National Sea League

Match Rules - November 2014

1. The start and finish of the competition will be signalled by the organisers. Anglers are permitted to wet their line, without bait, up to 20 minutes prior to the commencement of the match.
2. An angler is permitted to have three rods set up with reels, lines and baited traces attached, but can only have one line in the water at one time.
3. Spare baited traces are allowed and no more than three hooks may be attached to any trace. Treble hooks count as one hook but no more than one treble hook and two single hooks may be used in a rig, with the exception of plug-type spinning lures which are permissible when used alone. Anglers must attend to their own spare traces, assistance in any form such as un-hooking fish or baiting up is not allowed.
4. All baits, feathers and /or lures may be used, unless notified otherwise by the organisers.
5. Restrictions on tackle or methods, if applicable, will be notified to participants by the organisers.
6. Anglers wishing to use ‘power casting’ styles should use a minimum of 60lb breaking strain shock leader. Furthermore it is recommended that the breaking strain of the shock leader should be a minimum of 10lb per oz. of weight used. In the interests of safety competitors are advised that any form of dangerous casting is prohibited.
7. Anglers are permitted to cast immediately after landing a fish, however the retrieval of this cast is not permitted until the anglers catch is recorded by the steward or the adjacent angler on the official match bag label or match card.
8. Assistance may be given to land a fish but no-one other than the competitor may handle the rod. In pier competitions assistance to land a fish with a drop net is permitted, as is hand lining the fish up the pier or promenade wall, providing it can be lifted clear of the surface and not pulled through the water towards the angler.
9. The deliberate foul-hooking of fish is not permitted, however foul hooked fish are allowed at the discretion of the organisers. In the event of a fish being hooked by two or more competitors or caught on lost traces, they shall not be eligible for recording or weigh-in.
10. If a match is defined as Catch & Release then the rules detailed on the conversion card will be used for measuring, recording and returning of fish to the sea.  The conversion card will also detail which size limits apply.
11. If a match is defined as Catch & Release it is each angler’s responsibility to ensure all measured and undersize fish are returned to the water at the earliest opportunity after measuring.  ALL fish must be kept in water at all times prior to release.
12. For non-Catch & Release matches it is each angler’s responsibility to ensure all undersize fish are returned to the water. Fish may be kept in water but any physical attempt to extend their length will lead to disqualification.
13. Minimum sizes.  Where fish are retained for weighing it is each angler’s responsibility to ensure all fish brought to the scales are sizeable. The organisers will provide a Master Measure and adjudicator for anglers to have their catch checked, at the anglers request, prior to presenting the fish to the scales. However the onus of responsibility is that of the angler. Undersize fish brought to the scale may result in disqualification.
14. At the end of the competition anglers have one hour to bring their own catch to the weigh-in for non Catch & Release matches.  The organisers may retain all fish until after the weigh-in.
15. Any complaints must be submitted to the organisers, in writing, within one hour of the end of the competition. A Protest Fee of ten pounds must accompany the complaint, which is returnable if the objection is upheld. The decision of the organisers will be final in the event of any dispute not covered by these rules.
16. The organisers reserve the right to refuse entry and disqualify any angler found breaking the rules. Furthermore the organisers reserve the right to check, at their discretion, inside anglers vehicles at any time both before and after the competition.
17. The organisers shall not be held responsible for any loss, accident or damage occasioned to any competitor, official or member of the public.
18. Any angler reported leaving litter or throwing litter into the sea during or after the competition will be disqualified.
19. Fishing will be from a peg and/or zone allocated by means of a draw. Anglers must fish from no other peg number or position. The redrawing of pegs is not allowed. Any angler that leaves the venue taking their fishing tackle with them will have deemed to have finished the competition, and will not be allowed to take any further part in that days competition.
20. As well as the aforementioned rules, the rules of fair play will apply. Anglers must conduct themselves in the manner within the spirit of the sport.

Additional National Sea League Final rules …

1. All baits are allowed except Crab and White Rag.