CANCELLED: Black Drum Fishing Tournament

The Apalachicola Bay Chamber will host a Black Drum Fishing Tournament on November 7. Registration for the one-day charity event can be made at the chamber office in Apalachicola or in Eastpoint at Fisherman’s Choice. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Eastpoint Civic Association.

Tournament Date Saturday, November 7^th 2020

1. RULES:  The following rules will be interpreted solely by the tournament directors.  The directors reserve the right to reject any entry if he/she feels that it is not in the best interest of the tournament.  Entry forms must be completely filled out and signed by contestants.  Any announcements made at the tournament site take precedent over written rules.
2. ELIGIBILITY:  If a member of any team is under 18 years of age the other team member must be over 18.  Teams will consist of one person or two people.
3. REGISTRATION:  ENTRY FORMS WILL BE ACCEPTED BEGINNING September 14th.  A properly completed and signed official entry form accompanied by the $100.00 entry fee must be received by tournament officials, (Fisherman’s Choice or the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce in Apalachicola) or postmarked, before November 6th Registrations will be accepted the morning of the tournament (cash/money order only). The Tournament Committee reserves the right to extend the acceptance date for entries.
4. PAYBACK:  $1,800.00 total payout. ($1,000.00 for 1^st place / $500.00 for 2^nd Place / $300.00 for 3^rd place.) Prize money is guaranteed.  Trophies will be awarded to top four teams and largest fish winner. All money collected above expenses will be donated to the Eastpoint Civic Association.
5. TOURNAMENT TIMES: “Take Back the Bay Black Drum Tournament” is a one-day weigh-in tournament. Each boat can weigh 2 fish. One Fish 14 to 24 inches and one Fish 24” or above or 2 Fish 14 to 24 inches per FWC Rules. The total weight of the two fish is used for final weight of the tournament.  The weight of the largest fish will be used to determine Calcutta winner. TOURNAMENT TIME BASED ON EASTERN TIME ZONE. All Fish weighed in must be caught between tournament times 6:00am – 4:00pm Saturday November 7^th 2020
6. WEIGH-IN: Weigh-In will take Place at Fisherman’s Choice at 330 HWY 98 in Eastpoint, FL beginning at 3:00pm and end at 5:00pm all participants must be in line to weigh-in by 5:00pm. If you are not in line by 5pm you will not be allowed to weigh-in.
7. SCORING:   Any frozen fish presented for weigh-in will result in immediate disqualification.  A courtesy measuring board will be provided near the weigh-in line.  Once fish are turned over to the weigh-in officials, contestants cannot touch any fish again except to choose the big fish for weighing.
8. POLYGRAPH:  All contestants, by signing the official entry form, consent to receive a voice stress, or polygraph test.  Test will be given at random at the tournament director’s discretion.  Anyone who fails the polygraph test, or who refuses to take the polygraph test will be immediately disqualified.  The decision of the tournament director is final.
9. SPORTSMANSHIP and SAFETY:  Competitors are expected to adhere to a high standard of sportsmanship and courtesy.  Any act of a competitor which reflects unfavorably on the efforts of the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce to promote conservation, clean waters, and sportsmanship shall be reason for immediate disqualification.  Life jackets must be used anytime the boats big motor is running.  The use of alcohol or illicit drugs by a competitor during tournament hours will not be tolerated and shall be cause for automatic disqualification.  No alcoholic beverages or controlled substances are allowed in the boat during tournament hours.
10. PROTESTS:  All protests must be submitted in writing to the tournament director within fifteen minutes of the weigh-in completion.  An appointed Tournament Advisory Board will handle all protests.  All board decisions are final.
11. TIES:  In the event of a tie, that place money and the next place down money will be split.
12. TACKLE and EQUIPMENT:  Black Drum must be caught by Rod and Reel or Cane Pole. The use of Gill / Cast Nets, trap or Gig is not allowed and will result in disqualification. All Federal, State, and local laws for the particular body of water must be obeyed.
13. BOATS and MOTORS:  All boats must meet Coast Guard requirements.
14. LOCATIONS:  Fishing may occur anywhere on tournament waters The Tournament waters are Apalachicola Bay. Fishing from the Shore, Bridge, Dock and Boat is allowed as long as it is in the Apalachicola Bay.
15. CALCUTTA:  $25 Entry Fee for Calcutta with all money collected going to person with the largest Black Drum. Winner must be signed up for Calcutta and application signed and $25 paid before start of Tournament on November 7^th 2020.

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