accordingly; First place 50%, Second Place 30%, Third Place 20%.
Only teams registered in the BTC 20th Anniversary Top Release Points Bonanza Jackpot will be eligible for these cash awards
Awards Presentation: The Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish champions will be recognized during the SeaHorse Anglers Club awards presentation July 23, 2024.
Jennifer Dudas, Tournament Director
[email protected]
407-533-0123
THE TOURNAMENT
The Bermuda Billfish Blast is a three-day, billfish team event with top-team honors going to the team that tallies the most points during the tournament. Prizes pay down to third place (first, second and third). The tournament will award cash and prizes to the team(s) that catch the largest blue marlin and game fish (by weight). Billfish release trophies and cash prizes will also be awarded to the team(s) with the most billfish release points. The high-point angler, lady angler and junior angler (age 17 and younger) will receive a trophy and a prize package. Eligible species for the tournament include blue marlin, white marlin, spearfish, sailfish, yellowfin and bigeye tuna, wahoo and dolphin.
BASE ENTRY FEE
The fee is $3,500 per team (up to six registered anglers) if registered by May 1, 2024. Teams registering after the early registration deadline pay a base entry fee of $4,000. This basic entry fee covers the participation of up to six registered anglers. It also covers attendance at all planned entertainment and social activities for up to six participants. The fee is $250 for each non-angler participation-ticket package. The fee is $100 for the July 7th Awards Dinner Banquet only (Guests of anglers are welcome but are required to purchase participation tickets for entry to all planned entertainment and social functions.) The tournament committee reserves the right to deny tournament entry of any individual, organization or corporation.
CAPTAINS MEETING
The final registration, captains’ meeting and kickoff party will take place from 5 to 9:30 p.m., July 3, at the Hamilton Princess Hotel. 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 should attend the scheduled angler/captains’ meeting at 7:30 p.m., July 3, at the Hamilton Princess. If they do not attend, they accept and agree to be bound by all instructions and/or rule changes made orally or in writing during that meeting. In an effort to maximize participation, registrations will be accepted until 8:29 a.m. (Bermuda time) on July 4.
CANCELLATION POLICY
In an effort to receive early registrations, the tournament will allow participants to cancel their registration until the deadline of 10:00 p.m., July 3. The tournament will refund all entry fees less a $100 processing fee.
ANGLER, CREW & BOAT REQUIREMENTS
Without exception, each boat must have on board one designated boat captain and one designated mate. Captain and crew changes are allowed but should be communicated to the tournament committee prior to any days fishing. There is a limit of six registered anglers per boat in this tournament; however, if an angler drops out, an additional angler can be signed on with the team if he/she registers 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.
BOATS WITH SONAR
Sonars are not permitted to be deployed prior to lines in at 8:30 AM.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Event Location: The Hamilton Princess Hotel. Weigh-ins and release video check in at the Barr’s Bay Park Waterfront.
July 3 — Final registration, captains’ meeting and kickoff party from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Princess Hotel. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. Captains meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m.
July 4 — Fishing day: 8:30 a.m. start, 4:30 p.m. lines out. Release Video Check-In, Private Bar and Weigh Station at Barr’s Bay Park.
July 5 — Fishing day: 8:30 a.m. start, 4:30 p.m. lines out. Release Video Check-In, Private Bar and Weigh Station at Barr’s Bay Park.
July 6 — Fishing day: 8:30 a.m. start, 4:30 p.m. lines out. Release Video Check-In, Private Bar and Weigh Station at Barr’s Bay Park.
July 7 — Awards Banquet Dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Princess Hotel.
RULES
IGFA angling and tackle rules apply in this tournament (see tournament release rules for scoring billfish release points). It is the responsibility of each registered angler and crew member to know, understand and abide by IGFA and tournament rules during this competition. Any angler, captain or mate who deliberately breaks any IGFA or tournament rules will be deemed ineligible for any prize, award, honor, or recognition and may be immediately expelled and disqualified from this and future tournaments without a refund of any jackpot or registration fees. For a complete list of IGFA angling and tackle rules, go to igfa.org. The tournament will also distribute official tournament, IGFA angling and tackle rules.
BILLFISH RELEASE RULES
All teams must provide their own video camera(s) to verify releases. All video recording equipment must be set to the proper Bermuda time and date and must be synchronized to the official tournament time. To verify a catch, you must use the release cards provided. Teams will be informed of the release card to use prior to each day’s start of fishing. To score an official release, the video footage must include sufficient footage to (1) clearly identify the species; (2) show a team member, angler or crew touching the leader while the fish is still hooked; (3) display the release card provided by the tournament; (4) identify the time and date of the catch; and (5) show the catch and full release of the fish. The video must identify all of these elements. Do not delete any video taken during fishing hours, even if it does not include the above elements and will not be used to prove a catch. After the release video is taken, the time, species, release card of the day 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, camera connections, catch-report affidavit and all video footage taken must be brought to the release video check station for verification of official release points. Catch reports should be turned in by 7 p.m. unless a team is fighting a fish after lines out at 4:30 p.m.
All recordings, images, sounds, etc. become property of Bonnier LLC and may be used at any time. Recordings and/or images may be downloaded from the team’s device(s).
Any release photos posted on the tournament website or social channels or included in the tournament videos are for entertainment and marketing purposes only.
SCORING
Billfish Division: Five hundred (500) points awarded for every blue marlin officially released, or one point per pound for every blue marlin weighed and verified at or over the 500-pound minimum. One hundred (100) points for every white marlin, spearfish or sailfish officially released. If a blue marlin brought to the scales fails to make the minimum weight limit, the team that caught the fish will be penalized 500 team points, plus two points per pound that the fish is under the minimum weight. For example, if a fish weighs 480 pounds, that team will be penalized 500 team points for not meeting the weight requirement and another 40 points for the 20-pound difference. The total penalty would cost them 540 points, and they would receive no other points for the fish. Any blue marlin boated for any reason must be weighed. Failure to weigh a boated blue marlin will result in immediate disqualification for the remainder of the tournament and forfeiture of all points previously earned.
Only one blue marlin may be taken and weighed each day. All white marlin, sailfish and spearfish must be released. Once a marlin is boated, the team must take a picture or video of the fish while measuring the short length, girth and circumference of the tail. The measurements of the fish must be reported to the tournament committee. In the event of a tie the team reaching the highest score first wins with the other team assuming the next award position. This is based on the time of release and boated time of billfish. If you are in the World Cup and decide to boat a second blue marlin, that fish will not be considered as a catch or release in the Billfish Blast.
GAME FISH
Eligible species are yellowfin and bigeye tuna, wahoo and dolphin. This is purely a biggest-fish category, with scoring calculated to the tenth of a pound to 200 pounds and to the pound for fish over 200 pounds. The single largest game fish, yellowfin or bigeye tuna, dolphin or wahoo caught over the three-day event will win a trophy and prizes. Minimum weight for this category is 25 pounds. Once a game fish is boated and the intent is to weigh it you must notify tournament control. Teams must use the card of the day and take a photo or video of the fish with the designated card. In the event of a tie the team reaching the highest score first wins. This is based on the time of boated fish.
CATCH REPORT AFFIDAVIT
All catches must be recorded on the catch-report-affidavit sheets provided. The official time, species, release card of the day and angler’s 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.
CATCHSTAT
The Bermuda Billfish Blast tournament uses CatchStat for registration and team management. CatchStat provides live scoring updates. All content on CatchStat is for entertainment purposes only. Content does not replace and may not reflect official tournament standings or payout amounts. Official standings can be obtained by contacting the tournament committee.
LINE
Because the Bermuda Billfish Blast and the World Cup Blue Marlin Tournament are fished on the 4th of July, the line restrictions must be identical. Any line (monofilament, Dacron or braided line) with a manufacturer’s stated breaking strength of 100 pounds or less is accepted; also accepted is any line labeled as “IGFA-rated or Tournament-rated” with a breaking strength of 130 pounds or less. Backing of any size is permitted as long as the top shot does not exceed 130-pound-test IGFA or 100-pound manufacturers stated. The catch shall be classified under the breaking strength of the first five meters of line directly preceding the double line, leader or hook. This section must be comprised of a single, homogenous piece of line.
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 the leader shall not exceed 40 feet (12.19 meters) total. The tournament committee holds the right to examine any hook sets, line and/or leaders at any time during the event. Refusal to allow the committee to examine any hook sets, 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.
HOOKS
All tournament participants must use non-offset circle hooks for all species whenever natural baits or natural-bait/artificial-lure combinations are used.
DAILY FISHING HOURS
Fishing will commence at 8:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. on July 4, 5 and 6. No lines, teasers or the use of omnidirectional sonar technology will be permitted before the official fishing hours each day. The tournament committee reserves the privilege of changing starting and finishing times for any reason it deems necessary. A radio start will take place each morning at 8:30 a.m. and finish with a radio lines out at 4:30 p.m. The tournament control’s time will act as the official time for the start, catch and release and end of fishing each day without exception. The official tournament channel will be 7 International.
FIGHTING TIMES
In the event of late hookups, etc., all fish must be back to the weigh station and in the slip by 11:59 pm on the day of fishing.
RADIO/COMMUNICATIONS
All billfish hookups, releases and lost fish must be reported to tournament control, along with the boat name, angler name and fish species. The tournament control’s time will act as the official time for the start, catch and release and end of fishing each day without exception. The official tournament channel will be 7 INTERNATIONAL. An International cell phone/WhatsApp number of 407-533-0123 can also be used to communicate. During the last hour of fishing each day, all hookups must be reported. All game fish boated and intended to be weighed must be called into tournament control.
WEIGH-IN/RELEASE VIDEO CHECK IN
The weigh station and release video check-in will be at Barr’s Bay Park.
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.
PROTESTS
Participants may lodge protests against any catch which they believe was not made in accordance with these rules. All protests must be stated in writing and accompanied by $500. All protests will be settled the day of the incident. All protests on July 4, 5 and 6 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 tournament committee may call a protest hearing in their discretion; a protest hearing is not guaranteed. The protesting party, as well as the accused team members, captain and crew, must be present in any official protest hearing. The tournament committee may refuse to consider any protest evidence not submitted at the protest hearing in the presence of the protested team. If the protesting or protested team fails to show up for the protest hearing, that team forfeits its right to submit evidence. Decisions of the tournament committee with regard to protests are final, non-appealable, and nonjusticiable.
SPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
All participants are expected to maintain a reasonable and sportsmanlike demeanor at all times throughout the tournament. Unsportsmanlike or threatening conduct toward tournament organizers or other participants, or any other behavior which the tournament organizers deem inappropriate, in their sole discretion, will result in immediate disqualification of the entire team with no refund of entry fees.
The Bermuda Billfish Blast tournament committee reserves the right to update or change these rules at any time. By entering the Bermuda Billfish Blast tournament and paying the entry fees, all participants agree to abide by the tournament rules and accept all decisions made by the Tournament Committee as final.
Jennifer Dudas, Tournament Director
[email protected]
407-533-0123
READ CAREFULLY! This Release affects your legal rights and its completion is a prerequisite for your enrollment and participation in the Bermuda Billfish Blast tournament (the “Tournament”). Your entry indicates your FULL acceptance of these terms.
By entering the Bermuda Billfish Blast tournament and paying the entry fees, I AGREE AS FOLLOWS: I am applying to participate in the Tournament; acceptance of my application is at the sole discretion of the Tournament organizers. In consideration of being permitted to apply for, enroll or participate in the Tournament and such activities as may be arranged for me in connection with such application, enrollment and participation (collectively, the “Tournament Activities”), individually for myself and on behalf of my personal representatives, heirs, assigns, executors, administrators, and next of kin, and as the vessel’s master (if I am the vessel’s master):
I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS. I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL LEGAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT. MY ACCEPTANCE AND TOURNAMENT ENTRY IS GIVEN VOLUNTARILY, WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT OR ASSURANCE BEING MADE TO ME, AND I INTEND MY ENTRY TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW.
Participants in Tournaments are advised to obtain their own insurance covering them and their vessel’s participation. By entering the tournament, I hereby affirm receipt of the rules of the Tournament. I also affirm that I will abide by and accept all decisions made by Tournament management.
In consideration for being permitted to enroll and participate in the Bermuda Billfish Blast tournament (the “Tournament”), I hereby agree to the following terms:
The Tournament
The Bermuda Big Game Classic is a three-day, billfish team event with top-team honors going to the team that tallies the most points during the tournament. Prizes pay down to third place (first, second and third). The tournament will award cash and prizes to the team(s) that catch the largest blue marlin by weight. Billfish release trophies and cash prizes will also be awarded to the team(s) with the most billfish release points. The high-point angler, lady angler and junior angler (age 17 and younger) will receive a trophy and a prize package. Eligible species for the tournament include blue marlin, white marlin, spearfish, sailfish, yellowfin and bigeye tuna, wahoo and dolphin.
Base Entry Fee
The Base Entry Fee is $3,500 per team (up to six registered anglers) if registered by May 1, 2024. Teams registering after the early registration date pay a base entry fee of $4,000. 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. The fee is $250 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.) The fee is $125 for the July 17th Awards Cocktail and Dinner Banquet only. The tournament committee reserves the right to deny tournament entry to any individual, organization or corporation.
Captains Meeting
A final registration, captains’ meeting and kickoff party will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., July 13, at the Hamilton Princess Hotel. All teams that are preregistered and teams needing to register must send at least one representative to obtain tournament credentials and the team captains’ bag. All anglers and boat captains should attend the scheduled anglers/captains’ meeting at 7:30 p.m., July 13, at the Hamilton Princess Hotel. If they do not attend, they accept and agree to be bound by all instructions and/or rule changes made orally or in writing during that meeting. In an effort to maximize participation, registrations will be accepted until 8:29 a.m. on July 14.
Cancellation Policy
In an effort to receive early registrations, the tournament will allow participants to cancel their registration until the deadline of 10:00 p.m. July 13. The tournament will refund all entry fees less a $100 processing fee.
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 should be communicated to the tournament committee prior to any days fishing. There is a limit of six registered anglers per boat in this tournament; however, if an angler drops out, an additional angler can be signed on with the team if he/she registers 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 in the event of 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.
Boats with Sonar Sonars are not permitted to be deployed prior to lines in at 8:30 AM.
Schedule of Events
Event location: The Hamilton Princess Hotel, Barr’s Bay Park
July 13— Final registration, captains’ meeting and kickoff party from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Princess Hotel. Dinner Buffet opens at 6:30 p.m. Captains meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m.
July 14 — Boat parade off the Hamilton Princess dock at 6:15 a.m. Participants are encouraged to decorate their boats’ outriggers with flags and banners. All boats line up behind the lead boat at 6:15 a.m. and start a slow parade to Two Rocks Passage. Fishing day: 8:30 a.m. start, 4:30 p.m. lines out. Release Video Check-In, Private Bar and Weigh Station at Barr’s Bay Park.
July 15 — Fishing day: 8:30 a.m. start, 4:30 p.m. lines out. Release Video Check-In, Private Bar and Weigh Station at Barr’s Bay Park.
July 16 — Fishing day: 8:30 a.m. start, 4:30 p.m. lines out. Release Video Check-In, Private Bar and Weigh Station at Barr’s Bay Park.
July 17 — 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Goslings/Tito’s Happy Hour at the Rosedon Hotel Garden across the street from the Hamilton princess.
6:30 p.m. – Dinner Gala and Awards at the Hamilton Princess’ Harborview Ballroom.
Rules
IGFA angling and tackle rules apply in this tournament (see tournament release rules for scoring billfish release points). It is the responsibility of each registered angler and crew member to know, understand and abide by IGFA and tournament rules during this competition. Any angler, captain or mate who deliberately breaks any IGFA or tournament rules will be deemed ineligible for any prize, award, honor, or recognition and may be immediately expelled and disqualified from this and future tournaments without a refund of any jackpot or registration fees. For a complete list of IGFA angling and tackle rules, go to igfa.org. The tournament will distribute Official Tournament, IGFA angling and tackle rules at final registration.
Billfish Release Rules
All teams must provide their own video camera(s) to verify releases. All video recording equipment must be set to the proper Bermuda time and date and must be synchronized to the official tournament time. To verify a catch, you must use the release cards provided. Teams will be informed of the release card to use prior to each day’s start of fishing. To score an official release, the video footage must include sufficient footage to (1) clearly identify the species; (2) show a team member, angler or crew touching the leader while the fish is still hooked; (3) display the release card provided by the tournament; (4) identify the time and date of the catch; and (5) show the catch and full release of the fish. The video footage must identify all of these elements. Do not delete any video taken during fishing hours, even if it does not include the above elements and will not be used to prove a catch.
All recordings, images, sounds, etc. become property of Bonnier LLC and may be used at any time. Recordings and/or images may be downloaded from the team’s device(s).
Any release photos posted on the tournament website or social channels or included in the tournament videos are for entertainment and marketing purposes only.
Catch-Report Affidavit
After the release video is taken, the time, species, release card of the day 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, camera connections, catch-report affidavit and all video footage taken must be brought to the weigh station for verification of official release points. Catch reports should be turned in by 7 p.m. unless a team is fighting a fish after lines out at 4:30 p.m.
Scoring
Billfish Division: Five hundred (500) points awarded for every blue marlin officially released, or one point per pound for every blue marlin weighed and verified at or over the 500-pound minimum. One hundred (100) points for every white marlin, spearfish or sailfish officially released. If a blue marlin brought to the scales fails to make the minimum weight limit, the team that caught the fish will be penalized 500 team points, plus two points per pound that the fish is under the minimum weight. For example, if a fish weighs 480 pounds, that team will be penalized 500 points for not meeting the weight requirement and another 40 points for the 20-pound difference. The total penalty would cost them 540 team points, and they would receive no other points for the fish. Any blue marlin boated for any reason must be weighed. Failure to weigh a boated blue marlin will result in immediate disqualification for the remainder of the tournament and forfeiture of all points previously earned. Only one blue marlin may be taken per day, per boat. All white marlin, sailfish and spearfish must be released.
Once a marlin is boated, the team must take a picture or video of the fish while measuring the short length, girth of the fish and circumference of the tail. The measurements of the fish must be reported to the tournament committee. In the event of a tie the team reaching the highest score first wins with the other team assuming the next award position. This is based on the time of release and boated time of billfish.
Game Fish Division
Eligible species are yellowfin and bigeye tuna, wahoo and dolphin. This is purely a biggest-fish category, with scoring calculated to the tenth of a pound to 200 pounds and to the pound for fish over 200 pounds. The single largest game fish, yellowfin or bigeye tuna, dolphin or wahoo caught over the three-day event will win a trophy and prizes. Minimum weight for this category is 25 pounds. Once a game fish is boated and the intent is to weigh it you must notify tournament control. Teams must use the card of the day and take a photo or video of the fish with the designated card. In the event of a tie the team reaching the highest score first wins. This is based on the time of boated fish.
CatchStat
The Bermuda Big Game Classic tournament uses CatchStat for registration and team management. CatchStat provides live scoring updates. All content on CatchStat is for entertainment purposes only. Content does not replace and may not reflect official tournament standings or payout amounts. Official standings can be obtained by contacting the tournament committee.
Line
The maximum line strength allowed is 130-pound-test. Tournament and/or non-tournament lines are eligible. If the line test stated on the label is 130 pounds or less, the line will be allowed in the tournament. The catch shall be classified under the breaking strength of the first five meters of line directly preceding the double line, leader or hook. This section must be comprised of a single, homogenous piece of line.
Leader
The length of the leader is the overall length, including any swivel, lure or hook arrangement. In all line classes exceeding 20 pounds (10 kg), the leader shall be limited to 30 feet (9.14 meters). The combined length of the double line, leader, swivel and hook set shall not exceed 40 feet (12.19 meters) total. The tournament committee holds the right to examine any hook sets, line and/or leaders at any time during the event. Refusal to allow the committee to examine any hook sets, 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.
Hooks
All tournament participants must use non-offset circle hooks for all species whenever natural baits or natural-bait/artificial-lure combinations are used.
Fishing Hours
Fishing will commence at 8:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. on July 14, 15, and 16. No lines, teasers or the use of omnidirectional sonar technology will be permitted before the official fishing hours each day. The tournament control’s time will act as the official time for the start, catch-and-release and end of fishing each day. The tournament committee reserves the privilege of changing starting and finishing times for any reason it deems necessary. A radio start will take place each morning at 8:30 a.m. and finish with a radio lines out at 4:30 p.m. The official tournament VHF channel will be 7 International.
Fighting Times
In the event of late hookups all fish to be weighed or release videos must be back at the weigh station and in the slip by 11:59 p.m. on the day of fishing.
Weigh-In/Release-Video Check-In
The weigh station and release-video check-in station is at Barr’s Bay Park.
Radio/Communications
All billfish hookups, releases and lost fish must be reported to tournament control, along with the boat name, angler name and fish species. The tournament control’s time will act as the official time for the start, catch-and-release and end of fishing each day without exception. The official tournament channel will be 7 International. An International cell phone number of 407-533-0123 can also be used to communicate. During the last hour of fishing each day, all hookups must be reported. All game fish boated and intended to be weighed must be called into tournament control.
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.
Sportsmanlike Conduct
All participants are expected to maintain a reasonable and sportsmanlike demeanor at all times throughout the tournament. Unsportsmanlike or threatening conduct towards tournament committee or other participants, or any other behavior which the tournament committee deems inappropriate, in their sole discretion, will result in immediate disqualification of the entire team with no refund of entry fees.
Protests
Participants may lodge protests against any catch which they believe was not made in accordance with these rules. All protests must be stated in writing and accompanied by $500. All protests will be settled the day of the incident. All protests on July 14, 15 and 16 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 tournament committee may call a protest hearing in their discretion; a protest hearing is not guaranteed. The protesting party, as well as the accused team members, captain and crew, must be present at any official protest hearing.
The tournament committee may refuse to consider any protest evidence not submitted at the protest hearing in the presence of the protested team. If the protesting or protested team fails to show up for the protest hearing, that team forfeits its right to submit evidence. Decisions of the tournament committee with regard to protests are final, non-appealable, and nonjusticiable.
The Bermuda Big Game Classic tournament committee reserves the right to update or change these rules at any time. By entering the Bermuda Big Game Classic tournament and paying the entry fees, all participants agree to abide by the tournament rules and accept all decisions made by the Tournament Committee as final.
Jennifer Dudas, Tournament Director
[email protected]
407-533-0123
READ CAREFULLY! This Release affects your legal rights and its completion is a prerequisite for your enrollment and participation in the Bermuda Big Game Classic tournament (the “Tournament”). Your entry indicates your FULL acceptance of these terms.
By entering the Bermuda Big Game Classic tournament and paying the entry fees, I AGREE AS FOLLOWS: I am applying to participate in the Tournament; acceptance of my application is at the sole discretion of the Tournament organizers. In consideration of being permitted to apply for, enroll or participate in the Tournament and such activities as may be arranged for me in connection with such application, enrollment and participation (collectively, the “Tournament Activities”), individually for myself and on behalf of my personal representatives, heirs, assigns, executors, administrators, and next of kin, and as the vessel’s master (if I am the vessel’s master):
I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS. I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL LEGAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT. MY ACCEPTANCE AND TOURNAMENT ENTRY IS GIVEN VOLUNTARILY, WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT OR ASSURANCE BEING MADE TO ME, AND I INTEND MY ENTRY TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW.
Participants in Tournaments are advised to obtain their own insurance covering them and their vessel’s participation. By entering the tournament, I hereby affirm receipt of the rules of the Tournament. I also affirm that I will abide by and accept all decisions made by the Tournament committee.
In consideration for being permitted to enroll and participate in the Bermuda Big Game Classic tournament (the “Tournament”), I hereby agree to the following terms:
The Tournament
The Sea Horse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament is a three-day, billfish team event with top-team honors going to the team that tallies the most points during the tournament. Prizes pay down to third place (first, second and third). The tournament will award cash and prizes to the team(s) that catch the largest blue marlin and game fish (by weight). Billfish release trophies and cash prizes will also be awarded to the team(s) with the most billfish release points for the tournament. A trophy and prize will be awarded to the high-point angler. Eligible species for the tournament include blue marlin, white marlin, spearfish, sailfish, yellowfin and bigeye tuna, wahoo and dolphin.
Base Entry Fee
The Base Entry Fee is $3,500 per team. This basic entry fee covers the participation of all registered anglers, captain and mate. It also covers attendance at all planned entertainment and social activities. The tournament committee reserves the right to deny tournament entry to any individual, organization or corporation. A final registration, captains meeting and kickoff party will take place from 5 to 8:30 p.m., July 19, at the Docksider Pub in Hamilton. All teams that are preregistered and teams needing to register must send at least one representative to obtain tournament credentials and the team captains’ bag. All anglers and boat captains must attend the scheduled anglers/captains meeting at 7:00 p.m., July 19, at the Docksider Pub. If they do not attend, they accept and agree to be bound by all instructions and/or rule changes made orally or in writing during that meeting. In an effort to maximize participation, registrations will be accepted until 8:29 a.m. on July 20.
Cancellation Policy
In an effort to receive early registrations, the tournament will allow participants to cancel their registration until the deadline of 10:00 p.m. on July 19. The tournament will refund all entry fees less a $100 processing fee.
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 should be communicated to the tournament committee prior to any days fishing. There is no limit to the number of anglers per boat in this tournament. Guests are allowed on the boats. Boats may receive aid from other boats in the form of towing in the event of 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, underway or fishing.
Boats with Sonar
Sonars are not permitted to be deployed prior to lines in at 8:30 AM.
Schedule of Events
Event location: Final Registration at the Docksider Pub. Weigh-ins at the Barr’s Bay Park. Awards at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.
July 19 — Final registration, captains meeting and kickoff party from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Docksider Pub Hamilton. Captains meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m.
July 20 — Fishing Day 8:30 a.m. start, 4:30 p.m. lines out. Private Dark & Stormy Gosling’s bar at weigh station, Barr’s Bay Park
July 21 — Fishing Day 8:30 a.m. start, 4:30 p.m. lines out. Private Dark & Stormy Gosling’s bar at weigh station, Barr’s Bay Park
July 22 — Fishing Day 8:30 a.m. start, 4:30 p.m. lines out. Private Dark & Stormy Gosling’s bar at weigh station, Barr’s Bay Park
July 23 — Sea Horse Billfish Awards Banquet at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club 6:30pm – 9:30pm. Bermuda Triple Crown Awards presented following Sea Horse Awards.
Rules
IGFA angling and tackle rules apply in this tournament (see tournament release rules for scoring billfish release points). It is the responsibility of each registered angler and crew member to know, understand and abide by IGFA and tournament rules during this competition. Any angler, captain or mate who deliberately breaks any IGFA or tournament rules will be deemed ineligible for any prize, award, honor, or recognition and may be immediately expelled and disqualified from this and future tournaments without a refund of any jackpot or registration fees. For a complete list of IGFA angling and tackle rules, go to igfa.org.
Billfish Release Rules
All teams must provide their own video camera(s) to verify releases. All video recording equipment must be set to the proper Bermuda time and date and must be synchronized to the official tournament time. To verify a catch, you must use release cards provided. Teams will be informed of the release card to use prior to each day’s start of fishing. To score an official release, the video footage must include sufficient footage to (1) clearly identify the species; (2) show a team member, angler or crew touching the leader while the fish is still hooked; (3) display the release card provided by the tournament; (4) identify the time and date of the catch; and (5) show the catch and full release of the fish. The video must identify all of these elements. Do not delete any video taken during fishing hours, even if it does not include the above elements and will not be used to prove a catch. After the release video is taken, the time, species, release card 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, camera connections, catch-report affidavit and all video footage taken must be brought to the weigh station for verification of official release points. Catch reports should be turned in by 7 p.m. unless a team is fighting a fish after lines out at 4:30 p.m.
Scoring Billfish
Five hundred (500) points awarded for every blue marlin officially released, or one point per pound for every blue marlin weighed and verified at or over the 500-pound minimum. One hundred (100) points for every white marlin, spearfish or sailfish officially released. If a blue marlin brought to the scales fails to make the minimum weight limit, the team that caught the fish will be penalized 500 team points, plus two points per pound that the fish is under the minimum weight. For example, if a fish weighs 480 pounds, that team will be penalized 500 points for not meeting the weight requirement and another 40 points for the 20-pound difference. The total penalty would cost them 540 points, and they would receive no other points for the fish. Any blue marlin boated for any reason must be weighed. Failure to weigh a boated blue marlin will result in immediate disqualification for the remainder of the tournament and forfeiture of all points previously earned. Only one blue marlin may be taken per day, per boat. All white marlin, sailfish and spearfish must be released. Once a marlin is boated, the team must take a picture or video of the fish while measuring the short length and girth of the fish. The measurements of the fish must be reported to the tournament committee. In the event of a tie the team reaching the highest score first wins with the other team assuming the next award position. This is based on the time of release and boated time of billfish.
Game Fish Division
Eligible species are yellowfin and bigeye tuna, wahoo and dolphin. This is purely a single biggest-fish category, with scoring calculated to the tenth of a pound to 200 pounds and to the pound for fish over 200 pounds. The largest yellowfin or bigeye tuna, dolphin or wahoo caught over the three-day event will win a trophy and prizes. Minimum weight for this category is 25 pounds. Once a game fish is boated and the intent is to weigh it you must notify tournament control. Teams must use the release card of the day and take a photo or video of the fish with the designated card. In the event of a tie the team reaching the highest score first wins. This is based on the time of boated fish.
Line
The maximum line strength allowed is 130-pound-test. Tournament and/or non-tournament lines are eligible. If the line test stated on the label is 130 pounds or less, the line will be allowed in the tournament. The catch shall be classified under the breaking strength of the first five meters of line directly preceding the double line, leader or hook. This section must be comprised of a single, homogenous piece of line.
Leader
The length of the leader is the overall length, including any swivel, lure or hook arrangement. In all line classes exceeding 20 pounds (10 kg), the leader shall be limited to 30 feet (9.14 meters). The combined length of the double line, swivel, hook set and the leader shall not exceed 40 feet (12.19 meters) total. The tournament committee holds the right to examine any hook sets, line and/or leaders at any time during the event. Refusal to allow the committee to examine any hook sets, 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.
Hooks
All tournament participants must use non-offset circle hooks for all species whenever natural baits or natural-bait/artificial-lure combinations are used.
Fishing Hours
Fishing will commence at 8:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. on July 20, 21 and 22. The tournament control’s time will act as the official time for the start, catch-and-release and end of fishing each day. The tournament committee reserves the privilege of changing starting and finishing times for any reason it deems necessary. A radio start will take place each morning at 8:30 a.m. The official tournament channel will be 7 International.
Fighting Times
In the event of late hookups all fish to be weighed or release videos must be back at the weigh station and in the slip by 11:59 p.m. on the day of fishing.
Weigh-In/Release-Video Check-In
The weigh station and release-video check-in station is at Barr’s Bay Park.
Catch-Report Affidavit
All catches must be recorded on the catch-report-affidavit sheets provided. The official time, species, release number card and angler’s name must be written on the catch-report affidavit. Each registered angler, mate 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.
Radio/Communications
All billfish hookups, releases and lost fish must be reported to tournament control, along with the boat name, angler name and fish species. The tournament control’s time will act as the official time for the start, catch-and-release and end of fishing each day without exception. The official tournament channel is 7 International. An International cell phone/WhatsApp number of 407-533-0123 can also be used to communicate. During the last hour of fishing each day, all hookups must be reported.
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.
Sportsmanlike Conduct
All participants are expected to maintain a reasonable and sportsmanlike demeanor at all times throughout the tournament. Unsportsmanlike or threatening conduct towards tournament organizers or other participants, or any other behavior which the tournament organizers deem inappropriate, in their sole discretion, will result in immediate disqualification of the entire team with no refund of entry fees.
Protests
Participants may lodge protests against any catch which they believe was not made in accordance with these rules. All protests must be stated in writing and accompanied by $500. The tournament committee may call a protest hearing in their discretion; a protest hearing is not guaranteed. All protests will be settled on the day of the incident. All protests on July 20, 21 and 22 must be in the hands of the tournament’s designated rules committee 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 at any official protest hearing. The tournament committee may refuse to consider any protest evidence not submitted at the protest hearing in the presence of the protested team. If the protesting or protested team fails to show up for the protest hearing, that team forfeits its right to submit evidence. Decisions of the tournament committee with regard to protests are final, non-appealable, and nonjusticiable.
Jennifer Dudas, Tournament Director
[email protected]
407-533-0123
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