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Tournament Rules

GENERAL CONTEST INFORMATION, GENERAL FISHING RULES,
GENERAL TOURNAMENT INFORMATION, GENERAL TOURNAMENT RULES,
TOURNAMENT WEATHER RULES, SPECIFIC TOURNAMENT RULES

Below you will find the rules that will govern the fishing year. The J.O.S.F.C. Fishing Committee has developed and compiled these rules to provide Club members a fair and equal opportunity to participate in all our events. It is our hope that you will participate in our many contests and find these rules equitable and safe. GOOD LUCK AND GOOD FISHING.

Published 2010

I. GENERAL CONTEST INFORMATION

J.O.S.F.C. FISHING BOARDS

For the "Annual Contests", the largest fish by species will be tracked on the Club Boards by Men's, Ladies, both Junior Anglers, Light Tackle, Inshore, Inshore Junior Angler, Blue Water, and Unlimited divisions. Fishing year starts October 1, of the current year and ends at 8:30 p.m. on the night of the second Club meeting in September of the following year.

Eligible Species:

Men's and Ladies Boards:

Amberjack, B-Liner, Barracuda, Blackfin Tuna, Bluefish, Bonita, Cobia, Dolphin, Grouper, Jack Crevalle, King Mackerel, Snapper, Sailfish, Sea Bass, Spanish Mackerel, Triggerfish, Wahoo.

Light Tackle, and both Junior Angler Boards:

African Pompano, Amberjack, B-Liner, Barracuda, Blackfin Tuna, Bluefish, Bonita, Cobia, Dolphin, Grouper, Jack Crevalle, King Mackerel, Red Porgy, Snapper, Sailfish, Sea Bass, Spanish Mackerel, Triggerfish, Wahoo, Blue Marlin, Swordfish, Sailfish, White Marlin, and Yellowfin Tuna.

Inshore Board and Inshore Junior Angler Board:

Black Drum, Croaker, Flounder, Pompano, Red Bass, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Striped Bass, Weakfish, and Whiting.

Blue Water Board:

Blackfin Tuna, Blue Marlin, Dolphin, Swordfish, Sailfish, Wahoo, White Marlin, and Yellowfin Tuna.

Unlimited Board:

African Pompano, Amberjack, B-Liner, Cobia, Grouper, King Mackerel, Sea Bass, Snapper, Red Porgy, and Triggerfish.

WEEKLY BOARD CONTESTS

The contest opens at each Club meeting at 8:31 p.m. and closes the following meeting at 8:30 p.m.

Entries must be delivered in person or by proxy to the Fishing Committee or to a current Board member within a period of time not exceed the next regular club meeting.
Each week a $5 Fishing Reserve Note (Gift Certificate) will be awarded to any angler who replaces an existing entry on the Club boards. The Angler must be present to accept the reserve note and tell the tale of their catch. New entry must outweigh the old entry by at least 1/4 pound. All entries must weigh at least 1 pound (except at Jr. Angler Boards). One certificate per angler per week will be issued regardless of number of slots won by that angler that week.
A sailfish pin will be awarded to any angler for releasing any billfish.
In order to win any board the angler must participate in a minimum of 3 club tournaments, with the exception of the Junior Angler's Boards. Tournament participation, for one of the three required, may be fulfilled by performing the duties of Check-out (including breakfast), Check-in (including lunch) or Weigh master.
All General Fishing Rules apply.

CAPTAIN OF THE YEAR

To be eligible for Captain of the Year you must be a member of the J.O.S.F.C. and fish at least 3 Club Tournaments.
Captains will receive points toward this award based on the final place standings among the top ten (10) boats in the following regularly scheduled Club Tournaments: River Tournament, Non-Live Bait Tournament, May Trolling Tournament, Kingfish Tune-up Tournament, Unlimited Trolling Tournament, Light tackle Tournament and the Bottom Tournament 1st place = 10 points; 2nd place = 9 points; 3rd place = 8 points; etc. through 10th place.
Captains will receive 10 participation points for fishing the following Tournaments: Powder Puff Tournament, and Junior Angler Tournament.
The Captain of the Year will be the captain who accumulates the highest number of points for the fishing year. They will have received their name on a perpetual plaque, and be presented an "end of the year" award. If 6 or more club tournaments are cancelled due to weather or lack of participation, the Captain of the Year will be determined by the most points won for the tournaments actually fished.
If a person wins Captain of the Year and wins another board, he would only receive the Captain of the Year award and receive a plaque for the second board that he won.
Second through Tenth place on the Captain of the Year board will receive awards.
The captain listed on the Tournament entry form will be the individual who receives the points and they must be aboard and in control of the vessel.
In case of a tie for Captain of the Year, the winner will be determined by which Captain placed the highest in any Club Tournament. In case of a tie in the highest place, it would roll over to the second highest, and so on.
If the previous years tournament winning Captain fails in their duty to host the current years tournament, without the permission of the fishing committee director, they will not be eligible to compete in the current years Captain of the year competition.
All General Fishing Rules apply.

MALE ANGLER OF THE YEAR

The contest will be open to any male adult member who is 16 years old or older (if a 16 year old chooses to pay for an Individual Membership, they are then qualified for this board).
Awards will be given to the anglers of the largest of each species on the Men's Board.
An award will be given to the angler releasing the most Sailfish.
The Angler of the Year will be the angler who holds the largest number of angler slots on the Men's Board at the close of the contest.They will be presented an "end of the year" award. In the case of a tie, the angler with the heaviest single fish wins.
All General Fishing Rules apply.

FEMALE ANGLER OF THE YEAR

The contest is open to any female Club member who is 16 years old or older (if a 16 year old chooses to pay for an Individual Membership, they are then qualified for this board).
Awards will be given to the female anglers of the largest of each species on the Ladies Board.
An award will be given to the female angler releasing the most Sailfish.
The Female Angler of the Year will be the female angler who holds the largest number of angler slots at the close of the contest. They will be presented an "end of the year" award. In the case of a tie, the female angler with the heaviest single fish wins.
All General Fishing Rules apply.

LIGHT TACKLE ANGLER OF THE YEAR

The contest is open to any Club member.
Awards will be given to the anglers of the largest of each species on the Light Tackle Board.
An award will be given to the angler releasing the most Sailfish on light tackle.
The Light Tackle Angler of the Year will be the Club member who holds the largest number of angler slots on the Light Tackle Board at the close of the contest. They will be presented an "end of the year" award. In the case of a tie, the angler with the heaviest single fish wins.
The Club will recognize ONLY 8 pound class line, which must break at or below 8.81 lbs. (4 kg.). Backing is allowed and may be tied inline with the 8lb test line used on the reel providing that the 8lb line is one continuous section of at least 100yds in length. The leader shall be limited to 15 feet. The combined length of double line and leader shall not exceed 20 feet. A 15-foot sample of line from the reel that the fish was caught on must be included with the fish entry form for testing purposes.
All General Fishing Rules apply.

BLUE WATER DIVISION ANGLER OF THE YEAR

The contest is open to any Club member.
Awards will be given to the anglers of the largest of each species on the Blue Water Board.
An award will be given to the angler releasing the most Billfish.
The Blue Water Angler of the Year will be the Club member who holds the most angler slots on the Blue Water Board at the close of the contest. They will be presented an "end of the year" award. In the case of a tie, the angler with the heaviest single fish wins. In case of a further tie, which involves billfish, it will be determined by the angler with the earliest release.
Release points (Billfish only): A release of a Blue Marlin will count as a 200 pound fish, a White Marlin will count as a 100 pound fish, and a Sailfish is a 50 pound fish.
All General Fishing Rules apply, except the area of fishing is limited to the waters east of the current J.O.S.F.C. Chart out to 100 miles offshore, using the current North and South boundaries as the limits in the Blue Water Division.

UNLIMITED DIVISION ANGLER OF THE YEAR

The contest is open to any Club member.
The Unlimited Angler of the Year will be the Club member who holds the most angler slots on the Unlimited Board at the close of the contest. They will be presented an "end of the year" award. In the case of a tie, the angler with the heaviest single fish wins.
All General Fishing Rules apply, except the area of fishing is limited to the waters east of the current J.O.S.F.C. Chart out to 100 miles offshore, using the current North and South Chart boundaries as the limits in the Unlimited Division.

INSHORE ANGLER OF THE YEAR

The contest is open to any Club member.
The Inshore Angler of the Year will be determined by the Club member who holds the most angler slots on the Inshore Board at the close of the contest. They will be presented an "end of the year" award. In the case of a tie, the angler with the heaviest single fish wins.
All General Fishing Rules apply, except the area of fishing is limited to all Inshore waters, including the area around the Jetties that extends up to 200 yards North and South and out to the first set of buoys past the tip of the Jetties. The North and South Inshore boundaries are the same as on the current J.O.S.F.C. Chart. The Western boundary is the railroad bridge in downtown Jacksonville or equivalent. Past the railroad bridge is considered "fresh water" by the Florida Wildlife Commission.

JUNIOR ANGLER OF THE YEAR

The Club will recognize two Junior Anglers of the Year based on age. We will award a Junior Angler in the age group of 11 and under and a Junior Angler in the age group of 12 to 17. Anglers who are 17 years of age on 1 October of the current fishing year will be considered a Junior angler for the entire season unless they have purchased an individual membership
The Junior Angler of the Year will be the angler who holds the most angler slots on the Junior Angler Board at the close of the contest. They will be presented an "end of the year" award. In the case of a tie, the angler with the heaviest single fish wins. This rule will apply to both Junior Angler Boards.
All General Fishing Rules apply, except that assistance may be given as needed in the 11 and under category.

INSHORE JUNIOR ANGLER OF THE YEAR

The Contest is open to any Club member, 17 and under.
The Junior Inshore Angler of the Year will be determined by the Club member who holds the most angler slots on the Inshore Board at the close of the contest. They will be presented an "end of the year" award. In the case of a tie, the angler with the heaviest single fish wins.
All General Fishing Rules apply, except the area of fishing is limited to all Inshore waters, including the area around the Jetties that extends up to 200 yards North and South and out to the first set of buoys past the tip of the Jetties. The North and South Inshore boundaries are the same as on the current J.O.S.F.C. Chart. The Western boundary is the railroad bridge in downtown Jacksonville or equivalent. Past the railroad bridge is considered "fresh water" by the Florida Wildlife Commission.

II. GENERAL FISHING RULES

Sport fishing is fun. Only you can keep it that way by observing and following the rules.
All J.O.S.F.C. contests are open to current Club members.
Any fish caught by a non-member can be claimed by a member Captain for tournament purposes only, provided: a) The boat is not on a commercial trip (a commercial trip is defined as a trip where any fish are sold). b) The Captain is not on a charter trip (a charter trip is defined as one where the Captain is hired for the trip).
NO fish shall be eligible for any board or Tournament that are caught on a private charter where ANY fish are sold.
The Captain and Crew of any vessel are not eligible to weigh fish if the vessel was hired the day the fish were caught, but the angler that hired the boat is eligible to weigh his fish.
All fish must be caught on a rod and reel to qualify. All electric and commercial rigs are prohibited unless approved exceptions for handicapped or disabled Club anglers.
All Anglers must strike and fight their fish to the gaff.
The Board that a fish is to be entered on (Light Tackle, Men's, Blue Water, Unlimited, etc.) must be indicated on the entry form. There will be only one award per member, per specific fish in any one contest (annual, weekly, etc.). There will be duplicate awards for ties on weekly contests.
All fish must be weighed on a State certified scale. Fish entries must be registered with the Fishing Committee within a period of time not to exceed the next regular club meeting. Please remember - THIS IS AN HONOR CLUB.
The Club President, Vice-President, Chairman of the Fishing Committee and one Fishing Committee Member to act as an alternate, will act as a Protest Committee. All protests must be in writing and turned in within 48 hours of the event. The individual filing the protest will be afforded the opportunity to appear before the committee to present their protest. In the event of a protest that involves another club-member, both club-members will be afforded the opportunity present their position to the protest committee. They will not be allowed to witness the deliberation. The Protest Committee reserves the right to interpret the rules, to postpone, cancel, or hold any contest or Tournament it deems necessary in the interest of the Club. All protests must be resolved within two weeks. All decisions are final.
Fishing entries will be limited to the area of the current J.O.S.F.C Chart. For safety reasons, the Eastern boundary of the J.O.S.F.C. Chart will be 3 nautical miles East of the BR flag, or a longitude of 080 degrees 46.65 minutes West. The only exceptions are for the Unlimited Division and the Blue Water Division in which the Eastern boundary of the Chart will be 100 miles offshore.
Special awards for outstanding catches will be awarded at the discretion of the Fishing Committee Chairman.
Any fish, which is decomposed and/or mutilated, so as to impair its fighting ability, shall not be qualified for entry.
Anyone who receives a ticket or citation for an illegal fish will be disqualified from entering fish from that trip on any of the Club Boards. This includes being over the bag limit, or having a fish that is either over or undersized.
One person cannot win two Club boards of any combination.
The "end of the year" winner of any given board (except all Junior Angler Boards) must occupy at least 2 slots on that board to win that board. If this condition is not met, no award will be given for that board in this particular year.
On the 1st of January at 12:01 AM, any member who has not paid their membership dues will have all rights suspended, including fishing board entries. Any current fish posted on a board will be removed permanently. On the date when the members dues are renewed their privileges will be reinstated including entry of fish caught from the reinstatement date through the remainder of the year.
All fish brought to the scale during a tournament must be caught in accordance with the rules for that tournament. All members are afforded the opportunity to catch fish for their table during any tournament using their preferred method.

III. GENERAL TOURNAMENT INFORMATION

The following Tournaments will be held this year, and rules for these Tournaments will be posted and made available at least 2 weeks prior to the date of the Tournament. They may also be found at Section VI (Specific Tournament Rules)

J.O.S.F.C. "POINTS"TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

March
River Tournament

April
Non-Live Bait Tournament

May
May Trolling Tournament
Unlimited Trolling Tournament

June
Junior Anglers Tournament

July
Kingfish Tune-up Tournament

August
Powder Puff Tournament,
Light Tackle Tournament

September
Bottom Tournament

J.O.S.F.C. "NON-POINTS"TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

February
"El Cheapo" Sheepshead Tournament

October
Jr. Angler Inshore Tournament/Banquet

All J.O.S.F.C. "Points" Tournaments are open to any boat carrying at least one Club member and may be fished without an entry fee. The winners of each Tournament will be determined by the points schedule listed in each Tournament's rules. Plaques or gift certificates will be awarded and, when applicable, points toward Captain of the Year based on total points scored.

Plaques and gift certificates for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place

Captains and Anglers will be awarded prizes for all Tournaments. Participants can only win in one category, Captain or Angler, not both. Prizes and or awards for all tournaments, at a minimum, will be as follows:

Club Reserve Notes will be given to the First, Second, and Third place Captains. Club Reserve Notes will be given to the First, Second, and Third place Anglers. Club Reserve Note amounts: 1st Place $30; 2nd Place $20; 3rd Place $10.

There will be an optional $20.00 entry fee, CASH ONLY, for all Tournaments except the Junior Angler Tournament. The boats that choose to pay the optional entry fee will be fishing a "Tournament within a Tournament" and will compete for the purse only with the other boats that have paid the optional entry fee. The highest point scores win. The purse will be the total of all entry fees collected and will be distributed (1st place 50%, 2nd place 30%, 3rd place 20%) among the top 3 winning boats that paid the optional entry fee.

Charter Captains, who are hired the days of the Tournaments, cannot earn points toward Captain of the Year on those days. All boats must be registered prior to entering the ocean.

IV. GENERAL TOURNAMENT RULES

Sport fishing is fun. Only you can keep it that way by observing and following the rules.
J.O.S.F.C. encourages conservation; consequently some rules are designed to prevent the killing of species that one might not normally try to catch.
All boats fishing MUST be registered prior to the start of the Tournament. NO REGISTRATIONS VIA. VHF radio. NO boat may enter the ocean before 6:00 a.m. on the day of the Tournament, except the Unlimited Tournament, Fall Bottom, and the Non-Live tournaments will be 5:00 a.m. Fishing will begin at 6:00 a.m. (Unlimited, Fall Bottom and the Non-Live start at 5:00 a.m.). All boats must be back at the Mayport Boat Ramp by 5:00 p.m. Boats may depart and enter the ocean using any of the Inlets on the current JOSFC chart. The Tournament Director or their designate will be the official timekeeper.
Fishing will be limited to the area of the current J.O.S.F.C Chart. For safety reasons, the Eastern boundary of the J.O.S.F.C Chart will be 3 nautical miles East of the BR flag, or a longitude of 080 degrees 46.65 minutes West. (Except Unlimited Tournament, Fall Bottom, and Non-Live Tournaments)
All boats MUST CHECK IN and OUT with the Tournament Director or a Committee Boat Captain either in person or via VHF-78.
Committee Boat Captains will be available on VHF-78 and at 6.00 a.m., except Unlimited, Fall Bottom and Non-Live (5:00 a.m.) and will broadcast that the Tournament will or will not be fished.
In the event the Tournament is postponed, it will be fished on the next available weather day.
You must be back and in the weigh-in line before weigh-in closes at 5:00 PM
Anyone who receives a ticket or citation for an illegal fish will be disqualified from the Tournament. This includes being over the bag limit or having a fish that is over or under the size limit.
The winner of the tournament will become the Tournament Director for the same tournament the following year.
The Protest Committee will review all protests and reserves the right to interpret the rules, to postpone or cancel the Tournament. Protest must be in writing and turned in within 48 hours of the event.
Any fish that is decomposed and/or mutilated, so as to impair its fighting ability, will be disqualified for entry.
All fish must be of legal size according to Florida fishing rules, with the exception of a Billfish that was released. Anyone weighing in an illegal fish will be disqualified. Any Billfish brought to the dock will score 1/2 point per lb. in all Tournaments where Billfish are eligible species. Any Billfish release must be reported to a Committee Boat immediately.
Any fish with exposed hooks at weigh-in will be disqualified.
During all Tournaments each participating vessel must have at least one J.O.S.F.C. member on board. The Captain will act as observer and see that the crew knows and obeys the rules.
All boats must display a Club Burgee (J.O.S.F.C. Pennant) at all times when fishing Club Tournaments.
A non-member captain may participate in any Tournament upon applying for membership and paying $75 the day of the Tournament, with the exception of Junior Angler and Powder Puff Tournaments. This will be applied towards the purchase of a J.O.S.F.C. burgee and also includes the $25 Application Fee.This would be a probationary membership until the next regular meeting, when the application is voted on.
Awards will be presented at regular J.O.S.F.C. meetings within 30 days after the Tournament is fished.
A minimum of five (5) registered boats will be required to conduct a Tournament.
All General Fishing Rules will apply.
All fishermen need to stay in the boat during club tournaments, there will be no divers allowed in the water from your boat during a club tournament.
During club tournaments, all boats will be allowed to weigh up to 3 fish for aggregate weight, which will determine all places 1 - 10, except the Kingfish Tune-Up Tournament.

V. TOURNAMENT WEATHER RULES

Each Captain is responsible for the safety and seaworthiness of his boat and at all times he has the sole responsibility to determine if conditions are safe for his boat and crew.
The Fishing Committee Director can call a Tournament at any time prior to the start if conditions appear to be unsafe to fish the day of the Tournament. All captains preregistered will be notified of the decision not to fish.
There will be NO Tournaments fished if at 6:00 a.m., except Unlimited, Fall Bottom and Non-Live (5:00 a.m.), on the day of the Tournament: NOAA is calling for SMALL CRAFT WARNINGS.
On Tournament day, in the event that at 6:00 a.m., except Unlimited, Fall Bottom and Non-Live (5:00 a.m.), NOAA is calling for SMALL CRAFT ADVISORIES the following applies: If both the majority of Committee Boat Captains and the Tournament Director feel conditions are good enough to fish, the TOURNAMENT WILL BE FISHED and this decision will be broadcast on VHF-78 at 6:00 a.m. except Unlimited, Fall Bottom and Non-Live (5:00 a.m.). If either the majority of Committee Boat Captains or the Tournament Director feels that the conditions are not fishable, THERE WILL BE NO TOURNAMENT THAT DAY and that decision will be broadcast on VHF-78 at 6:00 a.m., except Unlimited, Fall Bottom and Non-Live (5:00 a.m.).
If on the Tournament day, NOAA is calling for any conditions better than those in Rule 3, the decision to fish or not to fish will be made by the Tournament Director, and this decision will be broadcast on VHF-78 at 6:00 a.m., except Unlimited, Fall Bottom and Non-Live (5:00 a.m.).
The Tournament Director or the majority of Committee Boat Captains shall have the right to terminate the fishing day if it appears that the weather conditions or seas may become unsafe.
If a Tournament is called prior to 12:01 p.m., there is no Tournament that day and it will be moved to the Weather Day.
If a Tournament is called after 12:01 p.m., fishing is to stop at the time of the call.The Tournament will be considered official and all boats will have 2-1/2 hours to return to the Mayport Boat Ramp (Example: If a Tournament is called at 1:15 p.m. the weigh-in will close at 3:45 p.m.).

VI. SPECIFIC TOURNAMENT RULES

J.O.S.F.C. RIVER TOURNAMENT

General Tournament Rules apply, except:
Fishing will be limited to all Inshore Waters, including the area around the Jetties that extends up to 200 yards north and south and out to the first set of buoys past the tip of the Jetties. The North and South Inshore boundaries are the same as the current J.O.S.F.C. chart. The Western boundary is the railroad bridge in downtown Jacksonville or equivalent. Any boat that crosses the boundaries will be disqualified.
Tournament Weather Rules DO NOT apply to this tournament, except for the following:

Each Captain is responsible for the safety and seaworthiness of his boat and at all times he has the sole responsibility to determine if conditions are safe for his boat and crew.

If both the Tournament Director and the Majority of Committee Boat Captains feel conditions are good enough to fish, the TOURNAMENT WILL BE FISHED and this decision will be broadcast on VHF-78 at 6:00 a.m.

All boats must check out and check back in with Tournament Director or Committee Boat on VHF-78 or at the Clubhouse.
No restrictions on the type of bait used.
Maximum number of lines in the water shall be 6.
A maximum of 3 fish may be weighed per boat.
This tournament counts as 10 Points toward Captain of the Year.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES: *Black Drum, Croaker, Flounder, Pompano, Red Bass, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Striped Bass, Weakfish, Whiting Species marked with an * are limited to one fish per species. SCORING: All eligible species will count at one point per pound. The boat with the highest points for the THREE FISH AGGREGATE will be the tournament winner. Second place through tenth place will also be based on each boat's aggregate (up to 3 fish) and will be ranked according to weight. A boat may win only one place. TIME: Fishing starts at 6:00 a.m. The weigh station will open at 3:00 p.m. and close at 5:00 p.m.

ALL BOATS MUST FLY A J.O.S.F.C. BURGEE!

J.O.S.F.C. NON-LIVE BAIT TOURNAMENT

General Tournament Rules apply Except the Eastern boundary of the JOSFC chart will be 100 miles offshore. All boats must depart and return through the St. Johns Inlet and no boat may enter the ocean before 5:00 AM on the day of the Tournament.
Tournament Weather Rules apply.
All boats must check out and check back in with Tournament Director or a Committee Boat on VHF-78 or at the Clubhouse.
No live bait shall be allowed. All bait/lures must be onboard before the tournament starts. Any boat in violation of this rule will be disqualified.
Maximum number of lines in the water shall be 6.
A maximum of 3 fish may be weighed per boat.
This tournament counts as 10 Points toward Captain of the Year.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES: *Amberjack, *Barracuda, Blackfin Tuna, B-Liner, Blue Marlin, Bluefish, *Bonita, Cobia, Dolphin, Grouper, *Jack Crevalle, King Mackerel, Red Porgy, Snapper, Sailfish, Sea Bass, Spanish Mackerel, Swordfish, Triggerfish, Wahoo. Species marked with an * are limited to one fish weighed per species. SCORING: A release of a Sailfish will count as a 50# fish. Photographic evidence must be provided at weigh-in. Any Billfish brought to the dock and weighed will count as 1/2 point per pound of fish. All other eligible species will count at one point per pound. The boat with the highest points for the THREE FISH AGGREGATE will be the tournament winner. Second place through tenth place will also be based on each boat's AGGREGATE (up to 3 fish) and will be ranked according to weight. A boat may win only one place. TIME: Fishing starts at 6:00 a.m. The weigh station will open at 3:00 p.m. and close at 5:00 p.m.