2014 BIG HAMMER CHALLENGE CATCH AND RELEASE SHARK TOURNAMENT RULES & REGISTRATION FEES
We are in th process of finalizing our 2014 Big Hammer Challenge Rules to make this the best SHARK TOURNAMENT ANYWHERE ON THE PLANET so please bear with us a s we prepare for the April 12 start date.Rules subject to change and will be announced.
TOURNAMENT DATES
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Tournament will start Saturday April 12th,2014 and ends Monday May 12th, 2014 AT MIDNIGHT
*This tournament is a catch and release tournament hosted on https://www.southfloridasharkclub.com
This tournament benefits two non profit organizations the Shorebound Anglers Alliance and the South Florida Shark Club, all monies collected go towards CASH PRIZES,Tournament Expenses including other prizes, and all other costs involved.
REGISTRATION FEE & DEADLINE
Fishermen have expressed a desire to have CASH PRIZES for the 2014 Big Hammer Challenge and so in this years Tournament the participants will be competing for cash prizes and other prizes.A Paypal account will be set up by March 14th 2014 to accept all Team payments.We urge all anglers participating in this years BHC to register early and pay the total due from your Team via money order ,personal check or Paypal .Individual payments will only be accepted by money order or check . WINNERS IN ALL CATEGORIES MUST AGREE TO SUBMIT TO A POLYGRAPH TEST,no exceptions.
Registration fee is $75 per angler and $375 for a Team of five.The 2014 BHC T shirts will be sold at $15 per shirt.DEADLINE TO REGISTER A TEAM IS MONDAY APRIL 22 ,2014.If a Team needs there 2014 BHC packet mailed to them please ADD a $10 shipping fee to your PAYMENT.Only registered anglers can participate and 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/liability disclaimer form.You cannot compete until we have received your signed fully completed REGISTRATION FORM and your registration fees have been paid in Full
DIANA COUPEL OF TEAM JURASSIC WITH A STUD BULL SHARK IN THE 2013 BHC
Again this year the Big Hammer Challenge Shark Tournament organizers want to point out that ALL ANGLERS fishing the BHC catch and release shark tournament should familiarize themselves with 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, FURTHERMORE YOU MUST SIGN A BHC REGISTRATION FORM TO FISH IN THE 2014 BIG HAMMER CHALLENGE. BY SIGNING THAT REGISTRATION FORM YOU AGREE TO FOLLOW ALL FLORIDA FWC SHARK REGULATIONS
REQUIRED PICTURES & PROPER WAY TO MEASURE SHARKS
All sharks caught in this tournament must be photographed with the secret item in the picture and then quickly tagged and released.We REQUIRE THE USE OF DIGITAL CAMERAS for photographing sharks TO BE ENTERED IN THE 2014 BIG HAMMER CHALLENGE.The secret item will be announced FRIDAY April 11,2014 AT 9 PM-three hours prior to the start of the Tournament. The pictures of each shark are what we use to determine the winners so please take multiple pictures of length and tail shot.Make sure your camera is good working condition and you have a new set of batteries and a backup set.
IN 2014 THE BHC STAFF WILL PROVIDE TO EACH TEAM TWO WIDE PLASTIC MEASURING TAPES THAT WILL BE MARKED AT EVERY FOOT MARK AND EVERY SHARK TO BE ENTERED MUST BE MEASURED WITH THIS SPECIAL DEVICE.THE TIP OR START SECTION OF THE TAPE SHOULD BE STAPLED OR AFFIXED TO A PIECE OF WOOD STAKE OR A PIECE OF THIS PVC PIPE SO THAT SHARKS CAN BE MEASURED WITH ONLY TWO ANGLERS PRESENT
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.IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE AND STRETCH THE SHARKS TAIL TO GAIN AN INCH OR TWO THAT SHARK WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.TAKE MULTIPLE PICTURES THE CORRECT WAY OR RISK A WINNING SHARK BEING DISQUALIFIED.
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.
SHARKS IN THE 2014 BHC CANNOT BE STRETCHED IN ANY FORM AND THE MEASURING TAPE MUST BE DOWN THE CENTERLINE OF THE SHARK ,AND THE TAPE CANNOT HAVE A WRINKLE IN IT BUT MUST BE HELD TAUT & STRAIGHT FROM TIP OF SNOUT TO TIP OF TAIL.THE REQUIRED USE OF A WOOD STAKE OR PVC IN THIS YEARS BHC WILL MAKE THE PROBLEMS OF THE PAST LESS LIKELY
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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- TAIL SHOT must be a closeup showing where the tip of the shark's tail ends on the measuring tape.
Team "Hammer Wranglers"three time CHAMPIONS with their 2012 winning Hammerhead Shark
THE QUICK RELEASE DRILL
Again FOR 2014 AND TO FURTHER PROMOTE THE CHANCES OF A RELEASED SHARK SURVIVING WE RECOMMEND THAT EVERY SHARK THAT IS CAUGHT IN THIS TOURNAMENT BE RELEASED QUICKLY ONCE THE LEADER IS IN THE WIREMAN'S HANDS and THE SHARK IS UNDER CONTROL.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.
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.
Please practice Safety First when handling ALL SHARKS but especially hammerhead sharks which seem to have a high mortality rate.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.Always use extreme precaution when handling any shark as they can inflict very serious wounds 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 territories,new shark hunters ,as well as great old ones who have been out of the sport for many years.In 2014 we are expecting to have over 50 teams again competing in our month long tournament. 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 2014 BIG HAMMER CHALLENGE SHARK TOURNAMENT.
WORKING WITH NMFS/NOAA
The future of sharks is important and as fishermen we want to underStand 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. 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 12,2013. As in the past we encourage anglers to get involved in tagging there shark and to pass along the habit of doing so to other shark fishermen.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.
2014 RULES
All federal and state fisheries laws apply.
All sharks must be caught in the Big Hammer Challenge must be caught from land or structure.
All sharks must be caught on manual rod and reel,No electric reels allowed.
All sharks must be caught unassisted by one angler on the rod and reel.
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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.WE WILL UNDER SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES ALLOW UP TO 7 DAYS TO POST SHARKS.
All out of state Teams fishing the Big Hammer Challenge are allowed (24 hours)one day after tournament ends to post sharks.That is to allow out of state Teams travel time back to state of origin.Out of state Teams must post Pictures on the Official BHC thread like everyone else and must report all catches within 3 days.
All sharks in the 2014 BHC MUST be posted NO LATER THEN 7 pm Tuesday May 13th,2014
All 2014 BHC Official winners will be Announced by Wednesday May 14th 2014
All Protest must be accompanied by $100 Money Order that would be Returned if the Complaint is deemed to be Valid ,however if your complaint is judged by the Tournament Committee to be without merit you forefit the $100.
All anglers fishing in the 2014 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
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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 2014 to take pictures of LAND MARKS 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.
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION
All registration forms and fees must be received by April 22,2014 . If your registration form is mailed in and you think it's gonna be late PLEASE CALL WILL 786-797-5712
LINE CLASS FIGHT PICTURES (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 22,2014.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 received your signed fully completed REGISTRATION FORM and your registration fees have been paid. Tournament registration is $75 per angler or $375 per five man team.
WEST COAST ANGLERS MEETING -Thursday April 3rd 2014{color]
We will be at Venice Pier (Sharkys ) for the WEST COAST ANGLERS MEETING .Several SFSC members will be on hand to help sign up teams and to help distribute tournament participant materials.We welcome all interested anglers to attend this meeting/get-together it will be a fun event where we can see old friends and meet new ones.
EAST COAST ANGLERS MEETING-Thursday April 10 ,2014
Anglers Meeting is at 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 2014 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 $20 each.
Please email William at info@southfloridasharkclub.com with your Team names and the name of your team members.
Rules subject to change and will be announced.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ALL PICTURES OF SHARKS TO BE ENTERED MUST INCLUDE THE SECRET ITEM IN THEM-SHARKS ARE JUDGED ON OVERALL LENGTH -pictures must be clear
SOUTH FLORIDA SHARK CLUB -President SFSC-Founding Member est 1983 SFSC-Website Administrator BIG HAMMER SHARK TOURNAMENT -Founder Rene Memorial Sharkathon -Founder NMFS Shark Tagger
Will just wanted to clarify, 75$ each angler and we get a shirt or are they only separate for 15$ or 20$? I only ask as on the bottom of your post it says every paid angler gets a shirt and each additional is 20$, but at the top its worded as if you only get one if you pay extra for it. Thanks
Team HUGE Gear Captain
"GET SOME!"