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The following LTFT Rules, as amended June 12, 2024, shall govern the 2026 Ladies Tarpon Fly Tournament:

TERRITORY, START AND TIME

1. All team entries are by invitation only.
2. OFFICIAL HEADQUARTERS: Islamorada Fishing Club (IFC)
3. Angler will sign her own name on ‘Start Ledger’ at the Lorelei each morning.
4. Anglers may leave Lorelei starting at 6:00 AM and fishing may begin immediately.
5. All boats must depart from and return to Lorelei. No trailering to different launch sites is permitted.
6. First wave will begin at 6:00 AM, second wave at 6:15 AM, third wave 6:17 AM.
7. Guides are advised that if it appears too dark to leave, they are responsible for the safety of their anglers, themselves and equipment. Any boat without running lights cannot depart the dock until 6:15 AM. Running lights must remain on until 6:30 AM whether running or stationary.
8. Lines out at 3:00 PM. Any fish hooked prior to lines out may be fought until released or lost. Any boat fishing after lines out time must notify The Lorelei and/or the Chairwoman. A relay message through another person is acceptable.
9. All boats MUST check in at IFC with the scorekeeper by 5:00 PM each day.
10. Inclement weather – start time on any day may be delayed by the chairwoman/guides committee in the event of imminent or dangerous weather. In the event of severe weather, i.e. tropical storm, the tournament committee may shorten the number of tournament fishing days.

MEASURING AND SCORING

1. 100 points per release. 300 points per caught fish.
2. Fish may be submitted for points as either a “Release” or “Caught Fish”. All fish must be a minimum of 48 inches and “Weight Fish” weighing a minimum of 70 lbs.
3. To constitute a legal release, the knot connecting the fly line to leader must enter the rod tip. The boat does not need to be in neutral for a release fish. At this point the fish can be broken off or fought.
4. To constitute a legal caught fish, the angler must fight the fish to the boat and the guide must disengage the hook. Points are earned by taking a digital image of the fish clearly demonstrating that the Angler or Guide has complete control over the fish by hand only. The image should show as much of the fish as possible. If necessary, the length should be verified with the four foot stick, as measured along the side (lateral line) from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail.
5. If an Angler and Guide decide to strap a fish as a weight fish, their decision is to be made based on visually judging the size of the fish in the water. It is considered unsportsmanlike for an Angler or Guide to partially lift a fish from the water to estimate weight. No use of a measuring tape to approximate the weight of the fish prior to committing a strap to that fish is allowed.
6. Anglers may submit no more than one Weight Fish for scoring during the Tournament.
7. The Tournament Grand Champion shall be the Angler who accumulates the most points during the three days of fishing. In addition, the Tournament may also recognize point totals or fish caught by other finishers in individual awards.
8. The Largest Tarpon Award shall be the Angler who has caught the largest “Weight Fish”. To score a fish as a Weight Fish, the Angler and Guide must complete the following procedure as quickly as possible: (1) Using the measuring tape, measure the length along the lateral line from the tip of the lower jaw to the center of the fork of the tail; (2) Measure girth using the zip-tie strap; (3) Take a digital photograph showing the strap on the fish; (4) Slip off the strap and secure it with sticky tape.
9. Any potential Weight Fish measured and scored less than 70 pounds shall be awarded caught points, but that fish shall count toward the Angler’s one Weight Fish limit and the strap will be lost.
10. By 5:00 PM each fishing day, the Angler and Guide must submit a signed Catch and Release Form and any strap photos. If not turned in by 5:00 PM, no points will be allowed for that day. Judges may waive this rule for breakdowns or unusual circumstances.
11. The official weight of a Weight Fish shall be calculated by the Tournament Scorekeeper using the BTT online tarpon weight calculator.
12. The Tournament shall issue each Angler and Guide a measuring packet including: a four foot stick, a measuring tape, one zip-tie strap, sticky tape, and three Catch and Release forms. Angler or Guide must provide a digital camera.

PENALTIES

1. Failure to sign in before departure: 100-point penalty.
2. Failure to turn in score sheet by 5:00 PM: 100-point penalty per infraction.
3. Failure of one team member to attend Captains meeting: 100-point penalty.
4. Missing the midweek Anglers meeting: 100-point penalty.
5. Knowingly or willfully violating tournament rules may result in loss of future invitations.

TACKLE SPECIFICATIONS

1. Only one-handed rods and single action reels designed for fly casting. Butt may not extend more than 4 inches below reel seat. Rod may not be altered after fish is hooked.
2. Leaders must meet IGFA standards. Tippet will be 16 lb Mason provided by the tournament.
3. Only artificial lures with single hook construction. Hook may not exceed 2-3/4 inches overall.
4. Leaders may not exceed 15 feet and must contain at least 15 inches of tournament tippet. Shock tippet may not exceed 12 inches including knots.
5. No release gaffs or lip gaffs permitted.

GENERAL RULES

1. Only fly casting permitted.
2. Angler must cast, set hook, fight, and bring fish to leader unaided. Any other person touching rod, reel, or line disqualifies entry.
3. Unnecessary handling of fish disqualifies entry.
4. A broken rod above the reel seat does not disqualify entry.
5. No trolling or chumming. No fishing in residential canals, behind homes, or marinas for “pet” tarpon.
6. Tournament committee may inspect tackle at any time.
7. Angler meeting is mandatory.
8. Each angler must have a non-relative, USCG-licensed guide with all required permits.
9. Guides must supply Certificate of Insurance.
10. All IGFA, FFW, Federal and State rules apply unless superseded by tournament rules.
11. No ladder or heightening device extending more than 4 feet above gunwale.
12. Angler and guide must remain in boat unless pulled overboard.
13. Only polable flats skiffs allowed; no bay boats.
14. Grievances must be written, signed, and submitted by 5:00 PM same day.
15. In case of tie, earliest scoring event wins.
16. One non-assisting passenger allowed with prior permission.
17. All courtesies and sportsmanship must be observed.
18. First skiff to a spot is entitled to fish it. Saving spots is unsportsmanlike and a rules violation.
19. No scouting by aircraft during tournament days.
20. No fish scanning devices permitted.
21. No fishing after lines out except for fish hooked before 3:00 PM.
22. No cell phone use to gather or share fishing information during lines-in hours.

GOVERNANCE AND DISPUTES

1. Tournament conducted by Chairperson and volunteer committees.
2. Standing committees: Tournament Committee, Guides Committee, Arbitration Committee.
3. Kick-Off event and Captains Meeting at 6 PM Monday before tournament.
4. Annual Anglers meeting Wednesday after fishing. Rule changes require 2/3 vote of Anglers and 2/3 vote of joint committee.
5. Guides Committee organizes meetings to clarify rules and procedures.

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