Prizes, Rules, Regulations & Guidelines

EXTREME CAUTION AND CARE SHOULD BE EXERCISED AT ALL TIMES!!

During any activity involved with this sport or related competition, the safety of the angler and all others is of the utmost importance and should take precedence over any attempt to catch, handle or release any wild animal including sharks. Additionally, proper care and handling should also be exercised to avoid any injury to a fish. The Blacktip Challenge, it’s officers, committee members, general members, and / or assigns assume no responsibility for risk of injury or death that might occur as a result of attempting to capture, handle or release any wild animal, anywhere, under any circumstances.

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING WORLD RECORDS

This is an International Land-Based Shark Fishing Association (ILSFA) sanctioned event. Therefore, anglers interested in submitting catches made during the tournament for official world records are encouraged to become familiar with those requirements. To view or print a full copy of the ILSFA Book of Rules, please visit: LandBasedSharkFishing.com/html/ilsfarules

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING THE HONOR SYSTEM

All guidelines regarding claims for points or world records submissions are referenced herein. As with other organized sporting events and organizations, the integrity of the Blacktip Challenge relies upon all participant's respect for sportsmanship, honesty and integrity when competing in this tournament or submitting claims. It is the tournament organizer's sincere intent to operate based on a confidence and trust that those virtues, at a minimum, will be held in high regard and exercised at all times by all participants and competitors.

How to Enter

This tournament is open to the general public. Interested participants are asked to submit their information on the BTC website 'Contact Us' page located here. The tournament director will personally contact all participants to facilitate registration, entry fee submission and the provision of required tournament supplies, as described below under ‘Entry Fee’.

Entry Fee

Included with your tournament entry of $50 US are all required tournament supplies:

- Official Blacktip Challenge T-Shirt

- Official Blacktip Challenge Tournament Flag

- Research Tracking Tags Darts, Needles and Applicator

- Measuring Tapes

Entry fees may be used as part of tournament prizes.

Registration Deadlines

Registration with full payment of entry fees can be made until 8pm on the day before tournament start, which is Saturday February 7th, 2009 at 12:00 am. Once submitted, all entry fees are non-refundable. Special circumstances causing late entries or 'no-shows' may be considered by the event staff who will have final determination over these and all other related matters.

Catch & Release Format

The 2nd Annual Blacktip Challenge is a catch and release tournament. Sharks caught in the tournament must be properly documented with tags (supplied), measurements and photographs, then released to qualify for points. These requirements are detailed below. If an angler intentionally kills or injuries a shark, he or she will be disqualified from the tournament and will be permanently banned from participating in future Blacktip Challenge events. This policy does not apply if a shark dies after being released, and it is determined the angler put forth acceptable and well-intentioned efforts to execute a healthy release. If an expired and tournament tagged shark is discovered and reported, the Blacktip Challenge staff will investigate before make its final determination, regarding the circumstances, point eligibility, angler status, etc.

Cooperative Research & Resource Management

In an effort to take proactive and opportunistic steps in marine resource management, the BTC and its anglers are also taking part in an important joint-research effort with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Apex Predator Cooperative Shark Tagging Program and the International Land-Based Shark Fishing Association. This makes the angler's role as a competitor also one of an important contributor to the knowledge and understanding of these animals. For this reason, the accurate gathering and documentation of catch, tag and release data by participating anglers on data cards provided by the event staff is of the utmost importance.

`Research tags and applicators will be provided and distributed evenly among anglers. Sharks must be accurately documented with all tags supplied, measured (to determine estimated weight), photographed, then released to qualify for points. Documentation procedure instructions and guidelines are detailed below. Should an angler deplete their supply of tags, in accordance with these rules, any additional qualifying sharks caught and released will still count for points. However, for additional sharks to qualify, ALL provided tags must first be deployed within tournament rules and guidelines. All additional sharks must still be properly documented with measurements and photos, and within the scope of all other rules and regulations. All unused tags and corresponding data cards will be returned at tournament's end.

Actual example of completed and submitted data card.

By tournament's end, each angler will submit their data cards to the event staff, which will then check them for accuracy, prior to submission to the APEX Predator Tagging Program. This organization will then enter all data into an international database, which is used for various research applications to the direct benefit of shark population studies, biological understanding and natural resource management. Prior to and during the tournament start, the event staff, as well as representatives from the ILSFA and other organizations will work to provide helpful information, and to answer questions about data gathering, as well as the safe capture and release of sharks.

Tournament Participation & Boundaries

All fishing will take place on the east coast of Florida, and will be conducted exclusively from the beach. Any fish caught from a pier, dock, bridge, or any other structure will not qualify for points. Tournament boundaries will extend from Fort Lauderdale to the south and Vero Beach to the north.

This is a single angler team format. However, due to the nature of this sport, and in the interests of safety, we encourage competitors not to fish alone. Competing anglers may fish with one another, as well as with those not fishing the tournament or teammates that may accompany them. In any case, registered and competing anglers must follow all rules, and are responsible for ensuring other with them do the same. Only registered competitors are eligible for points, and any potential qualifying prizes. Any intentional cheating, harassing of other anglers or any other conduct determined by the tournament staff to be outside the spirit of good sportsmanship will not be tolerated and is grounds for immediate disqualification and permanent ejection from the tournament.

Tournament Boundaries.

Tournament Dates

Prior to the tournament start date, an anglers meeting will be held; the time and location of which will be announced, prior to. Attendance at the anglers meeting is mandatory for all registered, competing anglers. If special and/or reasonable circumstances prevent an angler from attending the anglers meeting, arrangements must be made in advance with tournament director, Josh Jorgensen, in order to receive required tournament supplies and information.

Around the clock, 24-hour, tournament regulation fishing will commence with a 'Shotgun Start' and 'Lines In' on February 7th, 2009 at 12:00 am EST. Tournament regulation fishing will officially end with 'Lines Out' on February 13th, 2009 at 11:59 pm EST. Competing anglers may choose when to fish.

On February 14th, the awards ceremony will be held; the time and location of which will be announced, prior to.

Angling Rules

The safety of all anglers and their teammates is their responsibility, and should be the first consideration in all aspects of this competition. Anglers are encouraged to have a team member or members to assist them whenever possible, and in accordance with the tournament rules.

Once an angler is hooked up, they must fight the fish without assistance from anyone. Should an angler choose to leader, tail rope, or otherwise land their own fish, they may temporarily hand off their pole. Should the fish take another run, causing the fight to resume, the angler must then retrieve their pole and continue fighting the fish.

Anglers may be assisted by others in landing a fish using acceptable means, such as leadering or tail roping. However, the angler must remain on the rod at all times unless using the option(s) previously mentioned. Anglers may also be assisted with tagging, measuring, hook removal (at angler's discretion), photographing, and releasing fish.

Catch Documentation

Since this is a catch & release tournament, the healthy release of all captured fish is important. Experience and careful planning will aid in reducing stress on the animal, while helping to ensure healthy releases. Anglers are encouraged to land their fish as quickly as possible, and to maintain landed fish in enough water (as little as a few inches) to aid in the support of their body weight during the required documentation procedure that includes the: tagging, measuring and photographing of all fish as quickly and safely as possible, prior to release. Whenever possible, avoid dragging an entire shark's body weight onto dry sand. Documentation in the following order is recommended.

Step One: Research Tagging

Tagging needles, tags and applicators similar to the one pictured below are included in entry fees, and will be provided to participating anglers by the tournament staff, along with data cards to record measurements and other information. It is imperative that you take some time to review the tagging instructions below. They will aid greatly in enhancing your tagging activities, while increasing safety for all anglers and teammates.

Tagging needle and applicator loaded with a tag dart.

Careful tag placement next to the dorsal fin at a slight angle.

Tagging Instructions (Very Important)

Taken from the NMFS Cooperative Shark Tagging Program Instruction Booklet and adapted for land-based shark fishing.

1) Study These Instructions Thoroughly

Please become familiar with tagging equipment and the information data card before they are actually needed.

2) Plan Tagging Activities In Advance

Have tagging equipment handy; know who is going to do what in the process of catching, tagging and releasing the shark, and who will concentrate on obtaining biological information for recording on the data cards.

3) Safety Is The Vital Element In Planning

Cut the leader rather than try to retrieve the hook. Even under the best conditions, every new interaction with a wild animal adds some new hazard. The most dangerous one in shark fishing can be an uninformed guest who is trying to help.

4) Capitalize On Your Experience

Tagging a shark, especially larger ones, is a team effort that requires practice. With an inexperienced crew, you should handle the tagging pole or the leader, not the rod. The angler has the least freedom of action at the most critical time. Tournament rules allow for the angler to hand off the rod at this point.

5) Set the Hook Before It Is Swallowed

The tagging program has never had a recapture from a gut hooked shark. Alertness for the strike is in important consideration and should be practiced at all times.

6) Do Not 'Over Fight' The Fish

Sharks fought to complete exhaustion are less likely to survive. However, the shark should be sufficiently played out to permit tagging without having to restrain it for too long.

7) Treat The Fish Gently

Sharks are highly susceptible to internal injury. Avoid gaffs and restraining devices and prevent the shark from thrashing on shore more than necessary. The larger sharks are least likely to survive rough treatment.

8) Look For Tags Already In Place

Remove the existing tag by simply cutting the trailing leader attached to the capsule and insert a new tag, if available. Record the old tag number BEFORE opening the capsule. Read the vinyl message and carefully report all recapture details to tournament officials.

9) Tag Only Sharks That You Can Identify

Become familiar with the species you are likely to encounter when and where you are fishing. Some species are difficult to tell apart, but it is important that you records are as accurate as you can make them. If you are not sure if the shark was, for example, a dusky or a sandbar, then note this on the card.

10) Take Time To Insert Tags Properly

Over-anxiousness is the major reason for poor placement of tags. Give the fish a few moments to settle down. VERY IMPORTANT: The dart head fits loosely into the slotted point in the needle, and the entire tag is HELD IN PLACE BY RUBBER BANDS 2" to 3" up on the applicator (see photo above). The dart head is curved so that the two rear points will face DOWNWARD into the muscle when the tag is inserted. Tags should be driven into the back near the first dorsal fin. The area lies to the side of the backbone and above the body cavity. The ideal location on large sharks is in the muscle at the very base of the first dorsal fin. IT IS MOST IMPORTANT THAT THE CAPSULE ASSUMES A TRAILING POSITION on the shark. Insert the dart at an angle toward the head end of the fish (see photo above).

Large Sharks: The skin of a large shark is well known for its toughness, but by making a strong, quick, angular thrust, the dart should penetrate even large individuals. When the tag is correctly inserted, the dart head will come to rest approximately 1" to 1.5" beneath the skin. When fishing from shore, such as in this tournament, the tagging needle will be mounted in a short handles dowel. CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO AVOID INJURY TO THE BACKBONE. To control the depth of penetration of the dart head, an incision can be made with a pointed knife and the dart head then carefully forced into the muscle.

11) Avoid 'Snap Judgments' In Estimating Size Or Taking Measurements

The demand for physical action in the final moments when a shark is being tagged and /or measured can distract one's attention from pertinent details. Several people may assist in a release only to learn later that no one truly focused on the size or sex of the shark. Discuss measurements and sex before the shark is released.

12) Record Tagging Information Promptly and Completely

Please fill in the tagging data card immediately after tagging the fish.

Step Two: Measurements

Measuring tapes are included in entry fees, and will be provided for all participating anglers by the tournament staff, along with data cards to record measurements and other information.

To qualify for points, three measurements must be taken on all fish caught in the tournament, and the total length measurement must be at least 5 feet or 60 inches. This data will also be used in a formula to calculate an estimated weight.

It is recommended to record each measurement as it's taken to avoid errors. Having a teammate help in this instance is beneficial. A thick pencil and a small sized pvc dive slate or similar writing surface is helpful in wet conditions. The required measurements are taken from the points noted below:

Measurement Points.

A) Total Length

Measure the total length in inches from the tip of the snout to the tip of the upper lobe of the tail (or caudal) fin. Tape should be laid flat over the entire length of the fish’s back just along the dorsal line and extended to the upper lobe of the tail (or caudal) fin.

Measuring the total length first, allows you to easily work down to the fork, then girth.

B) Fork Length

Measure the fork length in inches from the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail. Tape should be laid flat over the entire length of the fish’s back just along the dorsal line and extended to the rear of the fork of the tail.

The fork, measurement will be used with the girth to calculate an estimated weight.

C) Girth

This is a defining measurement in calculating an estimated weight. Measure the largest diameter or thickest part of the fish in inches. The girth is just behind the pectoral fins extending around the shark in a straight line. The quickest and safest way to take this measurement is to keep your body near the midpoint of the sharks body. This keeps anglers and others away from the strike zone of a shark's mouth and/or tail. Place the tape under the fish with one hand while gently rolling the fish away from you with the other hand. Then simply walk around to the other side, gently roll the fish in the opposite direction to expose the end of your measuring tape. Take your girth measurement.

And finally, the girth. Working with others to assist is always recommended.

Sex (Male or Female)

Although not a qualifying point requirement, taking note of the sex of each fish is extremely valuable for research purposes and can be easily accomplished during the measurement procedure. Males will conspicuously display a set of two claspers protruding from the area near their anal fins. Females do not possess these organs.

These sexual reproductive organs are absent in females.

Step Three: Photos

If using digital photo or recording equipment, be sure to always have your date and time for your devices set accurately, since these factors may be used to determine point qualification in some cases. 'Lines out', marking the official end of tournament fishing takes place at 11:59pm EST on February 13, 2009. If a fish is hooked prior to that time, it will still qualify for potential points, if landed and documented after 'lines out'. However, all photos or other required documentation of contending fish must be submitted by no later than 9:00am EST on February 14th, 2009. If your date and time was not set and cannot digitally substantiate a given catch, within reason, some points may not be deemed as qualifying, according to the tournament committee's discretion.

For accurate species identification and point evaluation, only the clearest possible photos must be submitted. In all cases, photographs should be taken of the fish lying on a flat surface. The fish should be broadside to the camera with the applied tag clearly visible, and no other visible part of the fish obscured. Unless an angler is fishing solo, photos should include the angler (behind the fish) holding the Blacktip Challenge flag, which is included in entry fees and provided by staff. If an angler is fishing solo and this is not possible, he can wet the flag and and place it on the shark below the dorsal fin for photo verification. Although, not required, but whenever possible, additional photographs of the head and back taken from above will demonstrate whether the fish has or does not have a ridge between the dorsal fins (an inner dorsal ridge).

Example of an overhead photo.

It is important to submit only clear, publishable photographs of the fish (and the angler when not fishing solo). If additional photos or footage of the catch and release exist, they may also be submitted. Be sure to make copies of all photos and video submitted since they may not be returned. By submitting any materials, the provider grants the Blacktip Challenge rights to distribute and/or publish said materials for promotional or commercial purposes in various media including, but not limited to electronic, video, broadcast and print.

Example of a broadside, flat lying shark with an applied tag, Note: This photo will also be acceptable for an ILSFA world record application.

NOTE REGARDING WORLD RECORDS

This is an ILSFA sanctioned event. Therefore, anglers interested in submitting catches made during the tournament for official world records should become familiar with those requirements. Photos that must accompany all record applications include:

- The full length of the fish

- The angler with the fish

- Separate photos of tackle used in catch (including rod, reel, leader and hooks *)

- Any witnesses

* Regarding hooks, the ILSFA understands it is not always possible to remove hooks and that not every angler chooses to do so for personal, as well as for obvious safety reasons. In such cases where post-catch and/or release photos of hooks are not available, please describe hook configurations on the application form. To view or print a full copy of the ILSFA Book of Rules, visit: LandBasedSharkFishing.com/html/ilsfarules

Prize Categories

All sponsor prizes, including cash, are awarded based on estimated weight formula calculations. All entries are subject to committee review.

1) Largest Shark (any species) The largest 3 sharks will recieve 1st, 2nd and 3rd place category prizes 1st Place Grand Prize: $1,000 - Custom Fishing Rod - Trophy

2) Largest Blacktip The largest 3 blacktips will recieve 1st, 2nd and 3rd place category prizes 1st Place Grand Prize: $250 - Custom Fishing Rod - Trophy

3) Most qualifying sharks caught & released (60 inches minimum & documented) Any species of qualifying length 1st Place Grand Prize: $250 - Custom Fishing Rod - Trophy

4) Any shark recaptured with a tournament-issued tag affixed (first tag retreived, new one placed, if remaining tournament-issued tag available).

5) Any shark recaptured with any research tag affixed retrieved and new one placed (first tag retreived, new one placed, if remaining tournament-issued tag available).

6) All tags placed at liberty Any competing angler who places all supplied tags in qualifying sharks (any species) is eligible for a prize.

7) Female Angler Division Largest Shark (any species).

8) Junior Angler Division (under 18): Largest Shark (any species) Junior anglers must follow all tournament rules as stated above. Junior anglers must have parent or legal guardian present at the anglers meeting. Junior Anglers must also fish with an adult.

Liability

WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT

All anglers invited to participate in the 2009 Blacktip Challenge Land-Based Shark Fishing Tournament expressly assume all risks, dangers and hazards incidental to the event for which their invitation was acknowledged, whether occurring prior to, during or subsequent to same, including, but not limited to: the danger of being injured by marine or terrestrial life, Acts of God, other anglers or bystanders, fishing equipment or tackle failure, related tools, bait preparation, bait deployment, including the use of kayaks or other watercraft. The Blacktip Challenge, the organizations or individuatls sponsoring or promoting the event, participants, investors, Guts and Nuts Productions LLC, and any another other entities directly involved in the tournament are not responsible, nor are they legally liable for any injury or death that may occur to an angler, their guests, and/or their teammates while participating in the Blacktip Challenge. All anglers fishing in the Blacktip Challenge voluntarily assume all responsibility for the loss, destruction, or theft of any personal property including, but not limited to: fishing tackle or equipment, watercrafts or electronics. All participants, outside parties or observers are also responsible for any fine(s), ticket(s) or any other legal action that may be taken against them.

I acknowledge and represent that:

A) I have read the foregoing release, understand it, and sign it voluntarily as my own free act and deed;

B) No oral representation, statements or inducements, apart from the foregoing written agreement, have been made;

C) I am at least eighteen (18) years of age and fully competent. If I am under the age of 18, I must have a parent or legal guardian’s consent to valid this contract; and

D) I execute this Release for full, adequate and complete consideration fully intending to be bound by same.