Rodeo Rules

Rodeo Rules - 2008
ELIGIBLE FISH:
Amberjack
Barracuda
Black Snapper
Bluefish
Bonita
Cobia
Croaker 
Dolphin 
Flounder 
Grouper 
King Mackerel
Lane Snapper
Mingo
Mullet
Pompano
Red Snapper 
Redfish 
Sail Catfish 
Scamp 
Sheepshead
Skipjack
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Triggerfish
Tuna
Wahoo 
White Snapper 
White Trout 
Whiting
  1. Rodeo Hours: Starts at 12:01 AM Friday, June 13th, and ends at 9:00 PM Saturday, June 14th. Anglers fishing from boats may not clear the pass (Pensacola/Perdido) until 12:01 AM on Friday, June 13th.

  2. Fish may be caught on rod and reel on any boat or from ashore. A boundary line to the EAST and WEST of the Pensacola Sea Buoy will apply. There are no boundaries to the SOUTH. No participating boat shall exceed longitude 88 degrees to the WEST (mouth of Mobile Bay) and no further EAST than longitude 86 degrees 40 minutes. This represents an area approximately 37 NM to the WEST and 32 NM to the EAST. Failure to comply will result in disqualification without refund. No gill net or spear fishing will be allowed. Cast net fishing will be allowed for mullet only.

  3. Fish must be caught unassisted except for landing. No "Team Fishing." Any angler attempting to weigh-in a fish not caught by that angler will be disqualified.

  4. Entries must be caught during posted Rodeo hours, must be weighed at Grand Lagoon Yacht Club, and recorded by the designated weigh master prior to 9:00 PM, Saturday, June 14th. Weigh-in times are published elsewhere.

  5. Fish must be kept on ice to prevent spoilage. No frozen, drawn, chemically treated, or spoiled fish will be accepted. The designated weigh master will inspect all entries for compliance. A Tory meter may be used. The Rules Committee will make any final determination of entry eligibility.  Rules Committee rulings on fish eligibility are final and not subject to appeal.

  6. Registration fees must be paid by the end of the Captain's Meeting on Thursday, June 12th to make any fish caught during Rodeo hours eligible for prizes. Mail-in applications must be received by the Rodeo Committee no later than close of business, Thursday, June 12th.

  7. The Rodeo will end at 9:00 PM, Saturday, June 14th. The line for the weigh-in scales will close promptly at 9:00 PM, and no further entries will be accepted.  All those physically in the weigh-in line WITH THEIR ENTRIES at 9:00 PM shall be allowed to weigh their entries; late-comers will not be allowed to join the line, nor enter their catches.

  8. All entries must comply with applicable Florida State Laws and Salt Water Regulations - no illegal entries will be accepted. The Rodeo will not be responsible for the possession of illegal species or size by the contestants.

  9. In the event of a tie in any category, the first fish weighed in will be declared the winner.

  10. The largest fish will be determined by weight.

  11. Eligible species of fish and permit requirements subject to change depending upon applicable laws.

  12. All prizes must be collected by winning anglers within thirty (30) days of the award ceremony.

  13. ALL DECISIONS OF THE RODEO RULES COMMITTEE WILL BE FINAL.

Rules for the three recognized divisions are as follows:

OPEN DIVISION

  1. Open to all anglers. Anglers must be registered and pay entry fee prior to close of Captain's Meeting on Thursday, June 12th.

  2. Prizes will be awarded for the largest fish caught in each of the species of the posted eligible fish. Grand prizes will be awarded to the angler who catches the largest fish of all posted eligible fish. (See Awards)

JUNIOR DIVISION
  1. Open to all anglers 12 years of age and under. All fish MUST be caught unassisted.

  2. Junior anglers need not pre-register; however, pre-registration is strongly encouraged to assist in data compilation. Pre-registration forms may be picked up at any ticket sales location. All others will be registered automatically at weigh-in. No entry fee will be required.

  3. Junior anglers are not eligible for prizes in any other division except the Croaker Division. Junior anglers may choose to enter the Open Division by paying the required fee.

  4. Junior anglers paying the required fee to compete in the Open Division are ineligible for Junior prizes.

  5. Grand Prizes will be awarded to the boy or girl who catches the largest of the posted eligible fish.

  6. Special prizes will be awarded to the youngest registered boy and girl angler weighing in a fish caught unassisted.

  7. All Junior entries will comply with applicable Florida State Laws and Salt Water Regulations - no illegal entries will be accepted.

CROAKER DIVISION
  1. All entries are eligible except previous winners. There is no entry fee for Junior anglers. All other anglers must be registered.

  2. Only one Grand Prize (Jon Boat) will be awarded for the angler catching the largest Croaker.

NOTE: All anglers are responsible for knowing of any last minute changes of any kind that are required to be made by the Executive Committee at the Captain's Meeting, Thursday night, June 12th.