2025 Mahi Championship rules:

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Welcome to the 3rd Annual Mahi Championship, the premier fishing tournament of the year! With a guaranteed $50,000 payout for first place and increasing payouts if entries exceed 150 boats, the stakes have never been higher. Read the rules below carefully to ensure your spot in the competition.

• Kickoff Party & Final Registration:
  Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 4:00 PM
  Location: Volusia Top Gun, 2900 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL
  
  • A representative from each registered boat must attend to pick up the official boat number and participate in the Captain’s Meeting. Tournament rules will be reviewed, and questions answered at this time.

• Captain’s Choice Fishing Days:
  Participants may fish any 2 days within the tournament window.
• Fishing Dates:
  May 1 - May 31, 2025
• Awards Ceremony:
  Date TBD - 4:00 PM
  Location: Volusia Top Gun, Daytona Beach

Participants may weigh their fish at any of the following locations:

• Volusia Top Gun
  2900 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL
• Beamish Custom Tackle
  76 Dockside Drive, Suite 111, St. Augustine, FL
• Bluepoints Marina
  726 Scallop Drive, Port Canaveral, FL
• Jax Beach Bait & Tackle
  224 20th Street N., Jacksonville Beach, FL

1. Fishing Days Declaration:
   
   • Boats must declare their fishing day via text to (386) 547-7385 by 8:00 PM the day before.
   • Undeclarations must also be made by 8:00 PM—no exceptions.

1. Fishing Hours:
   
   • Lines in the water are permitted only between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM, including teasers and bait rigs.

1. Substitute Vessels:
   
   • The registered captain may substitute their vessel once due to mechanical issues. Approval must be obtained via text at (386) 547-7385.

1. Tackle & Equipment:
   
   • No electric reels are allowed for fishing, but they may be used for teasers.
   • All fish must be caught using hook and line with rod and reel.

1. Departure & Return Inlets:
   
   • Boats may leave from and return to any inlet between Mayport (north) and Sebastian (south).
   • Fishing must take place in U.S. waters only.

1. Weigh-In Rules:
   
   • Each boat may weigh a maximum of 2 bulls and 2 cows per fishing day.
   • Only the heaviest mahi per boat will qualify for the leaderboard. Other fish contribute to Calcutta categories if applicable.
   • Weigh-in must take place the day after fishing between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
   • Fish must be whole, with no mutilation or signs of tampering.
   • In case of a tie, the fish weighed in first will be declared the winner.

1. Fish Photo Requirements:
   
   • A photo of the fish must be taken on the water with the official weigh-in number visible.
   • This photo must be sent to (386) 547-7385 by 8:00 PM on the fishing day, along with the declared weigh-in station.

1. Code of Conduct:
   
   • All participants must exercise good sportsmanship at all times. Violations are subject to disqualification at the discretion of tournament management.
   • Boats may not interact with other vessels or exchange items after leaving their designated inlet.

1. Licensing & Compliance:
   
   • All anglers must hold valid fishing licenses and adhere to Florida state laws and FWC regulations.

1. Protests:
   
   • Any protest must be submitted in writing at the weigh-in station on the day of the alleged infraction, accompanied by a $500 cash deposit (refundable if the protest is upheld).
   • The tournament director’s decision is final.

1. Polygraph Testing:
   
   • Winning participants must pass a polygraph test. Failure to comply or pass the test will result in disqualification.

• 1st Place: $50,000 guaranteed
• 2nd Place: $5,000
• 3rd Place: $3,000

If entries exceed 150 boats, overall payouts will increase!