South Coast Blue Marlin Open

Offshore World Championship Qualifier (Charter Boats) Rules & Regulations

Team Registration, Team Photos, Boat Draw.

• Participating teams must register and pay the entry fees by 16th March 2023 not later than 17:00. 
• All registered participants must check in at tournament registration headquarters based in Safari Beach Hotel, Diani on the 16th March 2023, each team shall receive:
  • tournament credentials 
  • 1^st day boat draw (Daily boat draw given at the end of each fishing day)
  • angler welcome bag 
  • take their team photograph.
• The registration check-in location will be at the Diani Fishing Club clubhouse from 09:00 until 17:00 on 16th March 2023. 
• All registered participants will receive an angler welcome bag at the registration check-in and have their team photo taken. 
• Any team failing to check in at that time must inform the Tournament Committee prior to the registration date.

Rules Briefing, Captains & Anglers dinner

• The tournament rules and captains briefing will be held from 17:00 to 18:00 on 16th March 2023, at the Diani Sport Fishing Club club house. 
• All registered anglers MUST attend the rules meeting. 
• If anglers/teams and captains do not attend, they accept and agree that they are bound by all instructions and/or rule changes made orally or in writing during the briefing. 
• Following the rules briefing is the opening Captains & Anglers dinner and entertainment.

Rules – Club chartered vessels

• The South Coast Blue Marlin Open will be run in accordance with IGFA rules. 
  • We have taken the liberty to include a copy of the rules for you to become accustomed with.
• The tournament is a FOUR (4) day event. 
• A “team” shall consist of FOUR (4) ANGLERS, JUNIORS INCLUDED (teams are limited to one(1) junior per team)

• Only registered anglers, captains and crew will be allowed on the charter boat. (The tournament organising committee reserves the right to place an observer on any vessel should the need arise) 
• Only registered anglers may strike, fight and land a fish.
• The maximum number of lines allowed in the water at any time is eight (8).
• A team representative from each participating team must report to the Tournament Headquarters with the boat’s catch by 18:00 at the end of the designated finish time each day. 
• The penalty for lateness shall be loss of points for the day. The same rule shall apply for consecutive days until the closure of the tournament.  
• All boats must keep at least 500m clear from another boat that is fighting a fish. 
• Boats must report a hook up of any billfish without exception.
• If anglers/teams and captains do not attend, they accept and agree that they are bound by all instructions and/or rule changes made orally or in writing during the briefing. 
• The maximum number of people on each boat must not exceed the number licenced by Kenya Maritime Authority.
• The South Coast Blue Marlin Open committee reserve the right to postpone or cancel the tournament in the event of inclement weather or dangerous sea conditions.
• Mutilated fish shall not be allowed.
• In the event of a tie due to a released or tagged fish, the higher placing will be given to the team that reported the successful release of a billfish earliest.

Fishing Days/Times

• All boats fishing in the tournament must depart from the designated starting point outside the Baobab mlango without exception. 
• The start and stop signal shall be announced over the radio. 
• Do not start fishing until tournament officials declare “lines in” on the radio. 
• All fish must be hooked and called in to tournament radio control prior to the time of the “lines out” signal each day. 
• If, in the event a fish is still hooked up at the call of “lines out”, the angler may keep fighting the fish up to one (1) hour after “lines out” is called or it is released, boated or lost within that time frame. 
• The Tournament fishing days are the 17th, 18th and 19th of March 2023.
• The fishing hours are. 
  • 06:30 Lines in 
  • 16:30 Lines Out (17th, and 18th of March 2023)
  • 16:00 Lines Out (19^th March)
• All boats must be inside the Baobab mlango by 
  • 17:00 (17th and 18th March 2023)
  • 16:30 (19th March 2022)
• The Tournament Committee has made best efforts to ensure that all Charter boats are mechanically sound and any mechanical failure throughout the tournament fishing days will not be the responsibility of the Tournament Committee.

Scoring

Billfish: 

Any blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, sailfish or broadbill released in accordance with the tournament rules shall be awarded the following points:

Teams must report all tag and released billfish with their assigned team name, angler name, time, boat name and fish species that will be registered for scoring points and take an appropriate date stamped photograph and/or video of them once they are alongside the boat.

TAG & RELEASE FISH		DEAD & BOATED FISH
SPECIES	POINTS	SPECIES	POINTS/Kg
Sailfish	350	Sailfish	3
Striped Marlin	500	Striped Marlin	5
Black Marlin	750	Black Marlin	5
Blue Marlin	1000	Blue Marlin	5
Broadbill	1000	Broadbill	5
Shortbill Spearfish	1500	Shortbill Spearfish	5

Game Fish: 

Points will be awarded on the basis set below for any game fish that exceeds the minimum weight limit in the following categories: 

TUNA, WAHOO, KINGFISH & DORADO.
WEIGHT/Kg	POINTS/Kg
Under 5	0.5
5.1 – 10	1
10.1 – 15	2
15.1 – 20	3
Over 20	5

DAILY LIMIT
SPECIES	DAILY LIMIT
Dorado	4
Kingfish	4
Tuna	2
Wahoo	4

RELEASE BONUS

First released Marlin of each day	100
Second released Marlin of each day	70
Third released Marlin of each day	50
Two or more billfish released each day	200

100 penalty points will apply to any dead billfish.

Tournament Release Rules

• All teams must provide their own equipment to film and/or photograph catches to verify releases with the Tournament Committee. 
• All equipment should be synchronized to the official tournament time and checked in by the tournament committee. 
• To score an official release, the video and/or photograph must include sufficient evidence to clearly identify the species.
  • show a team member, angler or crew touching the leader while the fish is still hooked.
  • visibly show the coloured wrist band of the day 
  • identify the time and date of the catch.
  • show the catch and full release of the fish and a healthy fish swimming away. 
• The video and/or photograph must identify all the above elements. 
• After the release the official time, species and angler name must be entered on the South Coast Blue Marlin Open scorecard. 
• Each registered angler and boat captain must sign the South Coast Blue Marlin Open scorecard prior to submission to the weigh-master.
• At the end of the day’s fishing, the video footage and/or photographs must be brought to the weigh station for verification of official release points. 
• South Coast Blue Marlin Open scorecards should be turned in by no later than 18:00, unless a team is fighting a fish after lines out at 16:30. 
• Failure to turn in a scorecard will result in disqualification of that day’s catch.

Communication

• Tournament headquarters’ time will act as the official time for the start, catch, and end of fishing each day without exception. All teams are encouraged to synchronise their time with the official Tournament clock.
• The official tournament VHF channels are dual watch Channels 9 and 16.
• All boats must have their radios on and fully functional. 

South Coast Blue Marlin Open Observer

The South Coast Blue Marlin Open Committee at its sole discretion, may assign an observer or photographer to any boat on any fishing day. If an observer or photographer is assigned, the boat is responsible for their comfort and safety. Observers can monitor and determine official releases or catches to ensure the adherence of the tournament rules.

Angling & Tackle Rules

• IGFA angling and tackle rules apply for this tournament and are available for viewing on the website. 
• It is the responsibility of each team and crew member to know, understand and abide by IGFA and tournament rules during this tournament. 
• Any angler who intentionally breaks these rules are subject to expulsion and disqualification, upon a determination by the Tournament Committee, from this and future tournaments without a refund of any registration fees.
• IGFA equipment and angling rules apply with one exception: crew or any other non-registered anglers are not permitted to pitch baits or drop back baits to fish
• If the provided captain or crew breaks any IGFA rules, please notify a member of the Tournament Committee. 
• Captains and crew are allowed to use teaser reels and hookless baits and hookless lures for bait and are permitted to switch the method of fishing.
• Teams are responsible for ensuring that IGFA and tournament rules are followed. 
• Teams are encouraged to check tackle, leaders, hook arrangements and line prior to the start of fishing. 
• Charter Boats are required to have rods, reels and tackle on board. 
• Anglers are permitted to bring their own rods and reels and fishing gear, but the equipment must conform to IGFA rules and regulations. 
• Only fish caught on rod and reel will qualify. 
• Each team must complete a South Coast Blue Marlin Open scorecard, which is supplied in the angler welcome bag at registration. 
• The scorecard for the day must be completed and turned in at the end of each fishing day.
• No scorecard, no points! 
• Any angler must furnish, upon request, the lure, leader, line, hook, rod, reel and terminal tackle with which the fish was caught.
• The Tournament Committee have the right to investigate and act upon any incident occurring during the tournament. 
• The Tournament Committee shall have the right to disqualify any capture following examination. 
• Refusal to allow the committee to examine any tackle, line and/or leaders will result in immediate disqualification of the day. 
• The tournament committee reserves the right and privilege of changing the rules and starting and finishing times for any reason it deems necessary. 
• All decisions of the Tournament Committee are final and non-appealable.

Fishing Boundary

• North Boundary: S03°57’ 31.81”
• South Boundary: S04°52’ 51.27”
• East Boundary: E40° 20’ 00.53”

Line

• All fishing line will be allowed except for wire lines. 
• Maximum breaking strain shall be 80lbs
• Wire leader is allowed in the tournament.

Leaders

• The length of the leader is the overall length, including any lure or hook arrangement or other device, and is measured to the bend of the last hook. 
• The leader must be connected to the line to conform with IGFA rules and regulations. 
• Holding devices are prohibited.
• Regulations regarding the material or strength of the leader must conform to IGFA rules and regulations. 
• In all line classes exceeding 20 pounds (10 kg), the leader shall be limited to 30 feet (9.14 meters). 
• The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 40 feet (12.19 meters) total.

Rods

Maximum number of EIGHT (8) allowed in the water at any one time.

Teasers

Unlimited in use or numbers.

Hooks

All tournament participants must use non-offset circle hooks for all species whenever natural bait is used.

Baits

• Each club-chartered boat will be provided dead bait depending on what is available during tournament time. 
• Live bait is allowed in the tournament, however fishing for live bait MUST be done within the allotted time frame of the Tournament Day. 
• Dead bait must be rigged with non-offset circle hooks only. 
• Circle hooks may not be offset. 
• Lures without natural bait may be rigged with conventional J-hooks. 
• Lures with a combination of natural bait and artificial skirts may be rigged with conventional J-hooks.
• Pitch bait must be rigged with non-offset circle hooks only.
• Fishing for bait prior to the start of fishing is prohibited. 
• No lines are permitted in the water prior to the start of fishing.

The South Coast Blue Marlin Open committee reserves the right to:

• all decisions of the South Coast Blue Marlin Open committee are final and will not be open to an appeal.

Radio & Safety Equipment 

• Call-up will happen every hour on the hour commencing at 07:00. 
• Failure to answer three (3) consecutive call-ups will result in disqualification from the day.

Right of Admission & Sportsmanlike Conduct

The South Coast Blue Marlin Open Committee reserves the right of admission to the tournament. All participants are expected to always maintain a reasonable and sportsmanlike demeanour throughout the tournament. Unsportsmanlike or threatening conduct towards tournament committee or other participants, or any other behaviour which the tournament committee deem inappropriate, in their sole discretion, will result in immediate disqualification of the entire team with no refund of entry fees.

Protests

• Protests must be made in writing and lodged with the South Coast Blue Marlin Open committee within one hour of the reporting time to the weigh-master accompanied by a deposit of US$1000 
• All protests will be settled on the day of the incident.
• The deposit will only be refunded if the protest is upheld. 
• The decision of the South Coast Blue Marlin Open Committee shall be final.

Images & Videos

The South Coast Blue Marlin Open Committee reserves  the right to use all images (Photos  and videos) taken and/or delivered by the anglers or any other participating team members for advertising purposes.

Offshore World Championship Qualifier (Own Boat) Rules & Regulations

Team Registration, Team Photos, Boat Draw

• Participating teams must register and pay the entry fees by no later than 17:00 on the 16th March 2023. 

• All registered participants must check in at tournament registration headquarters based in Safari Beach Hotel, Diani on the 16th March 2023, each team shall receive:
  • tournament credentials
  • angler welcome bag 
  • take their team photograph.
• The registration check-in location will be at the Diani Fishing Club clubhouse from 09:00 until 17:00 on 16th March 2023. 
• All registered participants will receive an angler welcome bag at the registration check-in and have their team photo taken. 
• Any team failing to check in at that time must inform the Tournament Committee prior to the registration date.

Rules Briefing, Captains & Anglers dinner

• The tournament rules and captains briefing will be held from 17:00 to 18:00 on 16th March 2023, at the Safari Beach Hotel swimming pool patio and bar. 
• All registered anglers MUST attend the rules meeting. 
• If anglers/teams and captains do not attend, they accept and agree that they are bound by all instructions and/or rule changes made orally or in writing during the briefing. 
• Following the rules briefing is the opening Captains & Anglers dinner and entertainment.

Rules – Own Boat Category 

• The South Coast Blue Marlin Open will be run in accordance with IGFA rules. 
  • We have taken the liberty to include a copy of the rules for you to become accustomed with.
• The tournament is a FOUR (4) day event. 
• A “team” shall consist of FOUR (4) ANGLERS, JUNIORS INCLUDED (teams are not limited to one(1) junior per team) 

• All team members must be nominated prior to the Captains & Anglers briefing on 16th March 2023 and may not be changed. 
• If a team angler drops out, the boat may continue to fish with one less angler. 
• Only registered anglers may strike, fight and land a fish.
• The maximum number of lines allowed in the water at any time is eight (8).
• A team representative from each participating team must report to the Tournament Headquarters with the boat’s catch by 18:00 at the end of the designated finish time each day. 
• The penalty for lateness shall be loss of points for the day. The same rule shall apply for consecutive days until the closure of the tournament.  
• All boats must keep at least 500m clear from another boat that is fighting a fish. 
• Boats must report a hook up of any billfish without exception.
• If anglers/teams and captains do not attend, they accept and agree that they are bound by all instructions and/or rule changes made orally or in writing during the briefing. 
• The maximum number of people on each boat must not exceed the number licenced by Kenya Maritime Authority.
• The South Coast Blue Marlin Open committee reserve the right to postpone or cancel the tournament in the event of inclement weather or dangerous sea conditions.
• Mutilated fish shall not be allowed.
• In the event of a tie due to a released or tagged fish, the higher placing will be given to the team that reported the successful release of a billfish earliest.

Fishing Days/Times

• All boats fishing in the tournament must depart from the designated starting point outside the Baobab mlango without exception. 
• The start and stop signal shall be announced over the radio. 
• Do not start fishing until tournament officials declare “lines in” on the radio. 
• All fish must be hooked and called in to tournament radio control prior to the time of the “lines out” signal each day. 
• If, in the event a fish is still hooked up at the call of “lines out”, the angler may keep fighting the fish up to one (1) hour after “lines out” is called or it is released, boated or lost within that time frame. 
• The Tournament fishing days are the 17th, 18th and 19th March 2023
• The fishing hours are.
  • 06:30 Lines in
  • 16:30 Lines Out (17th, and 18th of March 2023)
  • 16:00 Lines Out (19^th March 2023)
• All boats must be inside the Baobab mlango by
  • 17:00 (17th and 18th March 2023)
  • 16:30 (19th March 2023)

Scoring

Billfish: 

Any blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, sailfish or broadbill released in accordance with the tournament rules shall be awarded the following points:

Teams must report all tag and released billfish with their assigned team name, angler name, time, boat name and fish species that will be registered for scoring points and take an appropriate date stamped photograph and/or video of them once they are alongside the boat.

TAG & RELEASE FISH		DEAD & BOATED FISH
SPECIES	POINTS	SPECIES	POINTS/Kg
Sailfish	350	Sailfish	3
Striped Marlin	500	Striped Marlin	5
Black Marlin	750	Black Marlin	5
Blue Marlin	1000	Blue Marlin	5
Broadbill	1000	Broadbill	5
Shortbill Spearfish	1500	Shortbill Spearfish	5

Game Fish: 

Points will be awarded on the basis set below for any game fish that exceeds the minimum weight limit in the following categories: 

TUNA, WAHOO, KINGFISH & DORADO.
WEIGHT/Kg	POINTS/Kg
Under 10	0.5
10 – 15	2
15.1 – 20	3
20.1 – 30	4
Over 30	5

DAILY LIMIT
SPECIES	DAILY LIMIT
Dorado	4
Kingfish	4
Tuna	2
Wahoo	4

RELEASE BONUS

First released Marlin of each day	100
Second released Marlin of each day	70
Third released Marlin of each day	50
Two or more billfish released each day	200

100 penalty points will apply to any dead billfish.

Tournament Release Rules

• All teams must provide their own equipment to film and/or photograph catches to verify releases with the Tournament Committee. 
• The tournament committee will place on each “own boat” entrant a dashcam that shall be fitted and sealed by the tournament committee each day.
• The dashcam shall be presented to the weighmaster at the end of each day, still sealed, and the footage shall be reviewed against the submitted South Coast Blue Marlin Open scorecard for points verification.
• The camera shall then be resealed and handed back to the designated team member.
• It is the responsibility of the designated team member to ensure the camera is fitted and correctly working each day to ensure that footage is captured. 
• In the event of no footage due to operator error disqualification of the day’s points will occur.
• In the event of a malfunction of the dashcam, the tournament committee shall verify the malfunction and if it is found to be an error with the dashcam photographic evidence of the fish and release shall be submitted for verification and allocation of points for the day.
• All equipment should be synchronized to the official tournament time and checked in by the tournament committee. 
• To score an official release, the video and/or photograph must include sufficient evidence to clearly identify the species.
  • show a team member, angler or crew touching the leader while the fish is still hooked.
  • visibly show the coloured wrist band of the day 
  • identify the time and date of the catch.
  • show the catch and full release of the fish and a healthy fish swimming away. 
• The video and/or photograph must identify all the above elements. 
• After the release the official time, species and angler name must be entered on the South Coast Blue Marlin Open scorecard. 
• Each registered angler and boat captain must sign the South Coast Blue Marlin Open scorecard prior to submission to the weigh-master.
• At the end of the day’s fishing, the video footage and/or photographs must be brought to the weigh station for verification of official release points. 
• South Coast Blue Marlin Open scorecards should be turned in by no later than 18:00, unless a team is fighting a fish after lines out at 16:30. 
• Failure to turn in a scorecard will result in disqualification of that day’s catch.

Communication

• All billfish releases and boated gamefish intended to be weighed and/or scored are to be reported to tournament headquarters along with the assigned team name, angler name, time, boat name and fish species. If a tournament boat is out of range, the catch must be relayed via radio or mobile phone as soon as possible. 
• Tournament headquarters’ time will act as the official time for the start, catch, and end of fishing each day without exception. All teams are encouraged to synchronise their time with the official Tournament clock.
• The official tournament VHF channels are dual watch Channels 9 and 16.
• All boats must have their radios on 

Angling & Tackle Rules

• IGFA angling and tackle rules apply for this tournament and are available for viewing on the website. (See SCORING)
• It is the responsibility of each team and crew member to know, understand and abide by IGFA and tournament rules during this tournament. 
• Any angler who intentionally breaks these rules are subject to expulsion and disqualification, upon a determination by the Tournament Committee, from this and future tournaments without a refund of any registration fees.
• IGFA equipment and angling rules apply with one exception: crew or any other non-registered anglers are not permitted to pitch baits or drop back baits to fish
• If the provided captain or crew breaks any IGFA rules, please notify a member of the Tournament Committee. 
• Captains and crew are allowed to use teaser reels and hookless baits and hookless lures for bait and are permitted to switch the method of fishing.
• Teams are responsible for ensuring that IGFA and tournament rules are followed. 
• Teams are encouraged to check tackle, leaders, hook arrangements and line prior to the start of fishing. 
• Charter Boats are required to have rods, reels and tackle on board. 
• Anglers are permitted to bring their own rods and reels and fishing gear, but the equipment must conform to IGFA rules and regulations. 
• Only fish caught on rod and reel will qualify. 
• Teams are allowed to handle their own fish catches or releases. 
• Each team must complete a South Coast Blue Marlin Open scorecard, which is supplied in the angler welcome bag at registration. 
• The scorecard for the day must be completed and turned in at the end of each fishing day.
• No scorecard, no points! 
• Any angler must furnish, upon request, the lure, leader, line, hook, rod, reel and terminal tackle with which the fish was caught.
• The Tournament Committee have the right to investigate and act upon any incident occurring during the tournament. 
• The Tournament Committee shall have the right to disqualify any capture following examination. 
• Refusal to allow the committee to examine any tackle, line and/or leaders will result in immediate disqualification of the day. 
• The tournament committee reserves the right and privilege of changing the rules and starting and finishing times for any reason it deems necessary. 
• All decisions of the Tournament Committee are final and non-appealable.

Fishing Boundary

• North Boundary: S03°57’ 31.81”
• South Boundary: S04°52’ 51.27”
• East Boundary: E40° 20’ 00.53”

Line

• All fishing line will be allowed except for wire lines. 
• Maximum breaking strain shall be 80lbs
• Wire leader is allowed in the tournament.

Leaders

• The length of the leader is the overall length, including any lure or hook arrangement or other device, and is measured to the bend of the last hook. 
• The leader must be connected to the line to conform with IGFA rules and regulations. 
• Holding devices are prohibited.
• Regulations regarding the material or strength of the leader must conform to IGFA rules and regulations. 
• In all line classes exceeding 20 pounds (10 kg), the leader shall be limited to 30 feet (9.14 meters). 
• The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 40 feet (12.19 meters) total.

Rods

Maximum number of EIGHT (8) allowed in the water at any one time.

Teasers

Unlimited in use or numbers.

Hooks

All tournament participants must use non-offset circle hooks for all species whenever natural bait is used.

Baits

• Each boat will provide their own dead bait during tournament time. 
• Live bait is allowed in the tournament, however fishing for live bait MUST be done within the allotted time frame of the Tournament Day. 
• Dead bait must be rigged with non-offset circle hooks only. 
• Circle hooks may not be offset. 
• Lures without natural bait may be rigged with conventional J-hooks. 
• Lures with a combination of natural bait and artificial skirts may be rigged with conventional J-hooks.
• Fishing for bait prior to the start of fishing is prohibited. 
• No lines are permitted in the water prior to the start of fishing.

The South Coast Blue Marlin Open committee reserves the right to:

• all decisions of the South Coast Blue Marlin Open committee are final and will not be open to an appeal.

Radio & Safety Equipment

• Call-up will happen every hour on the hour commencing at 07:00. 
• Failure to answer three (3) consecutive call-ups will result in disqualification from the day.

Right of Admission & Sportsmanlike Conduct

The South Coast Blue Marlin Open Committee reserves the right of admission to the tournament. All participants are expected to always maintain a reasonable and sportsmanlike demeanour throughout the tournament. Unsportsmanlike or threatening conduct towards tournament committee or other participants, or any other behaviour which the tournament committee deem inappropriate, in their sole discretion, will result in immediate disqualification of the entire team with no refund of entry fees.

Protests

• Protests must be made in writing and lodged with the South Coast Blue Marlin Open committee within one hour of the reporting time to the weigh-master accompanied by a deposit of US$1000 
• All protests will be settled on the day of the incident.
• The deposit will only be refunded if the protest is upheld. 
• The decision of the South Coast Blue Marlin Open Committee shall be final.

Images and Videos

The South Coast Blue Marlin Open Committee reserves  the right to use all images (Photos  and videos) taken and/or delivered by the anglers or any other participating team members for advertising purposes.

Non-Qualifier Tournament (Own Boat) Rules & Regulations

Team Registration, Team Photos, Boat Draw

• Participating teams must register and pay the entry fees by no later than 17:00 on the 16th March 2023. 

• All registered participants must check in at tournament registration headquarters based in Safari Beach Hotel, Diani on the 16th March 2023 each team shall receive:
  • tournament credentials
  • angler welcome bag 
  • take their team photograph.
• The registration check-in location will be at the Diani Fishing Club clubhouse from 09:00 until 17:00 on 16th March 2023. 
• All registered participants will receive an angler welcome bag at the registration check-in and have their team photo taken. 
• Any team failing to check in at that time must inform the Tournament Committee prior to the registration date.

Rules Briefing, Captains & Anglers dinner

• The tournament rules and captains briefing will be held from 17:00 to 18:00 on 16th March 2023, at the Safari Beach Hotel swimming pool patio and bar. 
• All registered anglers MUST attend the rules meeting. 
• If anglers/teams and captains do not attend, they accept and agree that they are bound by all instructions and/or rule changes made orally or in writing during the briefing. 
• Following the rules briefing is the opening Captains & Anglers dinner and entertainment.

Rules – Own Boat Category (Non O.W.C) 

• The South Coast Blue Marlin Open will be run in accordance with IGFA rules. 
  • We have taken the liberty to include a copy of the rules for you to become accustomed with.
• The tournament is a FOUR (4) day event. 
• A “team” shall consist of FOUR (4) ANGLERS, JUNIORS INCLUDED (teams are not limited to one(1) junior per team) 

• All team members must be nominated prior to the Captains & Anglers briefing on 16th March 2023 and may not be changed. 
• If a team angler drops out, the boat may continue to fish with one less angler. 
• Only registered anglers may strike, fight and land a fish.
• The maximum number of lines allowed in the water at any time is eight (8).
• A team representative from each participating team must report to the Tournament Headquarters with the boat’s catch by 18:00 at the end of the designated finish time each day. 
• The penalty for lateness shall be loss of points for the day. The same rule shall apply for consecutive days until the closure of the tournament.  
• All boats must keep at least 500m clear from another boat that is fighting a fish. 
• Boats must report a hook up of any billfish without exception.
• If anglers/teams and captains do not attend, they accept and agree that they are bound by all instructions and/or rule changes made orally or in writing during the briefing. 
• The maximum number of people on each boat must not exceed the number licenced by Kenya Maritime Authority.
• The South Coast Blue Marlin Open committee reserve the right to postpone or cancel the tournament in the event of inclement weather or dangerous sea conditions.
• Mutilated fish shall not be allowed.
• In the event of a tie due to a released or tagged fish, the higher placing will be given to the team that reported the successful release of a billfish earliest.

Fishing Days/Times

• All boats fishing in the tournament must depart from the designated starting point outside the Baobab mlango without exception. 
• The start and stop signal shall be announced over the radio. 
• Do not start fishing until tournament officials declare “lines in” on the radio. 
• All fish must be hooked and called in to tournament radio control prior to the time of the “lines out” signal each day. 
• If, in the event a fish is still hooked up at the call of “lines out”, the angler may keep fighting the fish up to one (1) hour after “lines out” is called or it is released, boated or lost within that time frame. 
• The Tournament fishing days are the 17th, 18th, and 19th March 2023
• The fishing hours are.
  • 06:30 Lines in
  • 16:30 Lines Out (17th, and 18th of March 2023)
  • 16:00 Lines Out (19^th March)
• All boats must be inside the Baobab mlango by
  • 17:00 (17th and 18th March 2023)
  • 16:30 (19th March 2023)
• The Tournament Committee has made best efforts to ensure that all Charter boats are mechanically sound and any mechanical failure throughout the tournament fishing days will not be the responsibility of the Tournament Committee.

Scoring

Billfish: 

Any blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, sailfish or broadbill released in accordance with the tournament rules shall be awarded the following points:

Teams must report all tag and released billfish with their assigned team name, angler name, time, boat name and fish species that will be registered for scoring points and take an appropriate date stamped photograph and/or video of them once they are alongside the boat.

TAG & RELEASE FISH		DEAD & BOATED FISH
SPECIES	POINTS	SPECIES	POINTS/Kg
Sailfish	350	Sailfish	3
Striped Marlin	500	Striped Marlin	5
Black Marlin	750	Black Marlin	5
Blue Marlin	1000	Blue Marlin	5
Broadbill	1000	Broadbill	5
Shortbill Spearfish	1500	Shortbill Spearfish	5

Game Fish: 

Points will be awarded on the basis set below for any game fish that exceeds the minimum weight limit in the following categories: 

TUNA, WAHOO, KINGFISH & DORADO.
WEIGHT/Kg	POINTS/Kg
Under 10	0.5
10 – 15	2
15.1 – 20	3
20.1 – 30	4
Over 30	5

DAILY LIMIT
SPECIES	DAILY LIMIT
Dorado	4
Kingfish	4
Tuna	2
Wahoo	4

RELEASE BONUS

First released Marlin of each day	100
Second released Marlin of each day	70
Third released Marlin of each day	50
Two or more billfish released each day	200

100 penalty points will apply to any dead billfish.

Tournament Release Rules

• All teams must provide their own equipment to film and/or photograph catches to verify releases with the Tournament Committee. 
• The tournament committee will place on each “own boat” entrant a dashcam that shall be fitted and sealed by the tournament committee each day.
• The dashcam shall be presented to the weighmaster at the end of each day, still sealed, and the footage shall be reviewed against the submitted South Coast Blue Marlin Open scorecard for points verification.
• The camera shall then be resealed and handed back to the designated team member.
• It is the responsibility of the designated team member to ensure the camera is fitted and correctly working each day to ensure that footage is captured. 
• In the event of no footage due to operator error disqualification of the day’s points will occur.
• In the event of a malfunction of the dashcam, the tournament committee shall verify the malfunction and if it is found to be an error with the dashcam photographic evidence of the fish and release shall be submitted for verification and allocation of points for the day.
• All equipment should be synchronized to the official tournament time and checked in by the tournament committee. 
• To score an official release, the video and/or photograph must include sufficient evidence to clearly identify the species.
  • show a team member, angler or crew touching the leader while the fish is still hooked.
  • visibly show the coloured wrist band of the day 
  • identify the time and date of the catch.
  • show the catch and full release of the fish and a healthy fish swimming away. 
• The video and/or photograph must identify all the above elements. 
• After the release the official time, species and angler name must be entered on the South Coast Blue Marlin Open scorecard. 
• Each registered angler and boat captain must sign the South Coast Blue Marlin Open scorecard prior to submission to the weighmaster.
• At the end of the day’s fishing, the video footage and/or photographs must be brought to the weigh station for verification of official release points. 
• South Coast Blue Marlin Open scorecards should be turned in by no later than 18:00, unless a team is fighting a fish after lines out at 16:30. 
• Failure to turn in a scorecard will result in disqualification of that day’s catch.

Communication

• All billfish releases and boated gamefish intended to be weighed and/or scored are to be reported to tournament headquarters along with the assigned team name, angler name, time, boat name and fish species. If a tournament boat is out of range, the catch must be relayed via radio or mobile phone as soon as possible. 
• Tournament headquarters’ time will act as the official time for the start, catch, and end of fishing each day without exception. All teams are encouraged to synchronise their time with the official Tournament clock.
• The official tournament VHF channels are dual watch Channels 9 and 16.
• All boats must have their radios on 

Angling & Tackle Rules

• IGFA angling and tackle rules apply for this tournament and are available for viewing on the website. (See SCORING)
• It is the responsibility of each team and crew member to know, understand and abide by IGFA and tournament rules during this tournament. 
• Any angler who intentionally breaks these rules are subject to expulsion and disqualification, upon a determination by the Tournament Committee, from this and future tournaments without a refund of any registration fees.
• IGFA equipment and angling rules apply with one exception: crew or any other non-registered anglers are not permitted to pitch baits or drop back baits to fish
• If the provided captain or crew breaks any IGFA rules, please notify a member of the Tournament Committee. 
• Captains and crew are allowed to use teaser reels and hookless baits and hookless lures for bait and are permitted to switch the method of fishing.
• Teams are responsible for ensuring that IGFA and tournament rules are followed. 
• Teams are encouraged to check tackle, leaders, hook arrangements and line prior to the start of fishing. 
• Charter Boats are required to have rods, reels and tackle on board. 
• Anglers are permitted to bring their own rods and reels and fishing gear, but the equipment must conform to IGFA rules and regulations. 
• Only fish caught on rod and reel will qualify. 
• Teams are allowed to handle their own fish catches or releases. 
• Each team must complete a South Coast Blue Marlin Open scorecard, which is supplied in the angler welcome bag at registration. 
• The scorecard for the day must be completed and turned in at the end of each fishing day.
• No scorecard, no points! 
• Any angler must furnish, upon request, the lure, leader, line, hook, rod, reel and terminal tackle with which the fish was caught.
• The Tournament Committee have the right to investigate and act upon any incident occurring during the tournament. 
• The Tournament Committee shall have the right to disqualify any capture following examination. 
• Refusal to allow the committee to examine any tackle, line and/or leaders will result in immediate disqualification of the day. 
• The tournament committee reserves the right and privilege of changing the rules and starting and finishing times for any reason it deems necessary. 
• All decisions of the Tournament Committee are final and non-appealable.

Fishing Boundary

• North Boundary: S03°57’ 31.81”
• South Boundary: S04°52’ 51.27”
• East Boundary: E40° 20’ 00.53”

Line

• All fishing line will be allowed except for wire lines. 
• Maximum breaking strain shall be 80lbs
• Wire leader is allowed in the tournament.

Leaders

• The length of the leader is the overall length, including any lure or hook arrangement or other device, and is measured to the bend of the last hook. 
• The leader must be connected to the line to conform with IGFA rules and regulations. 
• Holding devices are prohibited.
• Regulations regarding the material or strength of the leader must conform to IGFA rules and regulations. 
• In all line classes exceeding 20 pounds (10 kg), the leader shall be limited to 30 feet (9.14 meters). 
• The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 40 feet (12.19 meters) total.

Rods

Maximum number of EIGHT (8) allowed in the water at any one time.

Teasers

Unlimited in use or numbers.

Hooks

All tournament participants must use non-offset circle hooks for all species whenever natural bait is used.

Baits

• Each boat will provide their own dead bait during tournament time. 
• Live bait is allowed in the tournament, however fishing for live bait MUST be done within the allotted time frame of the Tournament Day. 
• Dead bait must be rigged with non-offset circle hooks only. 
• Circle hooks may not be offset. 
• Lures without natural bait may be rigged with conventional J-hooks. 
• Lures with a combination of natural bait and artificial skirts may be rigged with conventional J-hooks.
• Fishing for bait prior to the start of fishing is prohibited. 
• No lines are permitted in the water prior to the start of fishing.

The South Coast Blue Marlin Open committee reserves the right to:

• all decisions of the South Coast Blue Marlin Open committee are final and will not be open to an appeal.

Radio & Safety Equipment

• Call-up will happen every hour on the hour commencing at 07:00. 
• Failure to answer three (3) consecutive call-ups will result in disqualification from the day.

Right of Admission & Sportsmanlike Conduct

The South Coast Blue Marlin Open Committee reserves the right of admission to the tournament. All participants are expected to always maintain a reasonable and sportsmanlike demeanour throughout the tournament. Unsportsmanlike or threatening conduct towards tournament committee or other participants, or any other behaviour which the tournament committee deem inappropriate, in their sole discretion, will result in immediate disqualification of the entire team with no refund of entry fees.

Protests

• Protests must be made in writing and lodged with the South Coast Blue Marlin Open committee within one hour of the reporting time to the Weighmaster accompanied by a deposit of US$1000 
• All protests will be settled on the day of the incident.
• The deposit will only be refunded if the protest is upheld. 
• The decision of the South Coast Blue Marlin Open Committee shall be final.

Images & Videos

The South Coast Blue Marlin Open Committee reserves  the right to use all images (Photos  and videos) taken and/or delivered by the anglers or any other participating team members for advertising purposes.