Tournament Rules
2025 TRIPLETAIL CROWN – OFFICIAL RULES
EVENT DATES
Captain’s Meeting:
Thursday, 12/11/2025 @ 6:00 PM
Jungle Prada Tavern
1700 Park St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710
One member from each vessel must be present.
Tournament Day:
Saturday, 12/13/2025
Lines in the water: 7:00 AM EST
Weigh-In:
Saturday, 12/13/2025 — 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Teams must be in line by 5:00 PM EST (no exceptions)
Jungle Prada Tavern
1700 Park St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710
1. TEAM & ANGLER DECLARATION
• Each registered boat constitutes one team.
• All anglers must be declared at registration prior to the Captain’s Meeting.
• No anglers may be added, removed, or substituted after lines-in.
• There is no limit to the number of anglers on a vessel, as long as the vessel remains within legal capacity.
• Only declared anglers may catch and submit fish.
• Kayaks and land-based fishing are not permitted.
2. TOURNAMENT BOUNDARIES
• This is an open boundaries tournament.
• Teams may fish any waters they choose.
• All anglers must follow applicable state and federal fishing regulations for the waters they fish.
3. WEATHER & CAPTAIN’S CHOICE
• This event is conducted under Captain’s Choice. Each captain is solely responsible for determining if conditions are safe for their vessel and crew.
• The tournament will proceed unless officially postponed or canceled.
• The weigh-in cutoff time is not extended for weather, mechanical issues, or travel distance.
• The tournament assumes no liability for accidents, injuries, or property damage.
4. PHOTO & VIDEO REQUIREMENTS
A. Weighed Fish
Each fish submitted for weigh-in must include:
A clear photo showing the entire fish and the tournament card.
A 5–10 second video showing:
• Full fish
• Tournament card
• The angler who caught it
The fight does not need to be filmed.
B. Sub-Legal Fish (for “Most Fish Caught”)
Each sub-18” fish must have:
Video of the fish with the tournament card visible
Video of the release, showing the fish swimming away
C. Verification
• All media must be readily available at weigh-in.
• Edited, cropped, or filtered media is not permitted.
5. FISH CONDITION REQUIREMENTS
• Fish may be stored on ice.
• Fish must be in a natural, untampered condition.
The following will result in disqualification:
• Mutilated or altered fish
• Evidence of spearing, netting, foul-hooking, or tampering
• Foreign objects inside the fish (weights, metal, rocks, ice packs, tackle)
• Fish appearing suspicious or not freshly caught per tournament hours
Tournament officials have full authority to inspect and disqualify any fish.
6. SPORTSMANSHIP, ASSISTANCE & FAIR PLAY
Prohibited Actions Include:
• Submitting pre-caught, penned, or tied-off fish
• Transferring fish between boats
• Receiving assistance from another boat that affects the catch
• Harassing or interfering with other teams
• Snagging, netting, or foul-hooking fish intentionally
• Tampering with media or tournament card
Emergency exception:
• Assistance for fire, sinking, or medical emergencies is permitted.
Tournament Directors’ decisions are final.
7. PROTEST PROCEDURE
• Protests must be filed within 30 minutes of the 5:00 PM “in-line” deadline.
• A $100 cash protest fee is required.
• The fee is refunded if the protest is upheld; forfeited if denied.
Protests must be submitted in writing and include:
• The team being protested
• Rule allegedly broken
• Description of incident
• Supporting evidence (if applicable)
Directors will review evidence and issue a final decision.
8. WEIGH-IN PROCEDURES
A. Eligibility
• One legal tripletail (18” or greater) per angler may be weighed.
• Fish must be dead prior to weighing.
• Angler must be present with their fish.
B. Timing
• Weigh-in runs from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
• Must be in line by 5:00 PM — no exceptions.
C. Rules
• Required photo/video must be provided.
• No re-weighs after the scale locks.
• Tie-breaker: first team in line wins.
• If only one fish is weighed, that angler wins all prizes.
9. PAYOUTS & PRIZES
Entry fee: $150 per boat
A. Main Tournament
Based on total entry fees collected:
1st Place: 70% of entry fees + Crown
2nd Place: 15% of entry fees or prize equivalent
3rd Place: Prize package (based on sponsor availability)
B. Special Awards
• Closest to 3.3 lbs: TBD
• Most Fish Caught: TBD
Tie-breakers:
• Closest to 3.3 lbs — first in line
• Most Fish — timestamp of last verified video; directors decide if unclear
C. Prize Distribution
• Paid to the registered captain or authorized representative.
• Prizes not claimed at awards are forfeited unless pre-approved.
10. AGE REQUIREMENTS
• No minimum or maximum age.
• Minors must have a parent/guardian sign the waiver.
• Youth anglers are eligible for all prizes.
11. LEGAL COMPLIANCE
• All anglers and vessels must comply with all FWC, USCG, state, and federal laws.
• The captain is solely responsible for the safety and legal compliance of the vessel and all anglers.
• The tournament assumes no liability for accidents, injuries, or violations.
12. TRANSPORTATION OF FISH
• Fish must be transported to the weigh-in by the same team and vessel that caught it.
• Transporting fish by vehicle is allowed if done by an angler from the registered team.
• No transferring fish between boats or teams.
13. TOURNAMENT CARD REQUIREMENTS
• The tournament card must appear in all photos and videos.
• Cards are not replaceable. If lost or damaged, fish cannot be submitted.
• Cards may not be altered, folded, or obscured.
• Cards may not be shared between teams.
14. CHEATING & DISQUALIFICATION
The following may result in full team disqualification:
• Pre-caught or transferred fish
• Tampered fish
• Violating weigh-in, media, or card rules
• Unsportsmanlike or disruptive behavior
• Submitting altered media
• Any attempt to deceive officials
Tournament Directors’ decisions are final and binding.