Darrell Ticehurst/Fisheries Issues
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Best Tournament Format Ever
Jul. 23 2010, 9:49 AM
Jul. 23 2010, 9:49 AM
Best Tournament Format Ever
Tournament Anglers Association conducts two tournaments each year that offer the best, most evenly competitive format that I have found for a fishing tournament. The TAA Eastcape Billfish Tournament is a three day tournament held in June each year at Palmas de Cortez Hotel. Here are the rules and what makes this so perfect for a fun yet competitive event:
Tournament Anglers Association conducts two tournaments each year that offer the best, most evenly competitive format that I have found for a fishing tournament. The TAA Eastcape Billfish Tournament is a three day tournament held in June each year at Palmas de Cortez Hotel. Here are the rules and what makes this so perfect for a fun yet competitive event:
1. The tournament charters all boats for the event.
2. The tournament endeavors to provide each boat with exactly the same amount of dead and live bait.
3. Two anglers are assigned to each boat. The two anglers are chosen by lot and will only fish together that day. Also, neither angler will fish on that boat again during the tournament.
4. Boats are assigned based upon a drawing at the kickoff angler meeting.
5. This is a release tournament only. Points are awarded as follows:
a. 200 points for a marlin or swordfish
b. 100 points for a sailfish
c. 10 points for a tuna, dorado, or wahoo—these must be caught within 10 minutes or they are disqualified.
d. Bonus points are awarded for billfish based upon fighting time: 50 points in the first 15 minutes, 25 points if it takes 15+ to 30 minutes, 10 points for 30+ to 45 minutes.
e. If the fight lasts more than one hour the billfish is disqualified.
6. The timing for a fish begins when the fish first pulls against the drag and continues until the leader knot or swivel hits the rod tip, at which time the mate may wire the fish and release it. The competitor(s) on the boat do the timing and announce when bonus point deadlines are nearing.
7. All anglers must set their own hook and fight their own fish. The crew may not touch the rod or the line, except to clear the non-fish lines when a fish is on or to assist the angler when changing bait or lures.
8. In this tournament we fish 30# lb test IGFA rated line and everyone must use the same line.
9. Prizes are fishing tackle related products only. The no cash awards rule relieves some of the tension, and makes for a gracious, sportsmanship like approach by everyone.
With these rules everyone is assured of a completely level playing field. One of the great things about these rules is that you get to meet a great number of other anglers and learn a lot about how others approach the fishing. You also quickly gain some new friends and it makes for real camaraderie dockside. TAA (I am on Board or Directors) also keeps track of tournament releases and publishes release counts and awards release patches for significant milestones. A number of anglers have released more than 100 billfish in TAA recognized tournaments. Space is limited, so you have to be invited to fish in this event. TAA maintains a website at www.fishtaa.com.
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