Tournament Rules FOR THE 2024 Summer Slam June 8th and August 17th in Pompano Beach
Unless otherwise provided for herein, the following rules shall apply to all kayak fishing tournament (“EKFT”) events. These rules may be changed by EKFT AT ANY TIME. Notice of updates to tournament rules shall be published on the EKFT website at www.extremekayakfishingtournament.org.
Interpretation and enforcement of these rules shall be left exclusively to the Tournament Director or his/her designee at a tournament. In the event of a rule violation, the Tournament Director or a rules committee may impose such sanctions as deemed appropriate by them, including without limitation, disqualification, forfeiture of prizes, entry fee and prohibition from participation in future EKFT tournaments. Subject to the protest and appeal process set forth in SECTION 10, the decision of the Tournament Director, his/her designee, or the rules committee, shall be final in all matters.
BY REGISTERING TO PARTICIPATE IN AN EKFT EVENT, ANGLERS CERTIFY THAT THEY HAVE READ THE TOURNAMENT RULES AND SHALL ABIDE BY THEM.
Interpretation and enforcement of these rules shall be left exclusively to the Tournament Director or his/her designee at a tournament. In the event of a rule violation, the Tournament Director or a rules committee may impose such sanctions as deemed appropriate by them, including without limitation, disqualification, forfeiture of prizes, entry fee and prohibition from participation in future EKFT tournaments. Subject to the protest and appeal process set forth in SECTION 10, the decision of the Tournament Director, his/her designee, or the rules committee, shall be final in all matters.
BY REGISTERING TO PARTICIPATE IN AN EKFT EVENT, ANGLERS CERTIFY THAT THEY HAVE READ THE TOURNAMENT RULES AND SHALL ABIDE BY THEM.
ACTION AGAINST AMBUSH MARKETING
Ambush marketing or ambush advertising is a marketing strategy in which an advertiser "ambushes" an event to compete for exposure against competing advertisers. The term "ambush marketing" was coined by marketing strategist Jerry Welsh. Most forms of ambush marketing capitalize on the prominence of a major event through marketing campaigns that associate an advertiser with it, but without actually having paid sponsorship fees to the event's organizer to identify themselves as an "official" partner or sponsor.
Action against ambush marketing is most common in sport; the practice has been a growing concern to the organizers of events. Over the last few years EKFT has been subject to excessive ambush marketing and has come together with our sponsors & team to put a stop to it! EKFT will now blur out and or photoshop certain companies that are in photos and video media & not part of the EKFT events. EKFT will also have team members monitoring each event for companies trying to promote their brand without being affiliated with EKFT.
For questions please email [email protected]
Ambush marketing or ambush advertising is a marketing strategy in which an advertiser "ambushes" an event to compete for exposure against competing advertisers. The term "ambush marketing" was coined by marketing strategist Jerry Welsh. Most forms of ambush marketing capitalize on the prominence of a major event through marketing campaigns that associate an advertiser with it, but without actually having paid sponsorship fees to the event's organizer to identify themselves as an "official" partner or sponsor.
Action against ambush marketing is most common in sport; the practice has been a growing concern to the organizers of events. Over the last few years EKFT has been subject to excessive ambush marketing and has come together with our sponsors & team to put a stop to it! EKFT will now blur out and or photoshop certain companies that are in photos and video media & not part of the EKFT events. EKFT will also have team members monitoring each event for companies trying to promote their brand without being affiliated with EKFT.
For questions please email [email protected]
1) REGISTRATION AND ELIGIBILITY
Participation in EKFT tournament events is open to all anglers possessing a kayak & or a SUP. All anglers must pay the registration fee, complete an entry form and receive a ID number and wrist band.
Every angler must possess a valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License unless the angler is sixty-five (65) and older. All prize winners may be asked to produce a valid license prior to receiving any award.
The kayak of every registered angler shall be inspected by the Coast Guard and the Extreme Tournament Committee before shoot off. Any angler refusing a kayak check shall be disqualified.
Each participant shall pay an entry fee of $150 for a one-day entry (hereinafter “Entry Fee”) per angler to participate in the Event. The Entry Fee shall be paid (in full) prior to participation in the Event. There will be no refunds of the Entry Fee
2) SIGN IN AND SHOOT OFF
All anglers MUST sign in and out on tournament day.
Shoot off shall take place at first light between 6:30 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. (Exact time will be given at the kickoff party).
Anglers MUST be back at launch location on the beach by 2pm SHARP to get their fish tagged.
Food and drinks will be provided by Zona Fresca, Jersey Mikes Subs, Dandee Donuts and Budweiser
3) SPORTSMANSHIP
All anglers are expected to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety, and conservation. Any angler who displays poor sportsmanship, violates these rules, or any state or local laws, or brings unfavorable publicity to the sport of extreme kayak fishing will be disqualified and may be disqualified from participating in future tournament events.
Specifically, the use of obscene language or gestures is strictly forbidden at any time prior to, during, or after the event. This includes the use of obscene language over the tournament channel. Any infraction of these fundamental sporting principles may be deemed cause for disqualification or other penalty. Maximum courtesy must be practiced at all times, especially with regard to angling in the vicinity of non-competitors who may be on tournament waters.
Any act or inflammatory statement by any contestant that, in the opinion of the Tournament Director, is detrimental to the operation of tournament, damaging to organized extreme kayak fishing, to EKFT, or any of its sponsors, permitting agencies or their officers, including Coast Guard inspectors, during or after the tournaments may result in temporary or permanent suspension and disqualification from all future EKFT tournaments.
EKFT reserves the right to reject any angler’s registration at anytime. EKFT reserves the right to refuse service to anyone.
4) GENERAL RULES
* Kayaks shall not have motors of any kind.
* Every angler must use a rod and reel to catch all fish in the tournament.
* No electric reels.
* No long lining from the kayak.
* No assistance from a boat, unless otherwise provided for in the tournament rules.
* No sharing rods.
* No splitting the winnings with another angler by sharing his or her fish.
* No diving from your kayak to spear a fish.
* Angler cannot buy a fish.
* Boats CANNOT chum for any kayak angler during the tournament.
* Anglers may not pass rods to fellow kayak anglers once a fish has been hooked. A fish considered hooked once a strike occurs and the drag is engaging or the bail is closed.
* FAD's (fishing attractive devices) are illegal within state waters & in every EKFT Tournament.
A fish aggregating (or aggregation) device (FAD) is a man-made object used to attract ocean going pelagic fish such as marlin, tuna and mahi-mahi (dolphin fish). They usually consist of buoys or floats tethered to the ocean floor with concrete blocks. Over 300 species of fish gather around FADs. FADs attract fish for numerous reasons that vary by species.
* Chumming IS PERMITTED in every EKFT event but from a kayak, SUP, canoe ect. ONLY. Boats CANNOT chum for kayak anglers.
The following items are mandatory safety equipment for each kayak:
* Personal Flotation Devices (PFDS)
* Visual Distress Signals (Flag)
* Sounds Producing Device (bell, horn, whistle, etc.)
5) FLORIDA FISH ELIGIBILITY AND WEIGH IN
Unless otherwise provided in the tournament rules, the following fish are the only species eligible for Total Weight prizes in EKFT tournaments: Dolphin, Wahoo, Kingfish, Black fin tuna, African Pompano, Cobia, Mutton Snapper, Gag Grouper, Black Grouper, Warsaw Grouper, Snowy Grouper, and all Mackerel. All fish MUST be 5lbs and up to qualify in every EKFT event.
Up to five (5) fish eligible for weigh-in per kayak
Grand Prize is TOTAL WEIGHT OF FISH. $3,000 from Nautical Ventures and Turbo USA
In the event of a tie in overall weight, the angler that gets his fish weighed FIRST wins the tie breaker
Only TWO (2) Kingfish per kayak, 24” Fork Length (By law)
Recreational bag limit for blackfin tuna decreased to two fish per person or 10 fish per vessel, whichever is greater. These regulations extend into federal waters. (By law)
All fish presented for weigh-in must be fresh, in edible condition & must be caught on tournament day.
Go to http://myfwc.com/fishing/ For all Florida fish laws, which every angler MUST follow at each tournament.
6) BAIT
EKFT does not provide live bait for any Florida tournaments. Live bait from other sources may be available on the shore or within the buoys until 8:00 a.m. sharp on the day of each tournament. It is up to the angler where he or she gets bait. EKFT is not responsible for anglers bait & tackle. There are plenty of options in Pompano Beach. No live bait can be purchased on the water within the buoys after 8:00 a.m. If an angler is caught receiving live bait from a boat on the water past the beach buoys then that angler is disqualified. The same penalty as receiving a fish on the water. Anglers catching their own bait must come back for the shoot off and have his or her kayak inspected.
Tyler can be reached for pre orders at 954-650-7894
7) FLORIDA TOURNAMENT DIVISIONS & CALCUTTA'S
In addition to its main tournament prizes, EKFT’s tournament series also includes the Calcutta's Tuna and Kingfish
Calcuttas are subject to a 20% fee of total funds collected.
8) ANGLER ASSISTANCE
If angler has to be helped to shore that angler is disqualified. The help boat will no longer hold and tag fish. No angler can be helped back to the launch point from any engine of any kind (trucks, cars, boats, kayaks etc...) All anglers must return to launch point under his or her own power. The help boat shall remain on the water to provide emergency assistance to participants ONLY.
9) TANDEM KAYAKS
Tandem kayaks are allowed, BUT each angler is competing against one another & each angler must pay an entry fee. Anglers cannot pass rods to the fellow kayak angler once a fish has been hooked. A fish considered hooked once a strike occurs and the drag is engaging or the bail is closed. Anglers cannot help one another in any way! The winning angler is subject to a polygraph test. Each angler can weigh up to 5 eligible fish.
10) PROTEST AND APPEAL
All protests must be submitted in writing to the Rules Committee on the day of the alleged violation by 5pm with a deposit of $100.00. If the alleged violation is found to have occurred, the deposit of $100.00 will be refunded. If the Rules Committee finds no violation, the deposit will not be refunded. The decision of the Rules Committee will be final. If an angler is caught protesting during the tournament without following the process set forth herein, that angler may be banned from every EKFT tournament event for life.
11) TOURNAMENT DISCRETION
EKFT’s tournament director reserves the right to implement his or her discretion at any time during the tournament as it may apply to the rules or any other circumstance that should arise during the course of the event. Unless otherwise provided for in the tournament rules, decisions and interpretations of the tournament director shall be final.
12) POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
By entering the tournament all anglers voluntarily consent to submit to a polygraph examination as deemed necessary by tournament officials. Any angler of a registered kayak who refuses to take a polygraph or provides untruthful answers as determined by the examiner will be disqualified from the tournament without further notice. Such a disqualification will eliminate payment or provision of any prize money, awards, and/or refund of entrance fees. Anglers requested to take a polygraph examination shall be responsible to pay all costs incurred.
13) TOURNAMENT CANCELLATION, ENTRY
EKFT reserves the right to cancel and/or reschedule any tournament events. In case of bad weather (lightning / thunder storms), the Tournament Committee will reschedule the event at a different date. Any schedule adjustment due to inclement weather will be made at the sole discretion of the tournament committee. No refunds will be made in the event of cancellation. There are NO refunds once an angler is registered (signed up). NO transferring funds from one event to another & an angler cannot give their entry to another angler. The only exception is if an angler gets deployed to the military and proof is provided.
14) RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS
It is expressly understood that all registered participants of EKFT tournament events participate voluntarily and at their own risk. Each registered participant, on behalf of other family members and/or executors, agrees to release and hold harmless Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament, its agents, employees, tournament officials, sponsors, and all other persons connected directly or indirectly with operation of said tournament from any and all liability for libel, slander, loss, damage, negligence, harm, injury, or death suffered by any participant, entrant, sport-fishermen, their companions, vessels or their equipment during the tournament.
15) TAXES
Anglers are responsible to pay all taxes on both cash and merchandise awards where and when applicable. EKFT assumes no responsibility for the payment of taxes related to any tournament awards.
16) CASH PRIZES
6 to 10 weeks wait time on cash prizes. Winning anglers will receive a check by mail.
Any complaints posted about EKFT on social media or brings unfavorable publicity to the sport of extreme kayak fishing and its sponsors will void the payout.
Participation in EKFT tournament events is open to all anglers possessing a kayak & or a SUP. All anglers must pay the registration fee, complete an entry form and receive a ID number and wrist band.
Every angler must possess a valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License unless the angler is sixty-five (65) and older. All prize winners may be asked to produce a valid license prior to receiving any award.
The kayak of every registered angler shall be inspected by the Coast Guard and the Extreme Tournament Committee before shoot off. Any angler refusing a kayak check shall be disqualified.
Each participant shall pay an entry fee of $150 for a one-day entry (hereinafter “Entry Fee”) per angler to participate in the Event. The Entry Fee shall be paid (in full) prior to participation in the Event. There will be no refunds of the Entry Fee
2) SIGN IN AND SHOOT OFF
All anglers MUST sign in and out on tournament day.
Shoot off shall take place at first light between 6:30 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. (Exact time will be given at the kickoff party).
Anglers MUST be back at launch location on the beach by 2pm SHARP to get their fish tagged.
Food and drinks will be provided by Zona Fresca, Jersey Mikes Subs, Dandee Donuts and Budweiser
3) SPORTSMANSHIP
All anglers are expected to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety, and conservation. Any angler who displays poor sportsmanship, violates these rules, or any state or local laws, or brings unfavorable publicity to the sport of extreme kayak fishing will be disqualified and may be disqualified from participating in future tournament events.
Specifically, the use of obscene language or gestures is strictly forbidden at any time prior to, during, or after the event. This includes the use of obscene language over the tournament channel. Any infraction of these fundamental sporting principles may be deemed cause for disqualification or other penalty. Maximum courtesy must be practiced at all times, especially with regard to angling in the vicinity of non-competitors who may be on tournament waters.
Any act or inflammatory statement by any contestant that, in the opinion of the Tournament Director, is detrimental to the operation of tournament, damaging to organized extreme kayak fishing, to EKFT, or any of its sponsors, permitting agencies or their officers, including Coast Guard inspectors, during or after the tournaments may result in temporary or permanent suspension and disqualification from all future EKFT tournaments.
EKFT reserves the right to reject any angler’s registration at anytime. EKFT reserves the right to refuse service to anyone.
4) GENERAL RULES
* Kayaks shall not have motors of any kind.
* Every angler must use a rod and reel to catch all fish in the tournament.
* No electric reels.
* No long lining from the kayak.
* No assistance from a boat, unless otherwise provided for in the tournament rules.
* No sharing rods.
* No splitting the winnings with another angler by sharing his or her fish.
* No diving from your kayak to spear a fish.
* Angler cannot buy a fish.
* Boats CANNOT chum for any kayak angler during the tournament.
* Anglers may not pass rods to fellow kayak anglers once a fish has been hooked. A fish considered hooked once a strike occurs and the drag is engaging or the bail is closed.
* FAD's (fishing attractive devices) are illegal within state waters & in every EKFT Tournament.
A fish aggregating (or aggregation) device (FAD) is a man-made object used to attract ocean going pelagic fish such as marlin, tuna and mahi-mahi (dolphin fish). They usually consist of buoys or floats tethered to the ocean floor with concrete blocks. Over 300 species of fish gather around FADs. FADs attract fish for numerous reasons that vary by species.
* Chumming IS PERMITTED in every EKFT event but from a kayak, SUP, canoe ect. ONLY. Boats CANNOT chum for kayak anglers.
The following items are mandatory safety equipment for each kayak:
* Personal Flotation Devices (PFDS)
* Visual Distress Signals (Flag)
* Sounds Producing Device (bell, horn, whistle, etc.)
5) FLORIDA FISH ELIGIBILITY AND WEIGH IN
Unless otherwise provided in the tournament rules, the following fish are the only species eligible for Total Weight prizes in EKFT tournaments: Dolphin, Wahoo, Kingfish, Black fin tuna, African Pompano, Cobia, Mutton Snapper, Gag Grouper, Black Grouper, Warsaw Grouper, Snowy Grouper, and all Mackerel. All fish MUST be 5lbs and up to qualify in every EKFT event.
Up to five (5) fish eligible for weigh-in per kayak
Grand Prize is TOTAL WEIGHT OF FISH. $3,000 from Nautical Ventures and Turbo USA
In the event of a tie in overall weight, the angler that gets his fish weighed FIRST wins the tie breaker
Only TWO (2) Kingfish per kayak, 24” Fork Length (By law)
Recreational bag limit for blackfin tuna decreased to two fish per person or 10 fish per vessel, whichever is greater. These regulations extend into federal waters. (By law)
All fish presented for weigh-in must be fresh, in edible condition & must be caught on tournament day.
Go to http://myfwc.com/fishing/ For all Florida fish laws, which every angler MUST follow at each tournament.
6) BAIT
EKFT does not provide live bait for any Florida tournaments. Live bait from other sources may be available on the shore or within the buoys until 8:00 a.m. sharp on the day of each tournament. It is up to the angler where he or she gets bait. EKFT is not responsible for anglers bait & tackle. There are plenty of options in Pompano Beach. No live bait can be purchased on the water within the buoys after 8:00 a.m. If an angler is caught receiving live bait from a boat on the water past the beach buoys then that angler is disqualified. The same penalty as receiving a fish on the water. Anglers catching their own bait must come back for the shoot off and have his or her kayak inspected.
Tyler can be reached for pre orders at 954-650-7894
7) FLORIDA TOURNAMENT DIVISIONS & CALCUTTA'S
In addition to its main tournament prizes, EKFT’s tournament series also includes the Calcutta's Tuna and Kingfish
Calcuttas are subject to a 20% fee of total funds collected.
8) ANGLER ASSISTANCE
If angler has to be helped to shore that angler is disqualified. The help boat will no longer hold and tag fish. No angler can be helped back to the launch point from any engine of any kind (trucks, cars, boats, kayaks etc...) All anglers must return to launch point under his or her own power. The help boat shall remain on the water to provide emergency assistance to participants ONLY.
9) TANDEM KAYAKS
Tandem kayaks are allowed, BUT each angler is competing against one another & each angler must pay an entry fee. Anglers cannot pass rods to the fellow kayak angler once a fish has been hooked. A fish considered hooked once a strike occurs and the drag is engaging or the bail is closed. Anglers cannot help one another in any way! The winning angler is subject to a polygraph test. Each angler can weigh up to 5 eligible fish.
10) PROTEST AND APPEAL
All protests must be submitted in writing to the Rules Committee on the day of the alleged violation by 5pm with a deposit of $100.00. If the alleged violation is found to have occurred, the deposit of $100.00 will be refunded. If the Rules Committee finds no violation, the deposit will not be refunded. The decision of the Rules Committee will be final. If an angler is caught protesting during the tournament without following the process set forth herein, that angler may be banned from every EKFT tournament event for life.
11) TOURNAMENT DISCRETION
EKFT’s tournament director reserves the right to implement his or her discretion at any time during the tournament as it may apply to the rules or any other circumstance that should arise during the course of the event. Unless otherwise provided for in the tournament rules, decisions and interpretations of the tournament director shall be final.
12) POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
By entering the tournament all anglers voluntarily consent to submit to a polygraph examination as deemed necessary by tournament officials. Any angler of a registered kayak who refuses to take a polygraph or provides untruthful answers as determined by the examiner will be disqualified from the tournament without further notice. Such a disqualification will eliminate payment or provision of any prize money, awards, and/or refund of entrance fees. Anglers requested to take a polygraph examination shall be responsible to pay all costs incurred.
13) TOURNAMENT CANCELLATION, ENTRY
EKFT reserves the right to cancel and/or reschedule any tournament events. In case of bad weather (lightning / thunder storms), the Tournament Committee will reschedule the event at a different date. Any schedule adjustment due to inclement weather will be made at the sole discretion of the tournament committee. No refunds will be made in the event of cancellation. There are NO refunds once an angler is registered (signed up). NO transferring funds from one event to another & an angler cannot give their entry to another angler. The only exception is if an angler gets deployed to the military and proof is provided.
14) RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS
It is expressly understood that all registered participants of EKFT tournament events participate voluntarily and at their own risk. Each registered participant, on behalf of other family members and/or executors, agrees to release and hold harmless Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament, its agents, employees, tournament officials, sponsors, and all other persons connected directly or indirectly with operation of said tournament from any and all liability for libel, slander, loss, damage, negligence, harm, injury, or death suffered by any participant, entrant, sport-fishermen, their companions, vessels or their equipment during the tournament.
15) TAXES
Anglers are responsible to pay all taxes on both cash and merchandise awards where and when applicable. EKFT assumes no responsibility for the payment of taxes related to any tournament awards.
16) CASH PRIZES
6 to 10 weeks wait time on cash prizes. Winning anglers will receive a check by mail.
Any complaints posted about EKFT on social media or brings unfavorable publicity to the sport of extreme kayak fishing and its sponsors will void the payout.