Committee outlines rules, registration steps for Port Richey fishing tournament; captain’s meeting to finalize details

Committee discussion clarified how the Centennial fishing tournament will be structured and how participants will register and be verified.

Key points recorded in the meeting: - Entry fee: $150 per vessel entry (the fee as discussed covers a boat entry; the boat can include up to four people). The committee noted solo anglers may enter but the fee remains the same. - Kayak entries: Committee members recommended that kayak entries be limited to two kayaks per entry (teams of two boats); tandem kayaks that carry two people were discussed as allowable. The committee discouraged allowing four separate kayaks as a single entry because that would give a competitive advantage by covering more area. - Motorized vs. unmotorized vessels: The committee discussed parity. The working idea was to treat motorized one‑vessel entries separately from unmotorized vessels; two unmotorized boats could be permitted per entry. The group said mixed entries where one team member is on a motorboat and another on a kayak should be treated as separate entries, to avoid unfair advantage. - Captain’s meeting: Organizers will hold a captain’s meeting before the event to explain ground rules, distribute a passcode (to prevent staged catches), explain measuring-stick photo requirements and confirm photo/video submission procedures for verification. - Equipment and verification: The committee ordered measuring sticks and will require the measuring stick be visible in catch photos/videos; organizers will also affix stickers and share a passcode at the captain’s meeting to prevent pre‑event submissions.

Why it matters: These rules affect fairness and logistics for participants and shape registration and contest administration. Committee members emphasized that final rule adoption should occur at the captain’s meeting so competitors agree to the specific format for scoring and disputes.