Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic
2025 Tournament Rules
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Rules are Subject to Change. The final instructions/rules will be given at the mandatory Captains’ Meeting, Thursday, May 29, 2025, 10:00 am at Cypress Cove Marina.
1. Dates and Times | 14. Reporting of Billfish |
2. Registration | 15. Release |
3. Departures/Boundaries | 16. Video Images |
4. Angling and Tackle Rules | 17. Protests |
5. Official Times | 18. Prizes from Base Entry Fee |
6. Entry Fees | 19. Tie Breakers |
7. Sportsmanship | 20. Optional Entry Categories |
8. Permits/Licenses | 20a. Optional Entry Payouts |
9. Polygraph Testing | 21. Optional Entry Refunds |
10. Captains’ Meeting | 22. All Payouts |
11. Billfish Score Cards | 23. Cancellation |
12. Weigh-In | 24. Use of Photographs, Audio and Video Recordings |
13. Eligible Fish and Points | 25. Liability Release |
1. Dates and Times: Back to Index
Tournament fishing days are Thursday, May 29 starting at 11:00 AM; Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31, 2025. Tournament fishing times are from Thursday, May 29 at 11:00 AM until 7:00 PM, Saturday, May 31, 2025. All participating boats with eligible fish to be weighed or BSC’s (see section 11) must be passed the northern most edge of the Cypress Cove fishing cleaning station and checked in with Tournament Headquarters via VHF radio channel 72 prior to 7:00 PM, Saturday, May 31. Please refer to “Weigh-In” section for weigh station times. Tag/Release certificates (Billfish Score Cards) and video images with connecting cables, must be turned in prior to Weigh Station closing. The tournament reserves the right to make any schedule changes deemed necessary in their sole discretion.
2. Registration: Back to Index
For online registration, go to https://cajuncanyons.catchstat.com/. Manual Entry Forms may be downloaded and printed from our website, https://www.comefishla.com/. Registration will also be held at the Tournament Headquarters, located at Cypress Cove Marina, Wednesday, May 28, 2025 from 2:00 PM until 7:30 PM. All boats and anglers must be registered by 7:30 PM, May 28, 2025 to be eligible for tournament awards or prizes. Wristbands will be issued and MUST be worn at all times for admission to events and be visible in your digital images for Billfish Release Points.
3. Departures/Boundaries: Back to Index
Boats may depart only from Venice, Louisiana at 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 29, 2025, and check out via radio, channel 72. There are no tournament boundaries. ALL eligible fish, along with Billfish Score Cards, digital images (cameras) and connecting cables must be brought to Cypress Cove Marina; it is a Boat’s responsibility to safely be in on time, and use safe judgement with regards to fuel capacity and range.
4. Angling and Tackle Rules: Back to Index
All teams must follow I.G.F.A. saltwater angling and tackle rules unless otherwise stated for the Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic™. For a complete listing of the I.G.F.A. saltwater equipment and angling rules, please go to http://www.igfa.org/Fish/INTERNATIONAL-ANGLING-RULES.aspx. The exception to this, is that a mate or teammate may set the hook and pass the rod to a registered angler. This may occur only once during the first minute of the fight.
5. Official Times: Back to Index
The official tournament Central time will be announced at the Captains Meeting, 10:00 AM, Thursday, May 29, 2024. The official tournament clock will be posted at the weigh station.
6. Entry Fees: Back to Index
The reservation/deposit is $1,600.00 prior to April 30, 2025; after April 30, the reservation/deposit will be $1,800.00. The reservation/deposit is non-refundable. The balance of the entry fee is $5,000 and must be paid prior to 7:30 PM, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. The entry fee covers: 1 Boat with 1 Captain, 1 Mate, and 6 Anglers. Captains and Mates can also register as Anglers. Additional anglers may be registered at $200.00 each, prior to April 30; after April 30, the additional angler registration fee will be $250.00. The $5,000 entry fee will be split 50/50 between weighed Blue Marlin pool and Billfish Release pool. Each division, Blue Marlin and Billfish Release, will pay out 50% to 1st Place, 30% to 2nd Place, and 20% to 3rd Place. If no Blue Marlin that make the minimum length are caught, the Blue Marlin pay out will be disbursed to the 1st through 3rd place Billfish Release teams. All reservation/deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Cash, certified checks, or credit cards (subject to a 3.5% service charge) ONLY will be accepted at tournament headquarters. Payment of the reservation/deposit and signing of the entry form constitutes that each participant has read and wholly understands the tournament rules and release of liability. Additionally, the participants further agree to abide by the tournament rules and the decisions of the Tournament Committee. The decisions of the Tournament Committee are FINAL, inclusive of the Weigh Master and Tournament Rules Committee. Participants must fish the boat that is registered; changing of boats is not allowed after the Captains’ Meeting at 10:00 AM, May 29, 2025.
7. Sportsmanship: Back to Index
The Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic™ is located in historic Venice, Louisiana, also known to many as the “Sportsman’s Paradise.” All participants hereby agree to abide by our basic tournament philosophy: “Treat fellow sportsmen and fishermen the way you would like them to treat you in return.” Unsportsmanlike or threatening conduct toward tournament organizers or other participants, or any other behavior which the tournament organizers deem inappropriate, in their sole discretion, will result in immediate disqualification of the entire team with no refund of entry fees.
8. Permits/Licenses: Back to Index
All tournament participants are encouraged to comply with all Federal, state of Louisiana, and Plaquemines Parish laws regarding boating, fishing licenses, size and bag limits, etc. The tournament organizers, owners, sponsors and affiliates are not responsible for enforcing Federal or State laws.
9. Polygraph Testing: Back to Index
Each participant agrees to submit to a polygraph examination at a time and location as determined by the tournament management, and at the discretion of tournament management, following the end of the competition. Failure to successfully pass such an examination may result in a test of a second team member; in the event of failure by the second team member, the team shall be disqualified. Decisions of the tournament organizers are final, non-appealable and nonjusticiable.
10. Captains’ Meeting: Back to Index
The Captains’ Meeting is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Thursday, May 29, 2025. Attendance is mandatory and an authorized representative must sign out from the Captains’ Meeting.
11. Billfish Score Cards: Back to Index
Billfish Score Cards will be distributed at the Captains’ Meeting. The BSC is the registered Team’s log for every Billfish that is released or boated. One team member must present completed and signed BSC’s (signed by all Team members), along with Video Images and cables to connect camera to an external monitor as soon as possible, Saturday, May 31, 2025 at the tournament weigh-station in order to either weigh-in an eligible Blue Marlin or qualify for Release Points. BSC’s will be compared to the Tournament Committee Boats radio log.
12. Weigh-In: Back to Index
Tournament scales will be located at Cypress Cove Marina. The weigh station hours will be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Thursday, May 29; 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM, Friday, May 30, and 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM on Saturday, May 31, 2025. All fish, video images, and BSC’s must be brought to the weigh-station by the boat from which it was caught. Only registered tournament anglers are allowed to weigh in an eligible fish (see Rule #11). Eligible fish should be presented at the weigh-station by the angler who caught the fish. Eligible fish must not leave the registered boat from which it was originally caught, except for the weigh-in at Cypress Cove Marina. The angler must remain with his/her fish throughout the complete weigh-in procedure and sign the certified weight-slip to verify the weight and time prior to the fish becoming an Official Fish, eligible for prizes and/or awards. Weigh-in times will be recorded to the minute.
13. Eligible Fish and Points: Back to Index
The following species are eligible as described below:
Species | Tag or Release Awards | Min. Size to Weigh | Allowable Per Team to Weigh | Points/Weight Points (1/10th of lb.) |
Blue Marlin | Yes | 110 inches LJFL | 1 per team/per day | 500/1 point per lb. |
White Marlin | Yes | NO | 0 | 200 |
Sailfish | Yes | NO | 0 | 200 |
Spearfish | Yes | NO | 0 | 200 |
Dolphin | NO | 20 lb. Min. | 3/day/per Team | 1 point per lb. |
Tuna *1 | NO | 27″ CFL | 3/day/per Team | 1 point per lb. |
Wahoo | NO | 20 lb. Min. | 3/day/per Team | 1 point per lb. |
*1: Eligible Tuna Species are Yellowfin, Big Eye. |
13. Eligible Fish continued: Back to Index
No mutilated, cut, frozen or questionable fish, as determined by the Tournament Weigh Master and Tournament Committee, will be weighed. The decision of the Tournament Weigh Master and Tournament Committee is FINAL. Any angler or team in possession of illegal fish will result in entire team disqualification without any refunds of entry fees or optional entry monies.
14. Reporting of Billfish: Back to Index
All billfish releases must be reported to a Tournament Committee Boat or tournament headquarters via VHF, text or telephone within 30 minutes. Committee Boats, frequencies and telephone numbers will be announced at the Captains’ Meeting, 10:00 AM, Thursday, May 29, 2025. Following the releasing of a billfish or boating a blue marlin (110″ minimum lower jaw to fork length for Blue Marlin; do not boat Sailfish, Spearfish, or White Marlin) of any eligible billfish, the entire Team must complete their BSC and report the following information:
- Name of Boat
- Name of Angler
- Species of Billfish
- Whether or not Tagged, Released or Boated
- Lower Jaw to Fork Length (LJFL), if boated, within 3 inches of when arriving at dock
- Time Boated or Released
ALL BOATED or RELEASED BILLFISH MUST BE REPORTED TO A COMMITTEE BOAT OR TOURNAMENT HEADQUARTERS WITHIN 30 MINUTES OF THE BOATING/RELEASE TIME.
The Tournament Committee Boat will issue a confirmation number and time for your released or boated billfish. Please make certain that the Committee Boat has confirmed your data, including time of release or boating of billfish. If a Tournament Committee Boat cannot be contacted, then a verifiable report must be given to another Tournament boat or Tournament Headquarters; boat name must be noted on the Billfish Score Card (BSC’s will be provided at the Captains’ Meeting). This is the same procedure for each billfish.
15. Release: Back to Index
The Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic™ does not require that a tag be inserted in a Billfish for the release to qualify for release points. We do encourage tagging of all billfish to further continue the research efforts of The Billfish Foundation (www.billfish.org) . A billfish is considered officially released when the leader connection is wound to the tip of the rod, mate or other teammate touches the leader, along with the video images that are required (see Rule #16). Release points are based on GPS date/time and will be recorded to the full minute.
16. Video Images: Back to Index
To obtain billfish release points, in addition to the communications with the Committee Boat and the corresponding confirmation number, the Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic™ requires completed Billfish Score Cards (BSC’s – see Sect. #11) and video images with both date and time stamps must be provided. Cell phone video will be accepted. If possible, please email video from the phone to dblaylock6@gmail.com. The video image must contain the following:
- The angler fighting the fish showing the tournament issued wristband.
- Pan of complete cockpit.
- Clear identification of the species of Billfish.
- Mate or teammate touching the leader, or the leader connection touching the rod tip, and releasing the fish.
- Wiring and release of fish, followed by an immediate and complete pan of the cockpit showing no other lines in the water.
- After the pan of the cockpit, record a clearly legible shot of the boat’s GPS showing both date and time.
- The camera must NOT stop recording during the wiring, release and complete pan of the cockpit and filming the GPS date and time.
- If the mate has the leader in hand and the hook pulls or the leader breaks, the fish still qualifies if all other items are satisfied, but if the fish is only identifiable as a billfish, the fish will score the minimum 200 points. Please do not stop your video. Do not bring any billfish into the boat or out of the water that you are going to release; it will be disqualified.
- Please have 1 team member bring completed BSC’s, camera and appropriate cables to connect camera to an external monitor and/or laptop computer.
- If the GPS date or time is not clearly identifiable, the date and time of the boat checking in via radio, crossing the checkpoint will be applied, if all other video requirements are met.
17. Protests: Back to Index
Participants may lodge protests against any catch which they believe was not made in accordance with these rules. All protests must be stated in writing and accompanied by $1000 USD. The tournament judges may call a protest hearing at their discretion; a protest hearing is not guaranteed. All protests will be settled on the day of the incident. All protests must be in the hands of the tournament’s designated rules officials by 8 p.m. on the day of the alleged incident and no later than 8 p.m. Saturday May 31, 2025. The protesting party, as well as the accused team members, captain and crew, must be present at any official protest hearing. The tournament committee may refuse to consider any protest evidence not submitted at the protest hearing in the presence of the protested team. If the protesting or protested team fails to show up for the protest hearing, that team forfeits its right to submit evidence. Decisions of the tournament organizers with regard to protests are final, non-appealable and nonjusticiable.
17a. Binding Arbitration: Back to Index
In the event the Tournament Organizers/Rules Committee cannot render or refuses to render a final and binding decision with respect to any dispute, protest, claim, difference, or controversy under review, the matter shall be resolved by binding arbitration under the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. The decision rendered in arbitration shall be in writing and shall be final and binding upon all parties. The parties shall have no further recourse, except as provided for by the commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. Once the decision is rendered, it will produce the effect of “res judicata” and the parties shall fully comply with the decision without delay. The Participants hereby specifically waive any right to a trial by judge or jury. Arbitration will occur in East Baton Rouge Parish in the State of Louisiana.
18. Prizes and Awards from Base Entry Fee: Back to Index
The Reservation/deposit for the Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic™ covers all events, trophies, and captain’s bags/give aways. The Balance of the Entry Fee, $5,000, will be split between the Blue Marlin pool and the Billfish Release pool, 50% to each division pool. If no Blue Marlin that make the minimum length are caught, the Blue Marlin pay out will be disbursed to the 1st through 3rd place Billfish Release teams. The tournament will be capped at 55 boats.
Species | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place |
Blue Marlin Base Entry Pool | 50% + Trophy | 30% + Trophy | 20% + Trophy |
Release Base Entry Pool | 50% + Trophy | 30% + Trophy | 20% + Trophy |
Dolphin | Trophy | Trophy | Trophy |
Tuna | Trophy | Trophy | Trophy |
Wahoo | Trophy | Trophy | Trophy |
Top Angler (overall points including billfish and gamefish) | Trophy | ||
Top Female Angler (overall points including billfish and gamefish) | Trophy | ||
Top Youth Angler – Age 17 or Younger (overall points including billfish and gamefish) | Trophy | ||
Top Boat (overall billfish points) | Trophy | ||
Top Captain and Top Mate (overall billfish points) | Trophy | ||
Release: Based on total billfish release points; ties broken by release times to the full minute; the first team to reach the highest number of total points will be declared the winner. Weighed fish prizes are based on individual fish weight; not on cumulative weight/points. |
19. Tie Breakers: Back to Index
Ties between the weights of two or more fish are broken by the time the fish were weighed in, as recorded by the Tournament Official Weigh Master. A tie on total release points will be broken by the Team that reaches the highest total number of release points first.
20. Optional Entry Categories: Back to Index
The Optional Entry Levels are exactly that, Optional, and are not required or included in the base entry fee of $5,000.00. Boats/anglers must be registered in the Optional Entry Categories to be eligible for the Optional Entry Levels Awards. There are 5 separate levels of Optional Entry Categories for weighed Blue Marlin, Billfish Releases, Tuna, Wahoo, and Dolphin; additionally, there is a $10,000 weighed Blue Marlin and a $10,000 Billfish Release Category – Level #6. All boats may enter as many Optional Entry Categories as they desire, prior to 10:30 PM, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Cash, Certified Checks, or Credit Cards (subject to a 3.5% service charge) are required to enter Optional Entry Categories on-site at the Tournament Headquarters.
Level | Blue Marlin | Release | Dolphin | Tuna | Wahoo |
$10,000 Optional Entry Level #6 Jackpot | $10,000 | $10,000 | |||
$5,000 Optional Entry Level #5 Jackpot | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
$3,000 Optional Entry Level #4 Jackpot | $3,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
$2,000 Optional Entry Level #3 Jackpot | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 |
$1,000 Optional Entry Level #2 Jackpot | $1000 | $1000 | $1000 | $1000 | $1000 |
$500 Optional Entry Level #1 Jackpot | $500 | $500 | $500 | $500 | $500 |
Total Across the Board: $77,500.00 plus Entry Fee | |||||
90% PAYBACK ON ALL OPTIONAL ENTRY CATEGORIES, 10% ADMINISTRATIVE FEE DEDUCTED |
20.a. Optional Entry Level #1 – Level #6 Payouts: Back to Index
Optional Entry Level #1 – Level #6 Payouts: |
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3 Winners | 2 Winners | 1 Winner | ||||||||||||||||||
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21.Optional Entry Refunds: Back to Index
If there are no winners in a specific category Optional Entry Jackpot, the Jackpot for that specific category will be refunded (less 10% Administration Fee) by comefishLa.com, Inc. to the Team Leader listed on the Entry form within ten (14) days following the Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic™.
22. All Payouts: Back to Index
All checks for tournament winnings will be made payable to the “Make Check Payable To” entity indicated on the Entry Form. A Social Security # or Federal Tax Identification # must be provided. ComefishLa.com, Inc. will issue a Federal Tax Form 1099 for all monetary awards to the entity for whom the check is made payable. Winning payout checks will be mailed within ten (14) days following the Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic™.
23. Cancellation: Back to Index
The Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic™ is scheduled for fishing starting at 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 29, 2025 until 7:00 PM, Saturday, May 31, 2025. In the case of inclement weather, the tournament cancels all scheduled fishing days, then Sunday, June 1st will become a fishing day with fishing hours announced. If any portion of the tournament is fished and a team or teams land or release fish that match the tournament’s eligible species and minimum weight limits, then prizes will be awarded. If weather and/or conditions beyond the control of the Tournament Committee require that the tournament be cancelled, refunds of the base entry, $5,000 will be made within fourteen (14) days. The tournament is conducted on a “fish-at-your-own-risk” basis.
24. Use of photographs, audio & video recordings: Back to Index
All participants hereby grant the Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic™ and comefishLa.com, Inc. their full and unlimited consent for the use of any photograph, video and or audio recording, taken or recorded in relation to the Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic™, in which they, or their voice and or likeness may appear. CCBC and comefishLa.com, Inc. may use said photographs, video or audio recordings for any purpose it deems, including, but not limited to, advertising and marketing, promotion, resale, or the like without compensation or any restrictions.
25. Liability Release: Back to Index
Participants agree to the maximum extent permitted by law that they are entering and participating at their own risk. By entering and/or registering for the Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic (hereinafter referred to as “CCBC”) all participants, including, but not limited to all registered anglers, Captains, mates and guests (hereinafter referred to as “Participants”), agree, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to hold the CCBC, comefishLa.com, Inc., Cypress Cove Tournament Productions, LLC., Cypress Cove Marina, Inc., Cypress Cove Lodge, LLC., Cypress Cove Peninsula Townhomes, LLC., Venice Marina, together with all persons or entities involved with/associated with the CCBC, along with their respective employees, officers, directors, volunteers, agents, committee members, partners, sponsors, advisors, and subcontractors (hereinafter referred to as “the CCBC group”) harmless from any and all claims, demands, or liability of any kind whatsoever relating to the CCBC, including but not limited to any claims for any act or omission, excluding, however, any claims for any intentional or gross fault by any member of the CCBC group, and for any claims for physical injury caused by any member of the CCBC group.