USAngling Saltwater Kayak Nationals

# NATIONAL KAYAK TOURNAMENT RULES CATCH VIDEO AND RELEASE (CVR) This tournament uses a Catch-Video-Release (CVR) format to promote conservation and fair competition. All fish must be caught on video and safely released. To submit a valid catch: 1. Fish must be caught legally using rod and reel. 2. The video must clearly show the fish and the angler's tournament identifier (ID band, token, or identifier announced at the Captain's Meeting). 3. The fish must be clearly identifiable by species. 4. The video must show the fish being released alive back into the water. 5. Videos must be submitted through the official tournament scoring application (hooked.kayakvault.com) before the daily submission deadline. 6. Fish must be released immediately after documentation. Fish may not be retained in a livewell, on a stringer, or otherwise held for later submission or transport, except where required by California law. Fish that cannot be clearly identified or verified on video will not count toward scoring. --- GENERAL RULES * Fish must be caught from a kayak. * Rod and reel only. * There is no limit to the number of rods an angler may carry or use. * No electric reels. * No spearing or diving for fish. * No motors are permitted. * Anglers must remain in their kayak while fishing. * No towing or assistance of any kind may be provided to a kayak angler. * No outside assistance during the catching of a fish. * No sharing fish between anglers. * Bait must be self-caught during the tournament. Purchased live or dead bait is prohibited. * Artificial lures are permitted. * Scents may be applied to artificial baits. * Chumming or the dispersal of scents, attractants, or any material intended to draw fish into an area is prohibited. * A maximum of two hooks may be used on any line. * Alabama (A-rigs) may have no more than two hooked baits. All additional arms must use hookless teasers, dummy baits, or spinner blades. * No fishing lines may enter the water before the official tournament start time. * "Lines Out" marks the end of tournament fishing. All fishing lines must be removed from the water immediately at the posted end time. * Anglers are responsible for locating their own fish. Fishing together is permitted, but intentionally following another competitor to benefit from that angler's fish locations or movements is prohibited. * Please practice good angler etiquette and sportsmanship at all times. --- SCORING SYSTEM Point Format This is a multi-species point tournament designed to reward anglers who catch a variety of fish. * Each eligible species carries a fixed point value. * Fish size and weight do not affect scoring. * A maximum of three fish per species may be counted. * Total points are determined by adding the point values of all verified catches. Species Strategy Success comes from catching as many different eligible species as possible through strategy, local knowledge, and adaptability. The angler with the highest total point value at the conclusion of the tournament will be declared the winner. --- ELIGIBLE SPECIES Eligible species include, but are not limited to: * Spotted Bay Bass * Calico Bass (Kelp Bass) * Sand Bass * Halibut * Sculpin * Barracuda * Bonito * Corvina * Corbina * Yellowfin Croaker * Spotfin Croaker * Sargo * White Seabass * Bonefish * Striper Tournament officials reserve the right to add, remove, or modify the eligible species list prior to the event. --- TOURNAMENT FORMAT This is a two-day kayak fishing tournament. Day 1 – Pepper Park * Check-in: 6:00 AM * Fishing Begins: 7:00 AM * Lines Out: 2:00 PM Day 2 – Shelter Island * Check-in: 5:00 AM * Fishing Begins: 6:00 AM * Lines Out: 2:00 PM All anglers must launch from the designated tournament launch area for each tournament day. --- EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Each kayak must be equipped with: * Personal Flotation Device (PFD) * Paddle * Sound-producing device (whistle or horn) * Safety flag * Tournament identification flag displayed on a flagpole * Working cell phone capable of running the official tournament scoring application * Functioning VHF radio Each angler will receive an identification flag in their captain's bag. The flag must remain displayed throughout the tournament so safety boats can easily identify participating anglers while on the water. A GoPro or similar action camera may be carried only as an emergency backup if an angler loses access to a working phone during the tournament. It does not replace the requirement to begin the tournament with a working phone and use the official scoring application. Every tournament angler must possess: * A valid California Fishing License * A valid Ocean Enhancement Validation (required for each day fished) Safety is the responsibility of each competitor. --- TOURNAMENT SCORING Each angler is required to have a working phone capable of running the official tournament scoring application. Tournament scoring will be completed and updated live through the application. The tournament scoring application will close promptly at 2:00 PM each tournament day. Once the application closes, no additional submissions will be accepted. Anglers are responsible for allowing enough time to upload their catches before the deadline. The scoring application and submission process will be reviewed during the Captain's Meeting. --- FISHING CONDUCT * No fishing lines may be placed in the water before the official tournament start time. * Anglers are responsible for finding their own fish. * Anglers may choose to fish together; however, intentionally following another angler throughout the tournament to benefit from their fish locations or movements is prohibited. * All qualifying fish must be handled, documented, and released in accordance with these tournament procedures. * Multi-hook rigs are permitted provided no more than two hooks are used. * Sculpin are an eligible species. Anglers are responsible for following all California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations regarding their capture and handling. --- REGULATIONS All tournament anglers must comply with: * California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations * IGFA rules * Tournament rules and procedures * Safety instructions provided by tournament officials It is the responsibility of every angler to understand and follow all applicable laws, regulations, and tournament requirements. --- LAUNCH AREAS AND FISHING BOUNDARIES Anglers must launch from the designated tournament launch area each day. There are no additional tournament boundaries except for military zones and other legally restricted areas. Entering or fishing within restricted areas is strictly prohibited. --- KAYAK RENTALS Kayaks may still be reserved through Fast Lane Kayaking or Kayak Fishing Supplies, subject to availability. Each angler is responsible for: * Making their own reservation * Picking up the kayak * Transporting it as necessary * Returning it on time and in the required condition --- TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR AUTHORITY The Tournament Director reserves the right to: * Interpret or modify tournament rules as necessary. * Disqualify anglers for rule violations or unsafe conduct. * Adjust tournament schedules due to weather or safety concerns. Any violation of these rules may result in penalties or disqualification at the discretion of the Tournament Director. All decisions made by tournament officials are final.