2012 BIG HAMMER CHALLENGE OFFICIAL RULES

First and Foremost for this year's Big Hammer Challenge Shark Tournament we want to make all anglers aware of Florida FWC laws pertaining to sharks.There has been some discussion on the proper way to release sharks and so here we provide a direct link to FWC shark regulations .Please click on the link below and READ the regulations very carefully so that you understand what THE LAWS ARE .

http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/regulations/sharks/

IT IS REQUIRED THAT EVERY ANGLER FISHING THIS TOURNAMENT READ THESE LAWS PERTAINING TO SHARKS AND AGREE TO ABIDE BY THEM,FUTHERMORE YOU WILL SIGN A REGISTRATION FORM TO FISH IN THE 2012 BIG HAMMER CHALLENGE AND BY SIGNING THAT REGISTRATION FORM YOU AGREE TO FOLLOW ALL FLORIDA FWC SHARK REGULATIONS.

THE ONE MINUTE DRILL
NEW FOR 2012 AND TO FURTHER PROMOTE THE CHANCES OF A RELEASED SHARK SURVIVING WE NOW REQUIRE THAT EVERY SHARK THAT IS CAUGHT IN THIS TOURNAMENT BE RELEASED WITHIN 60 SECONDS ONCE THE LEADER IS IN THE WIREMAN'S HANDS.PLAN FOR EFFICIENCY AND PRACTICE THE QUICK RELEASE.TEAMS SHOULD FISH WITH AT LEAST THREE ANGLERS OR MORE AND EVERY SINGLE PERSON SHOULD HAVE SPECIFIC DUTIES ASSIGNED

HAMMERHEAD SHARKS SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN OUT OF THE WATER FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT HAMMERHEAD SHARKS BE LEFT IN THE WATER FOR PICTURES AND MEASURING FOR PURPOSES OF THIS TOURNAMENT.HAMMERHEAD SHARKS HAVE A HIGHER MORTALITY RATE THAN OTHER SHARKS AFTER FIGHTING ON A FISHERMEN'S LINE AND FOR THAT REASON THEY SHOULD BE LEFT IN THE WATER OR ONLY BRIEFLY REMOVED AND VERY QUICKLY RETURNED TO THE WATER.EVERY EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE BY THE TEAM CATCHING A HAMMERHEAD SHARK TO INSURE THAT THE SHARK SURVIVES AFTER RELEASE.IF A HAMMERHEAD SHARK IS NOT SWIMMING PROPERLY UPON CAPTURE PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO WALK THE SHARK AND GET WATER FLOWING INTO IT'S MOUTH AND OVER IT'S GILLS UNTIL THE SHARK STARTS TO SWIM ON IT'S OWN.

RECOMMENDED WAY OF PHOTOGRAPHING A HAMMERHEAD IN THE WATER

Hammerhead sharks SHOULD remain in the water at all time when possible.Please practice Safety First when handling ALL SHARKS but especially hammers since the required pics must be taken with the shark in the water.Work quickly and ensure a good release.

SAFETY FIRST
We would like everyone who will fish this tournament to have fun while enjoying the sport in the spirit of friendly competition.We want to emphasize to everyone who will fish this tournament to please practice the sport but practice it with SAFETY FIRST in mind and at all times.No tournament is worth getting hurt over so please practice the sport of land-based shark fishing with SAFETY in mind.Always use extreme precaution when handling any shark as they can inflict very nasty lacerations to the careless angler.ALWAYS WEAR A LIFE VEST WHEN DEPLOYING BAITS and ALWAYS use good COMMON SENSE TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND THIS STYLE OF FISHING WHICH IS CONSTANTLY UNDER SUCH INTENSE SCRUTINY

A GREAT TOURNAMENT,GREAT TEAMS & THE EVOLUTION OF OUR SPORT

Without a doubt the very best land-based shark fishermen in the world come together once a year to fish the month-long Big Hammer Challenge Shark Tournament.In 1983 the SOUTH FLORIDA SHARK CLUB was founded by three hard core shark fishermen(Rene de Dios,James Fuqua aka JD hammer & William Fundora).As a result of a deep passion for the sport and the evolution of the internet the Big Hammer Challenge was founded in 2007 by a group of dedicated anglers from the South Florida Shark Club.This event showcases the very best land-based shark fishing on the planet and it's MOST DEDICATED HARD WORKING ANGLERS.Florida has been known for it's thriving shark populations inhabiting it's coastlines and throughout the years anglers have taken advantage of this resource.From the days of past, to the present the way we fish has evolved to reflect a more caring approach for the sharks we catch.Today more then ever we are aware of sharks need for protection and we vigourously encourage anyone in the sport to practice catch and release.Our search continues every year for the best land-based shark hunters in and out of the state of Florida.We try and reach out to new terrirories,new shark hunters ,as well as great old ones who have been out of the sport for many years.In 2012 we are expecting to have close to 40 teams competing in the BHC. Our aim each year is to have more and better teams competing in this ONE OF A KIND catch and release shark fishing tournament and last year we saw some of the best teams ever coming from states outside of Florida.This year those teams as well as new ones will invest much time and effort to become the next SHARK MASTER CHAMPION TEAM,we are very excited about the 2012 BIG HAMMER CHALLENGE SHARK TOURNAMENT.

WORKING WITH NMFS/NOAA
The future of sharks is important and as fishermen we want to undertand the sharks we catch so we can adapt how we fish to promote shark survival.We want thriving shark populations as a sustainable resource for future generations to enjoy.Although we don't always agree with what shark scientist propose WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT WE WANT SHARKS TO THRIVE.
Over the years we have made significant changes to improve our tournament and the way we handle sharks is one of the major ways that we have changed to improve shark survival upon release.We have also been involved with tagging sharks since the 1970's and have incorporated this practice into the BIG HAMMER CHALLENGE SHARK TOURNAMENT in the last several years.The tagging of sharks provides shark scientist with a better understanding of shark's movements and migratory patterns.At the South Florida Shark Club we are pro conservation and for the survival of sharks. We take our position of leadership in the sport of land-based shark fishing in Florida seriously and we feel it is our duty and are honored to help.
Each team competing in this year's Big Hammer Challenge can contact NMFS/NOAA Apex Predator program to request shark tagsIn past years a large amount of shark tags were provided to us to distribute to anglers fishing in the BHC but this year because of Federal budget cuts NMFS cannot provide the tags to us but each angler can request up to five tags before the start of the tournament on April 14,2012. As in the past we encourage all anglers to tag there sharks so please contact NMFS/NOAA and there Apex Predator Tagging Program to request tags.

NMFS CONTACT INFORMATION
Pat Turner
National Marine Fisheries Service
Apex Predators Program
28 Tarzwell Drive
Narragansett, RI 02882
Phone 401-782-3330
Fax 401-782-3292
Pat.Turner@noaa.gov

ALL SHARKS TO BE TAGGED MUST BE HANDLED WITH CAUTION & EXTREME CARE DURING TAGGING AND RELEASE.SHARKS SHOULD BE RELEASED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AFTER CAPTURE TO INSURE THEY SURVIVE.EACH TEAM SHOULD PRACTICE THE "THE ONE MINUTE DRILL" BEFORE THE START OF THE TOURNAMENT.

TOURNAMENT DATES
.
Tournament will start Saturday April 14th,2012 and ends Sunday May13, 2012 AT MIDNIGHT
*This tournament is a catch and release tournament hosted on https://www.southfloridasharkclub.com
This tournament is non profit, all monies collected go towards cost of prizes, tournament t shirts and all other costs involved.
REGISTRATION FEE & DEADLINE

Registration fee is $50 per angler OR get a savings by paying $225 for a team of 5 anglers if registered and paid on or before the April 14 ,2012 tournament start date .DEADLINE TO REGISTER A TEAM IS MONDAY APRIL 23 ,2012.Only 5 man teams can get the $25 dollar savings

RULES

All federal and state fisheries laws apply.

All sharks must be caught from land or structure,,,no boats.

All sharks must be caught on rod and reel.

All sharks must be caught unassisted by one angler only.
.
All sharks must be caught from the state of Florida.

All sharks caught must be handled with care and quickly released.
Our target release time is ONE MINUTE from the time the leader is touched ,,,so please plan strategy and move very quickly

All sharks that will be entered for prizes MUST BE REPORTED to BHC staff within 3 days of capture regardless of whether the Team is from Florida or from out of state.

All sharks caught by Florida based Teams most be posted on https://www.southfloridasharkclub.com no later then 4 days after being caught.If any team needs more time please notify BHC staff ahead of time.

All out of state Teams fishing the Big Hammer Challenge are allowed a maximum of 8 days(one week fishing and one day travel time) to Post Pictures on the Official BHC thread in the website forum but must report all catches within 3 days .The additional days allowed for out of state Teams is to allow for travel time to and from state of origin.One week of fishing and one day (24 hrs travel time)by then all sharks should be posted.

All sharks MUST be posted by 5 pm Monday May 14th,2012

All anglers fishing in the 2012 BHC must sign the Registration form/liability disclaimer.

All teams must designate a team captain.

All teams must have a minimum of 2 anglers and a maximum of 5 any combination
.
All teams must consist of at least one adult (18 years old)or older.

No team may consist of all junior anglers.

Junior angler is any angler under the age of 18.

All anglers under 18 must have the consent form(inside registration form) signed by a parent or legal guardian and turned in before they can fish in the tournament.A contact phone number must be provided of said parent or guardian.

All parents signing a form will be contacted to verify permission.

All anglers submitting a shark must appear in the picture next to the shark and should be facing the camera.

LANDMARK VERIFICATION

We want ALL TEAMS fishing the 2012 to take pictures of there surroundings at every spot they fish during the Big Hammer Challenge.The purpose of the Landmark Picture is to confirm the catch has been made from a Florida shoreline.This is to protect each Team in the event that a protest is filed insinuating a catch was made by a Team fishing beyond the Florida border.Take several pictures of landmarks and your beach during the day and save them in your camera or computer . You should preferably take pictures of Historic Landmarks if possible such as light houses,nearby monuments.channel markers,historic houses or just a picture of a shoreline that could be identified as being from Florida.We don't need to see your landmark picture unless a protest is filed.We don't want your top secret spot divulged on an open forum so please don't post it.If by any chance someone files a formal complaint then BHC staff would need to see your pics so we can make a final determination.

REQUIRED PICTURES
All sharks caught in this tournament must be photographed with the secret item in the picture and then quickly tagged and released.We recommend the use of Digital cameras for photographing of your sharks.The secret item will be announced Friday April 13,2012. The pictures of each shark are what we use to determine the winners so please be sure and do a good job of taking your two required pics of each shark.Make sure your camera is good working condition and you have a new set of batteries and a backup set.
PICTURE ONE -OVERALL LENGTH PICTURE with secret item and measuring tape stretched out CLEARLY VISIBLE from tip of shark's nose to the tip of tail.
PICTURE TWO- must be a closeup showing where the tip of the shark's tail ends on the measuring tape.
All Sharks must be measured from tip of the nose to tip of the tail
WINNERS WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE OVERALL LENGTH OF EACH SHARK.
Proper method must be used when measuring overall length of each shark(measuring tape must not sag or wonder off the sharks centerline and should be stretched tight to where the sharks tail ends)Please follow this rule.

proper way to measure each shark in The 2012 BIG HAMMER CHALLENGE

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION-All registration forms and fees must be recieved by April 23,2012 . If your registration form is mailed in and you think it's gonna be late PLEASE CALL WILL 786-797-5712

LINE CLASS FIGHT PICTURE (REQUIRED)

It is required when entering sharks caught in the three categories below that a fight picture please be included when posting the catch on the Big Hammer Challenge thread.
Please take a picture of the angler fighting the shark with the said tackle, and then the angler next to the shark , tackle used in hand and if possible with leader showing in the picture.

Biggest shark caught on spinning tackle
Biggest shark caught on 50 lb test
Biggest shark caught on 80 lb test

TEAM PICTURES

Every team fishing the Big Hammer Challenge is required to post a picture of all it's team members .If all the members cannot be in one picture you can post seperate recent pictures of your team mates.We want to assure that paid team members are the ones pictured with the sharks.

QUALIFYING SHARKS

The minimum qualifying length of a shark is 5 feet .

Nurse sharks only count for Team and Individual total but not for size in any category .

Protected species of sharks must be handled with extra precaution to insure the shark is not injured during the capture,documentation and release. If an angler intentionally kills or injuries a shark, he or she will be disqualified from the tournament and will be permanently banned from participating in future Big Hammer Challenge tournaments. This policy does not apply if a shark dies after being released, and it is determined the angler put forth acceptable and well-intentioned efforts to execute a healthy release.

**If an expired and tournament tagged shark is discovered and reported, the Big Hammer Challenge organizers will investigate before making its final determination.

STANDINGS WILL BE POSTED AND UPDATED WEEKLY ON https://www.southfloridasharkclub.com

TOURNAMENT DISPUTES
Disputes --Disputes will NOT BE TOLERATED on the website forum .PLEASE NOTE-ALL DISPUTES WILL BE HANDLED VIA PM'S on https://www.southfloridasharkclub.com , OR e-mail Will at info@southfloridasharkclub.com
*Any disputes will then be handled by the Tournament Directors.
*We want to maintain and encourage a peaceful atmosphere for those fishing the Big Hammer Challenge.
*Please respect our philosophy of keeping the PEACE while still promoting friendly competiton among land-based shark fisherman.
*We have strict website guidelines that should be adhered to and they include no name calling,or bashing.
*Anyone caught cheating will automatically be disqualified.

Anyone deemed disruptive or disrespecful may be disqualified and there money returned.We will not tolerate bashing or malicious behaviour;so choose your words carefully.

Registration Fees and Deadline
All teams must be registered by April 23,2012.Only registered anglers can catch sharks for your team.The angler making the catch must appear in the picture.All anglers fishing in the BIG HAMMER CHALLENGE must sign the registration/liabilty disclaimer form.You cannot compete until we have recieved your signed fully completed form and your registration fees have been paid. Tournament registration is $50 per angler or $250 per five man.

ANGLERS MEETING-Thursday April 12 ,2012
Adavantage Pawn and Jewelry 2031 S State Rd 7 West Park Fl 33023
Meeting Starts at 6 pm til 9 PM
Teams can register and recieve there 2012 Tournament shirts and shark tags at the Bar bq/angler's meeting or your items can be mailed to you once your signed appliction form and payment have been recieved in the mail.If you want your tournament items mailed to you, please include in your payment $10 for shipping.Please include a list of the t-shirt sizes you will need. Sizes available are small to 3xxx. Every angler fishing the tournament will recieve one tournament shirt.Additional shirts can be bought for $20 each.

Please email William at info@southfloridasharkclub.com with your Team names and the name of your team members.

Rules subject to change and will be announced.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ALL PICTURES OF SHARKS TO BE ENTERED MUST INCLUDE THE SECRET ITEM IN THEM-SHARKS ARE JUDGED ON OVERALL LENGTH -pictures must be clear