FISHING RULE
PHILIPPINE GAME FISHING FOUNDATION
General Tournament Rules and Guidelines
The Philippine Game Fishing Foundation (PGFF) Board of Trustees has promulgated the following rules and guidelines to govern its tournament programs
and has adopted the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) Angling Rules for Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing as reprinted herein as Annex A.
1. TYPES OF TOURNAMENTS
The PGFF shall conduct two (2) types of tournaments: the competitive and non-competitive (Fun Tournaments).
Both tournament types may be classified as either light-tackle class or heavy-tackle class.
Light-Tackle2lbs. (1kg.) to 12lbs. (6kgs.)
Heavy-Tackle16lbs. (8kgs.) to 50lbs. (25kgs.)
In a heavy-tackle class tournament, the maximum line weight or strength that may be used shall be specified.
2. MAJOR YEARLY AWARDS
Under the competitive tournament type, the major yearly awards are the following:
Overall Angler of the year
Heavy-Tackle Angler of the year
Light-Tackle Angler of the year
The winners for the three major yearly awards shall be determined by the angler’s accumulated competitive points.
The Overall Angler of the Year is awarded to the angler with the highest aggregate competitive points in all counted competitive tournaments.
The other two major tournament awards are given to the angler(s) with the highest aggregate competitive points in the respective tournaments counted.
Angler of the Year (AOY)
Combined highest three (3) Heavy Tackle and highest three (3) Light Tackle
Light Tackle competitive points
Heavy Tackle Angler of the Year (HAOY)
Combined highest three (3) Heavy Tackle competitive points
Light Tackle Angler of the Year (LAOY)
Combined highest three (3) Light Tackle competitive points
3. WEIGHT POINTS SYSTEM
In all the tournaments, the winners shall be determined on the basis of their weight points where 1 kg of catch is equivalent to 10 points.
4. COMPETITIVE POINTS SYSTEM
For the competitive tournaments, the Board of Trustees of PGFF shall assign corresponding competitive points to the weight points in
which the angler with the highest weight points earns the highest competitive weight points for a particular tournament.
Example:
Angler A - 20kgs. catch (highest for that tournament)
=10 Competitive Weight Points
Angler B – 15kgs. catch (2nd highest for that tournament)
=7.5 Competitive Weight Points
Angler C – 10kgs. catch (3rd highest for that tournament)
=5 Competitive Weight Points
Anglers working as a team in the same boat in any tournament earn similar competitive points.
In case of a tie by two or more anglers who have been consistent team mates for any of the major yearly awards,
the anglers shall declare to the Board of Trustees who among them has the highest, second highest, etc. weight points.
Only one (1) individual/team can be given a specific award for any of the competitive and non-competitive tournaments.
The Board of Trustees shall resolve a tie by determining who among the individuals/team checked-in first, who shall then receive the award.
5. TOURNAMENT AWARDS
Each tournament (competitive or non-competitive) shall have the following basic awards:
•1st Place Angler/Team Angler/Team with the highest weight points
•2nd Place Angler/Team Angler/Team with the 2nd highest weight points
•3rd Place Angler/Team Angler/Team with the 3rd highest weight points
BUDDY BOAT AWARDS
(For tournaments requiring strict buddy boat systemcompliance)
1st Place Buddy Boat Team Buddy Boat team with the highest weight points
2nd Place Buddy Boat Team Buddy Boat team with the 2nd highest weight points
3rd Place Buddy Boat Team Buddy Boat team with the 3rd highest weight points
BIGGEST FISH AWARDS
Heaviest Fish single, heaviest fish, unless a (Light Tackle) particular specie is indicated Heavisest Fish single,
heaviest fish of all species (Heavy Tackle) indicated for the specific tournament
6. QUALIFIED PARTICIPANTS
The competitive tournaments are open only to life and regular members with no pending dues and outstanding accounts.
However, the Board of Trustees may open certain tournaments to non-members:
Board of Steward 1 - Tournament Director
Board of Steward 2 - Member of the Board of Trustees
Board of Steward 3 – To be appointed by the Board of Trustees
The Board of Stewards shall declare the winners of the tournaments and decide on protests, if any.
8. WAIVER AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE DECISION OF THE BOARD OF STEWARDS
All tournament participants, members and non-members alike, shall not hold the PGFF or any person acting on its behalf liable for
any injury or loss caused by an accident or any unfortunate incident that he/she may incur in the course of any tournament and waive
any claims of whatsoever nature, civil or criminal, against PGFF or the persons acting in its behalf.
It is expressly understood that all tournament participants, members and non-members alike, shall, upon registration, abide by the decision of the Board of Stewards.
9. PROTESTS AND COMPLAINTS
Protests or complaints by tournament participants, if any, must be filed in writing with the Board of Stewards no later than
the next PGFF competitive tournament for violations on safety rules and within five (5) years of violations of rules regarding dishonesty.
10. SAFETY MEASURES
a.After the boats raffle, and prior to the start of a tournament, participants shall inspect their assigned boats. Should there be any safety concerns
regarding the boat, the participant shall immediately report the same to the tournament director who shall address the issue before the start of the tournament.
b.All participants must wear acceptable life vests at all times while on board their boats.
c.The buddy boat system must be followed strictly. It is a requirement for all offshore tournaments where each boat must have a boat partner
within a reasonable distance (approx. 300 meters) while at sea. As a general rule, reasonable distance means either buddy boat must be able to reach
the other within a safe amount of time in case of an emergency considering the particula sea conditions at the time. In no case should boat buddies
ever lose sight of each other. Should this occur, however, both buddies should immediately look for each other. If the search proves unsuccessful,
the boats shall proceed to check-in. If his buddy has not checked in, he shall request for a search party immediately to look for the missing boat.
d.The bringing of alcoholic beverages on board during the tournaments is not allowed.
e.Angler(s) must have at least one marine band radio on board per boat for all offshore competitive tournaments.
The Board of Stewards shall disqualify any participant who has been found to have violated any of the aforementioned rules.
Should there be a case of negligence or willful violation of these rules, the Board of Stewards may recommend the expulsion of the
member to the Board of Trustees who shall render the final decision on the matter.
11. FISHING AREA AND FISHING TIME
Fishing Area
No participant shall go beyond the fishing area or its boundaries as designated by the tournament committee on a nautical map which will be provided to the participants.
Fishing Time
All participants must check-out and check-in on the tournament logbook within the set fishing time.
12. ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT
In any tournament, the participants shall agree to and comply with any additional assessment that may be determined necessary by the
PGFF to cover any unforeseen financial expenses related to the said tournament.
13. INTERNATIONAL GAME FISHING ASSOCIATION (IGFA)
The rules of IGFA for fishing in Freshwater and Saltwater shall form part of this general rules and guidelines.
Please refer to Annex A.
14. DISQUALIFICATION AND EXPULSION
The Board of Stewards can disqualify any participant who has been found to have violated any of the aforementioned rules.
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF SAFETY RULES
1st offenseDisqualification from the said tournament
2nd offenseSuspension for the tournament year
3rd offenseExpulsion from the Philippine Game Fishing Foundation
A sever violation of the identified safety rules may result to the expulsion of the members from the PGFF upon recommendation by the Board of Stewards to the Board of Trustees.
PENALTIES FOR DISHONESTY
For cases of dishonesty and integrity related issues regarding the conduct of participants during any of the tournaments, the Board of Trustees, after a thorough investigation, shall have the right to withdraw the participant’s membership from the PGFF.
INTERNATIONAL GAME FISHING ASSOCIATION
International Angling Rules The following angling rules have been formulated by the International Game Fishing Association to promote ethical and sporting angling practices, to establish uniform regulations for the compilation of world game fish records, and to provide basic angling guidelines for use in fishing tournaments and any other group angling activities. The word “angling” is defined as catching or attempting to catch fish with a rod, reel, line, and a hook as outlined in the international angling rules. There are aspects of angling that cannot be controlled through the rule making, however. Angling regulations cannot insure an outstanding performance from each fish, and world records cannot indicate the amount of difficulty in catching the fish. Captures in which the fish has not fought or has not had a chance to fight do not reflect credit on the fisherman, and only the angler can properly evaluate the degree of echievement in establishing the record.
Only fish caught in accordance with IGFA international angling rules, and within the intent of these rules, will be considered for world records. Following are the rules for freshwater and saltwater fishing.
RULES FOR FISHING IN FRESH AND SALT WATER
Equipment Regulations
A. LINE
1. Monofilament, multifilament, and lead core multifilament lines may be used. For line classes, see World Record Requirements.
2. Wire lines are prohibited.
B. LINE BACKING
1. Backing not attached to the fishing line is permissible with no restrictions as to size or material.
2. If the fishing line is attached to the backing, the catch shal be classified under the heavier of the two lines. The backing may not exceed the 130 lb (60 kg) line class and must be of a type of line approved for use in these angling rules.
C. DOUBLE LINE
The use of a double line is not required. If one is used, it must meet the following specifications:
1. A double line must consist of the actual line used to catch the fish.
2. Double lines are measured from the start of the knot, braid, roll or splice making the double to the farthermost end of the knot, splice, snap, swivel or other device used for securing the trace, leader, lure or hook to the double line. Saltwater species: In all line classes up to and including 20 lb (10 kg), the double line shall be limited to 15 feet (4.57 meters). The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 20 feet (6.1 meters). The double line on
all classes of tackle over 20 lb (10 kg) shall be limited to 30 feet (9.14 meters). The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 40 feet (12.19 meters).
Freshwater species: The double line on all classes of tackle shall not exceed 6 feet (1.82 meters). The combined length of the double line and the leader shall not exceed 10 feet (3.04 meters).
D. LEADER
The use of a leader is not required. If one is used, it must meet the following specifications:
The length of the leader is the overall length including any lure, hook arrangement or other device. The leader must be connected to the line with a snap, knot, splice, swivel or other device. Holding devices are prohibited. There are no regulations regarding the material or strength of the leader. Saltwater species: In all line classes up to and including 20 lb (10 kg), the leader shall be limited to 15 feet (4.57 meters). The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 20 feet (6.1 meters). The leader on all classes of tackle over 20 lb (10 kg) shall be limited to 30 feet (9.14 meters). The combined length of the double line and leader shall be limited to 40 feet (12.19 meters). Freshwater species: The leader on all classes of tackle shall be limited to 6 feet (1.82 meters). The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 10 feet (3.04 meters).
E. ROD
1. Rods must comply with sporting ethics and customs. Considerable latitude is allowed in the choice of a rod, but rods giving the angler an unfair advantage will be disqualified. This rule is intended to eliminate the use of unconventional
rods.
2. The rod tip must be a minimum of 40 inches (101.6 cm) in length. The rod butt cannot exceed 27 inches (68.58 cm) in length. These measurements must be made from a point directly beneath the center of the reel. A curved butt is
measured in a straight line. When the rod butt is placed in a gimbal, the measurement from the center of the reel seat to the pivot point of the gimbal can be no more than 27 inches. (The above measurements do not apply to
surfcasting rods.)
F. REEL
1. Reels must comply with sporting ethics and customs.
2. Power driven reels of any kind are prohibited. This includes motor, hydraulic, or electrically driven reels, and any device that gives the angler an unfair advantage.
3. Ratchet handle reels are prohibited.
4. Reels designed to be cranked with both hands at the same time are prohibited.
G. HOOKS FOR BAIT FISHING
1. For live or dead bait fishing no more than two single hooks may be used. Both must be firmly imbedded in or ecurely attached to the bait. The eyes of the hooks must be no less than a hook’s length (the length of the largest hook used) apart and no more than 18 inches (45.72 cm) apart. The only exception is that the point of one hook may be passed through the eye of the other hook.
2. The use of a dangling or swinging hook is prohibited. Double or treble hooks are prohibited.
3. A two-hook rig for bottom fishing is acceptable if it consists of two single hooks on separate leaders or drops. Both hooks must be imbedded in the respective baits and separated sufficiently so that a fish caught on one hook cannot be
foul-hooked by the other.
4. A photograph or sketch of the hook arrangement must accompany all record applications made for fish caught on two-hook tackle.
H. HOOKS AND LURES
1. When using an artificial lure with a skirt or trailing material, no more than two single hooks may be attached to the line, leader, or trace. The hooks need not be attached separately. The eyes of the hooks must be no less than an overall
hook’s length (the overall length of the largest hook used) apart and no more than 12 inches (30.48 cm) apart. The only exception is that the point of one hook may be passed through the eye of the other hook. The trailing hook may not
extend more than a hook’s length beyond the skirt of the lure. A photograph or sketch showing the hook arrangement must accompany a record application.
2. Gang hooks are permitted when attached to plugs and other artificial lures that are specifically designed for this use. Gang hooks must be free swinging and shall be limited to a maximum of three hooks (single, double, or treble, or a
combination of any three). Baits may not be used with gang hooks. A photograph or sketch of the plug or lure must be submitted with record applications.
I. OTHER EQUIPMENT
1. Fighting chairs may not have any mechanically propelled devices that aid the angler in fighting a fish.
2. Gimbals must be free swinging, which includes gimbals that swing in a vertical plane only. Any gimbal that allows the angler to reduce strain or to rest while fighting the fish is prohibited.
3. Gaffs and nets used to boat or land a fish must not exceed 8 feet (2.44 meters) in overall length. In using a flying or detachable gaff the rope may not exceed 30 feet (9.14 meters). The gaff rope must be measured from the point where it is secured to the detachable head to the other end. Only the effective length will be considered. If a fixed head gaff is used, the same limitations shall apply and the gaff rope shall be measured from the same location on the gaff hook. Only a single hook is permitted on any gaff. Harpoon or lance attachments are prohibited. Tail ropes are limited to 30 feet (9.14 meters). (When fishing from a bridge, pier, or other high platform or structure, this length limitation does not apply.)
4. Entangling devices, either with or without a hook, are prohibited and may not be used for any purpose including baiting, hooking, fighting, or landing the fish.
5. Outriggers, downriggers, spreader bars and kites are permitted to be used provided that the actual fishing line is attached to the snap or other release device, either directly or with some other material. The leader or double line may not be connected to the release mechanism either directly or with the use of a connecting device. Spreader bars are also acceptable when used strictly as a teaser.
6. Daisy chains, birds, floats and similar devices may only be used if they do not unfairly hamper or inhibit the normal swimming or fighting ability of the fish, thereby giving the angler or crew an unfair advantage in fighting, landing or boating the fish.
7. A safety line may be attached to the rod provided that it does not in any way assist the angler in fighting the fish.
J. ANGLING REGULATIONS
1. From the time that a fish strikes or takes a bait or lure, the angler must hook, fight, and land or boat the fish without the aid of any other person, except as provided in these regulations.
2. If a rod holder is used and a fish strikes or takes the bait or lure, the angler must remove the rod from the holder as quickly as possible. The intent of this rule is that the angler shall strike and hook the fish with the rod in hand.
3. In the event of a multiple strike on separate lines being fished by a single angler, only the first fish fought by the angler will be considered for a world record.
4. If a double line is used, the intent of the regulations is that the fish will be fought on the single line most of the time that it takes to land the fish.
5. A harness may be attached to the reel or rod, but not to the fighting chair. The harness may be replaced or adjusted by a person other than the angler.
6. Use of a rod belt or waist gimbal is permitted.
7. When angling from a boat, once the leader is brought within the grasp of the mate, or the end of the leader is wound to the rod tip, more than one person is permitted to hold the leader.
8. One or more gaffers may be used in addition to persons holding the leader. The gaff handle must be in hand when the fish is gaffed.
9. The angling and equipment regulations shall apply until the fish is weighed.
The following acts will disqualify a catch:
1. Failure to comply with equipment or angling regulations.
2. The act of persons other than the angler in touching any part of the rod, reel, or line (including the double line) either bodily or with any device, from the time a fish strikes or takes the bait or lure, until the fish is either landed or released, or in giving any aid other than that allowed in the rules and regulations. If an obstacle to the passage of the line through the rod guides has to be removed from the line, then the obstacle (whether chum, floatline, rubber band, or other material) shall be held and cut free. Under no circumstances should the line be held or touched by anyone other than the angler during this process.
3. Resting the rod in a rod holder, on the gunwale of the boat, or any other object while playing the fish.
4. Handlining or using a handline or rope attached in any manner to the angler’s line or leader for the purpose of holding or lifting the fish.
5. Shooting, harpooning, or lancing any fish (including sharks and halibuts) at any stage of the catch.
6. Chumming with or using as bait the flesh, blood, skin, or any part of mammals other than hair or pork rind used in lures designed for trolling or casting.
7. Using a boat or device to beach or drive a fish into shallow water in order to deprive the fish of its normal ability to swim.
8. Changing the rod or reel while the fish is being played.
9. Splicing, removing, or adding to the line while the fish is being played.
10. Intentionally foul-hooking a fish.
11. Catching a fish in a manner that the double line never leaves the rod tip.
12. Using a size or kind of bait that is illegal to possess.
13. Attaching the angler’s line or leader to part of a boat or other object for the purpose of holding or lifting the fish.
14. If a fish escapes before gaffing or netting and is recaptured by any method other than as outlined in the angling rules.
The following situations will disqualify a catch:
1. When a rod breaks (while the fish is being played) in a manner that reduces the length of the tip below minimum dimensions or severely impairs its angling characteristics.
2. Mutilation to the fish, prior to landing or boating the catch, caused by sharks, other fish, mammals, or propellers that remove or penetrate the flesh. (Injuries caused by leader or line, scratches, old healed scars or regeneration deformities are not considered to be disqualifying injuries.) Any mutilation on the fish must be shown in a photograph and fully explained in a separate report accompanying the record application.
3. When a fish is hooked or entangled on more than one line.
Source: http://www.igfa.org/BookRule2004.pdf