Tournament Rules and Regulations

1. All fish are to be weighed in at Saltwater Grill in Swansboro. Fish must be weighed in from the boat which they are caught in and arrive there under its own power.
2. Lines in the water at 7:00am, scales close at 5:00 or when done weighing fish that have passed check in boats.
3. King must have a minimum fork length of 26” not mutilated, cut, speared, etc. gaff holes are acceptable, please make sure hooks are removed.
4. Fish must be caught by rod and reel only. No electric reels or hand lines allowed. Kites and down riggers are allowed as accessories only.
5. Scales will open at 1:00pm and close at 5:00pm. Any boat with fish to weigh in must be past the check-in boats by 5:00 and is the responsibility of the captain to ensure the boat number has been acknowledged. Check in boat will be located in the waterway at turn beside the island and channel marker and will be discussed at captains meeting on location.
6. Any boats fishing the tournament must not touch land once tournament has started. There will be no congregating during the tournament, or this could result in disqualification, unless there is prior approval.
7. Official time will be based on GPS and the VHF channel will be 71. A phone number will be given at the captain’s meeting to anyone wanting it.
8. Boats in the tournament are limited to fishing boundaries west 76 30 00 and east of 77 40 00.
9. At minimum one member must accompany any fish to the scales to be weighed in. If scales are busy, please be cautious and try to stay aware of wakes as well as other boats.
10. All king mackerel become property of the tournament.
11. Mahi will get returned to boat before departure and after all paperwork is documented and captain as signed weigh in form.
12. Youth anglers shall be no older than 15 on the day of the tournament. Youth anglers must be at the scales to identify themselves as the angler.
13. Lady anglers also please come to the scales to identify yourself as the angler.
14. A boat can not be replaced after 9:00 pm May 30,2025.
15. No entries will be accepted after 8:00pm May 30,2025. Online entries will end on Wednesday, May 28,2025 @5:00pm. Contact Joey Thursday, or Friday morning if needing to register after online closes 910-388-8138.
16. All participants entered in the tournament are subject to a polygraph exam.
17. Boat number needs to be displayed at the weigh in.
18. All complaints must be submitted in writing within one hour after the last fish is weighed in with a $250.00 deposit. If the protest is not upheld, the deposit becomes property of the tournament.
19. It is the captain’s responsibility to ensure all individuals on board (participants) follow USCG, NCDMF and NCWRC state and federal regulations.
20. Any boat caught not following state, federal or tournament rules will be disqualified for the entire tournament. The awards will begin at 6:00 at the weigh station at Saltwater Grill.
21. Top prize money will be awarded to the top 3 fish in main entry division.
22. The top two youth and ladies will receive money in their class.
23. Two fish king aggregate is one cash prize winner takes all.
24. A signed sworn affidavit will be required of each fish who places in the tournament for prize money. Once the affidavit is signed the weight on the form will be final. All protests shall be made before the form is signed, from the individual representing the fish.
25. Anyone that receives a cash prize will be required to fill out a federal tax form W-9 (we will have them on hand) before receiving the prize money.
26. The NCMCA or any affiliate with this tournament is not responsible for any accidents that occur on the properties of the captains meeting weigh in or award locations.
27. The awards will begin at 6:00pm May 31,2025.