Rodeo Rules - May 15-18th, 2013
Click here to download a printable PDF of the 2012 Rodeo Rules
The Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo
OFFICIAL RULES
Anglers participating in the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner and abide by the Rodeo rules and regulations as set forth below.
RODEO DIVISION I.G.F.A. Rules will prevail, with exception of rules #9 and #10.
1. REGISTRATION: Entries should be mailed to: Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo, PO Box 5584, Lighthouse Point, FL 33074. No entries, angler changes or angler additions can be made after the close of registration on Thursday, May 16 at 10:00 P.M. at Alsdorf Park (14th Street Boat Ramp). Registration fee is not refundable for any cause.
2. RODEO HEADQUARTERS: Alsdorf Park (14th Street Boat Ramp). Located in Pompano Beach at N.E. 14th Street and the Intracoastal. The kick-off party, weigh-ins and awards will take place here.
3 .ELIGIBLE FISH: Cobia, Dolphin, King Mackerel, Tuna (includes blackfin and yellowfin – see #5 below for yellowfin permit requirements) and Wahoo.
4. FISH LIMITS / MINIMUM FISH SIZES / WEIGHTS:
A maximum of ten (10) fish per day per boat may be weighed. A maximum of four (4) fish per species per day per boat may be weighed. The minimum weight for cobia, dolphin, king mackerel, tuna (blackfin and yellowfin) and wahoo is ten (10) pounds. Fish not meeting these minimum weights will not count. All fish must meet state requirements.
Please note: According to Florida state law, recreational anglers may harvest one cobia with a fork length of 33 inches or greater per angler per day. Recreational anglers may only possess two king mackerel 24 inches or greater per day per angler and only two wahoo per day per angler. There is now a 20-inch fork length minimum size for dolphin. Recreational bag limit is 10 dolphin.
5. FEDERAL, STATE, and LOCAL LAWS: The Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo Committee and any and all participants will abide by any federal, state and/or local laws that pertain to the environmental control of the fisheries. All registered anglers must possess a current Florida saltwater fishing license. All registered boats planning to harvest yellowfin tuna must possess an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Angling Permit. Permits can be obtained through the NMFS at 888-872-8862 or nmfspermits.com.
6. SCORING: Cobia, Dolphin, King Mackerel, Tuna (blackfin and yellowfin) and wahoo are one (1) point per pound. Mutilated fish will not be eligible. The weigh-master’s decision is final. In case of weigh ties, earliest time of reported catch will prevail.
7. HOOKING: Angler must hook and fight their own fish.
8. NO LIVE CHUMMING: No live chumming is permitted. Live bait may only be used as bait, hooked to fishing line attached to a rod and reel. Live chumming will be defined as the act of throwing live bait overboard for the purpose of chumming or attracting fish to your boat.
9. BAIT: No restrictions. Live bait permitted.
10. TACKLE: All fish must be caught on a rod and reel. Wire lines permitted.
11. ANGLERS PER BOAT: A maximum of six (6) anglers per boat. Anglers may also serve as captain and/or mate. Only six (6) registered anglers can actively fish.
12. FAMILY AWARDS: Two or more members of an immediate family fishing as registered anglers from one boat. At least two members must catch eligible fish to qualify for the family awards. Family example: husband, wife, children, grandparents, brothers, sisters (no in-laws). It is the responsibility of the angler to check the appropriate box on the application indicating that they qualify for this award.
13. JUNIOR ANGLER: In order to be eligible, a junior angler must not be 15 years of age before the first day of the Rodeo. Junior angler points count for overall boat total. Junior anglers are eligible for all prizes awarded. It is the responsibility of the angler to check the appropriate box and provide the date of birth on the application indicating they qualify for this award. Publix Small Fry Division: See rules following conclusion of Official Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo Rules. Small Fry anglers do not qualify for any other Rodeo awards.
14. SENIOR ANGLER: In order to be eligible, a senior angler must be 55 years or older by the first day of the Rodeo. The senior angler will be eligible for all prizes plus senior angler prize. It is the responsibility of the angler to check the appropriate box and provide their date of birth on the application indicating that they qualify for this award.
15. RODEO JACKPOT: Each registered angler in the Rodeo who weighs an eligible fish according to the 2013 Official Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo Rules will receive a chance for each fish weighed. The winner will be chosen at the Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 18. The angler whose name appears on the drawing coupon must be present to win – no exceptions. ID will be required.
17. ENTRY REFUSAL: The Fishing Rodeo reserves the right to refuse tournament application or entry from any prospective entrant with or without cause in its sole discretion. Any applicant refused entry shall be entitled to a refund of entry fee.
18. FISHING BOUNDARIES: The fishing limits of this tournament are:
(a) East – the water sof the United States, no more than twenty-five (25) miles offshore
(b) North – Lake Worth Inlet (Palm Beach Inlet) and
(c) South – Government Cut (Miami).
19. COMMUNICATIONS: All eligible fish must be reported to Rodeo headquarters which will operate on VHF Channel 68. Channel 72 will be the alternative if 68 is jammed. Boats lacking marine radio must relay catches. You may not phone in your catch.
20. HOURS OF FISHING:
FRIDAY: 7:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.
SATURDAY: 7:00a.m. to 12Noon. Fish hooked, called in on the VHF Radio and acknowledged by the Rodeo Committee, prior to the end of fishing may be fought to competition. Disposition of fish must be called in. Boats must still arrive at the weigh-in within prescribed time.
21. START: Fishing begins with a Bimini Start on Friday. Boats must be visually checked out from Hillsboro Inlet. All boats must pass Rodeo check point for visual recognition. Boat numbers must be displayed at all times on the starboard side of your boat. Check-out location is on the dock at Hillsboro Inlet Park (east end of park, south side of inlet). Check out will begin at 6:00 A.M. There may be no lines in the water beginning at 6:30am (this includes bait fishing). After check out, boats must proceed out the inlet and line up between the Lighthouse and the Fishing Pier in less than 100’ of water. The Bimini Start will be at 7:00 A.M and will be announced on Channel 68. No boats may proceed beyond the Bimini Start area prior to this announcement. On Saturday, there will be no Bimini Start. Boats may check out beginning at 6:00am and proceed to fishing grounds. Lines in the water is at 7:00am. Check out at the Inlet ends at 7:30AM. After 7:30, boats may be visually checked out at Fish City on the Southwest side of the inlet bridge.
22. WEATHER CONDITIONS: In the event of unsafe conditions at sea, the Rodeo Committee, in its best judgment, may call off the Rodeo until better conditions prevail. If one day is “weathered out,” the Rodeo shall be based on the results of the day fished. Such notice of cancellation and resumption will be broadcast on Channel 68. Should Friday be “weathered out,” the hours of fishing on Saturday will be lengthened to 7:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. with weigh-ins until 4:00 P.M. In the event of full cancellation, entry refunds will be made (less necessary tournament expenses) within 30 days.
23. OFFICIAL WEIGH STATION: Rodeo scales at Alsdorf Boat Ramp Park constitute the official weigh station. Weigh in hours are Friday: 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. and Saturday: 12 Noon to 2:00 P.M. There will be no exceptions. All fish must be brought to the weigh station in boat from which caught. All decisions of the weigh-master are final. No fish bags are permitted on dock or weigh station.
24. PROTESTS: Any protest concerning conduct of an angler or rule violation must be filed the day of alleged violation by registered angler. Protests must be submitted in writing and accompanied by $100 cash or certified check to Rodeo Headquarters by 6:00 P.M. on Friday and 2:00 P.M. on Saturday. All decisions of the Board of Directors will be final.
25. POLYGRAPH: Any angler, captain, crew member or occupant of any boat may be required to submit to a polygraph test as determined by the Board of Directors.
26. PRIZES: All prizes will be awarded for eligible fish caught. Prize winners are required to give their Social Security numbers before collecting their award.
27. HOLD HARMLESS: It is expressly understood that all participants in this tournament enter at their own risks, and that the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo, it’s officers and directors, sponsors and all persons connected directly or indirectly with the operations of the tournament, shall be exempt from any liability for libel, slander, loss, damage, negligence, harm, injury or death suffered by any participant, entrant, sport fisherman, companions, boat captains, mates, crew members, vessels and equipment which may occur during the tournament.
By signing the entry form, the angler consents that the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo may use without payment or restriction, any photographs in which he or she appears for any purpose whatsoever, including but not limited to resale, advertising, commercial or promotional material. The angler further releases the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo, its officers, directors, sponsors and members from any injury, loss or damage which may result.
28. ANGLER SIGNATURE: All anglers are required to sign their entry form as certification that they have read and agree to abide by all rules 1 through 26 inclusive. No entry will be accepted unsigned.
PUBLIX SMALL FRY DIVISION OFFICIAL RULES
1. Registration is limited to anglers 10 years old or younger. Any Small Fry angler cannot have reached his or her 11th birthday prior to the first day of the Rodeo. Please check Small Fry angler box on the entry form and provide date of birth.
2. There is no registration fee for Small Fry anglers and each child must be accompanied by a paying regular sportfishing boat entered in the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo.
3. The Small Fry division applies to the regular division and not the drift division.
4. Eligible Fish: African Pompano, Blackfin Tuna, Cobia, Dolphin, Grouper, King Mackerel, Snapper and Tuna.
5. Minimum weigh of five (5) pounds per fish as long as the fish meets the requirements of federal, state and/or local regulations, if applicable. A maximum of three (3) fish per Small Fry angler per day can be weighed.
6. All other rules of the Rodeo found in the Rodeo rules will apply to Small Fry Division.
7. SMALL FRY ANGLERS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR ANY PRIZES FROM THE RODEO DIVISION.
A separate prize structure will be determined by the Rodeo Committee and will be awarded based on the total weigh of fish caught per each Small Fry angler during both days of the tournament.
8. Fish may be hooked by an adult and the rod and reel supported as long as the Small Fry angler reels the fish to the boat.
9. The Small Fry division is a separate division by itself and in no way is part of the Junior Division of the regular tournament. Junior Division anglers are not eligible for the Small Fry division prizes. A small Fry angler cannot be registered in the Junior Division as well.
DRIFT DIVISION OFFICIAL RULES
All of the rule shown in the Official Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo rules apply to anglers participating in the Drift Division with the following exceptions:
1. SPECIES OF FISH: Dolphin, King Mackerel, Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna, Snapper, Grouper, African Pompano, Cobia, Blue Runner, Rainbow Runner, Triggerfish, Porgy and Ocean Talley.
2. MINIMUM SIZE: All fish must meet state requirements.
3. SCORING OF POINTS: One point per pound for all species. In the event of a tie, prizes will be divided equally.
4. HOURS OF FISHING: FRIDAY: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. • SATURDAY: 7:00 a.m. to 12 Noon.
5. TACKLE: Fish must be caught on rod and reel using standard boat rig and boat provided bait. Standard rig consists of a leader no longer than the rod, no more than two (2) hooks in tandem or a single hook and a weight not to exceed 2 ounces. Wire leader is permitted. Wire lines, live bait, jigs, skirts or other paraphernalia will not be permitted. Must fish with boat provided bait.
6. OFFICIAL WEIGH STATION: Hillsboro Inlet Marina. All anglers must fish from either the Helen S VI or the Fish City Pride.
8. Drift anglers eligible for designated drift prizes ONLY.
9. Drift anglers will receive a ticket for the Rodeo Jackpot for each cobia, dolphin, king mackerel, tuna and wahoo. Please see Rule 15.
POMPANO BEACH FISHING RODEO
2013 WEIGH IN INFORMATION
• Weigh ins will take place at Alsdorf Boat Ramp Park located at 14 Street Causeway and the Intracoastal in Pompano Beach.
• The scales will be open from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm Friday and from Noon to 2:00 pm on Saturday.
• All weigh station information will be transmitted on VHF Channel 72 during weigh in hours.
• Control boats will be stationed in the Intracoastal north of the boat ramp. If you have fish to weigh, call the control boats on Channel 72 as you pass to give them your boat and number and to receive instructions for pulling into the dock. There will also be a police boat on site to help control boat traffic at the dock. You must wait for your turn at the dock in the Intracoastal. Under no circumstances should you enter the canal until told to do so. We have to keep the canal clear for regular boat traffic.
• Once at the dock, all anglers with fish must go to the same scale together to weigh in. A maximum of ten (10) fish per boat per day and a maximum of four (4) fish per species per boat may be weighed. It is the angler’s responsibility to verify the weights of the fish and fill out the Rodeo Jackpot ticket. No fish bags are permitted off the boat.
• Please be courteous to your fellow anglers, be patient and stay in line. As long as you are in line and report to the control boat by 6:00 P.M. on Friday and 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, your catch will be eligible.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION AND SUPPORT OF
THE POMPANO BEACH FISHING RODEO.
Good luck and good fishing!
FYI: Florida Recreational Saltwater Regulations
Species Minimum Size Limit Daily Bag Limit
How to obtain an ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES ANGLING PERMIT
According to the National Marine Fisheries Service, for the 2012 fishing year all owners/operators of vessels recreationally fishing for and/or retaining regulated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (Atlantic tunas, sharks, swordfish and billfish) in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, must obtain an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling permit. This permit has replaced the Atlantic tunas Angling category permit, and incorporates those vessels targeting other regulated HMS.
To purchase an HMS Angling permit, go to www.nmfspermits.com or call 888-872-8862.