M.S.S.A. Frederick Chapter Tuna Tournament Regulations
http://www.mssafrederick.com
 

Tuna Fishing: Mid-Summer Tournament Rules

1.  Entry fee: $125.00 per boat.
2.  Tournament dates and location: july 17 and 18, 2004 - chincoteague,  virginia.
   
3.  Eligible fish species: all tunas except false albacore.
   
4.  Weigh-in: fish must be brought to official weigh-in station by boat directly  from fishing by  water.
   
5.  Fishing hours: no lines in the water before 5:30 am. all lines must be out  of the water by 3:00 pm. you still must be back to the official scales no  later than 7:00 pm.
   
6.  The minimum length for weighing-in any tuna will be 27 inches (curved  fork length).
   
7.  Fishing boundaries have been designated as 100 miles from the  chincoteague inlet.
   
8.  All fish must be brought to the official weigh-in scales at captain bob's  marina in  chincoteague. scales will be open from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. no  fish will be weighed after  7:00 pm unless you are in line with fish in hand  or have been recognized by the weigh-  master as being in the boat weigh-in line.
   
9.  Only one day need be fished in order to make an official tournament and  for prizes to be awarded.
   
10. In the event of a weight tie in any segment of the entire tournament, the  places will be combined and the prize money will be divided equally.
    
11. Only three (3) fish of each tournament species per boat can be weighed-in  per day. heaviest fish of the three (3) will be registered as tournament  entry. largest tuna is determined by weight only. boat captain must  choose  his three (3) fish to be weighed for each day.
    
12. All fish must be caught on hook and line while chunking or trolling.
    
13. Vhf channel#71 will be the official tournament channel.
    
14. One prize per boat.
    
15. Main tournament prize money:
    
16. 1st place - 40% of pool 2nd place - 30% of pool
    
17. 3rd place - 20% of pool largest dolphin - 10% of pool
    
18. In the event no dolphin are weighed in, the largest dolphin category prize  will be awarded to the 4th place tuna.
    
19. No uncleaned fish (category species) can be on the boat before the start  of the day.
    
20. Captain must be a frederick chapter mssa member.
    
21. Only whole complete fish will be weighed suspended from the tail on the  official weigh in scale.
    
22. A portion of the water may be closed for navy activities.
    
23. This is not a refundable event so long as the inlet remains open.
    
24. Participants enter the tournament at their own risk and discretion and  accept full responsibility for boat and anglers. there is no weather  committee. it is the captain's decision of each individual boat whether to  participate each or any day of the tournament.
    

This tournament is designed to have fun fishing and enjoy the fellowship of other members. Good luck and have fun.