BLACKTIP SHOUTOUT

Official Rules & Regulations

Tournament Overview

The Blacktip Shoutout is a land-based, surfcasting-only fishing tournament focused on the ethical catch and release of Blacktip and Spinner sharks. This event promotes skill-based surfcasting, conservation, and respect for local fishing regulations.

 

Eligible Species

Only the following species qualify:

Blacktip Shark

Spinner Shark

 

Location

Public beaches only

Soft sand landings required

No jetties, piers, bridges, rocks, or man-made structures

 

Fishing Method & Gear Rules

Land-based surfcasting only

Rod and reel only

All baits, plugs, and flies must be cast by rod and reel

No passing of the rod or reel is permitted once a fish is hooked

No physical assistance on the rod or reel is allowed at any time

No boats, kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, drones, or bait deployment devices

 

Bait Regulations

Allowed:

Chunk bait

Live bait

Artificial lures

Flies

 

Catch, Handling & Release

Sharks must be caught, landed, photographed, and released alive

Wet, soft sand landings only

No dragging sharks onto dry sand

Handling time must be minimized

Prohibited:

Dead sharks

Bloody, mutilated, or graphic content

Harassment or mistreatment of wildlife

 

Photos & Media:

Two photos are required for each qualifying catch.

All submissions must be emailed to Blacktipshootoutentries@gmail.com.

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Required Photos:

Action Photo – A clear photo of the angler fighting the shark on rod and reel, with the rod and reel clearly visible.

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Measurement Photo – A clear photo of the landed shark with a visible TOURNAMENT PROVIDED tape measure showing the total length.

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Shark and fish must be measured and photographed with the tournament provided tape measure. No other tape measures allowed.

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Optional Video (Preferred):

Video footage of the fight and/or measurement is strongly preferred to support photo submissions.

Video may be used by tournament officials to verify compliance, measurements, and fishing method, but is not required.

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Measurement Requirements:

Measurement must be taken from the tip of the shark’s nose to the tip of the tail.

The tournament measuring tape must be laid straight with no sag, bend, or twist.

Photos and videos must be clear, original, and unaltered.

Unclear, incomplete, or non-compliant submissions may result in disqualification.

Tournament officials’ decisions regarding media and measurements are final.

 

Measurement Verification:

All measurements are subject to review and verification by tournament officials.

Officials may request additional photos or video, including uncut or original files.

Submissions with inconsistent angles, obstructed views, altered media, or unclear measurements may be rejected.

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Measurements must be clearly readable on the tournament supplied tape measure; novelty or any other measuring devices will be rejected.

No altered photos are permitted. No second-app photos are allowed. All submissions must be original files captured directly from the recording device.

Any attempt to manipulate, alter, stage, or misrepresent measurements—including tape sag, camera distortion, tail stretching, or improper positioning—will result in automatic disqualification.

Tournament officials reserve the right to adjust or invalidate measurements if accuracy cannot be reasonably confirmed.

All measurement determinations are final and non-appealable.

 

Tie-Breaker:

In the event of a tie in total length, the first valid shark photo or video submission received will be declared the winner.

Submission time is determined by the email timestamp at Blacktipshootoutentries@gmail.com.

Only complete and rule-compliant submissions qualify.

Tournament officials’ decisions are final.

 

Legal Compliance:

All Florida fishing laws and regulations must be followed.

Proper licensing is the participant's responsibility.

 

Sportsmanship:

Respect other anglers, beachgoers, and wildlife.

Unsafe, reckless, or unethical conduct will result in disqualification.

 

Liability Waiver:

Participants fish at their own risk. The tournament, organizers, sponsors, and affiliates assume no responsibility for injury, loss, or damage to persons or property.

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