General Information

Dates and Times: Tournament fishing days are Thursday July 25, Friday July 26 and Saturday July 27, 2024.

Boats MAY ONLY depart from Port O’Connor, Little Jetties no earlier than 11:00am on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

All boats must come to Port O’Connor to weigh fish and turn in video release verifications.

The weigh station will be open from 7:00pm – midnight on Friday, July 26, 2024 (FOR weighing Blue Marlin ONLY) and from 4:00pm – 6:00pm on Saturday, July 27, 2024.

Entry & Registration: Entry is not complete until payment of entry fee by check, PayPal or credit card is received. Entry forms and fees will also be accepted during registration at the Tournament headquarters between the hours of 1:00pm – 4:00pm on Wednesday, July the 24, 2024 in the Lone Star Saloon at the Alligator Head Club.

Each entry will receive boat gifts that include a custom (if entry is received by June 1, 2024) boarding mat, 6 caps/visors, 6 t-shirts, and a tournament bucket.  Tournament gifts may be picked up on completion of registration at the Lone Star Saloon on July 24, 2024. Each entry will also receive 6 wristbands and 6 dinner tickets to all events.  Additional dinner tickets and wristbands can be purchased with your Shootout entry form or at the tournament registration on the July 24, 2024.  Extra tickets are limited so you are encouraged to purchase your additional tickets in advance with your tournament entry.

Each entry must be submitted by a current HBGFC member or a confirmed current member of a recognized fishing club based on the Gulf Coast. You can become a member of HBGFC with the Tournament entry form or through the HBGFC website HERE.

MANDATORY Captain’s Meeting: The Captain’s Meeting is scheduled for 8:00am on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at the Lone Star Saloon.  A representative for each Tournament boat must attend the Captain’s Meeting.  There will be a roll call and a sign-in sheet.

Eligible Waters: Tournament fishing of any kind is restricted to waters north of the 26 degree latitude line, U.S. waters only.

Weighed Fish Minimum Lengths and Weights: Weighed Blue Marlin must meet a minimum of 106 inches long, measured by lower jaw fork length. Tuna, Wahoo and Dolphin must meet a minimum weight of 25 lbs.

Entry Cancellation Policy: Entry cancellations received on or before July 17, 2024 will receive a full boat pool refund and full tournament entry fee refund minus the cost of tournament gifts. Entry cancellations after July 17, 2024 and before the close of registration will receive a refund of boat pools only or as otherwise determined by the tournament committee.

Cancellation due to weather or events beyond Tournament Control: The 2024 Tournament is scheduled for three days of fishing, July 25 – 27, 2024. In the event weather concerns exist on or after July 24, 2024 the Tournament Committee will submit the weather concerns to a Weather Committee comprised of all members of the Tournament Committee, the President of the Houston Big Game Fishing Club and 3 members from registered teams selected at the discretion of the Tournament Committee.  The Weather Committee will use all available forecast and weather data to make a determination regarding fishing, postponement or cancellation of fishing.  The options that may be made are to proceed with fishing as scheduled, postpone the departure time, change the Tournament to one day of fishing, reschedule or cancel Tournament fishing days altogether.  If the Tournament is canceled due to weather or events beyond the control of the Tournament, the HBGFC Board of Directors will make the decision for any reimbursement amount within 30 days after the cancellation.

All applicable federal and state regulations apply as Tournament rules. Be aware of and adhere to any federal requirements regarding the use of circle hooks during tournaments.   All IGFA saltwater angling and tackle rules apply with the following exceptions: 1. An angler may receive assistance getting the rod to the chair or harness immediately after hookup. The angler must then fight the fish unassisted. 2. An angler or mate may set the hook and pass the rod to another angler after hookup. This may occur one time immediately after hookup. It is the sole responsibility of all participants to be familiar with IGFA rules, as well as all applicable federal and state regulations.

Very important: Do not pull any billfish into the boat. Video showing billfish pulled over the gunnel, into a tuna door or otherwise brought into the boat will be disqualified.