Rodeo Rules - May 18-21st, 2011
Click here to download a printable PDF of the 2011 Rodeo Rules
The Mercury Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo
OFFICIAL RULES
Anglers participating in the Mercury 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: Early entries should be mailed to: Mercury Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo, PO Box 5584, LighthousePoint,FL33074. No entries,angler changes or angler additions can be made after the close of registration on Thursday, May 19 at 10:00 p.m. at Alsdorf Park (14thStreetBoatRamp). Registration fee is not refund- able 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 .ELIGIBLEFISH: Dolphin, wahoo, king mackerel, tuna (includes blackfin and yellowfin, see #5 below for permit requirements for yellowfin), and cobia.
4. FISH LIMITS / MINIMUM FISH SIZES / WEIGHTS:
a) A maximum of ten (10) fish per day per BOAT may be weighed.
b) A maximum of four (4) fish per species per day per BOAT may be weighed.
c) The minimum weight for dolphin, wahoo, king mackerel, tuna (blackfin and yellowfin) and cobia is ten(10)pounds. Fish not meeting these minimum weights will not count.
d) 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 Mercury 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 www.nmfspermits.com).
6. SCORING: Dolphin, wahoo, king mackerel, tuna (blackfin and yellowfin), and cobia one (1) point per pound. Mutilated fish will not be eligible. The weigh- master's decision is final. In case of weight ties, earliest time of reported catch will prevail.
7. HOOKING: Anglers 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 rod and reel. Wire lines permitted.
11. ANGLERS PER BOAT: A maximum of six registered anglers per boat. Angler may also serve as captain and/or mate.
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 appropri- ate 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. The entry fee is the same as an adult angler. It is the responsibility of the angler to check the appropriate box and provide the date of birth on the application indicating that they qualify for this award. PUBLIX SMALL FRY DIVISION: See Rules following conclusion of OFFICIAL 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 pay the regular angler fee and also be eligible for all prizes plus senior angler prize. It is the responsibility of the angler to check the appropri- ate box and provide their date of birth on the application indicating that they qualify for this award.
15. BIG BOAT BONUS: Boats 31 feet or larger and powered with inboard engines can participate for an additional fee. Prize structure is based on number of entries.
16. RODEO JACKPOT: Each registered angler in the Rodeo who weighs in an eligible fish according to the 2011 OFFICIAL RODEO RULES will receive a chance for each fish weighed. The winner will be chosen at the Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 21. The angler whose name appears on the drawing coupon must be present to win - no exceptions. ID will be required.
17. ENTRY REFUSAL: The 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 waters of the United States, no more than twenty-five (25) miles offshore
b) North -- Lake Worth Inlet (Palm Beach Inlet) 2646300W8003500
c) South -- Government Cut (Miami) N25 45 500 W80 07 200
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 completion. Disposition of fish must be called in. Boats must still arrive at the weigh-in within the prescribed time (see #23).
21. START: Check out from three inlets: Boca Raton, Hillsboro, and Port Everglades. All boats must pass Rodeo check point each morning for visual recognition. Actual location of check point at each inlet will be announced at the Captain’s meeting on Wednesday night. Check points will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. After 7:30 a.m., boats must be checked out visually at Hillsboro Inlet Marina. There is no late check out from Boca Raton or Port Everglades. Assigned boat numbers must be displayed on the starboard side of your boat. Boat numbers must be displayed at all times, not just check-out. Once visually checked out as described above,boats may proceed to the fishing grounds. There may be no lines in the water, however, until the official start of fishing begins at 7:00a.m. This announcement will be made on Channel 68.
No live bait fishing is allowed between the time you visually check out and the beginning of fishing at 7:00 a.m.
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: Friday: 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Saturday: 12 Noon-2:00p.m. There will be no exceptions.All fish must be brought to the weigh station in boat from which caught. All decisions of weighmasters are final.
24. PROTESTS: Any protest concerning conduct of an angler or rule violation must be filed the day of the 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 poly- graph 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, its officers and directors, sponsors and all persons connected directly or indirectly with the operation of said tournament, shall be exempt from any liability for libel, slander, loss, damage, negligence, harm, injury or death suffered by any participant, entrant, sport fisherman, his companions, boat captains, mates, crew members, vessels and equipment which may occur during the tournament.
By signing the entry blank, 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 blank as certification that they have read and agree to abide by all rules 1 through 27 inclusive. No entry will be accepted unsigned.
PUBLIX SMALL FRY DIVISION OFFICIAL RULES
1. Registration is limited to angler 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 entry form and provide date of birth.
2. There is no registration fee for the Small Fry angler and each child must be accompanied by a full paying regular sportfishing angler on the boat.
3. The Small Fry Division applies to the regular division only and not the drift division.
4. Eligible Fish: Dolphin, wahoo, king mackerel, cobia, blackfin tuna, snapper, grouper, and African pompano.
5. Minimum weight of five (5) pounds per fish as long as the fish meet 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 the Small Fry Division.
7. SMALL FRY ANGLERS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR ANY PRIZES FROM THE RODEO DIVISION. Aseparate prize structure will be determined by the Rodeo Committee and will be awarded based on the total weight 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 noway is a 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 rules shown in the OFFICIAL 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, ocean talley.
2. MINIMUM SIZE: All fish must meet state requirements. 3. SCORINGOFPOINTS: One point per pound for all species.In the event of a tie,prizes will be equally divided. 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 2 hooks in tandem and a weight not to exceed 2 oz. wire leader is permitted. Wire lines, live bait, jigs, skirts or other paraphernalia will not be permitted.
6. OFFICIAL WEIGH STATION: Hillsboro Inlet Marina 7. All anglers must fish from either the Helen SVI 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 dolphin, wahoo, kingmackerel, blackfintuna and cobia. Weighed fish must be 10 pounds or greater. Please see Rule 16.
MERCURY POMPANO BEACH FISHING RODEO
2011 WEIGH IN INFORMATION
• WEIGH INS WILL TAKE PLACE AT ASLDORF BOAT RAMP PARK, LOCATED AT 14TH 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 CH 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 fish per boat per day and a maximum of four 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.
• 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 pm on Friday and 2:00 pm 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 2011 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.