DESTIN FISHING RODEO

The Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo - During the Entire Month of October
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Destin Fishing Rodeo Rules 2007

Official
Tournament
Web Site
Destin Fishing
Rodeo, Inc.
850-837-6734
  • 2007 Destin Fishing Rodeo Rules
  • Anglers must declare division of entry at the time of weigh-in. Anglers cannot win multiple awards for single fish (excluding bonus and jackpot awards).
  • 1. SCOPE: These rules govern the Annual Destin-Gulf Coast Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo to be held October 1 through October31.
  • 2. GENERAL:
  • 2.1. There is no entry fee for contestants fishing aboard a boat that is officially registered in the Rodeo or for pier, bridge, jetty and surf contestants.
  • 2.2. Pier, Bridge, Jetty and Surf entries must be caught within twenty-five (25) miles of the east end of the Destin Bridge to be eligible in the Rodeo.
  • 2.3. Fish entered in the Rodeo must be caught from a boat operating out of Destin East Pass, which has officially registered in the Rodeo. (See definition 6.17)
  • 2.4. Boats entered after the beginning of the Rodeo in any division are not eligible for competition until the day following registration.
  • 2.5. Prize winning fish must be a saltwater species (See Definition 7.1) and must be caught with rod and reel, hook and line. Standard hand-held electric rod and reel up to a 9-ought is permissible. Any other equipment such as deck reels, and winches, cables, etc., are excluded from competition. Fish that have been gigged, speared, harpooned, shot, netted or caught on a longline are not eligible,
  • 2.6. Fish must be reeled to the surface solely by the contestant before another person may gaff the fish.
  • 2.7. Any fish submitted for State of Florida or International Gamefish Association (IGFA) Record, must be caught and applied for in accordance with IGFA rules. Florida/IGFA rules and information is available at the Rodeo weigh station.
  • 2.8. Fish which have spoiled, been mutilated, frozen or appear to have been frozen, or Chemically treated are not eligible for competition. Fish must be caught and weighed on the same day, except in overnight division.
  • 2.9. Boats may not leave Destin East Pass prior to 12:01 a.m. and must return to weigh-in by 7:00 p.m. daily. A daily bag limit will apply. Overnight fishing prohibited except in the Overnight Division.
  • 2.10. Prize winning fish shall be the largest by weight. In the event of a tie, the first fish recorded shall be the winner; Minimum weight of one pound is required for eligibility.
  • 2.11. All fish are to be drawn (from the anal vent through the breastplate to the throat with all entrails removed) and washed for inspection prior to weighing for Rodeo entry. Fish in contention for world or state records will be weighed prior to being drawn for Rodeo entry at the request of the angler.
  • 2.12. Any fish possibly considered for a State of Florida or International Gamefish Association (IGFA) Record maybe weighed prior to being drawn for Rodeo entry in compliance with IGFA requirements.
  • 2.13. Weighing and recording of a fish must take place at the official rodeo weigh station. The weigh station shall be open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Fish must be at the rodeo weigh station not later than closing time (by the official Rodeo clock) on the day of the catch (with the exception of the overnight division) to be eligible for competition.
  • 2.14. Charter boat captain must be present, sign official entry form and verify the weight of each fish officially entered in the Destin Fishing Rodeo at the time of weigh-in. By signing the official entry form, the captain also attests the angler whose name appears on the entry form did catch the fish being weighed in accordance with rule 2.6. The captain’s signature further attests to the division being entered. No changes in division will be allowed after the entry form is signed.
  • 2.15. Any boat or individual in arrears to the Destin Fishing Rodeo after December 31ST of the year the debt is incurred will be ineligible for all subsequent Rodeos until the debt is satisfied.
  • 2.16. A contestant may weigh in as many fish as desired, however, only the largest fish of each species in the contestants possession on the day of the catch will be eligible for an award.
  • 2.17. Angler and entry slips must accompany each entry. The Rodeo Judge shall complete the official entry slip. The contestant’s SSN is required before a bond or cash can be awarded as a prize.
  • 2.18. The following persons are not eligible for awards (except, the King Mackerel Jackpot Awards or the Charter Boat Children’s Awards) if they have participated as such within the current calendar year: (a) Captains, crew members (See Definition 6.15), owners, part owners or any persons directly or indirectly related to revenue generation while underway on fare-carrying/commercial boats and their immediate family members. (See Definition 6.4); (b) Regular or part-time share fishermen (See Definition 6.2); (d) commercial fishermen; (e) commercial fishing pier owners and operators, their employees and their immediate family members (See Definition 6.4) may not enter a fish in pier, bridge, jetty and surf division; (f) Rodeo officials (See Definition 6.3); (g) an exception will be made for immediate family members if the entry is caught from a private boat, pier, bridge, jetty or surf.
  • 2.19. Contestants shall abide by the Rodeo rules and the decision of the official Rodeo Rules Committee shall be final.
  • 2.20. Unsportsmanlike action by a Rodeo participant may disqualify that individual from this and future Rodeos.
  • 2.21. Complaints or protests must be in the form of a written statement and personally turned in to the Rodeo officials on duty not later than 7:00 p.m., seventy-two (72) hours following the occurrence which occasioned the complaint. A cash deposit of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) must accompany the protest. If the complaint or protest is found to be valid, the deposit is returned, If not, the deposit becomes the property of the Destin Fishing Rodeo, Inc.
  • 2.22. Rules may be modified, interpreted or changed without notice to meet unusual or emergency conditions by action of the Rodeo Rules Committee.
  • 2.23 Memorial Awards that are not sponsored, or do not have significant historical meaning to the Destin Fishing Rodeo, will be eliminated.
  • 3. DIVISIONS OF COMPETITION. ­
  • 3.1. The Annual Destin-Gulf Coast Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo shall have divisions of competition as listed herein.
  • 3.2. Fish caught from a boat are not eligible for entry in the Pier, Bridge, Jetty and Surf Division.
  • 3.3. Fish caught from a pier, bridge, jetty or surf are only eligible for entry in the Pier, Bridge, Jetty and Surf Division, unless specifically stated within these rules or in the awards listings.
  • 3.4. Specific awards and prizes for the Divisions of Competition are listed in the Awards Schedule/Prize List.
  • 3.5. GRAND PRIZE DIVISION: The King Mackerel and Red Snapper are the only two species of fish that may be entered In the Grand Prize Division. A prize will be awarded to both the “fare-carrying” boat contestants and the “private” boat category contestants entering the largest and second largest King Mackerel and Red Snapper. Prize certificates for the fare-carrying boat contestants must be redeemed before December of the following year. Otherwise, prize reverts back to the Destin Fishing Rodeo.
  • 3.6. GROUPER AWARDS DIVISION: The Black Grouper is the only specie of fish that may be entered in the Grouper Awards Division. (See Rule 7.1.)
  • 3.7. AMBERJACK DIVISION: The Amberjack is the only specie of fish that may be entered in the Amberjack Awards Division.
  • 3.8. SPECIAL AWARDS DIVISION: The Kitty Mitchell, Red Grouper, Black Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Yellowfin Grouper, and Bonita in competition with each other are the only fish that may be entered in the Special Awards Division.
  • 3.9. WARSAW DIVISION: The Warsaw is the only specie of fish that may be entered in the Warsaw Division.
  • 3.10. SHARK DIVISION: All species of Shark eligible for this division. 1 Shark per boat per day may be brought to the weigh station. 200 lb. minimum. All regulations for shark fishing must be adhered to. Sharks may only be registered in the Shark Division. The largest shark weighed-in during the 2006 Rodeo will set a benchmark for a new Rodeo Record Shark category beginning in 2007.
  • 3.11. PAN FRY DIVISION: The Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, Sheepshead, Blue Runner, Sail Catfish, Speckled Trout, White Trout, Mingo Snapper, White Snapper, Northern Mackerel and Striped Bass in competition with each other are the only species of fish that may be entered in the Pan Fry Division (Boat or Shore). This Division does not cross over to other categories. Division of entry must be declared at the time of weigh-in for entries that are eligible in multi-categories.
  • 3.12. OVERNIGHT DIVISION. In order to qualify in the Overnight Division, boat must be away from the dock in excess of 24 hours. Boats must notify Rodeo Headquarters prior to departure by calling 837-6734. (See Definition 6.11). Fish must be weighed on the day of the vessel’s return to port. Overnight entries eligible only in the Overnight Division. Eligible fish are as follows: Dolphin, Wahoo, Warsaw, Amberjack, Grouper, Red Snapper, Yellowfin Tuna , Swordfish and Scamp.
  • 3.13 EXTENDED VOYAGE DIVISION: In order to qualify in the Extended Voyage Division, boat must be away from the dock no less than 44 hours and no more than 60 hours Boats must notify Rodeo Headquarters prior to departure by calling 837-6734. (See Definition 6.11). Fish must be weighed on the day of the vessel’s return to port. Extended Voyage entries eligible only in the Extended Voyage Division. Eligible fish are as follows: Dolphin, Wahoo, Amberjack, Grouper, Red Snapper, Yellowfin Tuna, Swordfish and Scamp.
  • .3.14. PIER, BRIDGE, JETTY AND SURF DIVISION: Eligible species in the Pier, Bridge, Jetty and Surf Division must weigh at least one pound and include Pompano, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Speckeled Trout, Redfish, Flounder and Jack Crevalle. This Division does not cross over to other categories. Division of entry must be declared at the time of weigh-in for entries that are eligible in multi-categories.
  • 3.15. SENIOR CITIZEN DIVISION: Anglers must be 65 years of age or older.
  • 3.16. DESTIN CHARTER BOAT CHILDREN’S AWARD; Children 12 years and under, and ages 13-18, of Captain or crewmembers of fare-carrying boats entered in the Rodeo are eligible in this division. A letter will be sent to all Charter Boat captains with a card to declare their charter boat children and their relationship to the crew (See Definition 6.16). If Rodeo does not have record of child 24 hours prior to weigh-in, the child cannot enter this category. 
  • 3.17. JUNIOR and TEEN DIVISIONS: King Mackerel, Wahoo, Dolphin, Blackfin Tuna and Triggerfish, having a minimum weight of one pound are eligible for entry in the Junior Division. Billfish Catch & Release, Grouper, Amberjack, Red Snapper, Wahoo, Dolphin and King Mackerel are eligible for entry in the Teen Division.
      • 3.17.1. Boys and girls twelve years of age and less on the date of the catch are eligible in the Junior Division.
      • 3.17.2 Boys and girls thirteen to eighteen years of age on the date of the catch are eligible in the Teen Division. 
  • 3.18. To be eligible in the Rodeo Record Division an entry shall be one of the following species. Winner for each species will be determined by the leaders in each category at tournament conclusion (7:00 p.m., October 31st.). In the event that two entries are of the same weight, the first entry shall hold its position on the leader board.
      • King Mackerel 56.8 lbs. Red Snapper 39.4 lbs.
      • Black Grouper 70.2 lbs. Warsaw 358.8 lbs.
      • Amberjack 106.9 lbs. Dolphin  48.8 lbs.
      • Wahoo  96.1 lbs. Sailfish  68.7 lbs.*
      • White Marlin 85 lbs.* Blue Marlin 528.4 lbs*.
      • *Sailfish, White Marlin and Blue Marlin are no longer eligible for entry in the Rodeo. Records are listed for historical purposes only.
  • 3.19. FLY-FISHING DIVISION: This category is for fish caught on a boat or from shore. IGFA Rules for Fly-Fishing will be observed. Briefly: Any type of fly line and backing may be used. The breaking strength of the fly line and backing is not restricted. Leaders must conform to generally accepted fly fishing customs. Rods must conform to generally accepted fly fishing customs and practices, and the reel must be designed expressly for fly-fishing. The angler must cast, hook, fight, and bring the fish to gaff or net unaided by any other person. Casting and retrieving must be carried out in accordance with normal customs and generally accepted practices. Trolling a fly behind a moving watercraft is not permitted. A complete list of the Rules for Fly-Fishing will be made available at the Rodeo office. RED FISH SLOT LIMITS ARE STRICTLY ADHERED TO. This Division does not cross over to other categories. Division of entry must be declared at the time of weigh-in for entries that are eligible in multi-categories.
  • 3.20. 25’ and UNDER DIVISION: This category is open to both fare-carrying and private vessels 25’ and under in length (See Definition 6.13). Species eligible in this division are king mackerel, red snapper, grouper, speckled trout, redfish and spanish mackerel. 
  •     3.21.     CAPTAIN'S AWARDS:  The Rodeo will award 2 Captain's Awards (One Private, One Charter).  The awards are for the most legitimate (see Definition 6.18) entries (catch and release will not be counted for this award) by a single captain (one charter, one private) during the 31-day Destin Fishing Rodeo.

 3.22 NON-MOTORIZED BOAT DIVISION: Kayaks, Canoes, Rafts and any other completely non-motorized vessel may enter this division. Prizes will be awarded for the largest trout, redfish and the largest specie other than a trout or redfish.

 3.23 BILLFISH CATCH & RELEASE DIVISION: Photo documentation of the catch must be presented to the Rodeo office within 48 hours of the catch. Photo must include the 2007 Rodeo Flag or sticker to qualify as an official entry. Digital photos may be e-mailed to fishing@destinfishingrodeo.org.

 3.24 BLACKFIN TUNA DIVISION:The Blackfin Tuna is the only specie of fish that may be entered in the Blackfin Tuna Division.

 3.25 TRASH CAN SLAM DIVISION: The Ladyfish, Jack Crevalle, and Sailcat must be presented at the same time for eligibility in the Trash Can Slam. The heaviest aggregate weigh of the tournament will win the division. 1st & 2nd place will be awarded.

4. AWARDING OF PRIZES:

  • 4.1. The daily prizes shall be presented at the official Rodeo Headquarters after 7:15 p.m. on the date of catch.
  • 4.2. The weekly prizes shall be presented at the official Rodeo Headquarters after 7:15 p.m. on the last day of the fishing week. (See Definition 6.5.)
  • 4.3. All other prizes shall be awarded at a time and a place to be announced for the formal awards ceremony. Winners do not have to be present.
  • 4.4. A prize not claimed within thirty (30) days after the date of the award shall revert to the Rodeo.
  • 4.5. A contestant shall not be eligible to win more than three daily prizes and not more than two weekly prizes within the month of October. A contestant shall not be eligible to hold more than one place in a division.
  • 4.6. Junior Certificates given to junior entries are limited to one per person per day.
  • 4.7. Special King Mackerel Anglers Award - All king mackerel caught from a registered boat (Fare-Carrying or Private) will be eligible for a special, open division award. The angler with the overall largest fish shall win the sum of $3,000: second largest, $2,000; and third largest, $1,000.
  • 4.8. Special King Mackerel Jackpot Bonus Award – Open to all registered boats (Fare Carrying or Private) that have paid the Jackpot entry fee ($100 per boat) and filled out the Jackpot entry form. The Jackpot will be split as follows:
        • Largest King Mackerel 50%
        • Second Largest King Mackerel 30%
        • Third Largest King Mackerel 20%
    •   Only one place per entry. Prize money will be paid to the person named on the entry
  • 5. OFFICIAL BOAT REGISTRATION:
  • 5.1. Fare-Carrying Boats: (See Definition 6.6). Entry fees shall be based on the capacity of the individual vessel as determined by the Rodeo Committee.
  • 5.2. Private Boats: (See Definition 6.7) Entry fees for private boats shall be based on the following schedule:
      • Non-motorized vessel   $ 75
      • 25 feet overall length and under  $100
      • 25.1' -35   $200
      • 35.1' and over in length   $300
  • 5.3. The Rodeo Committee must approve transfer of boat registration or refund of entry fees or parts thereof to meet unusual/emergency conditions.
  • 5.4. A boat may only hold one registration: Private, or Fare Carrying, during the rodeo.
  • 6. DEFINITIONS:
  • 6.1. Saltwater Fish: A fish whose normal habitat is saltwater.
  • 6.2. Share fisherman: A person who has sold his catch or shared his catch with the Captain and/or owner of the boat In return for a fare or a fee within the current calendar year.
  • 6.3. Rodeo officials: Paid employees and the Official Rodeo Judges judging that day
  • 6.4. Immediate Family: Father. Mother, Brother, Sister, Son, Daughter, and Spouse.
  • 6.5. Weekly Competition Periods: October 1-8; October 9-16; October 17-24; October 25-31. All dates are inclusive.
  • 6.6. Fare-carrying Boats: A boat owned and operated as a charter fishing business in Destin as determined by the Rules Committee.
  • 6.7. Private Boat: Vessel that has not carried passengers for hire as determined by the Rules Committee..
  • 6.8. Fare-carrying Award Classification: Awards eligible to all boats registered in the Fare-carrying division only.
  • 6.9. Private Awards Classification: Awards eligible to all boats registered in the Private division only.
  • 6.10. Open Awards Classification: Awards eligible to all boats registered in the Fare-carrying and Private divisions.
  • 6.11. Overnight Trip - In order to qualify in the Overnight Division, boat must be away from the dock a minimum of 24 hours and maximum of 43 hours. Boats must notify Rodeo Headquarters prior to departure by calling 837-6734. 2 licensed captains are required aboard fare-carryiing vessels at all times, and both captains must sign entry forms at the dock. Overnight trips must be declared. (See Rule 3.12)
  • 6.12 EXTENDED VOYAGE - In order to qualify in the Overnight Division, boat must be away from the dock a minimum of 44 hours and maximum of 60 hours. Boats must notify Rodeo Headquarters prior to departure by calling 837-6734. 2 licensed captains are required aboard fare carrying vessels at all times both captains must sign entry forms at the dock. Extended Voyage trips must be declared. (See Rule 3.13)
  • 6.13. 25’ and Under: The boat’s length as determined by the manufacturer.
  • 6.14. Registered Entry: A registered entry is an entry that is recorded with an official Rodeo Judge and eligible to be recorded on the leader board at the weigh station.
  • 6.15. Crewmember: Any person who receives or has received any type of compensation (money, salary, wages, tips, trade-out fishing trips, fish or food) from any captain, other crewmember or customer at any time within the 12 months preceding the date of weigh-in for work performed.
  • 6.16. CHARTER BOAT CHILDREN – Son, daughter, step-son or step-daughter of registered charter boat captain or crewmember, as declared by the captain at least 24 hours prior to weighing-in fish in this division.
  • 6.17 Vessels cannot be removed from the water and trailered east of the 331 bridge or west of the Navarre bridge.
  • 6.18     Legitimate Entry for Captain Awards:  The heaviest fish in each category from a boat, per trip, that takes a position on the leader board.   In the event of a tie, the earliest weigh-in prevails.

7. SALTWATER FISHING LAWS:

  • 7.1. The saltwater fishing laws of the State of Florida or other governing bodies apply to the Rodeo.
  • 7.2. Species identification asused in this tournament shall be in accordance with customary names applied in this locality. (For instance, the “black grouper” eligible for the entry in this tournament is known as “gag grouper” in other waters.) For exact species identification anglers may check with Dockmaster whose ruling on species identification will be final.
  • Indicates Change from 2006 Rodeo Rules

 

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