2021 Hammer Down Fishing Tournament Rule Book
Secretary/Treasurer
Chairman - Kathy Rodgers
Co-Chairman-Bill Hammer
Rules Book
David Rothschiller
Kathy Rodgers
Master of Ceremonies
Kathy Rodgers
Cameras1
Steve Fusco
Alex Hammer
Weigh Master
Tom Barroll
Denny Grover
Radio / TC
Kathy Rodgers
Norene Sauser
RAFFLE
Kathy Rodgers
REGISTRATION
DianeBarroll
Charla Hicky
Tents Chairs etc
HammerHeads & Tecate
Webmaster
Martin Valdez
ENTRY FEE ONLY $150 PER ANGLER NO BOAT FEE.
Organizers would like to say “Thank You” to the community for their hospitality by donating to local charities. The San Carlos fishing community would also like to send their appreciation on and dedicate the San Carlos Hammer Down Fishing Tournament to local fishing legend Mr. Bill Hammer for his years of involvement in the Labor Day Tournament. A list of last year’s donations are
itemized in this book.
Supporters of this tournament receive no compensation, therefore all proceeds, less expenses, go to our charities. Donations are determined by the judgment of the tournament committee.Communications are vital to a successful tournament therefore Channel 65A USA (subject to change), will be the official tournament channel.
We have five jackpots. You may enter any one or any combination, in addition to the three overall point jackpots; there are two Fun-FISH Jackpots.
Your entry fee automatically enters each angler into the following!
OSWC QUALIFIER
The winning team of the San Carlos Hammer Down qualifies to participate in the Offshore World’s Finals held in Quepos, Costa Rica. This is a Offshore World Championship Qualifying Event. That means that the winning team will be given an invitation to the 2022 World Championship. For most, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity... just ask a San Carlos team that went in previous years. The only way to participate is to win one of the qualifying events. This truly is an international event as angler come from Croatia, Australia and Papua New Guinea just to name a few participating countries. For more information go to: www.offshoreworldchampionship.com
THE D&D AWARD
San Carlos Hammer Down tournament will continue this award which was presented to the top angler in the Cantina Cup, memorializing a great fishing and family team, Dan (Danno) Gillespie and Campbell (Cuda) Gillespie. In 2006, Danno, Cory and Chris, aboard the D&D brought a new level of fishing to San Carlos and won the Cantina Cup. Sadly, in May 2007, Danno and Cuda (his Dad) were killed in an auto accident just outside of San Carlos as they were returning home from a fishing trip. Award will be presented to the high point angler.
In honor of Betty Lou Hammer, the $500 “Award”,will go to the Angler that catches the First Bill Fish of each day, and must be in compliance with all rules for Billfish catch and release.
HAMMER AWARD
In honor of John Hammer we will award a $200 award for the largest
dorado of each Day!
Our raffle and Sunday Dinner are not open to the public. Team family and guests are welcome. You must be present to claim you're raffle items.
Entries before September 15th receive 25 free raffle tickets per
angler. Please check out raffles to see the high quality of items
presented.
Pesos will be valued at approximately the US current rate.
We have four categories: Billfish (Marlin and Sailfish), Dorado, Yellow fin Tuna and Wahoo. Verification of all Billfish catches will be done by use of a camera. The only fish that require photo proof are released Billfish. Dorado, Tuna and Wahoo do not require a photo.
At 11:00 A.M., 2:00 P.M. and at closing me we will have a roll call.
Please report your activity for that me period.
Please note that Mexican law requires valid permits for each angler. Mandatory to produce at registration for recording ( MX law ) Licenses will be available at registration to purchase .We reserve the right to deny entry to any team or person at our sole discretion.
Thank you for your participation. Have a wonderful time and Good Luck!
TOURNAMENT RULES & INFORMATION AGENDA
There will be a “No Host” Cocktail Party at 5:00 P.M. on Friday, October 8th, at the San Carlos Yacht Club for Registration, Final Review of Rules and Jackpot Entries. Make any changes to your entry form with the tournament committee at this me. This includes any changes to anglers, boats or captains.
The Awards will be presented at Sunday night’s Awards Dinner at 6:00 P.M. at the San Carlos Yacht Club. You are encouraged to bring your Captain and guest to both events.
GENERAL RULES
International Angling Rules as contained in this booklet shall guide this Tournament. This tournament is limited to Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado, Yellowfin Tuna and Wahoo.
1. Fishing Hours:
Saturday7:00A.M.-4:00P.M.
Sunday7:00A.M.-3:00P.M.
Note: Scales will open at 3:00 P.M. daily.
Days could be dropped or hours modified if weather conditions warrant.
2. Starting times relate to leaving Marina San Carlos outer harbor or Marina Real, behind the “Start” boat at each location. Any boat leaving ahead of the official starting me will be disqualified from the Tournament for that day.
3. Closing hours relate to bringing ALL LINES IN unless you are fighting a fish. At closing me all lines must be brought in. You must proceed back and check-in with the weigh station. Any fish that is hooked up and reported prior to closing me may be fought and counted if it is successfully boated. This event must be reported to tournament control as soon as possible. (Please note that the weigh station closes 6:00 P.M. on Saturday and 5:00 P.M. on Sunday.)
4. The tournament radio will keep the official time.
5. Each day you must check in at the official weigh station in Marina San Carlos for weighing or to report “released’’ fish. You are responsible for checking in each day. If you do not have fish to report you may check-in by radio.
6. Report all fish to Tournament Control Channel VHF 65 A USA. (Subject to change)
7. Bull Dorado only are limited to 2 per angler per day. Yellow fin Tuna and Wahoo are limited to 5 per angler per day. There is not a limit on released Marlin or Sailfish.
8. All eligible fish weighed in will count 1 point per pound. Fun fish minimum weight to qualify is 12 pounds per fish. Fish under 12 pounds will not qualify. As a bonus, any fun fish that weighs in at 50 pounds or more will receive an additional 100 points.
9. Released Billfish (Marlin and Sailfish) will count as 250 points (TWO HUNDRED FIFTY POINTS) with photo verification.
10. Chumming is not allowed.
11. Live bait is not allowed (dead bait ok).
12. Jungle Rules, any registered angler can hook the fish and pass the rod to any other registered angler. Rod must be passed immediately after the fish is hooked up.
13. Anglers cannot serve as captains or captains cannot serve as anglers (you cannot be registered in both positions). To be eligible for the Captain’s Award, it is necessary to be registered in that position. It is not a requirement to buy the captain’s package.
14. IGFA rules as contained in this booklet will apply.
15. Billfish weighing over 250 lbs may be brought to the scale for additional points, at one point per lb.Any billfish brought in less than 250 lbs will be awarded scale weight only. i.e. if your fish weighs 225 lb you will only get the 225 point scale weight, not the 250 points you would have gotten if you would have released it.
Note: A 250 lb blue or black marlin is roughly 94 inches measured from boom jaw to the inside fork of the tail.
A 250 lb striped marlin would need to measure 98 inches from boom jaw to the inside fork of the tail.
Keep in mind they will lose 10% of body weight in the first hour. A striped
Marlin in the Sea of Cortez will probably not make weight. We encourage
catch and release.
CAMERA AND RELEASE RULES
Each registered boat must have an approved digital date and time stamped camera with the ability to transfer photos to a computer. Absolutely NO cell phone cameras will be allowed. You will be given a control number to display from Tournament Control when you call in your hook-up.
All teams must provide their own video camera(s) and know how to operate them to verify releases.
THE FOLLOWING RULES APPLY TO THE USE OF VIDEO
CAMERAS:
Accepted video format - Go Pro h264 , mp4 - or mp3 : NOT Go Pro HERO6 Black .
All video recording equipment must be synchronized to the official tournament time and checked in by the tournament organizers. ** Organizers will NOT adjust for you. All video equipment must be
synchronized to the official Tournament time. Teams must video their boat name and team members with all release cameras each day before departing to go fishing. (Same as still cameras).
To score an official release the video footage must include sufficient continuous footage and provided to the weigh station when signing the fish caught report. The footage must clearly show the following:
1. Clearly identify the species;
2. Show a team member, angler or crew touching the leader while the fish is still
hooked;
3. Identify the time and date of the catch; and any security code issued.
4. Show the catch and full release of the fish.
The video must be continuous, with no breaks in recording, and identify all of these elements. Do not delete any video taken during fishing hours, even if it does not include the above elements and will not be used to prove a catch.
After the release video is taken, the official time, species and angler name will be written on the catch-report to be signed at weigh station.
At the end of the day’s fishing, the video camera, camera connections used to plug into a computer, catch-report and all video footage taken must be brought to the weigh station or other designated place for verification of official release points.
Catch reports should be signed by close of Weigh Station
Failure to turn in a catch report will result in disqualification of that day’s catch.
The following rules apply to the use of the STILL cameras:
A. The first photo taken with the camera will be of the stern of the boat, ensuring that the full name of the boat appears in the photo or a crew member appears in the photo. Same applies to day 2.
B. When a Billfish is being caught and prior to bringing it alongside the boat, you must call tournament control and request a control number. With that number, a crew member must hold up their hand with the appropriate number of fingers visible in the photo. If it is necessary to take more than one photo to ensure accuracy, each photo MUST show the same control number. The fish must be identifiable as a Billfish, the control number shown and a crew member’s hand on the leader or swivel at rod p, in the same photo. It is not necessary to hold the fish. The photo must show the fish at a distance no longer than the length of the lead
C. Day 2 – A photo must be taken of the stern end of the boat with a crew member holding two (2) fingers visible by camera. All catches will be photographed in the same manner as the previous day
D. All cameras must be formatted for time and date
E. Due to possible adverse sea conditions and difficulties to get a safe photo of the control number, billfish, and the hand on leader line. The Hammer Down tournament will allow sequential photos, as long as they are time stamped within the time recorded at tournament control, catch time and release time.
FUN-FISH JACKPOT RULES.( Two Jackpots)
Billfish points will not apply. Tournament and Jackpot rules apply.
Daily Biggest Fun Fish Jackpot!
$300 entry fee per boat Payout for biggest Tuna, Bull Dorado or Wahoo of the day
Jackpot is split over 2 days (1⁄2 jackpot day one, 1⁄2 jackpot day two).
If no fun-fish are weighed day one jackpot will go to day two winner
If no fun-fish are weighed day two jackpot will go to day one winner.
If no fish are caught day one or day two money will be retained by tournament.
In case of tie, the tie breaker will be awarded to the first team to accumulate the most points first.
The Tournament retains 15% of the pot for charity.
12 lbs minimum weight!
Tournament Fun Fish Boat Jackpot!
$300 entry fee per boat for overall two day points.
Pays 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for Fun Fish total overall points of the tournament.
Combined weight for all Tuna, Bull Dorado and Wahoo weight.
Qualifying weight minimum 12 lbs per Fun Fish.
If no points are awarded for any reason, the money will be retained by the tournament.
In case of e, the e breaker will be awarded to the first team to accumulate the most points first.
The Tournament retains 15% of the pot for charity.
TROPHIES
First, Second and Third: will be awarded to the fishing team based on the point system in each category. Fish will count as points per rules 7, 8, & 9.
In case of tie, t he tie breaker will be awarded to the first team to accumulate the most points first.
The D&D Trophy will be presented to the individual high point tournament angler.
DISPUTES
Any disputes, complaints or deviations must be submitted in wring to a member of the Rules Committee prior to the next day’s start or close of weigh station on Sunday, whichever is applicable. If a member of the Rules Committee is involved in the incident, he/she will not participate in the final decision of that incident. The Chairman of this committee will not vote except in the case of a tie.
JACKPOT RULES & REGULATIONSThe Jackpot Sales will be held during the Cocktail Party on Friday, October 6th at the San Carlos Yacht Club. The Boat/Team may buy into all categories.
Funds will be in U. S. dollars, they must be paid in cash in U.S. dollars or in the equal value in pesos.There are three Jackpots: $300, $ 600 and $ 900 USD. You may enter all or none.
Each Boat will be considered a Team. Cash awards will be on the basis of BOAT/TEAMS, not individuals. The award to be determined by TOTAL POINTS.
Only the boat team may purchase their jackpot entries.
In case a boat is not able to leave the harbor both days, due to mechanical problems, the money will be refunded to the buyer, and the pot reduced by a like amount.
AWARDS:
The jackpot monies will be distributed as follows:
15% of the Jackpot monies may go to these year ́s charities.
(Additional individual donations are not expected or desired.)
10% of the Jackpot monies to the Captain whose name is listed on the entry form and whose BOAT/TEAM accumulates the most points. In order to be eligible to receive the Captain ́s Prizes, the individuals must be a Mexican Citizen.
1st place --- 50% of the 10%
2nd place --- 30% of the 10% 3rd place --- 20% of the 10%
RULES FOR FISHING IN SALT WATER
Angling Regulations
From the time that a fish strikes or takes a bait or lure, the angler must hook, fight, and land or boat the fish to gaff without the aid of any other person, except as provided in these regulations. (Jungle rules apply to hooking the fish only).
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 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, float line, 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. Hand lining or using a hand line 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.
Equipment Regulations
A. LINE
1. Monofilament, mutifilament and lead core may be used. For line classes, see World Record Requirements in the IGFA complete text
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 shall 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.
D. LEADER
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 30feet (9.14 meters). The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 40 feet (12.19 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. (The above measurements do not apply to surf casting rods.)
F. REEL
1. Reels must comply with sporting ethics and customs.
. Power driven reels of any kind are prohibited. This includes motor, hydraulic, or electrically driven reels, and any device which gives the angler an unfair advantage.
2. 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 and dead bait fishing no more than two single hooks may be used. Both must be firmly imbedded in or securely 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. All record applications made for fish caught on two-hook tackle must be accompanied by a photograph or sketch of the hook arrangement.
H. HOOKS AND LURES
1. When using an artificial lure with a skirt of 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 further than 12 inches (30.48 cm) apart. The only 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 (either 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 which aid the angler in fighting a fish. 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.
2. Gaffs and nets used to boat or land a fish must not exceed 8 feet (2.49meters) 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.)
3. Floats are prohibited with the exception of any small flotation device attached to the line or leader for the sole purpose of regulating the depth of the bait. The flotation device must not in any way hamper the fighting ability of the fish.
4. Entangling devices, both with or without a hook, are prohibited and may not be used for any purpose including baiting, hooking, fighting, orlanding the fish.
5. Outriggers, down-riggers, 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
A safety line may be attached to the rod provided that it does not in any way assist the angler in fighting the fish.
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2019 WINNERS
$300 JACKPOT
FIRST RELAX
SECOND NO LIMIT
THIRD KRYPTONITE
$600 JACKPOT
FIRST RELAX
SECOND FREEBIRD
THIRD BABY GIRL
900 JACKPOT
FIRST RELAX
SECOND PREDATOR
THIRD KRYPTONITE
CAPTAINS
JESUS VALENZUELA
EDGAR GASTELUM
ISRAEL ROMO
TROPHIES
FIRST BABY GIRL
SECOND PREDATOR
THIRD KRYPTONITE
TOP ANGLER/ D&D AWARD
PETE FINOCCIARO
FUN-FISH DAILY
DAY1
JEFF GOLDEN MARTILLO
DAY 2
GREG BARLOW MARLOW