Tournament Rules
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]
2026 Summer Slam Adult Tournament Rules:
Registration & Eligibility
Participation is open to all anglers fishing from a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP).
To compete, each angler must:
Mandatory Kayak Inspection
Every kayak must pass an official safety inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard Safety Team and EKFT Tournament Staff before launch.
Failure to complete the inspection will result in disqualification.
Registration fees are non-refundable except where specifically outlined in these rules.
Tournament Day Schedule
Launch• Mandatory Sign-In
• Safety Inspection
• Shoot-Off:
First light (approximately 6:30–7:00 AM)
Return All anglers must return to the designated launch area by 2:00 PM sharp.
Late arrivals will be disqualified.
Official Weigh-In
Each fish will be weighed one time by the official EKFT weigh-in team.
A second weigh-in will only occur if:
All anglers must sign their official weight sheet.
Failure to sign will result in disqualification of that fish.
Sportsmanship
All competitors are expected to display professionalism, courtesy, conservation, and respect toward:
General Tournament RulesEquipment
Chumming is permitted only from a kayak, SUP, canoe, or other paddle-powered vessel.
FADsFishing Aggregating Devices (FADs) are prohibited in all EKFT tournaments.
Required Safety EquipmentEvery kayak must carry:
Eligible Species
Eligible fish include:
Five (5) eligible fish per angler
Scoring
Champion is determined by:
Highest Total Weight
Tie Breaker:
If two anglers have identical total weights, the angler whose fish is officially weighed first will be declared the winner.
Live Bait
EKFT does not provide bait.
Live bait may be purchased before 8:00 AM.
After 8:00 AM:
No bait may be received from boats inside the buoy line.
Violations result in immediate disqualification.
Anglers catching their own bait must return for shoot-off and inspection.
Calcuttas Blackfin Tuna Calcutta
Entry: $50
Heaviest Blackfin Tuna wins.
Kingfish Calcutta
Entry: $50
Heaviest Kingfish wins.
Calcuttas are subject to a 20% administrative fee.
Angler Assistance
Emergency assistance is permitted only for safety.
If an angler receives transportation back to shore by:
Emergency rescue boats are for emergencies only.
Tandem Kayaks
Tandem kayaks are permitted.
However:
Protests
All protests must:
Deposit is refunded.
If denied:
Deposit is forfeited.
The Rules Committee decision is final.
Tournament Director
The Tournament Director has final authority regarding:
Polygraph
Any winning angler may be required to complete a polygraph examination.
Failure to comply or failing the examination will result in disqualification and forfeiture of prizes.
Weather & Cancellation
EKFT reserves the right to postpone, cancel, or reschedule due to:
Entry fees are non-transferable except for verified military deployment.
Release of Liability
All participants compete at their own risk.
By registering, each participant agrees to release EKFT, sponsors, volunteers, tournament officials, and permitting agencies from all liability for injury, property damage, or death arising from participation.
Taxes
Prize winners are responsible for all applicable federal, state, and local taxes associated with cash or merchandise awards.
Prize Payments
Cash prizes are typically mailed within 6–10 weeks following the tournament.
Prize payouts may be withheld if a participant:
These rules are designed to create a fun, safe, and fair tournament for young anglers while encouraging good sportsmanship and conservation.
Eligibility
Fishing Begins: 9:00 AM
Lines Out: 12:00 PM
All fish must be presented to tournament staff immediately after fishing concludes.
Fishing Location
All junior anglers will fish from the Pompano Beach Pier only.
No fishing from boats or kayaks.
Rods & Equipment
Eligible Fish
The heaviest single legal fish wins.
All fish must comply with current Florida regulations for size and season.
Tournament officials reserve the right to reject any fish that is not legally caught or is not in fresh, edible condition.
Sportsmanship
Respect fellow anglers.
Respect the pier.
Respect wildlife.
Poor sportsmanship, unsafe behavior, or harassment may result in disqualification.
Safety
Safety comes first.
Weigh-In
One official weigh-in per fish.
Tournament officials’ decisions are final.
Awards
1st Place $500 Nautical Ventures Gift Card & Champion Trophy
2nd Place $250 Nautical Ventures Gift Card
3rd Place $125 Nautical Ventures Gift Card
Every junior angler receives:
Weather
In the event of lightning or unsafe weather, EKFT reserves the right to delay, suspend, or reschedule the Junior Tournament.
Tournament Director
The Tournament Director has final authority regarding rule interpretations and decisions.
Registration & Eligibility
Participation is open to all anglers fishing from a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP).
To compete, each angler must:
- Complete the official registration.
- Pay the tournament entry fee.
- Receive an official tournament wristband and angler number.
- Possess a valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License (unless exempt by Florida law).
Mandatory Kayak Inspection
Every kayak must pass an official safety inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard Safety Team and EKFT Tournament Staff before launch.
Failure to complete the inspection will result in disqualification.
Registration fees are non-refundable except where specifically outlined in these rules.
Tournament Day Schedule
Launch• Mandatory Sign-In
• Safety Inspection
• Shoot-Off:
First light (approximately 6:30–7:00 AM)
Return All anglers must return to the designated launch area by 2:00 PM sharp.
Late arrivals will be disqualified.
Official Weigh-In
Each fish will be weighed one time by the official EKFT weigh-in team.
A second weigh-in will only occur if:
- The weigh-master suspects a scale issue.
- The fish condition requires verification.
- An official protest is submitted.
- Completed protest form
- $100 Protest Fee
All anglers must sign their official weight sheet.
Failure to sign will result in disqualification of that fish.
Sportsmanship
All competitors are expected to display professionalism, courtesy, conservation, and respect toward:
- Fellow anglers
- Tournament staff
- Sponsors
- Spectators
- Public waterways
- Unsportsmanlike conduct
- Obscene language or gestures
- Harassment
- Illegal activity
- Bringing negative publicity to EKFT or its sponsors
General Tournament RulesEquipment
- Kayaks and SUPs only
- No motors of any kind
- Rod and reel fishing only
- No electric reels
- One angler per catch
- No rod sharing
- No purchasing fish
- No spearing or diving
- No long-lining
- Boats may NOT assist anglers.
- Boats may NOT chum for anglers.
- Boats may NOT hand off bait or fish.
- Once a fish is hooked, rods may not be transferred.
Chumming is permitted only from a kayak, SUP, canoe, or other paddle-powered vessel.
FADsFishing Aggregating Devices (FADs) are prohibited in all EKFT tournaments.
Required Safety EquipmentEvery kayak must carry:
- U.S. Coast Guard Approved PFD
- Safety Flag
- Whistle, horn, or other sound-producing device
Eligible Species
Eligible fish include:
- Mahi (Dolphin)
- Wahoo
- Kingfish
- Blackfin Tuna
- African Pompano
- Cobia
- Mutton Snapper
- Gag Grouper
- Black Grouper
- Warsaw Grouper
- Snowy Grouper
- All legal Mackerel species
- Be legally harvested
- Meet Florida size regulations
- Be at least 5 pounds
- Be fresh and in edible condition
- Be caught during tournament hours
Five (5) eligible fish per angler
Scoring
Champion is determined by:
Highest Total Weight
Tie Breaker:
If two anglers have identical total weights, the angler whose fish is officially weighed first will be declared the winner.
Live Bait
EKFT does not provide bait.
Live bait may be purchased before 8:00 AM.
After 8:00 AM:
No bait may be received from boats inside the buoy line.
Violations result in immediate disqualification.
Anglers catching their own bait must return for shoot-off and inspection.
Calcuttas Blackfin Tuna Calcutta
Entry: $50
Heaviest Blackfin Tuna wins.
Kingfish Calcutta
Entry: $50
Heaviest Kingfish wins.
Calcuttas are subject to a 20% administrative fee.
Angler Assistance
Emergency assistance is permitted only for safety.
If an angler receives transportation back to shore by:
- Boat
- Vehicle
- Kayak
- Any powered vessel
Emergency rescue boats are for emergencies only.
Tandem Kayaks
Tandem kayaks are permitted.
However:
- Each angler must register separately.
- Each pays a separate entry.
- Each competes individually.
- Fish may not be shared.
- Rods may not be passed after hookup.
Protests
All protests must:
- Be submitted in writing
- Be received by 5:00 PM
- Include a $100 protest deposit
Deposit is refunded.
If denied:
Deposit is forfeited.
The Rules Committee decision is final.
Tournament Director
The Tournament Director has final authority regarding:
- Rule interpretation
- Safety decisions
- Weather
- Disqualifications
- Tournament operations
Polygraph
Any winning angler may be required to complete a polygraph examination.
Failure to comply or failing the examination will result in disqualification and forfeiture of prizes.
Weather & Cancellation
EKFT reserves the right to postpone, cancel, or reschedule due to:
- Lightning
- Severe weather
- Unsafe conditions
Entry fees are non-transferable except for verified military deployment.
Release of Liability
All participants compete at their own risk.
By registering, each participant agrees to release EKFT, sponsors, volunteers, tournament officials, and permitting agencies from all liability for injury, property damage, or death arising from participation.
Taxes
Prize winners are responsible for all applicable federal, state, and local taxes associated with cash or merchandise awards.
Prize Payments
Cash prizes are typically mailed within 6–10 weeks following the tournament.
Prize payouts may be withheld if a participant:
- Violates tournament rules
- Commits fraud
- Defames EKFT or its sponsors through knowingly false or malicious public statements regarding the tournament or its administration.
These rules are designed to create a fun, safe, and fair tournament for young anglers while encouraging good sportsmanship and conservation.
Eligibility
- Ages 6–15
- All participants must be registered before tournament day.
- Parent or legal guardian must sign the waiver.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.
- Participants are responsible to bring/purchase their own bait
Fishing Begins: 9:00 AM
Lines Out: 12:00 PM
All fish must be presented to tournament staff immediately after fishing concludes.
Fishing Location
All junior anglers will fish from the Pompano Beach Pier only.
No fishing from boats or kayaks.
Rods & Equipment
- Rod and reel only.
- Artificial lures and natural bait are permitted.
- Parents may assist with casting, baiting hooks, or removing fish from hooks for safety, but the child should actively participate in catching the fish.
Eligible Fish
The heaviest single legal fish wins.
All fish must comply with current Florida regulations for size and season.
Tournament officials reserve the right to reject any fish that is not legally caught or is not in fresh, edible condition.
Sportsmanship
Respect fellow anglers.
Respect the pier.
Respect wildlife.
Poor sportsmanship, unsafe behavior, or harassment may result in disqualification.
Safety
Safety comes first.
- Follow all instructions from EK Youth Fishing staff.
- Running on the pier is prohibited.
- Be respectful of other anglers using the pier.
- Life jackets are encouraged for young children.
Weigh-In
One official weigh-in per fish.
Tournament officials’ decisions are final.
Awards
1st Place $500 Nautical Ventures Gift Card & Champion Trophy
2nd Place $250 Nautical Ventures Gift Card
3rd Place $125 Nautical Ventures Gift Card
Every junior angler receives:
- Goodie Bag
- Lunch
- Official Event Photos
- Sponsor Giveaways
Weather
In the event of lightning or unsafe weather, EKFT reserves the right to delay, suspend, or reschedule the Junior Tournament.
Tournament Director
The Tournament Director has final authority regarding rule interpretations and decisions.