2024 FISHING RULES

Last update 4/20/2024

PDF version can be found here.

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.

Below you will find the rules that will govern the fishing year. The JOSFC 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.

I. GENERAL CONTEST INFORMATION

JOSFC FISHING BOARDS

For the “Annual Contests,” the largest fish of each 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.  The current year ends at  11:59 PM on September 30th. The fishing year starts at 12:01 AM on October 1st. Both men & women may post fish to the Light Tackle, Inshore, Bluewater, and Unlimited Boards. All awards will be determined by the current sitting Board of Directors and awarded to the individual winner at the end of the year banquet.

WEEKLY BOARD CONTESTS

The contest opens at each club meeting at 8:31 PM and closes the following meeting at 8:30 PM. Additionally, Fishing Board submissions will be accepted from the last meeting in September until 11:59 PM on September 30th.

1. Entries must be delivered in person, online or by proxy to the Fishing Committee or to a current Board member within a period of time not to exceed the next regular club meeting. In the event a meeting is canceled, fish slips must be submitted by either FIRST or THIRD Thursday following the date of the catch.
2. Each week a $5 Fish Slip will be awarded to any angler who replaces an existing entry on the club boards. The angler need not be present to accept the fish slip, however, the JOSFC encourages our anglers to attend our meetings to receive their award and tell the tale of their catch. Any new entry must outweigh the old entry by at least 0.25 pounds. All entries must weigh at least 1 pound (except for the Junior Angler Boards). Anglers who replace existing fish entries at each meeting will only receive ONE JOSFC $5 fish slip regardless of the number of fish entries won by that angler. Fish slips MUST be picked up by the Angler or the Angler’s designee within sixty (60) days of issuance or the fish slips will be voided and discarded. 
3. A sailfish pin will be awarded to any angler for releasing their first billfish after joining the club.
4. All General Fishing Rules apply.

OFFSHORE CAPTAIN OF THE YEAR and INSHORE CAPTAIN OF THE YEAR

1. To be eligible for “Captain of the Year”  you must be a member of the JOSFC and fish at least 3 club tournaments.
2. Captains will receive points toward this award based on the final place standings among the top Captains in the regularly scheduled club tournaments listed in section III, General Tournament Information. Points will be awarded based on the number of Captains participating in the monthly tournament, with a maximum of 10 points.  
   1. Example with 15 Captains: 1st place = 10 points; 2nd place = 9 points; 3rd place = 8 points; etc. through 10th place.
   2. Example with 3 Captains: 1st place = 3 points; 2nd place = 2 points; 3rd place = 1 point.
3. Captains will also earn ONE point per eligible fish weighed for each tournament as follows: A maximum of three (3) fish may be weighed for the Sheepshead Tune-up tournament, River tournament, Shrimp Only tournament, Roulette tournament, Flounder tournament, Non-Live tournament, Unlimited Trolling tournament, May Trolling tournament, Ladies tournament and the Bottom tournament.  A maximum of two (2) fish may be weighed for the Redfish tournament.  A maximum of one (1) fish may be weighed for the Kingfish Tune-up tournament.  These points only count toward the “Captain of the Year” competition.  These points DO NOT count toward JOSFC tournaments or TWT (Tournament Within a Tournament). See Appendix I for a scoring example.
4. The “Captain of the Year”  will be the captain who accumulates the highest number of points for the fishing year. They will have their name added to a perpetual plaque and be presented an award at the end-of-year banquet.
5. If a person wins “Captain of the Year” and wins another board, they would only receive the “Captain of the Year” award and receive a plaque for the second board that they won.
6. Second and third place on the “Captain of the Year”  board will receive awards.
7. The captain listed on the Tournament entry form will be the individual who receives the points.  They must be aboard and in control of the vessel.
8. 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.
9. Final awards will be determined by the current JOSFC Board of Directors and awarded to the Captain of the Year at the Banquet.
10. Captains must choose either the Offshore Tournament series or the Inshore Tournament series when declaring for their first tournament.
11. All General Fishing Rules apply.

ANGLER OF THE YEAR COMPETITIONS/ FISHING BOARDS

MEN’S Board and LADIES Board ANGLER OF THE YEAR

1. The contest will be open to any JOSFC 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).
2. An award will be given to the angler releasing the most Sailfish.
3. The Angler of the Year will be the angler who holds the largest number of angler slots on the Men’s or Ladies’ 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.
4. All General Fishing Rules apply.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES

Amberjack, African Pompano, B-Liner, Barracuda, Blackfin Tuna, Bluefish, Bonita, Cobia, Dolphin, Flounder, Grouper, Jack Crevalle, King Mackerel, Red Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Red Porgy (Pinky ), Porgy, Sailfish, Sea Bass, Sheepshead, Spadefish, Spanish Mackerel, Tarpon, Triggerfish, Wahoo, and Yellowfin Tuna.

OFFSHORE LIGHT TACKLE ANGLER OF THE YEAR

1. The contest is open to any club member.
2. Awards will be given to the anglers of the largest of each species on the Offshore Light Tackle Board.
3. An award will be given to the angler releasing the most Sailfish on light tackle.
4. The Offshore Light Tackle Angler of the Year will be the club member who holds the largest number of angler slots on the Offshore Light Tackle Board at the close of the contest. They will be presented with an “end of the year” award. In the case of a tie, the angler with the heaviest single fish wins.
5. The club will recognize ONLY TWELVE POUND (12 lb/ 6 kg) class line, which must break at or below 13.23 lbs (6.0 kg). Backing is allowed and may be tied in line with the 12 lb test line used on the reel providing that the 12 lb line is one continuous section of at least 100 yards in length. The leader shall be limited to 20 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.
6. All General Fishing Rules apply, except that the eastern boundary is 100 miles from shore (79° 27′ W).

ELIGIBLE SPECIES

Amberjack, African Pompano, B-Liner, Barracuda, Blackfin Tuna, Bluefish, Bonita, Cobia, Dolphin, Flounder, Grouper, Jack Crevalle, King Mackerel, Mutton Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Porgy, Red Porgy (Pinky), Red Snapper, Sailfish, Sea Bass, Sheepshead, Spadefish, Spanish Mackerel, Tarpon, Triggerfish, Wahoo and Yellowfin Tuna.

BLUE WATER ANGLER OF THE YEAR

1. The contest is open to any club member.
2. Awards will be given to the anglers of the largest of each species on the Blue Water Board.
3. An award will be given to the angler releasing the most Billfish.
4. 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 with 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.
5. 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.
6. All General Fishing Rules apply, except the area of fishing is limited to the waters east of the current JOSFC Chart out to 100 miles offshore (079° 27′ W), using the current north and south boundaries as the limits in the Blue Water Division.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES

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

UNLIMITED ANGLER OF THE YEAR

1. The contest is open to any club member.
2. 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 with an “end of the year” award. In the case of a tie, the angler with the heaviest single fish wins.
3. All General Fishing Rules apply, except the area of fishing is limited to the waters east of the current JOSFC chart out to 100 miles offshore (079° 27′ W), using the current north and south chart boundaries as the limits.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES

Africa Pompano, Amberjack, B-Liner, Cobia, Grouper, Mangrove Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Porgy, Red Porgy, Red Snapper, Sea Bass, Spadefish and Triggerfish.

INSHORE ANGLER OF THE YEAR

1. The contest is open to any club member.
2. 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 with an “end of the year” award. In the case of a tie, the angler with the heaviest single fish wins.
3. 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 Johns River Jetties. The north and south inshore boundaries are the same as on the current JOSFC Chart. The southern boundary of the St. Johns River is 100 yards South of the Shands Bridge.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES

Black Drum, Bluefish, Croaker, Flounder, Mangrove Snapper, Pompano, Redfish, Bull Redfish*, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Striped Bass, Weakfish, Whiting, Snook and Tarpon.

*Bull Redfish are measured in inches. Please DO NOT weigh them. Bull redfish must be ¼” longer than the current fish in order to overtake that fish.

INSHORE LIGHT TACKLE ANGLER OF THE YEAR

1. The contest is open to any club member.
2. Awards will be given to the anglers of the largest of each species on the Inshore Light Tackle Board.
3. The Inshore Light Tackle Angler of the Year will be the club member who holds the largest number of angler slots on the Inshore Light Tackle Board at the close of the contest. They will be presented with an “end of the year” award. In the case of a tie, the angler with the heaviest single fish wins.
4. The club will recognize ONLY EIGHT POUND (8 lb/ 3.6 kg) class line, which must break at or below 8.8 lbs (4.0 kg). Backing is allowed and may be tied in line with the 8 lb test line used on the reel providing that the 8 lb line is one continuous section of at least 100 yards in length. The leader shall be limited to 20 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.
5. All General Fishing Rules apply, except that the eastern boundary is 100 miles from shore (79° 27′ W).

ELIGIBLE SPECIES

Black Drum, Bluefish, Croaker, Flounder, Mangrove Snapper, Pompano, Redfish, Bull Redfish*, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Striped Bass, Weakfish, Whiting, Snook and Tarpon.

*Bull Redfish are measured in inches. Please DO NOT weigh them. Bull redfish must be ¼” longer than the current fish in order to overtake that fish.

JUNIOR ANGLER OF THE YEAR

1. 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
2. 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 with 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. Junior Anglers will be allowed to enter on their boards fish caught in blue water same as the Adult “Blue water Board”.
3. All General Fishing Rules apply, except:
   1. Assistance may be given as needed in the 11 and under category.
   2. Junior anglers may fish from land or structures.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES

Amberjack, African Pompano, B-Liner, Barracuda, Blackfin Tuna, Bluefish, Bonita, Cobia, Dolphin, Flounder, Grouper, Jack Crevalle, King Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Red Porgy (Pinky), Porgy, Red Snapper, Sailfish, Sea Bass, Sheepshead, Spadefish, Spanish Mackerel, Tarpon, Triggerfish, Wahoo and Yellowfin Tuna.

INSHORE JUNIOR ANGLER OF THE YEAR

1. The Contest is open to any club member, 17 and under.
2. 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 with an “end of the year” award. In the case of a tie, the angler with the heaviest single fish wins.
3. 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 St. Johns River Jetties. The north and south inshore boundaries are the same as on the current JOSFC Chart. The southern boundary of the St. Johns River is 100 yards South of the Shands Bridge.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES

Black Drum, Bluefish, Croaker, Flounder, Mangrove Snapper, Pompano, Redfish, Bull Redfish*, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Striped Bass, Weakfish, Whiting, Snook and Tarpon.

*Bull Redfish are measured in inches. Please DO NOT weigh them. Bull redfish must be ¼” longer than the current fish in order to overtake that fish.

II. GENERAL FISHING RULES

1. Sport fishing is fun. Only you can keep it that way by observing and following the rules.
2. In order to win any fishing board, the angler must participate in a minimum of three (3) JOSFC tournaments OR JOSFC sponsored volunteer events.  This rule does not apply to the Junior Angler boards.  JOSFC sponsored volunteer events include, but are not limited to: El Cheapo Sheepshead Tournament, Jacksonville Boat Show booth duty, Down on the Dock Tournament.
3. Only ACTIVE JOSFC members are eligible to vote at the Fishing Rules Meeting (usually scheduled in September).
4. All fish must be legal according to Florida fishing rules, except for a billfish that was released.
5. Fishing entries will be limited to the area of the current JOSFC chart with the exceptions:
   1. The northern boundary will be the N 31° 00’ line.
   2. The southern boundary will be the N 29° 30’ line.
6. All JOSFC tournaments will be open to all club members.
7. Any fish caught by a non-member can be claimed by a member Captain for tournament purposes only, provided: 
   1. The boat is not on a commercial trip (a commercial trip is defined as a trip where any fish are sold). 
   2. The Captain is not on a charter trip (a charter trip is defined as one where the Captain is hired for the trip).
8. NO fish shall be eligible for any board or tournament that are caught on a private charter where ANY fish are sold.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. All anglers must fight their fish from strike to the gaff.
12. 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.
13. All fish must be weighed on a State certified scale or a JOSFC Approved digital scale.  However:
    1. State Certified scales and JOSFC Approved digital scales may be used to weigh fish for the fishing boards and JOSFC tournaments.  Fish weighed on any other scale DO NOT qualify for fishing boards or JOSFC tournaments.
    2. JOSFC Club Record fish MUST be weighed on a State Certified scale.
14. We strongly encourage weighing onboard and releasing any fish that you would not normally keep in the spirit of conserving our fish stocks. It is permissible for Inshore and Offshore Captains / anglers to weigh their catch onboard using a JOSFC approved scale for both fishing board and tournament submissions. Photos of both the weight and length are still required.
15. Due to the inadequate fishing season of certain species, any listed species may be weighed, measured and photographed onboard and released at any time of year, regardless of whether the species is open for harvest. The minimum allowable length is the length requirement when that species is open for harvest.
16. Fish entries must be registered with the Fishing Director within a period not to exceed the next regular club meeting. Please remember – THIS IS AN HONOR CLUB.
17. Photographic evidence of the fish length and fish weight MUST be submitted with all fish slips.
18. Fish slips must be submitted in decimal format to the nearest hundredths place (i.e. 1.25 pounds). 
19. The club President, Vice President and Fishing Director will act as a Protest Committee with the Tournament Director acting as an alternate. All protests must be in writing and turned in by the next scheduled meeting. The individual filing the protest will be afforded the opportunity to appear before the committee at the next regular scheduled Board Meeting to present their protest. In the event of a protest that involves another club member, both club members will be afforded the opportunity to 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.
20. 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 JOSFC Chart will be 3 nautical miles east of the BR flag, or a longitude of 80°46’ 65” W. The only exceptions are for the Unlimited and Blue Water boards for which the eastern boundary will be 100 miles offshore (079° 27′ W).
21. Special awards for outstanding catches will be awarded at the discretion of the Fishing Director.
22. Any fish, which is decomposed and/or mutilated, so as to impair its fighting ability, shall not be qualified for entry.
23. 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.
24. One person cannot win two club boards of any combination.  In the event that somebody places first on multiple boards, they will be awarded the first place prize for the first board in this order and a plaque for the other(s):
    1. Captain of the Year / Inshore Captain Of The Year
    2. Bluewater
    3. Unlimited
    4. Mens / Ladies
    5. Inshore
    6. Light Tackle 
25. If the person in first place on a board is ineligible to win the prize due to winning multiple boards, the person in second place will be awarded the prize. 
26. 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.
27. On the 1st of January at 12:01 a.m., 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 paid their privileges will be reinstated, but fish that were removed from the boards will not be restored.
28. 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.
29. Charter captains who are hired for 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

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)

All JOSFC “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.

JOSFC TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

	Offshore	Inshore
February	Sheepshead Tune-up	Sheepshead Tune-up
March	Non-Live Bait	River
April	Unlimited Trolling	Shrimp Only
May	May Trolling	Redfish
June	Roulette	Whiting
July	Kingfish Tune-up	Roulette
August	Lady Angler	Lady Angler
September	Bottom	Flounder

IV. GENERAL TOURNAMENT RULES

1. Sport fishing is fun. Only you can keep it that way by observing and following the rules.
2. JOSFC encourages conservation; consequently, some rules are designed to prevent the killing of species that one might not normally try to catch.
3. Only ONE (1) Red Snapper may be weighed and released (per boat) for any tournament where Red Snapper is included in the eligible species list. No length measurement is required.
4. Barracudas will count as fifteen (15) pounds for JOSFC tournaments.  A photo of the Barracuda at the side of the boat is sufficient evidence of the catch (for JOSFC tournaments only).  No weight or length measurements are required for this species during JOSFC tournaments.  NOTE: Photos of the fish weight and length are only required to be eligible for JOSFC fishing boards or Club Records.
5. A release of a Sailfish will count as a 50 pound fish.  Photographic evidence must be provided.  Any Billfish brought to the dock and weighed will count as ½ point per pound of fish.
6. Black Drum shall be “Catch and Release” for JOSFC tournament purposes only.  The formula for calculating the weight shall be (Total Length x Girth x Girth)/ 800.  The formula requires that the length and girth are measured in inches. “Total Length” is the measurement from the furthest forward tip of the snout (with the mouth closed) to the end of the pinched tail.  Photographic evidence of the measurements must be provided to the Tournament Director and the Fishing Director.  If you wish to keep the Black Drum to eat, you u MAY weigh the Black Drum and submit a photo of the weight OR submit the calculation result.
7. Tarpon is a “Catch and Release” fish.  Photographic evidence of the Tarpon at the side of the boat must  be provided to the Tournament Director and the Fishing Director.  At the end of the fishing year, the angler with the highest total number of Tarpon will get credit for the ONE Tarpon slot on the board.  Tarpon will count as a fifty (50) pound fish.
8. Each tournament MUST be fished during that tournament’s designated month (No Exceptions)
9. Each Captain MUST declare their intent to fish a tournament and register on-line by 9:00 AM on the Declared Tournament Day prior to leaving shore.
10. Captains also have the option to enter a Tournament Within a Tournament (TWT) for each JOSFC tournament.  Each JOSFC tournament’s TWT requires a ten dollar ($10) entry fee paid via CASH or VENMO prior to the start of fishing on the declared fishing day.  TWT payout is “Winner Take All.”
11. Captains MAY FOR ANY REASON CANCEL their decision to fish on the declared day by 9:00 AM, IF AND ONLY IF, no fishing lines or bait nets have entered the water.
12. Captains may only fish ONE declared tournament fishing day each month to be counted toward the “Captain of the Year” competitions.
13. It is the Captain’s responsibility to make their decision to fish with the safety of their crew in mind.
14. Each fish that is submitted for an OFFSHORE or INSHORE club tournament MUST have a photo showing its length (properly measured according to FWC rules).
15. Each fish that is submitted for an OFFSHORE or INSHORE club tournament MUST have a photo showing its weight on either a State Certified scale, JOSFC Approved Digital scale or a photo of the fish with a weight slip from a State Certified scale.
16. State Certified scales for JOSFC tournaments include, but are not limited to:  Mayport JOSFC scale, B & M Bait and Tackle, Avid Angler, Beamish Custom Tackle and the Vilano Bait Shack.
17. Photos of each fish submitted for a JOSFC tournament, including weight and length, MUST be uploaded via the online “Tournament Catch Submission Form” or  emailed / texted to BOTH the Tournament Director and the Fishing Director by MIDNIGHT on the declared day of fishing (No Exceptions).
18. Boats may depart and enter the ocean using any of the inlets on the current JOSFC chart. 
19. Tournament Fishing will be limited to the area of the current JOSFC chart. The “Sheepshead Tune-Up”, “Offshore Roulette”, “Kingfish Tune-up”, “Lady Angler” and “Bottom” JOSFC tournaments MUST stay within the boundaries of the “Party Grounds” (west boundary starts just east of the first buoy out of the Mayport inlet; east boundary is approximately 3 nautical miles east of BR, or a longitude of 80° 46’ 65” W; north boundary is the N 31° 00’ line; south boundary is the N 29° 30’ line. “Non-Live”, “Unlimited Trolling” and “May Trolling” JOSFC tournaments’ eastern boundary will be 100 miles offshore (079° 27′ W).
20. All Captains MUST check in via TEXT or PHONE (NOT E-MAIL) to the Tournament Director AND the Fishing Director by 9:00 PM of the declared tournament day or emergency contacts will be called.
21. A minimum of three (3) Captains must fish a JOSFC tournament for that tournament to count toward the “Captain of the Year” competitions.
22. There is NO lines-out time for ANY tournament. 
23. 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.
24. Any fish that is decomposed and/or mutilated, so as to impair its fighting ability, will be disqualified for entry.
25. All fish must be of legal size according to Florida fishing rules, except for 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 pound in all tournaments where billfish are eligible species. 
26. If there is a tie for FIRST PLACE in any JOSFC tournament, each “FIRST PLACE” winning Captain will earn the maximum points toward “Captain of the Year,” but the fish slips awarded will be equally divided between the “FIRST PLACE” winning Captains (the $30 First Place award and the $20 Second Place award will be evenly divided into two $25 awards).  No Second Place award will be given if a First Place tie exists.
27. During all Tournaments each participating vessel must have at least one JOSFC member on board. The captain will act as observer and see that the crew knows and obeys the rules.
28. All boats must display a club burgee (JOSFC pennant) always when fishing club tournaments.
29. A non-member captain may participate in any tournament upon applying for membership by paying the membership fee online the night before the tournament and producing the receipt that the fee has been paid. This will be applied towards the purchase of a JOSFC burgee and also includes the $25 Application Fee.
30. Each tournament’s results will be presented at the first Thursday JOSFC meeting of the next month and will not be made available prior to that time. 
31. All General Fishing Rules will apply.
32. All fishermen need to stay in the boat during club tournaments. No divers or land based fishing may take place, except as specified in the rules for the Junior Angler Tournament.
33. During club tournaments, “Captain of the Year” points will be based on the weight as outlined by each individual tournament’s eligible species.
34. This is an honor club.  Due to the high cost of gas, if during any tournament you wish to fish for some fish to eat you may. For example, during a trolling tournament, if you wish to bottom fish for some fish to take home to eat, you may do so.  You are just expected to ONLY weigh fish caught while trolling as per the tournament rules.
35. All boats must have a fixed mounted WORKING VHF radio for all offshore tournaments.
36. Maximum number of lines in the water shall be 6.
37. A Captain may win only one place. 
38. The Tournament Director must enforce the rules as written, but will make a note of any controversial rules which should be discussed at the next rules meeting.
39. There is no check out time for any tournament – leave when you want.  However, fishing starts at first safe light.  
40. All Captains are eligible to fish and compete for tournament prizes (i.e. First Place $30 Fish Slips; Second Place $20 Fish Slips; Third Place $10 Fish Slip) in any JOSFC (Offshore or Inshore) tournament.  
41. Captains are eligible to win any tournament, BUT will only accumulate points toward their respective “Captain of the Year” competitions.
42. Captains may only declare/fish one tournament per declared day.  Captains MAY NOT fish an INSHORE  JOSFC tournament AND an OFFSHORE JOSFC tournament on the same day.

VI. SPECIFIC TOURNAMENT RULES

COMMON TOURNAMENTS

The following tournaments are fished as part of both the Inshore and Offshore tournament series.

SHEEPSHEAD TOURNAMENT

1. General Tournament Rules apply.
2. Captains may fish INSHORE or OFFSHORE with their crew (No fishing location restrictions apply).
3. No restrictions on the type of bait used.
4. A maximum of 3 fish may be weighed per boat.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES	Sheepshead.
SCORING	The eligible species will count at one point per pound.  Tournament rank will be based on point ranking.

INSHORE TOURNAMENTS

All Inshore fishing rules set by the FWC will be observed by all club and non-club members. Any rule violations will be subject to immediate disqualification.  It is up to the angler to know the FWC rules before any species tournament.

INSHORE TOURNAMENT BOUNDARIES: 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 St. Johns River jetties.  The north and south inshore boundaries are the same as the current JOSFC chart.  The western boundary is 100 yards south of the Shands Bridge.  Any boat that fishes outside of the boundaries will be disqualified.

REDFISH TOURNAMENT

1. General Tournament Rules apply except for boundaries.
2. Inshore Tournament Boundaries apply.
3. No restrictions on the type of bait used.
4. The maximum of TWO (2) fish may be weighed per boat. 

ELIGIBLE SPECIES	Redfish between 18” and 27” total length.
SCORING	The eligible species will count at one point per pound.  Tournament place will be based on point ranking.

RIVER TOURNAMENT

1. General Tournament Rules apply except for boundaries.
2. Inshore Tournament Boundaries apply.
3. No restrictions on the type of bait used.
4. A maximum of 3 fish may be weighed per boat.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES	*Black Drum, Bluefish, Croaker, Flounder, Pompano, Redfish, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Striped Bass, Weakfish, Whiting and Snook.  Species marked with an * are limited to one fish per species.
SCORING	All eligible species will count at one point per pound.  Tournament place will be based on point ranking.

SHRIMP ONLY TOURNAMENT

1. General Tournament Rules apply except for boundaries.
2. Inshore Tournament Boundaries apply.
3. The maximum of 3 fish may be weighed per boat.
4. All fish must be caught on rod and reel using only live or dead shrimp.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES	Flounder, Trout, Redfish.
SCORING	All eligible species will count at one point per pound.  Tournament place will be based on point ranking.

ROULETTE TOURNAMENT

1. General Tournament Rules apply except for boundaries.
2. Inshore Tournament Boundaries apply.
3. No restrictions on the type of bait used.
4. The maximum of 3 fish may be weighed per boat. 
5. This is a ROULETTE tournament.  Captains catching all three (3) species will place higher over Captains only catching two or one of the eligible species regardless of overall weight.  Captains catching the same number of species will then be ranked according to the overall weight of their eligible fish.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES	Three species from the list below will be randomly drawn during a regular Club meeting preceding the tournament.  Black Drum, Bluefish, Croaker, Flounder, Mangrove Snapper,  Redfish, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Weakfish, Whiting.
SCORING	One fish per species drawn will be eligible to weigh in.  Tournament place will be based on point ranking.

LADY ANGLER TOURNAMENT

1. General Tournament Rules apply.
2. “Lady Angler” is defined as a female angler greater than or equal to 18 years of age.
3. No restrictions on the type of bait used.
4. A maximum of 3 fish may be weighed per Lady Angler.
5. All boats must have at least one “Lady Angler” onboard to receive “Captain of the Year” points.

ELIGIBLE SPECIE

*Black Drum, Croaker, Flounder, Pompano, Redfish, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Striped Bass, Weakfish, Whiting.  Species marked with an * are limited to one fish weighed per species.

SCORING

All eligible species will count at one point per pound. The Lady Angler with the highest points will be the tournament winner. Second and Third place will also be based on each Lady Angler’s points. Captain of the Year Tournament place will be based on point ranking.  Fish Slips for this tournament DO NOT go to the Captains. Fish Slips go to the First, Second and Third Place Lady angler for The Offshore Division.

FLOUNDER TOURNAMENT

1. General Tournament Rules apply except for boundaries.
2. Inshore Tournament Boundaries apply.
3. No restrictions on the type of bait used.
4. The maximum of 3 fish may be weighed per boat. 

ELIGIBLE SPECIES	Flounder
SCORING	The eligible species will count at one point per pound.  Tournament place will be based on point ranking.

OFFSHORE TOURNAMENTS

NON-LIVE BAIT TOURNAMENT

1. General Tournament Rules apply, except that the Eastern boundary will be 100 miles offshore (079° 27′ W).
2. No live bait shall be allowed.  All bait / lures must be onboard before the tournament starts.  Any violation of this rule will result in disqualification.
3. A maximum of 3 fish may be weighed per boat.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES	*Amberjack, *Barracuda, Blackfin Tuna, B-Liner, Blue Marlin, Bluefish, *Bonita, Cobia, Dolphin, Grouper, *Jack Crevalle, King Mackerel, Porgy, Red Porgy, *Red Snapper, Snapper, Sailfish, Sea Bass, Spadefish, Spanish Mackerel, Swordfish, Triggerfish, Wahoo.  Species marked with an * are limited to one fish weighed per species.
SCORING	All eligible species will count at one point per pound.  Tournament place will be based on point ranking.

 

UNLIMITED TROLLING TOURNAMENT

1. General Tournament Rules apply, except the eastern boundary will be 100 miles offshore.
2. No restrictions on the type of bait used.
3. A maximum of 3 fish may be weighed per boat.
4. This is a TROLLING tournament.  All fish must be hooked while the boat is under power and moving.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES	African Pompano, *Amberjack, *Barracuda, Blackfin Tuna, Blue Marlin, Bluefish, *Bonita, Cobia, Dolphin, *Jack Crevalle, King Mackerel, Sailfish, Spanish Mackerel, Swordfish, Wahoo, White Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna Species marked with an * are limited to one fish weighed per species.
SCORING	A release of a Blue Marlin will count as 200 pound fish, a White Marlin as a 100 pound fish, and a Sailfish as a 50 pound 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.  Tournament place will be based on point ranking.

MAY TROLLING TOURNAMENT

1. General Tournament Rules apply except that the eastern boundary will be 100 miles from shore (079° 27′ W).
2. No restrictions on the type of bait used.
3. A maximum of 3 fish may be weighed per boat.
4. This is a TROLLING tournament.  All fish must be hooked while the boat is under power and moving.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES	African Pompano, *Amberjack, *Barracuda, Blackfin Tuna, Blue Marlin, Bluefish, *Bonita, Cobia, Dolphin, *Jack Crevalle, King Mackerel, Sailfish, Spanish Mackerel, Wahoo. Species marked with an * are limited to one fish weighed per species.
SCORING	All eligible species will count at one point per pound.  Tournament place will be based on point ranking.

OFFSHORE ROULETTE TOURNAMENT

1. General Tournament Rules apply.
2. No restrictions on the type of bait used.
3. The maximum of 3 fish may be weighed per boat.
4. This is a ROULETTE tournament. Captains catching all three species will place higher over Captains only catching two or one of the eligible species regardless of overall weight. Captains catching the same number of species will then be ranked according to the overall weight of their eligible fish.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES

Three species from the list below will be randomly drawn during a regular Club meeting preceding the tournament.  : Wahoo, Tarpon and Yellowfin Tuna. Amberjack, B-Liner, Barracuda, Blackfin Tuna, Bluefish, Bonita, Cobia, Dolphin, Jack Crevalle, King Mackerel, Red Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Red Porgy (Pinky), Porgy, Sailfish, Sea Bass, Sheepshead, Spadefish, Spanish Mackerel, Triggerfish, Wahoo.

SCORING

All eligible species will count at one point per pound.  Tournament place will be based on point ranking.

KINGFISH TUNE-UP TOURNAMENT

1. General Tournament Rules apply.
2. No restrictions on the type of bait used.
3. Only ONE Kingfish is eligible for this tournament.
4. If the Captain’s declared Kingfish Tune-up tournament date is during another local Kingfish tournament, the JOSFC will accept a photo of the local Kingfish Tournament’s weigh slip.  The weight slip MUST be from the date “declared” by the Captain and received by the Tournament Director and Fishing Director via e-mail or TEXT by MIDNIGHT of the declared JOSFC Kingfish Tune-up tournament date.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES	King Mackerel
SCORING	The King Mackerel weighed will count at one point per pound for a SINGLE KINGFISH. Tournament place will be based on point ranking.

  

LADY ANGLER TOURNAMENT

1. General Tournament Rules apply.
2. “Lady Angler” is defined as a female angler greater than or equal to 18 years of age.
3. No restrictions on the type of bait used.
4. Only fish caught by Lady Anglers may be submitted.
5. A maximum of 3 fish may be weighed per Lady Angler.
6. All boats must have at least one “Lady Angler” onboard to receive “Captain of the Year” points.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES

African Pompano *Amberjack, *Barracuda, Blackfin Tuna, B-Liner, Blue Marlin, Bluefish, *Bonita, Cobia, Dolphin, Grouper, *Jack Crevalle, King Mackerel, Red Porgy, Porgy, *Red Snapper, Snapper, Sailfish, Sea Bass, Spadefish, Spanish Mackerel, Triggerfish, Wahoo. Species marked with an * are limited to one fish weighed per species.

SCORING

All eligible species will count at one point per pound. The Lady Angler with the highest points will be the tournament winner. Second and Third place will also be based on each Lady Angler’s points. Captain of the Year Tournament place will be based on point ranking.  Fish Slips for this tournament DO NOT go to the Captains. Fish Slips go to the First, Second and Third Place Lady angler for The Offshore Division.

BOTTOM TOURNAMENT

1. General Tournament Rules apply.
2. No restrictions on the type of bait used.
3. A maximum of 3 fish may be weighed per boat.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES	*Amberjack, B-Liner, Grouper, Flounder, Red Snapper*, Snapper, Sea Bass, Spadefish, Triggerfish, Red Porgy, Porgy. Species marked with an * are limited to one fish weighed per species.
SCORING	All eligible species will count at one point per pound.  Tournament place will be based on point ranking.

V. AMENDMENTS

ANNUAL RULE REVIEW MEETING

Each year in late August or early September there will be a meeting with the sole purpose of discussing possible changes to the rules set forth in this document. This Rule Review Meeting will be open to all active JOSFC club members. The time and location will be announced at least thirty calendar days prior to the meeting.

 

Those wishing to propose changes to the fishing or tournament rules must submit the suggested changes in writing, along with the existing verbiage that would be affected, if applicable. These suggestions may be submitted to the Board of Directors ahead of the meeting (preferred) or may be submitted in person at the Rule Review Meeting.

 

The Rule Review Meeting will be moderated by the Fishing and Tournament Directors. Notes will be taken by the club Secretary or a designated alternate. During the meeting each suggested change will be discussed as a group. Once discussed, the moderators will call for a vote as to whether the rule suggestion should be further considered by the Board of Directors or dismissed. The vote will be determined by a simple majority and all active members present at the meeting may cast a vote.

 

At the next Board of Directors meeting, the Board will review each of the approved suggestions and vote as to whether the suggestions should be made for the following club year. This additional review helps ensure that suggestions being applied are in the best interest of the club.

 

Once all rules suggestions have been reviewed and finalized by the Board of Directors the rule document will be updated and published to the website. This should be done as close to October 1st, the beginning of the following club year, as possible.

OUT OF CYCLE RULE CHANGES

When possible the Board will avoid making changes to these rules throughout the year. This ensures that catches and contests are evaluated equally regardless of when they occur. However, from time to time the need may arise where a mid-year amendment needs to be made for the good of the club, our members, or our fishery. If such a change is to be made, the following procedure will be followed.

 

1. The suggested change will be presented in writing to the Board of Directors.
2. The suggested change will be reviewed by the Board of Directors. 
3. If the suggestion receives a simple majority vote from the Board of Directors with a quorum present it will qualify for a member vote..
4. The rule suggestion will be distributed to club members via email and Dock Talk for review.
5. A member vote will be held at the next regular club meeting which is no less than seven days after distribution.
6. The suggestion will be approved based on a simple majority member vote with a quorum present,
7. If approved, the suggestion will be added to this rules document as an amendment and published to the club website.
8. The amendment will be incorporated into the main document during the next rule review cycle.

Appendix I. Tournament Scoring Examples

 

Captain	Total Weight	Tournament Place	Tournament Points	Fish Count Bonus	Total Points Towards COY
Dave Carraro	45.6	1	10	3	13
Dave Marciano	18.4	2	9	3	12
Tyler McLaughin	16.4	3	8	2	10
Paul Hebert	15.1	4	7	2	9
Bob Cook	7.8	5	6	1	7
Spurge Krakowski	7.3	6	5	3	8
Jack Patrician	5.3	7	4	3	7
Tim Ott	5.3	8	3	3	6
Bill Monte	5.2	9	2	1	3
Ralph Wilkins	4.9	10	1	1	2
Kevin Leonowert	4.4	11	0	2	2
TJ Ott	3.2	12	0	3	3

Participants In An Inshore COY Tournament When They are Offshore COY Captains

Tournament Place	Tournament Captains	Fish Weight	Number of Fish	Inshore COY Place	Inshore COY POINTS (Place + Fish #)
1st	Capt A (Offshore COY)	18	3	N/A	NONE
2nd	Capt B (Inshore COY)	17.5	1	1st	10 + 1 =  11
3rd	Capt C (Inshore COY)	16	2	2nd	9+ 2 =  11
4th	Capt D(No COY–JOSFC member)	15.5	3	N/A	NONE
5th	Capt E (Offshore COY)	14	2	N/A	NONE
6th	Capt F (Inshore COY)	12	2	3rd	8 + 2 = 10
7th	Capt G ( Inshore COY)	10.5	1	4th	7 + 1 =   8
8th	Capt H (Offshore COY)	10	3	N/A	NONE
9th	Capt I (No COY–JOSFC member)	9.5	3	N/A	NONE
10th	Capt J (Inshore COY)	8	2	5th	6 + 2 =  8
11th	Capt K (Offshore COY)	6	1	N/A	NONE
12th	Capt L (Inshore COY)	2.5	2	6th	5 + 2 = 7

Appendix 2. Mid-Year Amendments

This section contains changes which were approved by the JOSFC Board after the publishing of the rules for the current year. These are kept separate to make them easy to find, but should be incorporated into the main document when making changes following the next Rules Meeting.

Date of Change	Change
April 4, 2024	Inshore Light Tackle – changed from 4# to 8# after a member vote at the club meeting.