TOURNAMENT RULES | Mobile Big Game Fishing Club

2024 General Rules

2024 Mobile Big Game Fishing Club Rules

Rules Acceptance

Rules, including published rules in print or on the website (mbgfc.org), are subject to change without notice. It is the sole responsibility of the participating anglers, captains, crews and guests (“Participants”) to know and abide by the Tournament Rules as published and as amended during the Captain’s Meeting. By entering any Mobile Big Game Fishing Club Tournament and paying entry fees, Participants agree to abide by the Tournament Rules and accept decisions made by the Rules Committee as final.Tournament Start, Fishing Times, Eligible Ports of Departure are subject to change by tournament committee without advance notice, and the rules presented in the Captains Meeting trump written rules. The MBGFC and it’s tournament committees vigorously support Catch and Release in all of its tournaments. Representatives of the National Marine Fisheries Service may be on hand during the tournaments to view and study all fish, obtain catch information, and, if need be, prepare the fish for further study.. The tournament committee may at its discretion elect to retain any fish for display, testing, or further study. The MBGFC has the right to use, publish, edit, and distribute any videos submitted to the club for any purpose.

Registration and Mandatory Captain’s Meeting

Tournament Registration for all tournaments will be done online. Registration can be accessed via www.mbgfc.org or the catchstat app or by visiting mbgfc.catchstat.com & gcm.catchstat.com. The captain, owner, or a registered angler must attend the mandatory captain’s meeting and the captain, owner, or a registered angler must sign out their boat. It is the responsibility of the representative to verify names, dates of birth, contact info, gender, membership status, email of each anger, boat size, and social security number in order to be eligible to win a prize, trophy, award, plaque, or cash as part of our tournament. In the event an in-person captains meeting is not held, virtual captains meeting participation is still required with verification of video departure necessary when not signing out at captains meeting and would include video graphed departure clearly showing date, time, and landmark of approved departure points. If proper sign-out is not performed after the Captain’s Meeting, the offending boat will be disqualified from the entire tournament without refund. Any rules changes will be discussed at this meeting.

By signing out at the Captain’s Meeting, the captain, owner, or registered angler acknowledges that they:

Know the rules including any changes or clarifications made during the captain’s meeting.
Have received the tournament guide and the tournament designator.
Understand and agree to abide by all rules in the tournament guide.
Have a copy of the rules applying to optional awards for breaking a record if applicable
Understand that all Anglers, Captains, Mates, Crew (“Participants”) and Guests fish in the Tournament at their own discretion and at their own risk. All Participants and Guests agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club (“MBGFC”) and its Members, the MBGFC Board of Directors, Orange Beach Marina (“OBM”), Sponsors and their agents and employees and all other persons directly or indirectly connected with the tournament from any liability, loss, personal injury or property damage, including Attorney’s fees they may suffer arising from their participation in the Tournament and all other activities occurring at the MBGFC facility and/or OBM.
Understand that tournament entries must be verified before leaving the weigh dock. It is the responsibility of the angler, captain, mate, or crew to verify the appropriate species, weight, etc. and to sign off on the catch card or release card at the weigh station.
Understand that all marlin caught (released or boated) must be video’ d including GPS date and time, indicator, and any other requirements of the tournament and they should all be called in promptly via vhf, satellite phone to 251-207-1515 , text, or email to mobilebiggame@gmail.com Failure to do so can lead to disqualification of the fish. Release videos have their list of requirements including a healthy release.
2024 Discounts may include early registration discount, membership discount and/or a small boat (< 36 feet) discount.
No tournament refunds will be made after the official sign out.

RULES

PORTS OF DEPARTURE: For ALL MBGFC tournaments aside from the Gulf Coast Masters, Boats may leave from Mobile Pass, Perdido Pass, Pensacola Pass, or Destin Pass.
Unnecessary harming of billfish is strictly prohibited: No release billfish should be removed from the water. Boated (partially or completely) billfish cannot be released for points. Released billfish must be a healthy release.
Culling or discarding a previously boated marlin is prohibited and violation of this rule will result in team disqualification from the tournament, inducing all categories entered, and forfeiture of all entry fees. Future participation in Mobile Big Game Fishing Club Tournaments will be barred for at least 1 year for first offense, at least two years following a second offense, and lifetime if there is a third offense.
No angler or boat may be in possession of more than one blue marlin at a time. Any angler in violation of this rule will be banned from further participation in the tournament without refund.
Fishing may begin after the captains meeting unless otherwise specified at the captain’s meeting.
On the last day of the tournament, boats must be at the designated checkpoint which is at or inside the Rocks before the designated time and upon arrival, boats must immediately contact MBGFC on VHF channel 72 or 251-207-1515 to issue a weigh in number.
While the tournament does not strictly enforce the use of IGFA rules, it is in the spirit of IGFA rules. One noted exception is the allowance that the rod may be handed off one time during the first minute of the fight. All rules of the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club also apply. Deviation from IGFA rules and regulations will void any IGFA and other records.
Federal law requires a boat to be in possession of a Highly Migratory Species permit in order to land and possess any tuna or billfish or to catch and release billfish. A valid HMS permit must be available to tournament officials at weigh-in.
Registered anglers are responsible for obtaining a valid Alabama State Fishing License.
Registered boats and anglers must comply with all Federal and Alabama state laws and regulations regarding fishing licenses, size limits, seasons, and bag limits.
One day of fishing constitutes a complete tournament.
In the event of inclement weather, Especially “Small Craft Advisory” , any part of the tournament may be canceled or postponed
All participants and boats shall exercise good sportsmanship and courtesy whether at the dock, underway, or fishing.
Any participant that violates federal or state law will be disqualified.
Payment of an entry fee, completion of the tournament registration, and sign-out at the captains meeting by the designated boat representative constitute a representation by each angler, owner, captain, and crew member that he/she has read and fully understands the Tournament Rules and that he/she shall abide by such rules and the decisions of the Tournament Committee.
All anglers are responsible for the proper disposal of any and all fish that they bring to the weigh dock

WEIGH DOCK

The official weigh dock for all tournaments is the MBGFC clubhouse dock. Weigh dock times vary with each tournament and are subject to change. All fish brought to the dock must be in edible and fresh condition. Any evidence of manipulation or freezing will disqualify any fish. The weighmaster has the right to refuse any mutilated fish or fish considered to be in poor condition. All fish must be brought to the weigh dock via water transport on the boat upon which they were caught unless granted permission by the tournament committee in the interest of efficiency or safety of the participants or spectators and or the MBGFC. Someone from each boat must at all times remain with the fish to be weighed.

The weigh board and catch stat do not necessarily reflect the official standings of the tournament. Depending on conditions, MBGFC will have boats 36’ and under come to the side of the weigh dock. Boats over 36’ will be accommodated on the front of the weigh dock.The MBGFC may have boats waiting in the marina canal to fill empty places at the weigh dock, but please do not enter the marina canal until your boat number/ name is called. All boats in line for the weigh dock should leave enough room for boats entering Orange Beach Marina to be able to pass freely. NO WAKE – Idle speed only. Please cut your engines once you are tied to the weigh dock. Keep Tournament VHF Channel 72 clear during weigh dock operation hours, Boats waiting to be called to weigh dock should carefully monitor VHF Channel 72 and when your boat/number is called, follow the directions of dock master. If a boat does not respond when called, the dock master may move you to the next boat in line. Once your boat is at the weigh dock, follow the directions of the weighmaster. Do not get off of your boat until instructions are given to do so. Have your HMS permit, licenses, permits, videos, and fish ready to present before coming to the weigh dock. Once all fish on your boat are weighed or videos reviewed, it is your responsibility to verify your catch including signing release and catch card documentation. The dock master will coordinate your departure to make room for the next boat.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

(A) If pre-registered and withdraw prior to the start of on-site registration, you will be refunded everything less credit card fees.

(B) If pre-registered and withdraw prior to sign out and after on-site registration begins, you will be refunded all cash award less credit card fees and entry fees less credit card fees and $75 fee for food and ditty bag, per angler.

LABOR DAY TOURNAMENT:

There will be an 11 AM Perdido Pass Flare Start on Friday of the Tournament. Fishing may begin at 11:01 AM. Boats departing from Mobile Pass or Pensacola Pass or Destin Pass are allowed and are not required to attend the Flare Start in Perdido Pass; however, boats may NOT depart before the flare start time and must have video verification of departure clearly showing landmark from pass of departure and GPS Date /Time. Blue marlin meeting the 110” minimum are eligible to be weighed.

JUNIOR ANGLER TOURNAMENT:

Fishing from boats, shore, piers, jetties, or other vessel types is allowed. Boats may depart after the Captain’s Meeting AND the owner, captain or registered angler has signed out on the official sign out sheet. There is NO Flare Start for the Junior Angler Tournaments. No sign out is necessary. All billfish are catch and release.

LIMITED TOURNAMENT:

The Billfish Limited tournament is open to any size outboard powered vessel as well as any vessel 36′ in length and under regardless of means of power (i.e. inboard, outboard, or I/O) Boats may depart after the Captain’s Meeting AND the owner, captain or registered angler has signed out on the official sign out sheet or using virtual check out if approved by tournament committee. There is NO Flare Start for the Limited Tournaments. All billfish are catch and release.

LADIES DAY TOURNAMENT:

The Ladies tournament is open to female anglers. Owners, captain, mates, and crew of any sex are allowed. There is NO Flare Start for the Ladies Tournament. Boats may depart after the Captain’s Meeting AND the owner, captain or registered angler has signed out on the official sign out sheet or using virtual check out. Blue marlin meeting the 110” minimum are eligible to be weighed.

MEMBERS ONLY TOURNAMENT:

The Members tournament is open to members only. For Boat awards, the angler, owner, or captain must be a member in good standing and on board during the fish catch. For individual awards, the anglers must be a member of the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club and in good standing. There will not be a flare start. Boats may depart after the Captain’s Meeting AND the owner, captain or registered angler has signed out on the official sign out sheet or using virtual check out if approved by the tournament committee. The winner is determined by the MBGFC points system. All billfish are catch and release.

QUALIFYING FISH

The following species are eligible for competition when caught by registered anglers in accordance with tournament rules:

Eligible for Catch & Release:

Blue Marlin Clear identification as Blue Marlin necessary to receive 500 points

White Marlin 200 Points

Sailfish 200 Points

Spearfish 200 Points

Eligible for Weigh-in at Scales (do not apply to junior angler tournament)

Blue Marlin – 110″ minimum (LJFL)

Tuna – 20 lbs. minimum weight

Wahoo – 20 lbs. minimum weight

Dolphin – 20 lbs. minimum weight

Boated Blue Marlin are allowed in the Gulf Coast Masters, Labor Day, and Ladies Day Tournaments but must measure at least 110 inches in length from the tip of the lower jaw to the fork of the tail (LJFL). Deck checking of billfish is strictly prohibited: A boated billfish is one that has been partially or totally pulled onto the boat and cannot be released for points. Culling or discarding a previously boated marlin is prohibited. Violation of this rule will result in team disqualification from the tournament, inducing all categories entered, and forfeiture of all entry fees and may lead to disqualification from future participation in Mobile Big Game Fishing Club Tournaments. No angler or boat may be in possession of more than one blue marlin per at any given time. No retention of undersized White Marlin, Spearfish, Sailfish or undersized Blue Marlin at any tournament will be allowed. The tournament committees reserve the right to reject any fish entry because of poor condition or one that does not meet the eligible requirements set by this tournament. The condition of the fish will be left to the scrutiny of the tournament committee. THEIR DECISION IS FINAL.

Each boat is required to record and report all billfish that are boated or released. Report all boated and released billfish to the MBGFC phone number 251-207-1515 or email mobilebiggame@gmail.com. If necessary, committee boats may be hailed. Be prepared and document the following information:

Name of Boat

Name of Angler

Species of Fish (Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Spearfish, Sailfish)

Time released or boated

Length of blue marlin if boated

Not required to report Tuna, Dolphin, or Wahoo

Record all billfish released on the release form prior to video review if possible

Record all fish to be weighed released on the catch form if possible

WEIGH-IN-PROCEDURES

Tournament scales will be located at the Mobile Big Game Clubhouse. Boats having fish to weigh must be checked in by official closing of scales and obtain weigh in number via VHF Ch72 or MBGFC phone number 251-207-1515. Anglers must remain with their fish until completion of the weigh-in procedure. The angler must sign the catch and/or release sheet to verify the catch after certification by the tournament committee, at which time this will make the catch official. All fish weighed at the scales will be returned to the boat. Failure to sign the weigh -in or release verification can lead to disqualification of the fish/team.

TOURNAMENT AWARDS

Tournament Award estimates are based on 75 registered tournament boats. Payouts are subject to change depending on the number of entries. Awards for Heaviest Fish will be presented to the angler/boat for the top 3 fish caught in the following categories: Blue Marlin, Catch and Release, Tuna, Dolphin, Wahoo. Top boat, Top Small Boat (36 feet and under), Top Jr. Angler (18yrs or younger at the start of the tournament), Top Lady Angler, and Top Club Member awards will be determined by MBGFC point system below. It is the responsibility of the team to make sure that anglers eligible for junior, lady, or member status are listed as such in catch stat at registration. Ties will be broken using GPS time of release.

1 points per pound for weighed blue marlin

500 points per blue marlin release

200 points per white marlin, sailfish, spearfish, unidentified release

1 point per pound for largest 2 tuna (accrued points for up to 2 tuna)

2 point per pound for largest 2 wahoo (accrued points for up to 2 wahoo)

3 point per pound for largest 2 dolphin (accrued points for up to 2 dolphin)

TOURNAMENT DESIGNATOR/IDENTIFICATION MARKER

Designators will be assigned at the mandatory Captain’s Meeting. These markers must appear in all video submissions.

CATCH & RELEASE

Billfish Catch: A billfish is considered caught when the leader connection is shown reeled to the tip of the rod, or a team member is shown touching the leader.

Billfish Release: The billfish is considered released when, after being caught by the above definition, the rod and angler are shown with the fish no longer connected to the line or the billfish is shown in the water, no longer connected to the line in a healthy state per the video review official, with their ruling final.

Points for catch and release are awarded when, in the process of the catch and release as defined above, all technical elements are shown on video. Tagging is not required for points and billfish removed from the water or boated will be disqualified

Video submitted for consideration for points must include the following technical elements in a continuous video:

Angler fighting fish, including video of rod and reel

Tournament Designator

The Catch (swivel at rod tip or team member touching the leader)

Video of Billfish for species identification. (Judges use dorsal, anal and pectoral fins for fish identification) If not clearly a blue marlin, 200 points will be awarded.

The Release (the Billfish being released on video of the rod and angler with the fish no longer connected to the line)

A clear video of the GPS date & time; to be used for official release time. Hold camera steady for several seconds to allow clear focus of GPS Date & Time (This is critical.) GPS must display in CDT.

Verification video recordings must be submitted no later than the closing of the scales on the final day of fishing to the video judges at the designated judging location near the weigh station or in the clubhouse. All recorded images and sounds become the property of the tournament and may be used by the tournament for display purposes during the weigh in and future marketing campaigns. All Images may be copied from digital hard drive cameras, tapes, CD’s, and DVD’s, etc. The team is responsible for the quality, viewability, and clarity of the video as well as the functionality or attachments needed for video review. If separate camera angles are to be used, the video requirements must be met on each.

SCORECARDS – Release Card and Catch Cards

All billfish released must be logged on the release card in the sequence in which they were caught. They will be verified and certified by a video reviewer. The scorecard must include boat name, angler’s name, species, date and time of the release.

Fish to be weighed will be logged on the catch card.

Scorecards must be signed by a team representative indicating they agree to the information as recorded.

POLYGRAPH POLICY

A Polygraph Test may be administered at the discretion of the Tournament Committee. Results of the polygraph are to be evaluated and enforced by the committee. By registering, each angler agrees and consents to submit to a polygraph examination(s). Polygraph testing will be conducted by a polygraph examiner selected by the MBGFC. No prizes or awards are official until polygraph and audits are completed. All team members agree to accept polygraph results of any team member as including the entire team and by registering, all team members forfeit the right to protest or challenge polygraph results and the resultant decisions by the tournament committee. If any registered angler or occupant of a vessel refuses to submit a to a polygraph examination, or if any registered anger or occupant gives a response which, in the sole opinion of the polygraph examiner, is untruthful, then the offending angler(s) and the boat shall be immediately disqualified without further notice from the tournament in question. Any registered angler(s) or team that is disqualified shall not be entitled to any prizes, awards, or refund of the entry fees or cash award fees and may be refused entry to future MBGFC tournaments.

PAYMENT FOR CASH AWARDS

During registration, each tournament boat must designate a representative payee who provides tax id to receive payment for all cash awards. MBGFC accepts no responsibility for the division of any cash awards between team members. Cash award winners will be announced at the end of the awards ceremony. Results at the awards ceremony are unaudited and subject to change. Cash award checks will be issued approximately 2 weeks after the tournament is complete provided there are no outstanding appeals or disputes. No cash award checks can be issued unless the cash award sheet is completely filled out including a valid Driver’s License Number and Social Security or tax ID number. An IRS form 1099 will be sent to all Cash Award Winners at the year’s end.

OPTIONAL ENTRY AWARDS

Optional Entry will be available online via Catchstat. These are optional awards separate from tournament awards. 90% of all optional entries are paid out as optional awards. The Optional Entry is not required to compete for Tournament Awards. Participants may pay an Optional Entry fee in one or more of the following:

CategoryDivisions

1 2 3 4 5

Catch & Release $10,000 $5,000 $2,500 $1,000 $500

Blue Marlin $10,000 $5,000 $2,500 $1,000 $500

Tuna $5,000 $2,500 $1,000 $500

Wahoo $5,000 $2,500 $1,000 $500

Dolphin $5,000 $2,500 $1,000 $500

Swordfish $1,000 $500

No Sonar$1,000

Crew Jackpot $500

The Catch & Release, Blue Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin will pay 1st, 2nd, and 3rd with a 50%, 30%, 20%, split. The No Sonar is a winner take-all for the largest fish on dock caught by a boat not equipped with an omnidirectional or similar sonar. Crew Jackpot is winner take all using MBGFC points system. In the event of a TIE in any cash award category, cash awards will be split equally among the winners

WEATHER: TOURNAMENT DELAY OR CANCELLATION

In the event the tournament committee feels that fishing is unsafe, most notably a Small Craft Advisory, the tournament may be canceled or delayed. If delayed, a new start time or date will be announced should weather conditions improve. If canceled, entry fees will be refunded less a prorated share of tournament expenses. One day or part thereof of offshore fishing by one-third of the boats entered constitutes a complete tournament. Entrants shall have no claim against the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club for return of paid entry fees. All teams and participants should make their decision to fish based solely on their own judgment. Fish at your own risk.

TIE BREAKERS

For ties of weighed fish, placement is determined by the order of time of weigh-in at scales. For ties in catch and release, placement is determined by the first angler to reach the higher point total as verified by the boat’s GPS time.

PROTEST

Disputes, protests, claims, differences or controversies relating to any aspect of the Tournament including without limitation Tournament Rules must be submitted to the Rules Committee no later than thirty (30) minutes following the close of the Weigh Station or are deemed waived. All protests must be submitted in writing with a $1000 protest fee. Only a successful protest will result in the refund of the $1000 protest fee. All decisions of the Tournament Committee are binding and final and known to be subjective. MBGFC reserves the right to make exceptions to any rule when the Tournament Committee decides it is in the best interest of the participants, spectators and anglers. In the event that the Tournament Committee cannot render or refuses to render a final and binding decision with respect to any dispute, protest, claim, difference or controversy under review, the matter shall be resolved by binding arbitration under the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. The decision rendered in arbitration shall be in writing and shall be final and binding upon all parties. The parties shall have no further recourse except as provided for by the commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. Once the decision is rendered it produces the effect of “res judicata” and the parties shall fully comply with the decision without delay. The Participants specifically waive any right to a trial by judge or jury.

WAIVER/DISCLAIMER

It is understood that all participants in the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club tournaments enter at their own risk, and that the officers, committee members, sponsors, directors, tournament venue and all persons connected directly or indirectly with the operation of said tournament, shall be exempt from any liability for libel, slander, loss, damage, negligence, harm, injury or death suffered by any participant, entrant, anglers, his/her companions, boat captains, mates, crew members, vessels and equipment with may occur during or in conjunction with the tournament. By tournament entry, the team consents that the MBGFC may without payment or restriction, use any photographs in which any of their crew may appear for any purpose whatsoever; including, but not limited to resale, advertising, commercial or promotional material. The captain and his crew further release the MBGFC, officers and directors, and all persons from injury, loss or damage which may result.

ALL DECISIONS OF THE TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR AND COMMITTEE ARE FINAL AND KNOWN TO HAVE SUBJECTIVE COMPONENTS