Tournament Date: Saturday February 19^th, 2011

Cap. Mel Tournament Rules:

Boundary:  Lines may only be "cast" in Pinellas County Waters.   Anglers may launch from locations inside other counties but "on their honor" can only actually attempt to catch fish in Pinellas County waters.  With expected participation, this was discussed in order to "spread out" the participants without having contestants travel long distances or working areas well removed from the Tampa Bay/Clearwater/Palm Harbor area.

If required, you must have a valid Florida Fishing License

All Boats & Kayaks must meet all USCG and Marine Patrol safety equipment supplies.

Participants must obey all local and state manatee protection zones and speed limits.

No Live or Dead Baits can be used - designated Artificial Lures Only.   The tournament is for fun and to benefit charity.  We expect people to go by the  "Honor System" but people caught not using the designated lures will be disqualified.

The contest is for the non-professional anglers. If there is adequate interest, a "Guided" division will be available for those who wish to compete but choose the assistance of a professional guide.

*Because this is a catch, photo, release event please do not net trout as this can cause damage to the fish.  Additionally: The competition is "length" and participants lip-hanging fish for weights will be subject to disqualification. 

First camera photo should have all your lures and your measuring device

Second photo should be your measuring stick shown at "first light"

Subsequent photos will be of your catch on the supplied measuring stick.

Approved measuring devices provided at captains meeting must be clearly visible in all photos.  

The fish should be placed with the "head" of the fish at the "zero" section of the ruler and the photograph of the fish without tail pinch, "Natural Lay" for the tournament measurement.  

Tournament judges will determine the length by what they see in the photos.

Only one rod at a time may be used, participants must hook, fight and secure the fish.  

Only assistance applies to kids in the Junior division.  

Only one photo per angler and per category may be entered,

All fish must be caught and released on the day of event "after 1st safe light" and the angler must get his camera to the weigh-in station by 2:30PM.

The Junior and Kayak participants are NOT eligible for grand prize or any of the general division cash, prizes or trophies unless they select to forgo the Junior or Kayak division designation and "Opt" for the "Open" division.

In the event of a tie, photo turned in 1^st will win the tie breaker.

Tournament Director and judges have the final say on any catch or dispute that may arise.   Violation of the rules may warrant a disqualification.   A disqualified participant will not get their entry fee refunded.

ALL disputes or challenges must be filed the day of the tournament by 4:00pm & include a $100.00 Challenge fee. If the challenge is not upheld the fee is forfeited, if challenge is upheld the fee will be refunded.

This event is open to the general public and there will be photos and video taken. When you sign your release of liability form it also includes a waiver for photos & video. The tournament maintains the rights to all images and may use them in any way deemed necessary.

All participants must sign liability release form – No Exceptions.           

The tournament directors reserve the right to limit the total number of participants and may deny entry based on previous issues regarding inappropriate actions by the entrant.  All rules of the event must be followed; failure to do so will result in disqualification.  

Total participants:  For planning and scheduling, there is a limit to the number of people we can allow to sign up for the tournament:  350 in the Open Division, 100 in the Kayak Division and 100 in the Junior Division. 

This will be on a first-come, first-serve basis and when the categories fill no more participants will be accepted.

*Cash Payouts depend on the total number of paid entrants.

*Final cash prize amounts will be announced and awarded at the weigh in

It is the sole responsibility of the entrants to have sufficient liability insurance to cover themselves and their

guests if any. The tournament organizers are in no way liable for any injuries sustained by participants in this event.

                                    * Please see event liability release form for details.

  All participants are required to pay any and all local, state or Federal taxes due on prizes won!

This is an ALL Release Event,

  Please Use the Utmost Care in Handling All Fish.

Pre-Event Registration

Mandatory Captains Meeting - Registered anglers will pick up their Lure Bag/measuring device at this meeting.  The Thirsty Marlin:

1023 Florida Avenue Palm Harbor, FL 34683 (727) 784-3469

Date: Friday, Feb. 18^th, 2011

Time – 5pm to 9pm

Registration Begins - 5:00pm

Captains Meeting Begins – 7:00pm

Free Buffet 5:00 – 7:00

Tournament Schedule

Launch Location & Tournament Fishing Area:  Participants may launch wherever they wish but they must fish in "Pinellas County" waters.

Start Fishing - 1^st "Safe Light"

Weigh In – 1:00pm til 3:00pm – Location: Fred Howard Park Tarpon Springs Shelters 4, 5 and 6

All digital photo cards must be received by no later than 2:30pm.  

Arriving after 2:30pm, entrants will not be eligible for prizes.

Silent Auction: 12:00 – 2:30 Winners announced at 4:00pm

Door Prizes, Cash & Trophy Presentations Begins – 4:00pm

Must be present to win! Event ends by 6:00pm

                        Cash & Prizes

General Division: (15 yrs. & Older) – Entry Fee - $35.00

Grand Prize – Combined Total Length One Trout & One Redfish

                          1st Place - Cash & Trophy

               2nd Place - Cash 

                          3rd Place- Prize

Longest Trout -   1^st Place - Cash  & Trophy                     

                           2^nd Place - Cash                          

                           3^rd Place - Prize

Longest Redfish - 1st Place - $Cash & Trophy

                            2nd Place - $Cash

                            3^rd Place- Prize
 
 

Kayak Division:  (15 years and older)- Entry Fee $25.00

Grand Prize – Combined Total Length One Trout & One Redfish

                            1^st Place -  Native Watercraft and Trophy                     

                            2^nd Place - Cash                          

                            3^rd Place - Prize
 

Longest Trout - 1^st Place - Cash  & Trophy                     

                         2^nd Place - Cash                          

                         3^rd Place - Prize

Longest Redfish - 1st Place - Cash & Trophy

                             2nd Place - Cash 

                             3rd Place - Prize 

Junior Division: (14 yrs. & Under.) – Entry Fee - $10.00

Grand Prize - Combined Total Length One Trout & One Redfish

                          1st Place - Prizes & Trophy

                          2nd Place – Prizes

Longest Trout - 1^st Place - Prizes & Trophy

                       2^nd Place – Prizes                       

Longest Redfish - 1^st Place - Prizes & Trophy

                          2^nd Place – Prizes                       

Participation & Eligibility

Persons under 18 must have the release signature of parent or legal guardian on all liability release forms. Any person 16 years of age or older is eligible to fish for cash providing the full entry fee has been paid. Participants ages 16 & 17 must have parent or legal guardian signature and show proof of age (picture ID) at registration.

Divisions – Junior - Open

Participants ages (14 & Under) will be fishing in the Junior division, Entry Fee - $10.00

Prizes & Trophies Awarded (No Cash)

Participants ages (15 and Up) will be fishing in the Open Division, Entry Fee - $35.00  

Cash Prizes & Trophies Awarded

Or, the "Kayak Division" which is wade, paddle craft or from land or bridges.   $25.00, competing only against other entered in that division.   Anyone "non-motorized" can select to compete in the "Open Division" (and pay that fee).  Opting into the open division eliminates the participant from cash or prizes in the "kayak division".

If required all participants must have in their possession a valid Florida fishing license as required by FWC and must at all times follow all federal, state and local laws and must handle all fish in such a way as to reduce injury to the maximum extent possible.

Participants may sign up online at www.capmel.com and pay thru secure PayPal Link or may download entry form, sign and send with payment c/o The GoldFish Club 2710 Alt. 19 North Suite 301 #219 Palm Harbor, FL. 34683

Final Registration Captains meeting  – Cash Only

All Entry Fees Are Absolutely Non- Refundable!      

Participants must attend the captains meeting – Goody Bags will be distributed with measuring devices and photo code chip

All Entries Must BE Paid & Releases Signed - No Exceptions!

Severe/Inclement Weather: In the event that event coordinators due to weather must cancel the tournament, this event will be rescheduled for a date that will be "to be announced."