RULES:
2008 HAMPTONS OFFSHORE INVITATIONAL
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

1. All boats must enter and return from Shinnecock Inlet.

2. No vessel may depart the inlet earlier than 5:00AM. Departing vessels MUST deposit appropriate BOAT CARD with dock personnel at Oakland’s Marina PRIOR to leaving. Boat card must have following information: Date of departure, Boat Name, Tournament entry number, Names of Captain and crew and contact phone numbers (cell numbers and land line).

3. All vessels must return and be within 100 yards of Oakland’s fuel dock ready for weigh-in prior to 7:00PM, except Sunday 8/24 when weigh-in is no later than 12 noon.

4. Boats fishing in the Day category will compete against boats in that same category for four days.

5. Boats fishing in the Overnight category will compete against boats in that same category for two overnight trips. Entrants must return to dock between trips.

6. Each entered boat will receive 2 dinner tickets, additional tickets must be purchased at time of entry ($50.00 each). Tickets purchased after entry is received or at any time up until no more can be accommodated will be available at $125.00 each. BOATS ARE LIMITED TO 8 TICKETS.

7. The committee boats will monitor VHF 68.

8. NO STEALTH FISHING. Tournament boats must report their catch within ½ hour of its capture with an estimated weight. Every effort will be made to advise weigh master of landings for weigh-in postings.

9. If a participating boat becomes disabled for any reason and has to be towed, the towing boat must report its location and number of fish on board as well as the estimated time of arrival. In the event that both boats arrive after the official deadline, ONLY the towing boat can qualify. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.

10. All boats must check in at weigh station NO LATER THAN 7:00PM ON THEIR REQUIRED DAY (except Sunday 8/24 when check-in is no later than 12 noon) even if they have no fish to weigh-in. The Coast Guard will be notified of any boat that fails to report in. The vessel, its owner and crew will be responsible for whatever expenses are incurred for a search. Any boat that does not check-in will not be eligible to fish next year.

11. (a) No boat shall leave an inlet and commence a fishing day so long as the NOAA Forecast contains the wording “SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY/OR WARNING.” No fish may be weighed in or entered in violation of this Rule.
(b) Each vessel captain and crew is responsible for the seaworthiness of their crew and vessel. The final decision on sea conditions and safety always remains with the captain and crew of each individual vessel. The SMTC and Tournament Committee assume no liability in the event of inclement weather. Captains are expected to do whatever is reasonable and prudent to secure the safety of their crew, passengers and property. The SMTC and Tournament Committee have no responsibility in this situation and all decision making rests within each vessel. NOAA Forecast should be monitored regularly and NOAA advisories and warnings should be adhered to.
(c) In consideration of the acceptance of an entry, the captain and all those in the vessel’s crew hereby release and discharge and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Shinnecock Marlin & Tuna Club, Inc., the individual officers, directors and membership, the members of the Tournament Committee and other committees the sponsors and the charity beneficiaries of the Tournament and each of them, of and from any and all liability, claims, expenses (including attorney’ fees) of any nature whatsoever arising out of , or because of, or during participation in this Tournament. The Captain and crew hereby permit the release of information concerning the Captain’s involvements and that of the crew and boat with the Tournament and the taking and publication of any photographs and moving pictures of the boat and the individuals thereon. The captain and crew agree to abide by any and all rules, regulations, laws and ordinances, whether promulgated by the Club or any governmental authority, and the decisions of the Rules Committee, Judges and Tournament Committee.

12. There will be no prorated refunds. The payment of the entry fee and acceptance of the captain’s bag, if any, and Rules shall constitute full participation in this event. .

13. The committee requests that all vessels observe radio courtesy and in case of an emergency clear the channel. The committee will monitor VHF 68.

14. All fish captured must comply with ALL Federal and State regulations. Any mutilated, harpooned or shot fish will be disqualified. Rubber snubbers, hand lines and harpoons may not be used—harpoons are not allowed on any boats. All fish must be caught on rod and reel. All fish must be caught either “stand-up” or in a fighting chair. Fish caught on heavy gear out of a rod holder will be disqualified. Maximum line test 130lb. The decision to disqualify a fish is the sole responsibility of the Tournament committee.

15. The tournament committee will examine any mutilated fish and their decision as to eligibility to qualify is final.

16. Any winning teams may be subject to polygraph examination.

17. Minimum weights:
Tuna-Bigeye 100lbs
Tuna-Yellowfin 30lbs
Mako 125lbs
Mahi 5 lbs
True Albacore 30lbs
Bluefish 5lbs (Day Category Only)
Note: minimum weights established by the governing bodies will prevail at the time of the tournament over the weights listed above.

18. All tuna may be weighed in and entered in any of four conditions: whole, bled, gutted or headed and gutted. For all tournament purposes, the official weight of the fish will be the weight recorded for the carcass in whatever condition it is weighed; absolutely no allowances will be made for blood, guts or heads removed from the fish prior to official weigh-in, and no heads or guts will be weighted separately. The weighable part of the fish must meet minimum weight for the species.

19. There shall be only one trophy awarded to a boat in each category.

20. The decision of the contest committee is final.

21. IGFA rules governing angling, tackle requirements, gaffing and boating of any fish shall apply, for any catch to be considered. Wire line may be used.

22. A rod may be passed off to another angler immediately upon hook-up or while moving angler to fighting chair.

23. Any manufacturer’s marked line test is acceptable. You do not have to use tournament line.

24. Assistance may be given to a small fry or junior angler during hook-up or the fight, as long as he or she stays in the fight from beginning to end and does not give up.

25. Keep in mind by signing entry form, SMTC has permission to take and publish photographs and moving pictures of your boat and individuals on it. Use includes press releases, newsletters and website.

Protests will be called to the attention of the tournament Committee within ½ hour after the final weigh-in. The decision of the committee is final.