SANTEE BIG CAT BRAWL TOURNAMENT RULES

March 15-16, 2024

1. Participants are expected to follow all tournament rules.  Rule infractions are subject to disqualifications.
2. $220 entry fee, includes Big Fish. Final prize amounts determined by total number of team entries and sponsorships.
3. There is a limit of 4 team members per boat, however, fish limits are based on a 2 person team. Children aged 15 and under are not required to be counted as team members.
4. Every team must fully register via the online pre-registration site or in-person prior to the Captain’s meeting. Each team member must complete and submit a Tournament Participation Agreement. Teams will not receive a weigh card until all documents are received.
5. Teams are required to follow CPR during tournaments. The use of stringers, ropes, or bags for keeping catfish alive is strictly prohibited.  No exceptions.  No fish that has been stringered will be weighed.  No sharing of livewells during tournament hours. It is the responsibility of the team to ensure their boat is properly equipped to keep their fish alive and healthy throughout the event. 
6. No more than THREE fish and no fish less than 10” in length are to be brought to the scale.  No culling at dock or weigh-in area. The following species of catfish may be weighed; blue, channel, flathead, white, or bullhead. (NOTE: A one person team is only allowed to weigh in 2 blues over 32” per current SCDNR regulations.)
7. Weigh cards must be presented to the weigh master at the scale daily.
8. Fish must be alive at weigh-in and released. No handling fish by the gill plates. Fish are to be released at the end of the docks and not in the shallow water by the banks.
9. Lakes and canal only; no rivers. Boundary on upper lake is RR Bridge by Packs Landing.
10. A maximum of ten (10) rods per boat may be used at one time. (You may carry more rods as back up but no more than ten are allowed in the water at one time. This count includes bait rods.)
11. Teams must compete in boat and must stay at least 50 yards from anchored boats.
12. All fish must be caught on rod and reel. Maximum of 2 hooks per rod allowed.
13. Trailering is allowed; you do not have to leave from weigh-in location.
14. Teams must comply with all South Carolina fishing and boating regulations.
15. NO alcohol consumption and NO sharing of information during tournament hours.
16. Fishing hours are 6:30 am to 3:30 pm (Blast off is at 6:00 am and you must be in the weigh-in line by 4:30 pm). Teams spotted leaving boat landings earlier than posted blast off time or not visible in the weigh-in line by posted times will be disqualified. Scales will officially open at 3:00 pm daily.
17. In order for a fish to be eligible for Youth, Ladies, or Veteran’s Big Fish it must be reeled in by the person registered in that division.
18. No boats allowed on the water after Captain’s meeting. Teams are allowed to fish for bait after Tournament Day 1 but must be off the water by 9:00 pm.
19. In case of a tie, the win goes to the team who has the biggest fish (out of the teams who are tied, not necessarily the team who has the biggest fish of the tournament).
20. In case of a tie on Big Fish, the total weight of the team (from the teams who are tied) will determine the winner.
21. Captain of boat is liable and responsible for boat, equipment, and all passengers on boat; use of PFDs and kill-switches are strongly encouraged. Black’s Camp, the Brawl tournament directors, volunteers, or entrants are not and will not be responsible for any accidents or injuries at any tournament event.
22. Participants may be required to pass a polygraph examination. Any team having a member who fails or refuses to take a polygraph test or whose condition does not permit administration of a test due to the use of alcohol or drugs will be disqualified from the tournament. The cost of the polygraph tests will be deducted from the tournament entry fees.
23. Any protest must be submitted in writing within fifteen (15) minutes of completion of the final weigh-in. The submission must include the team and the rule that was broken.  Burden of proof falls upon the protesting team with clear and convincing evidence provided. Rulings will be made by the tournament directors and their decisions are final.
24. Cheating will not be tolerated. Any team caught cheating will be disqualified and reported to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s office.
25. The directors of the Santee Big Cat Brawl reserve the right to postpone or cancel the event.
26. Tournament directors reserve the right to refuse entry to any team or participant.
27. By participating in the tournament events, you agree to have your name and photo used in publications and media.