2025 Miss Mahi Rules
Key Dates
- 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.
- Fishing Dates:
May 1 - May 31, 2025
- Participants may choose one declared fishing day within the tournament window.
- Awards Ceremony:
Date TBD - 4:00 PM
Location: Volusia Top Gun, Daytona Beach
Tournament Guidelines
- Fishing Day Declaration:
- Boats must declare their fishing day via text to (386) 822-3427 by 8:00 PM the day before.
- Undeclarations must also be made by 8:00 PM—no exceptions.
- Fishing Hours:
- Lines in the water are permitted only between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM, including teasers and bait rigs.
- Substitute Vessels:
- The registered captain may substitute their vessel once due to mechanical issues. Approval must be obtained via text at (386) 822-3427.
- 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.
- Ladies-Only Rules:
- This is a ladies-only tournament:
- Men may strike the fish and hand the rod to the female angler but are not allowed to reel.
- Men may assist by gaffing the fish.
- Women anglers may assist one another.
- Compliance will be verified during polygraph testing if applicable.
- 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.
Weigh-In Rules
- Weigh-In Locations:
Participants may weigh their fish at any of the following locations:
- Volusia Top Gun, 2900 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach
- Beamish Custom Tackle, 76 Dockside Drive, Suite 111, St. Augustine
- Bluepoints Marina, 726 Scallop Drive, Port Canaveral
- Weigh-In Hours:
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM the day after your declared fishing day.
Allow sufficient time to arrive, and ensure all hooks, lures, and lines are removed before weighing.
- 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) 822-3427 by 8:00 PM on the fishing day, along with the declared weigh-in station.
- Fish Limits:
- 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.
- Mutilation & Eligibility:
- Fish must be presented whole, with no signs of mutilation or tampering.
- The weighmaster reserves the right to inspect any fish internally and externally.
- Safety Check-In:
If no fish are being weighed, participants must still check in via text with their boat name and number by 8:00 PM to confirm safe return.
Code of Conduct & Disqualification
- Sportsmanship:
- All anglers must exercise good sportsmanship, whether at the docks, underway, or fishing.
- Violations are subject to disqualification at the discretion of Miss Mahi and Mahi Championship management.
- Licensing & Compliance:
- All anglers must hold valid fishing licenses and adhere to Florida state laws and FWC regulations.
- Disqualification:
- Boats may not interact with other vessels or exchange items after leaving their designated inlet.
- Boats must remain under their own power and fuel supply throughout the fishing day.
Protests & Polygraph Testing
- Protests:
- Must be submitted in writing at the weigh-in station on the day of the alleged infraction.
- A $500 cash deposit (refundable if the protest is upheld) must accompany the protest.
- The tournament director’s decision is final.
- Polygraph Testing:
- Winning participants must pass a polygraph test.
- Failure to comply or pass the test will result in disqualification.
We look forward to an exciting and competitive 2025 Miss Mahi Tournament! Good luck, and tight lines to all participants.