Registration Options

Rules and Regulations

**Big Kahuna Fishing Tournament Rules and Regulations**

1. **Compliance with Florida Fishing & Boating Laws**
- All participants must adhere to Florida fishing and boating laws throughout the tournament.

2. **Fishing Regulations**
- No wading is allowed; all fishing must be conducted from a boat.
- Each team may catch one (1) Snook and one (1) Redfish, with total length measured from pinched tail.

- Tarpon over 40 inches MUST remain in the water by rule, unless in pursuit of a state or world record using a tarpon tag purchased before fishing begins. Tarpon smaller than 40 inches should only be handled with wet hands and be supported horizontally under the belly, if removed from the water.

- Given the practicalities of fighting a Tarpon and judging its length, participating teams are expected and required to abide by the honor system and the highest degree of ethical behavior. If the fish appears to be close to over 40 inches teams are expected to fight the fish close enough to the boat to compare the fish to the five-foot measuring stick provided by the Tournament for verification. Again, participating teams are expected and required to abide to the honor system and the highest degree of ethical behavior.

- The length is verified with the five-foot stick, as measured along the side (lateral line) from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail.

- All fish must be caught using hook, line, rod, and reel.

3. **Photograph Requirements**
- Photos must feature the Tournament Card clearly visible.
- Required photographs include:
1. Full-length image of the fish on the provided measuring device, showing mouth and tail positions.
2. Close-up of the fish's nose and tail on the measuring device.
3. Angler with the fish.
4. Rod and reel used for the catch.

4. **Tournament Procedures**
- Fishing begins at 7:00 a.m. (Lines in).
- No angler substitutions are permitted.
- No boat-to-boat transfers are allowed.
- All team members must fish from the same boat.

5. **Bait and Equipment**
- Live or artificial bait is permitted in the OPEN division.
- Tippeting is not allowed in the FLY division.

6. **Prohibited Activities**
- No chumming or hole-holding for other teams.
- No outside assistance is permitted during tournament hours.
- Fishing at marinas, pet fishing, and fishing at boat ramps are prohibited.
- Fishing in Everglades National Park is not allowed; the southern boundary is Camp Lulu Key.

7. **Attendance and Submission Deadlines**
- At least one angler must attend the Captains' Meeting.
- All submissions must be received by 3:00 p.m. on June 1ts, 2025.

8. **Prizes and Awards**
- Winnings will be distributed after review of photographs at the Awards Ceremony.
- In case of a tie, the first registered team will be declared the winner.
- Prizes must be claimed in person by at least one member of the winning team at the Awards Ceremony. Unclaimed prizes remain property of the tournament.

By participating in the Big Kahuna Fishing Tournament, all participants agree to abide by these rules and regulations. Failure to comply may result in disqualification from the tournament.