BigOleRedSnapper

Red Snapper! RULES

2026 Red Snapper Fishing General Tournament Rules

REGISTRATION

  • All registration fees must be paid in full by 10:00 PM on Saturday, May 30, 2026 (end of the Captain’s Meeting) to qualify for participation.
  • By submitting a registration form or payment, the Captain confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to follow all tournament rules and will ensure their crew complies as well.
  • The tournament reserves the right to refuse current violations.

CAPTAIN’S MEETING

  • Attendance at the Captain’s Meeting is mandatory.
  • Either the Captain or a crew member must attend for the boat to remain eligible. No exceptions will be allowed.

PRIZES

  • All prizes are guaranteed.
  • Winners are determined solely by official fish weight.
  • In case of a tie, the fish weighed first will win.

BOATING SAFETY

  • All vessels must comply with applicable federal, state, and local boating laws.
  • Captains are responsible for ensuring their crew follows all fishing and safety regulations, including those set by FWC, NOAA, FCC, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
  • Violations may result in disqualification at tournament officials’ discretion.

FISHING RULES

  • Fishing begins at 7:00 am
  • No transfer of fish, bait, or equipment between boats or from land is allowed after fishing starts and before weigh-in.
  • All fish must be caught using hand-operated rod and reel. Electric reels require prior approval for physically challenged anglers.
  • Fish must be caught on the same day they are weighed.
  • A photo of the catch showing both the fish and official boat number is mandatory and must be texted once back in cellular range.
  • Use of drones is strictly prohibited.
  • A descending device and vent tool are REQUIRED  to fish in this tournament.

Declare a Fishing Day

  • Anglers must declare a fishing day, or cancel a fishing day by 8:00 pm the night before through the app.

JUNIOR ANGLERS

  • Must be 15 years old or younger, registered, and accompanied by an adult (18+) at all times.
  • Junior Angler must be in the photo with boat number of the fish they are weighing in to qualify.

Lady Anglers

  • Lady Angler must be present in the photo with the boat number of the fish they are weighing in to qualify.

WEIGH-IN RULES

Scales will be open:

  • June 4, June 5 & June 6
  • 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Participants must be in line by 5:00 PM. No exceptions.

Weigh-in location: Vilano Pier and Strike-Zone Fishing.

Only one fish per category may be weighed daily in main tournament. Larger fish may replace earlier entries.

Fish must be:

  • Legal size
  • Fresh and edible
  • Caught the same day
  • In compliance with regulations

Mutilated fish will not be accepted (except gaff marks).

Official weight records are final once accepted.

FISHING HOURS

  • Lines in water: 7:00 AM
  • Lines out of water: 4:00 PM

BOUNDARIES

  • Fishing is allowed within legal South Atlantic federal and state waters.
  • Participants must follow all red snapper regulations. No water checkpoints will be used.

DIVISIONS

Main Division

One fish per boat per day.

Lady Angler Division

Lady angler must fight the fish and be present at weigh-in.

Junior Angler Division

  • Junior must fight the fish and be present at weigh-in.
  • Fish entered in one division cannot be used in another.

TWT

  • Tournament within a tournament pay out will be 60% 1st place, 30% second place, and 10% Charity.
  • Prize money is based on participant entries.

PROTESTS

  • Written protests must be submitted within one hour after weigh-in closes.
  • Only registered Captains may file protests and must include a $500 deposit.
  • Deposit is refunded if protest is upheld.

POLYGRAPH TESTING

  • Captains and crew may be required to take a polygraph test.
  • Failure to comply or pass will result in disqualification and forfeiture of winnings.

MISCELLANEOUS

Tournament dates are JUNE 4 – 7th

Registration fees are non-refundable as proceeds support charitable causes.

If permits are not approved, participants may transfer entry or convert it into a donation.

The tournament reserves the right to:

  • Modify rules
  • Reschedule due to weather
  • Cancel for safety reasons

LIABILITY WAIVER

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

I, both individually and in my capacity as the vessel’s owner and/or operator, on behalf of my team, crew members, and all guests aboard, acknowledge and agree that the Red Snapper Fishing Tournament (OSFT), its parent organization, affiliates, partners, directors, officers, employees, and agents shall not be held liable under any circumstances for any injuries, losses, or damages to persons or property arising from, related to, or connected with participation in the tournament.

This waiver applies regardless of whether such injuries or damages result from negligence, omissions, accidents, or any other cause whatsoever.

In consideration of being permitted to participate in the tournament, I fully release and discharge the tournament organizers and associated entities from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, or expenses, including legal fees, that may arise from participation by myself, my crew, or any guests aboard.

I further agree, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the tournament and all associated organizations from any claims brought by third parties that result from or relate to my participation, my vessel, or the actions of my crew or guests.

All participants acknowledge that:

  • They operate their vessels and participate entirely at their own risk.

  • Any weather updates or safety information provided by the tournament are for informational purposes only, and the tournament bears no responsibility for their accuracy or omission. 

  • The decision to participate or continue fishing remains solely the responsibility of the vessel’s captain or master.

By registering, I also grant permission for the tournament to use my name, likeness, and that of my crew members in any media, including promotional, advertising, or commercial materials, without compensation.

This agreement is binding upon me, my vessel owner (if different), my crew, guests aboard, and our respective heirs, legal representatives, successors, and assigns.

Participants are strongly advised to maintain adequate insurance coverage for their vessels and passengers.