Description

GIRLS IN THE BAY:

One entry, two comps!

An epic prizegiving, last girl standing prize!

Theme: The Perfect Match, prize for best dressed!

Live band and DJ on the night. 

Early bird: $100 per angler.

1st Dec - 15th Jan: $120 per angler. 

LADIES BLUE:

Includes automatic entry into Girls in the Bay 2025. 

Trophies: Heaviest Billfish, Most T&R Billfish, Heaviest Tuna, Champion Team. 

$50 Champion team jackpot pool - winner takes all. 

Rules

25 JANUARY 2025

RULES

Girls in the Bay

1. GENERAL

The purpose of this tournament is to make sure you all have a good time and an equal chance to win some excellent prizes.

To that purpose we have a set of rules. Please read them and make sure you understand them. If there are any matters that need clarification please note them and ask at the briefing.

Any matters not specifically covered by these rules will be covered by briefing notes, MBGFC Fishing Rules, NZSFC Rules or IGFA Rules.  In the event that there is any discrepancy between any rules/instructions, the order of priority will be:  Briefing Notes, Tournament Rules, MBGFC Fishing Rules, NZSFC Rules, IGFA Rules.

ENTRY and registration in the tournament constitutes acceptance of the rules by ALL participants, and an agreement to abide by ALL judges decisions.

The Tournament Committee reserves the right to amend the rules, should it be deemed necessary in the interest of the Tournament.

Competitors participate in the tournament at their own risk. MBGFC does not accept any liability for material damage or personal injury sustained in conjunction with or prior to, during, or after the tournament. Leaving port is at the sole discretion of the skipper and crew at all times.

2. ELIGIBILTY

All anglers must be current financial members of Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club Inc (MBGFC) or an affiliated NZSFC Club. Proof must be provided. Day membership to MBGFC will suffice.

NOTE:  A commercial vessel must provide a particular approval form under Section 111(1)(a) of the Fisheries Act for the Tournament dates to the Club office before going fishing.

3. REGISTRATION & BRIEFING:

Registration will be held in the Blue Lagoon on Friday 24 January from 1100 with briefing at 1830 in the Blue Lagoon.

*Anglers must be wearing their wristbands to be eligible for drawn prizes.

*Anglers must be present to be eligible.

There will be no “fishing in” in this tournament.

All rules and/or clarifications as well as additional instructions given at briefing are deemed to be known and accepted by all participants whether present or not.

4. LEAVING PORT

Teams may not leave port until briefing is completed.

Teams may leave port after briefing if they wish and stay at an overnight ANCHORAGE.

5. FISHING AREA

The area covered by our Sponsors Grid:

Northern Boundary:	Latitude	35°50’
Southern Boundary:	Latitude	37°30’
Western Boundary:	Longitude	175°30’
Eastern Boundary:	Longitude	177°

6. TACKLE

All tackle used MUST comply with NZSFC regulations.

It is the angler’s responsibility to be conversant with these regulations.

Line classes are:  1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 24, 37, 60kg.

7. ELIGIBLE SPECIES

One of each species per angler.

Kingfish

Snapper

Kahawai

Trevally

8. MINIMUM BOATED FISH WEIGHTS & SIZES:

Kingfish                                          90cm  

Kahawai                                         50cm       (Club Tournament Rule)

Snapper, Trevally                           40cm   (Club Tournament Rule)

Apart from these restrictions there are no minimum weights, i.e. fish do NOT have to go line weight in this tournament.            

9. RADIO

 Contest Channel             Channel 61 Gamebase

 Boat to Boat                    Channel 6 & 8

 Coastguard                     Channel 63

 Continuous Weather       Channel 20

 Marina                             Channel 61

For safety reasons it is the responsibility of all skippers to ensure that their vessels have operational VHF radios.

10. FISHING TIMES:

Fishing must not commence until 0500 on Saturday 25 January and must stop at 1600.  In the event of a fish being played at stop fishing radio notification must have been given prior to stop fishing.

11. WEATHER:

In the event of bad weather the Tournament Committee reserves the right to make one or more of the following decisions:-

(a) postpone the start

(b) cancel fishing

(c) restrict the fishing area

Confirmation will be announced at briefing. If in doubt call Gamebase.

12. STRIKES (SINGLE AND MULTIPLE):

(i) When a strike occurs, the angler(s) must immediately remove the rod(s) from the rod holder(s), while the crew clear the rest of the gear.

(ii) If the number of fish in a multiple strike equals or exceeds the number of  people on the boat, gear may be cleared prior to fighting the fish.

(iii) Once an angler has fought one fish from a multiple strike, whether                 that fish is caught or lost, they must not present a subsequent fish                       from the same multiple strike.

Fish left on rod holders while others are fought must be self-disqualified

13. REPORTING:

(a)  Gamebase is not a search and rescue channel.

        If you wish to be monitored by Coastguard for reasons of safety at sea

        you should log a trip report on Ch 63.

        In the event of an emergency call Coastguard on Ch 63

(b)  DO NOT CALL IN SMALLER SPECIES.  THEY CAN BE NOTIFIED IN     

      THE SCHED. There will be a sched at 1500 when vessels with fish to weigh can contact Gamebase with their catch & ETA.

14. WEIGH IN

a)  Catch cards & Tag cards

     ALL sections MUST be filled in BEFORE fish are brought to the weigh station. First and last name must be written in full, not initials.

  Latitude and longitude must be entered on tag cards.

  Team number and angler numbers must be clear.

  PROVIDING FALSE INFORMATION ON CATCH CARDS WILL

  RESULT IN  DISQUALIFICATION FROM THE TOURNAMENT.

1. b)  Along with the FULLY COMPLETED catch card and/or tag card each angler must present the rod, reel, lure and or terminal tackle which the fish was caught on, and anything else required by the weighmasters such as gaffs, tailropes, any securing ropes used to transport the fish to the weighstation.

A FISH IS NOT DEEMED TO BE CAUGHT UNTIL IT HAS BEEN WEIGHED (or tagged).

c) Weighmasters Indemnity

It is the anglers responsibility to present all cards and equipment when weighing in, NOT the weighmasters. If any of the required equipment is not in the hands of the weighmasters along with the completed catch card and fish by the close off time, the fish will not be accepted as being on time.

No responsibility will be accepted by MBGFC or its weighmasters for any failure to do so.

d) The weigh station is open from 1430 to 1730 on Saturday.

Unless a fish is being played at stop fishing all anglers must have their fish, catchcards and tackle in the weighmasters hands by 1730.  The location of a boat at stop fishing must take into consideration its steaming time to the weigh station.

In the case of a fish being played at stop fishing radio notification must be given prior to stop fishing. For such a fish to be eligible for prizes in this tournament it must be at the weighstation by 1800.

16. LINE TESTING

Lines may be tested at the weigh station. Lines that over test will be moved up to the appropriate line class. Under testing lines will NOT be moved down.

17. DISPUTES

The MBGFC will appoint a disputes committee to investigate any disputes. Any disputes must be received in writing by 1830 on Saturday night. The disputes committee decision shall be final and binding.

18. PRIZE GIVING:  

Will be held in the Blue Lagoon starting at 1900 (7 p.m.)

Anglers must be present and wristbands must be worn for eligibility for drawn prizes.

19. PRIZE ALLOCATION:    

(a)   SPECIES (By weight)

Kingfish 1st, 2nd, 3rd Trevally 1st, 2nd, 3rd Snapper 1st, 2nd, 3rd Kahawai 1st, 2nd, 3rd

In the event of a tie the winner will be the first recorded caught as per the catch card.

N.B Prizes allocated in error at prize giving remain the property of the club and must be returned for correct allocation upon notification within seven days. 

20. WHARF:

Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club Inc will not be responsible for any harbour, wharf or berthage charges.

21. REFUNDS:

No refunds are available for this tournament - once you have entered the tournament, refunds will only be available if you can find someone to replace you. MBGFC have already committed to allocation of all funds from entries.

21. TERM DEFINITIONS

“TAIL ROPES” - A tail rope is any rope used in either or both the capture of the fish and securing the fish for transport to the weighstation.  NO “Tail rope” may exceed 9.14m in length.

“RULES” - Includes all rules written herein, IGFA Rules, NZSFC Rules, MBGFC Fishing Rules and/or any changes and additions made by MBGFC during the Tournament.

“WEIGHT” - The weight of a fish as deemed correct by both the weighmasters and the angler signed off on the catch card.

“CAUGHT” - A fish is not deemed to be caught until it is weighed or tagged.

“ANCHORAGE” – Vessels must be attached to the seabed by an anchor or mooring, in a depth of not more than 20m.

 

LADIES BLUE
 
1 Dec 2024 – 25 Jan 25
 
RULES

1.  GENERAL

Please read your rules and make sure you understand them. If there are any matters that need clarification please ask the tournament convener.

Any matters not specifically covered by these rules will be covered by briefing notes, MBGFC Fishing Rules, NZSFC Rules or IGFA Rules.  In the event that there is any discrepancy between any rules/instructions, the order of priority will be:  Briefing Notes, Tournament Rules, MBGFC Fishing Rules, NZSFC Rules, IGFA Rules.

ENTRY and registration in the tournament constitutes acceptance of the rules by ALL participants, and an agreement to abide by ALL judges decisions.

The Tournament Committee reserves the right to amend the rules, should it be deemed necessary in the interest of the Tournament.

Competitors participate in the tournament at their own risk. MBGFC does not accept any liability for material damage or personal injury sustained in conjunction with or prior to, during, or after the tournament. Leaving port is at the sole discretion of the skipper and crew at all times.

2. ELIGIBILTY

All anglers must be current financial members of Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club Inc (MBGFC) or an affiliated NZSFC Club. Proof must be provided. Day membership to MBGFC will suffice.

NOTE:  A commercial vessel must provide a particular approval form under Section 111(1)(a) of the Fisheries Act to the Club office before going fishing.

3. FISHING AREA

The area covered by our Sponsors Grid:

4. TACKLE

All tackle used MUST comply with NZSFC regulations.

It is the angler’s responsibility to be conversant with these regulations.

Line classes are:  1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 24, 37, 60kg.

5. ELIGIBLE SPECIES

Billfish                  (All species)

Tuna                     (All species) except Skipjack

6. MINIMUM BOATED FISH WEIGHTS & SIZES:

Striped Marlin                                  90kg                     (Billfish Moratorium Agreement)

7. RADIO

For safety reasons it is the responsibility of all skippers to ensure that their vessels have operational VHF radios.

8. FISHING TIMES:

Fishing must not commence until 0600 on 1 December 2024. Stop fishing is at 1600 on 25 January 2025.

9. STRIKES:  (Single and Multiple)

(i)     When a strike occurs, the angler(s) must immediately remove the rod(s) from the rod holder(s), while crew  clear the rest of the gear.

(ii)    If the number of fish in a multiple strike equals or exceeds the number of

        people on the boat, gear may be cleared prior to fighting the fish.

(iii)   Once an angler has fought one fish from a multiple strike, whether that fish is caught or lost, they must not present a subsequent fish from the same        multiple strike.

(iv)   Fish left on rod holders while others are fought must be self-disqualified.

10. BILLFISH TAGGED AND RELEASED:

Billfish must NOT be removed from the water during the tagging and releasing process. Tagged and released shortbill spearfish will not count towards tag and release points.

11. WEIGH IN

a)  Catch cards & Tag cards

ALL sections MUST be filled in BEFORE fish are brought to the weighstation. First and last name must be written in full, not initials.

         Latitude & Longitude must be entered on tag cards.

b)  Along with the FULLY COMPLETED catch card and/or tag card each angler must present the rod, reel, lure and or terminal tackle which the fish was caught on, and anything else required by the weighmasters such as gaffs, tailropes, any securing ropes used to transport the fish to the weighstation.

A FISH IS NOT DEEMED TO BE CAUGHT UNTIL IT HAS BEEN WEIGHED (or tagged).

 c) igital videos clearly showing the tag in place as well as the fish being    released and swimming away must be shown to the weighmasters when tag cards are presented.

d) Weighmasters Indemnity

 It is the anglers responsibility to present all cards and equipment when weighing in, NOT the weighmasters. If any of the required equipment is not in the hands of the weighmasters along with the completed catch card and fish no responsibility will be accepted by MBGFC or its weighmasters for any failure to do so.

12. POINTS

a) Fish weighed will gain points as follows: FISH WEIGHT X100 LINE WEIGHT.

 b) Billfish tagged and released will gain points as follows:

     Marlin & Broadbill – 450 points

Lines may be tested at the weigh station. Lines that over test will be moved up to the appropriate line class. Under testing lines will NOT be moved down.

13. DISPUTES

The MBGFC will appoint a disputes committee to investigate any disputes. Any disputes must be received in writing by 1830 on 25 January 2025. The disputes committee decision shall be final and binding.

14. PRIZEGIVING

Prizegiving will be held in the Blue Lagoon in conjunction with the Girls in the Bay Ladies Tournament on 25 January 2025 at 1900 (7.00pm). All entries into the Ladies Blue are eligible for drawn prizes in the Girls in the Bay competition. Anglers must be present and wristbands must be worn for eligibility for drawn prizes.

15. PRIZE ALLOCATION:    

Prizes will be offered as follows:

(a) Billfish weighed              Heaviest             Club Trophy

If two or more fish of equal weight become eligible for a prize the relevant prize will be shared equally.

(b) Billfish Tag & Release                              Club Trophy

Total pool won by the team (or teams) with the most T & R points.

(c) Tuna weighed              Heaviest                 Club Trophy

(d) Champion Team

Overall Trophy for team scoring the most points.

Note: 

In the event that more than one team finishes on the same number of points, or the same weight, the prize will be shared equally.

16. WHARF:

Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club Inc will not be responsible for any harbour, wharf or berthage charges.

17. TERM DEFINITIONS

“TAIL ROPES” - A tail rope is any rope used in either or both the capture of the fish and securing the fish for transport to the weighstation.  NO “Tail rope” may exceed 9.14m in length.

“RULES” - Includes all rules written herein, IGFA Rules, NZSFC Rules, MBGFC Fishing Rules and/or any changes and additions made by MBGFC during the Tournament.

“WEIGHT” - The weight of a fish as deemed correct by both the weighmasters and the angler signed off on the catch card.

“CAUGHT” - A fish is not deemed to be caught until it is weighed or tagged.

GOOD LUCK AND GOOD FISHING