Rules

Table of Contents

1. Rules Acceptance

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. Participants agree to accept all Tournament Rules and accept that decisions made by the Rules Committee are final.

2. Nature of Tournament

The Bisbee’s Tournaments are fishing competitions. Participants enter at their own risk, and understand the possibility exists that there may be no winners if no qualifying fish are caught.

3. Tournament Start

The official start of each fishing day is a “Shotgun Start” where boats line up and wait for the firing of the start flare. There is a five minute countdown. Boats must be behind the start line 15 minutes prior to the Shotgun Start. Any boat not clearly behind the start line at this time is disqualified from the day’s fishing. Boats disqualified for this violation a second time are disqualified from the entire event, and the team forfeits any and all entry money, prizes or prize money. The start line is defined at the Captain’s Meeting.

4. Bait Fishing Prior to Tournament Start

Teams may attempt to catch bait until 15 minutes prior to the official start time. At this time, all fishing lines and teasers must be removed from the water.

5. Fishing Days and Times

East Cape Offshore: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 7:00am–4:00pm

Los Cabos Offshore: Saturday, Sunday 8:00am–5:00pm

Black & Blue: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00am–5:00pm
A fish hooked prior to end of fishing may be fought until boated, released or lost provided the team arrives at the weigh station prior to its closing for the day if they have a fish to weigh or release to report. The Rules Committee reserves the privilege of changing starting and ending fishing times to coincide with weather, tides, and improved probability of better fishing conditions.

6. Extending Fishing Time

Fishing time will not be extended during the tournament unless all teams are included and no qualifying fish have been caught.

7. Weather and “Complete Tournament”

The Rules Committee may cancel any tournament fishing day if, in their best judgment, unsafe conditions exist at sea. Resumption of fishing is announced by 6:00am the following morning on the tournament’s VHF radio channel. A resumption of fishing announcement by the Rules Committee does not ensure the safety of any participant. Whether or not to fish must be based solely on the team’s own judgment taking into consideration the prevailing conditions, the seaworthiness of their vessel, and the crew’s seamanship skills. All attempts will be made to fish as many days as possible, but as little as one day of fishing or any part thereof constitutes a complete tournament.

Black & Blue and East Cape Offshore

If a scheduled day of fishing must be canceled, Saturday automatically becomes a fishing day.

Los Cabos Offshore

Due to the scheduling between the Los Cabos Offshore and the Black & Blue, if a scheduled day of fishing must be canceled the other day will become the only fishing day.

8. Cancellation of Entire Tournament

In the event a tournament must be canceled prior to any portion of the scheduled fishing days, the portion of Entry Fees and Optional Jackpot monies that were allocated for cash awards are refunded by check within four weeks to the Team Contact—one check per team. Teams may choose to roll their refund to the following year’s event.

9. No Qualifying Fish Caught

In the event no qualifying fish are caught during the tournament the portion of the optional Daily Jackpot monies that were allocated for cash awards are refunded by check within four weeks to the Team Contact—one check per team. There is no refund of Base Entry Fees. Teams may choose to roll their refund to any of the following year’s events.

10. Hand-Offs Between Vessels

Between the tournament’s fishing hours, no vessel entered in the tournament may be involved in the handing off or receiving of anything from another vessel whether that vessel is entered in the tournament or not, or any other entity of any sort including bait receivers. The Rules Committee may choose to grant special permission in advance to waive this rule if someone’s personal safety or health is at risk.

11. Boundaries and Grid Maps

East Cape Offshore: 50 mile radius from host resort.

Black & Blue and Los Cabos Offshore: 40 mile radius from Cabo San Lucas.

Teams are required to fish within the boundaries laid out by the Tournament’s Grid Map, and to call in the grid location of every hook-up.

12. Communications and Tournament Standings

The VHF radio channels, backup channels and telephone numbers used to contact Radio Control and Tournament Officials are provided during the Captain’s Meeting and in the Team’s information envelope handed out during Registration. Tournament standings are broadcast every morning over the radio, and fish weights are announced as fish are weighed.

13. Eligible Species & Points

Black & Blue

East Cape & Los Cabos Offshore

14. Penalty Points & Disqualification

Black or blue marlin weighing less than 300 lbs. are not eligible for cash awards. Black or blue marlin weighing less than 300 lbs. are awarded zero points and additionally penalized 25 points plus two points for every pound under 300. EXAMPLE: A 290 lb. blue marlin would be awarded 0 points and be penalized 25 points plus 20 points (2pts. x 10lbs.), making the total points for the fish -45. The negative points are deducted from the team’s overall weight points. East Cape and Los Cabos: Tuna weighing less than 40 lbs. and dorado weighing less than 30 lbs. are disqualified.

15. Official Billfish Release

A billfish is considered officially released when the leader connection is wound to the tip of the rod, or the mate or other crew member touches the leader. If you are releasing the billfish, do not remove it from the water.

16. Reporting Catch to Radio Control and Official Time

When a billfish is hooked, captains must report to Radio Control the Boat Name, Angler Name, Grid Area and Species. The boat captain must again report to Radio Control when the billfish is lost, released or boated. In addition, billfish still being fought at lines out must be reported to Radio Control. Times are recorded to the whole minute. The time recorded by Radio Control is the official time. Any team member intentionally reporting wrongful information to Radio Control for the purpose of altering tournament standings or results is disqualified from the event, and forfeits any and all entry money, prizes or prize money.

17. Recording Billfish on Scorecards

Scorecards are compared to radio logs for verification. Scorecards must be filled in legibly and completely, and signed by the Boat Captain indicating they agree to the information as recorded. Instructions are also printed on the scorecard. All billfish released or boated must be recorded on the Billfish Scorecard (you do not need to record gamefish on the scorecard). You must use a separate scorecard for each day (see Rule #19). Any team intentionally recording wrongful information on the scorecards for the purpose of altering tournament standings or results is disqualified from the event, and forfeits any and all entry money, prizes or prize money.

18. Billfish Release Photo Verification

 The following pertains to the Black & Blue only. 

Teams entered in the Release Division must verify their catch by taking DIGITAL PHOTOS of billfish as they are released. The photos must show the billfish next to the boat, and identify the billfish species. If the species cannot be positively identified no points are awarded. Teams are expected to provide their own digital cameras and make sure the date and time on the camera is correct. The procedure is:

A) Radio Control will announce the Verification Object at the beginning of each fishing day. A picture of the object must be taken before any billfish photos are taken for the day. If the verification object is missing from the camera any billfish released on that day are disqualified.

B) A “separator” photo must be taken in between each billfish. All you need to do is a finger count. For example, after releasing your first fish hold up 1 finger. After releasing your second fish hold up 2 fingers.

C) Cameras must be handed in at the Weigh Station where the digital media is removed from the camera and downloaded onto the tournament’s laptop computer, then returned. You have two choices as to when to turn in your photos: 1. You may turn in your photos day by day at the Weigh Station or 2. You may wait until the last day and only turn in your photos if you feel you are in the running (unofficial release standings are announced each morning).

D) Release photos are reviewed at Tournament Headquarters. Judging does not take place at the weigh station.

E) Any release photos posted on the website are for entertainment purposes only, and not all release photos are posted.

19. When & Where to Turn in Scorecards

Scorecards must be turned in at the Weigh Station before it closes for the day on the same day the fish was caught. A new scorecard is given to you for the next day. If you did not catch a billfish you do not have to turn in a scorecard.

20. Weigh-In Procedures

All fish must be weighed at the tournament’s official weigh station. Weigh station officials will continue to weigh fish for all boats that arrive in front of the weigh station prior to its closing for the day. Refer to the Schedule of Events for Weigh Station locations and times.

Additional Rules:

A) ANY marlin brought onboard a boat must be weighed. A fish is considered “onboard” when more than 50% of the fish is inside the boat.

B) A team intentionally mutilating a fish for the purpose of altering tournament standings or results is disqualified from the event and forfeits any and all entry money, prizes or prize money.

C) Fish must be brought to the scales on the boat on which they were caught.

D) Fish to be weighed must be presented to the weigh station on the same day they are caught.

E) The angler must remain with the fish throughout the weigh-in.

F) Before leaving the scales, the angler must verify weight information, sign the Weigh-In form and provide a telephone number where they can be reached.

G) The rod, reel, line, leader, lure and hook(s) must accompany each fish to be weighed and presented to the Weighmaster.

H) Any fish brought to the weigh station may have its mouth sealed closed. However, once the Weighmaster has raised the fish on the scales the angler is asked to remove whatever is sealing the mouth closed and clip any external leader material to the outer edge of the fish’s mouth. Except for artificial lures, nothing will be pulled from inside the fish. Whatever may fall from the fish due to gravity remains out when determining the fish’s weight.

21. Breaking Ties

Ties between the weights of two or more fish are broken by the time the fish was weighed. Ties between release points are broken by the time of release as recorded on the radio logs. Times are recorded to the whole minute.

22. Polygraph Examination

 The following pertains to the Black & Blue only. 

One person from each team that is receiving a cash award must complete a polygraph examination. This person must have been directly involved with either the release or the capture of the fish (angler, captain or wireman). The final selection of the person to receive the examination is made by Tournament Officials. Examinees must be sober at the time of the examination. Failure to comply, or failing the examination, results in disqualification of the entire team and the team forfeits any and all entry money, prizes or prize money.

23. Release of All Claims

 This section must be carefully read by each Participant. 
In consideration for being accepted by the Tournament Organizers/Rules Committee for participation in Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament, Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Tournament or Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament (“the Tournament”), the Participants hereby release, forever discharge, and agree to hold harmless the Tournament, Tournament Promotions, Inc., Tournament Control, Inc., and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, volunteers, partners, members, and/or attorneys (collectively the “Releasees”) for any and all losses, claims, or demands of any kind or character whatsoever arising from the negligence or gross negligence of the Releasees or from any other cause connected with or occurring during the Tournament. The Participants expressly acknowledge that he/she has received, reviewed, and agrees to abide by the Tournament Rules and this Release. Furthermore, the Participants expressly acknowledge that activities relating to deep sea fishing are extremely dangerous and involve the risk of serious injury or death. Having so acknowledged, the Participants hereby assume full responsibility for the risk of bodily injury or death due to the negligence or gross negligence of the Releasees or any other cause connected with or occurring during the Tournament.

24. Disputes/Protests

All disputes, protests, claims, differences or controversies relating to any aspect of the Tournament, including, without limitation, Tournament Rules, must be submitted in writing to the Tournament Organizers/Rules Committee no later than twelve (12) hours following the official closing of the Tournament Weigh Station on the day the supposed infraction occurred or are deemed waived. All such disputes shall be decided by the Tournament Organizers/Rules Committee and shall be final and binding upon all parties.

25. Binding Arbitration

In the event the Tournament Organizers/Rules Committee cannot render or refuses to render a final and binding decision with respect to any dispute, 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 will produce 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.

26. Participation

The Participants specifically agree and consent to the use of any photograph, motion picture, or audio recording in which they appear or are heard, by the Tournament, Tournament Promotions, Inc. or Tournament Control, Inc. for any purpose whatsoever including, but not limited to, resale, advertising, and promotional material without compensation or restriction of any kind.

Angling & Equipment Rules

The East Cape and Los Cabos Offshore Tournaments are “Team” Tournaments; the Black & Blue Marlin Tournament is an “Angler” Tournament. This means there are differences in the way the equipment and/or tackle can be managed or manipulated leading up to, during and following the playing of a fish. These differences will be clearly pointed out in these rules. Two pages of diagrams follow to help clarify these rules. Anglers are responsible for their own bait. Any lures, teasers or bait may be used as approved by these rules and accompanying diagrams.

EQUIPMENT RULES FOR ALL BISBEE’S TOURNAMENTS

1. Line
a) Dacron, monofilament, multifilament and lead core multifilament lines may be used provided they are all of a “manufacturer’s stated line class” of 130 pounds or less. Line by the trade name of Spectra is acceptable. Wire lines are prohibited.
2. Line Backing
a) Backing not attached to the fishing line is permissible with no restrictions as to size or material.

b) If the fishing line is attached to the backing, the backing may not exceed a “manufacturer’s stated line class” of 130 pounds.
3. Line(s) on Reels
a) Two different types or strengths of lines (commonly called “top-shots”) may be used on a single reel provided each of the lines meets the tournament’s described requirements.

b) The connecting knot, splice or braid may not exceed seven (7) feet in length.

c) Anglers weighing fish must report the use of top-shots or the use of two different lines on their reel at the time of weigh-in in order for weigh station personnel to examine the line(s) and connecting method.
4. Double Line
The use of a double line is not required. If one is used, it must meet the following specifications:

a) A double line must consist of the actual line used to catch the fish.

b) Double lines are measured from the start of the knot, braid, roll or splice making the double line to the farthermost end of the knot, splice, snap, swivel or other device used for securing the trace, leader, lure or hook to the double line.

c)In all line classes up to and including 20 pounds, the double line shall be limited to 15 feet. The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 20 feet.

d) The double line on all classes of tackle over 20 pounds shall be limited to 30 feet. The maximum combined length of the double line and leader is 40 feet.
5. Leader
The use of a leader is not required. If one is used, it must meet the following specifications:

a) The length of the leader is the overall length including any lure, hook arrangement or other device.

b) The leader must be connected to the line with a snap, knot, splice, swivel or other device.

c) Holding devices are prohibited.

d) There are no regulations regarding the material or strength of the leader.

e) In all line classes up to and including 20 pounds, the leader shall be limited to 15 feet. The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 20 feet.

f) The leader on all classes of tackle over 20 pounds shall be limited to 30 feet. The combined length of the double line and leader shall be limited to 40 feet.
6. Rod
a) Rods must comply with sporting ethics and customs.

b) The rod tip must be a minimum of 40 inches in length. The rod butt cannot exceed 27 inches.

c) These measurements must be made from a point directly beneath the center of the reel. A curved butt is measured in a straight line.
7. Reel
a) Reels must comply with sporting ethics and customs.

b) Power driven reels of any kind are prohibited. This includes motor, hydraulic, or electrically driven reels, and any device which gives the angler an unfair advantage.

c) Ratchet handle reels are prohibited.

d) Reels designed to be cranked with both hands at the same time are prohibited.
8. Hooks—Natural Bait (Live or Dead)
a) Any hook used with natural baits, live or dead, must be a non-offset circle hook.

b) No more than two single hooks may be used. Both must be firmly imbedded in or securely attached to the bait. The eyes of the hooks must be no less than a hook’s length (the length of the largest hook used) apart and no more than 18 inches apart. The only exception is that the point of one hook may be passed through the eye of the other hook.

c) The use of a dangling/swinging hook is prohibited. No double or treble hooks.
9. Hooks—Artificial Lures
a) When using an artificial lure with a skirt or trailing material, no more than two single hooks may be attached to the line, leader, or trace. The hooks need not be attached separately. The eyes of the hooks must be no less than an overall hook’s length (the overall length of the largest hook used) apart and no more than 12 inches apart. The only exception is that the point of one hook may be passed through the eye of the other hook. The trailing hook may not extend more than a hook’s length beyond the skirt of the lure.

b) The tournament recognizes products produced by Quick Rig Corporation under the trade name “Double Trouble Hooks” as acceptable tackle to be used in the tournament.
10. Other Equipment
a) Fighting chairs may not have any mechanically propelled devices that aid the angler in fighting.

b) Gimbals must be free swinging. Gimbals that allow anglers to reduce strain or rest while fighting the fish are prohibited.

c) Harnesses may be attached to the reel or rod, but not to the fighting chair. The harness may be replaced or adjusted by a person other than the angler.

d) Rod belts or waist gimbals are permitted.

e) Gaffs used to boat a fish must not exceed 8 feet in overall length. In using a flying or detachable gaff the rope may not exceed 30 feet. The gaff rope is measured from the point where it is secured to the detachable head to the other end. If a fixed head gaff is used, the same limitations shall apply and the gaff rope shall be measured from the same location on the gaff hook. Only a single hook is permitted on any gaff. Harpoon or lance attachments are prohibited. Tail ropes are limited to 30 feet.

f) Entangling devices, with or without a hook, are prohibited and may not be used for any purpose including baiting, hooking or fighting the fish.

g) Nets may not be used to obtain a fish.

h) Outriggers, downriggers, spreader bars and kites are permitted to be used, provided that the actual fishing line is attached to a snap or other release device, either directly or with some other material. The leader or double line may not be connected to the release mechanism either directly or with the use of a connecting device. Spreader bars are also acceptable when used strictly as a teaser.

i) Daisy chains, birds, floats and similar devices may only be used if they do not unfairly hamper or inhibit the normal swimming or fighting ability of the fish, thereby giving the team an unfair advantage in fighting, releasing or boating the fish. Acceptability of this equipment will be determined by the Rules Committee on an individual, as needed basis. Note: Should a team not wish to rely on a Rules Committee decision, they may opt to place a release device above the bait or lure which contains the hook(s). In this case, the release device may be attached to the double line and/or leader.

j) A safety line may be attached to the rod provided it does not in any way assist the angler in fighting the fish.

RULES SPECIFIC TO THE EAST CAPE & LOS CABOS

1. The East Cape and Los Cabos tournaments are “Team Tournaments” and the tournament does not regulate who may be involved in the management of, or the manipulation of, the equipment and/or tackle leading up to, during, or following the playing of a fish.
2. Once a fish is hooked, the rod/reel involved in playing the fish must stay in physical contact with the angler(s).
3. When a fish is hooked or entangled on more than one line, the team must cut away the extra line(s) as quickly as possible.

RULES SPECIFIC TO THE BLACK & BLUE

1. Teams may have up to six (6) anglers fishing at any given time.
2. FROM THE MOMENT A FISH STRIKES A BAIT OR LURE, no one other than the individual angler involved in the catching of that fish may touch or handle the rod, reel or line involved (including the double line). Should this happen, the Rules Committee’s decision for disqualifying the fish will be based on whether or not the angler was “aided” by the outside contact, potentially altering the outcome of the capture or release of the fish. If a fish strikes a lure or bait while someone other than a registered angler is holding the rod, he/she must immediately place the rod in the closest rod holder, and clear the area so a registered angler may obtain the rod and begin fighting the fish. In this scenario, the non-angler may not adjust the drag or set the hook before placing the rod into the rod holder.
3. If an obstacle (rubber band, seaweed, etc.) blocks the passage of the line through the rod guides and has to be removed from the line, the obstacle shall be held and cut free. Under no circumstances should the line be held or touched by anyone other than the angler during this process.
4. From the time that a fish strikes, anyone onboard may remove other lines, teasers and devices from the water.
5. If live baiting or trolling artificial lures or dead bait is performed by anyone other than a registered angler it must be done with the fishing rod placed in a rod holder that is affixed to the boat.
6. Once the leader is brought within grasp of the mate, or the end of the leader is wound to the rod tip, more than one person is permitted to touch the leader—this DOES NOT apply to the double line.
7. One or more gaffers may be used in addition to persons holding the leader. The gaff handle must be in hand when the fish is gaffed.

THE FOLLOWING ACTS WILL DISQUALIFY A CATCH IN ANY BISBEE’S TOURNAMENT

1. Failure to comply with the Tournament’s general, equipment or angling rules and regulations.
2. Resting the rod in a rod holder, on the gunwale of the boat, or any other object while playing the fish.
3. Handlining or using a handline or rope attached in any manner to the angler’s line or leader for the purpose of holding or lifting fish.
4. Shooting, harpooning, or lancing any fish at any stage of the catch.
5. Chumming with or using as bait the flesh, blood, skin, or any part of mammals other than hair or pork rind used in lures designed for trolling or casting.
6. Changing the rod or reel while the fish is being played.
7. Splicing, removing, or adding to the line while the fish is being played.
8. Using a size or kind of bait that is illegal to possess.
9. Attaching the angler’s line or leader to part of a boat or other object for the purpose of holding or lifting fish.
10. If a fish escapes before gaffing and is recaptured by any method other than as outlined in the angling rules.
11. When a rod breaks (while the fish is being played) in a manner that reduces the length of the tip below minimum dimensions.
12. Mutilation to the fish, prior to boating the catch, caused by sharks, other fish, mammals, or propellers that remove or penetrate the flesh. Injuries caused by leader or line, scratches, old healed scars or regeneration deformities are not considered disqualifying injuries.

THE FOLLOWING WILL DISQUALIFY A CATCH IN THE BLACK & BLUE

1. When a fish is hooked or entangled on more than one line.

Grid Maps

Tournament boats must fish within the boundaries laid out by the Grid Maps, and must report their grid location when they call in a hook-up.