ANGLING RULES

The Tournament is a sanctioned West Australian Game Fishing Association (WAGFA) event, fished under the rules governed by the Game Fishing Association of Australia (GFAA). All Billfish tagged should be verified with a photo of the tag being placed in the shoulder of the fish. All tagged fish must be revived and then released and avoid bringing any Marlin onboard; The retrieval of hooks and lures must be attempted. In the case of loss, this must be conveyed to the weigh master at the time of submitting any tags and photo(s). Loss of terminal tackle will not necessarily disqualify the fish. Once the fish is released, unless the terminal tackle is lost, all terminal tackle from one meter of line above the double must be kept and handed in in one piece with the tag. If the lure is used again and lost, any previous tags will be regarded as ineligible.

All tag cards must be submitted to the Weigh Master no later than 1830 hours each day. A Tag and Capture card incorrectly filled out or submitted on the incorrect card will result in a capture being disqualified. The weighing of fish and the presenting of tag cards will take place at the end of the fuel jetty from 1730 – 1830 on Saturday and Sunday and FSC on the Monday between 1700 hours and 1800 hours (to be confirmed at briefing).

Tackle may be requested by the Weight Master when submitting tags and or captures in order to confirm compliance with the fishing regulations.

BILLFISH AND SHARKS ARE TAG & RELEASE ONLY

N.B. Sharks, if tagged, must be minimum of twice the line class to be eligible.

ALL SHARKS 5000 PTS DIVIDED BY THE LINE CLASS.

 MARLIN (BLUE, BLACK)          STRIPPED MARLIN

60kg line 2000 points          60kg Line  1800 Points
37kg line 3000 points.          37kg Line  2800 Points
24kg line 4000 points.          24kg Line  3800Points

All other (Swordfish, Sailfish, Spearfish) 60kg line 1000 points 37kg line 2000 points 24kg line 3000 points.

Allocated weight x 100 divided by the line class. For all species other than Billfish, the minimum line class is 2kgs. Any Billfish caught on a Line Class less than 24kg will be allocated points as if caught on 24kg Line Class.

ALLOCATED WEIGHTS TAG AND RELEASE

No fish under 60cm are to be tagged with the exception of Yellowtail Kingfish which has a minimum of 70cm.

All fish will be allocated weights according to measured length with weights calculated on GFAA measure x release charts (a chart will be provided). Fish under 60cm must be photographed on a brag mat and points will be awarded according to the weight chart. (the fish must go line class or better and a measure and release card handed in).

Fish (excluding sharks) captured and weighed will be scored by replacing allocated weight with actual. The official Weigh Master for the tournament is Phil Volich who can be contacted on 0423 281 484 or Channel 81 VHF.

PROTESTS

All Protests must be made to the Tournament Director or the Weigh Master as soon as practical, but no later than 2000 hours on either event day. All Protests will be decided jointly by the Tournament Director, Weigh Master and Committee. No Protest will be accepted after 1830 hours on either days of the tournament.

INDIVIDUAL ANGLER POINTS

The best two point scoring fish of each species per angler per day.

CHAMPION BOAT POINTS

The best three point scoring fish of each species per boat per day. Eagle Rays are excluded from this Tournament.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

The BMC Committee reserves the right to cancel or alter the offical fishing times in the event of inclement weather i.e. strong wind warning. Participants will be advised via channel 81 as soon as practicable.