OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT RULES

PLEASE READ ALL RULES AND POLICIES CAREFULLY. By registering for any Snakehead Fishing Trail (SFT) event, all anglers certify that they have read, understand, and agree to abide by these rules. Failure to comply may result in disqualification and/or a permanent ban. 

The Snakehead Fishing Trail (SFT) reserves the absolute right, at its sole discretion, to refuse, deny, suspend, or revoke the entry or participation of any angler at any time, with or without cause, and without obligation to provide a reason. This includes, but is not limited to, violations of tournament rules, unsportsmanlike conduct, or actions deemed detrimental to the integrity, safety, or reputation of SFT.

By registering for an SFT event, all participants acknowledge and accept this policy and agree that SFT’s decisions regarding eligibility and participation are final.

The Snakehead Fishing Trail (SFT) is committed to maintaining a fair, honest, and competitive tournament environment for all anglers. Protecting the integrity of our events is a top priority, and any actions that compromise fairness, sportsmanship, or trust will not be tolerated.

SFT enforces a zero-tolerance policy for cheating in any form. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Falsifying catch videos or timestamps
   
• Submitting fish caught outside tournament hours
   
• Fishing in prohibited locations
   
• Using prohibited gear or methods
   
• Submitting another angler’s fish
   
• Altering, tampering with, or misrepresenting a catch
   
• Any attempt to deceive tournament officials
   

SFT reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to investigate any angler or catch that is suspected of violating tournament rules or attempting to gain an unfair advantage. This may include reviewing catch videos, timestamps, location data, witness statements, weigh-in records, and any other information deemed relevant by tournament officials.

All anglers agree to fully cooperate with any investigation as a condition of participation.

If an angler is found to have cheated, or if sufficient evidence exists to reasonably suggest cheating or attempted cheating, SFT reserves the right to impose penalties including, but not limited to:

• Immediate disqualification
   
• Forfeiture of winnings, prizes, or placement
   
• Permanent ban from all current and future Snakehead Fishing Trail events
   

SFT also reserves the right to take these actions even if a formal rule violation cannot be conclusively proven but the integrity of the tournament is in question.

All decisions made by SFT tournament officials regarding cheating, investigations, and enforcement are final and binding. By registering for any SFT event, anglers agree to abide by this policy and accept SFT’s authority in all matters related to fairness and rule enforcement.

• Artificial lures only. NO live, natural, or cut bait permitted.

• All fish must be caught on tournament day ONLY. Submitted tournament fish that show signs of being caught outside of the tournament hours will be subjected to investigation.
   
• Fish must be caught using a rod and reel only.
  No bowfishing, cast netting, spearfishing, bang-sticking, or similar methods allowed.
   
• Bank, boat, and kayak fishing are all permitted.
   
• Wire leaders and treble hooks are allowed.

• Fish must be caught by the participating angler only.
   

• Winners are determined by:
  • Two-fish aggregate Tournaments:  The sum of the two heaviest snakeheads. [ ANGLERS CAN ONLY SUBMIT TWO SNAKEHEADS THAT WILL COUNT TOWARDS THE MAIN STANDINGS, CALCUTTAS, & GAMES ]
  • Single Fish Tournaments: The single heaviest snakehead.

• Top 5 Winners 
• Junior Division - 1st place
   
• Tournament weights are unofficial until all required catch-video documentation has been reviewed and approved by the tournament committee

• Official fish weight will be determined by our certified scales ONLY. Please understand that the weight may vary between different scales.

• Lines In: 7:00 AM
   
• Lines Out: 3:00 PM
   
• Weigh-In: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
   
• Scales close promptly at 4:31 PM.
  Any fish brought in after this time will not be accepted.
   
• Awards Presentation: Approximately 5:00 PM
   

All potential winning fish must have a valid catch video using the FREE Timestamp Camera App.

Your catch video must clearly show:

• The entire fish immediately after catch (Showing the fish alive with natural movement)

• The lure or bait is visibly in or immediately next to the fish’s mouth 

• The angler band
   
• The surrounding area
   

Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in disqualification.

• Location services must be enabled So, GPS data is saved in the Timestamp App.
   
• Videos stay on your phone; you will show them to tournament officials for approval.
   

• There are no boundaries—you may fish anywhere in Florida as long as you return in time for weigh-in.
   
• Absolutely NO fishing in private, single-owner ponds.
   
  • If caught fishing on private property, you will be banned from any future tournaments.
     
  • Gated communities, golf courses, and similar waters are allowed.

• We are not responsible for any trespassing citations or consequences for trespassing.
   

• All anglers must follow Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation (FWC) regulations regarding snakehead handling and transport.
   
• All fish must either:
   
  • Be donated to Filet For Friends, or
     
  • Be taken home by the angler after weigh-in.
     
• All winning fish will be inspected before leaving the weigh-in area.
   
• Each angler is fully responsible for their own fish.
   

• No rod sharing.
  Fishing together is allowed, but once the drag is engaged, the fish belongs to that angler and must be landed by them.
   
• Landing nets are allowed only after the fish is hooked and ready to be landed.
   

• All anglers must attend the angler meeting to receive their angler band.
   
• If you cannot attend, you must contact tournament staff.
   
• Meeting Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Location: RB Bait & Tackle
   

• SFT reserves the right to reschedule any event due to unsafe weather conditions, including tropical systems, lightning, or severe storms.
   

• By entering, all anglers voluntarily consent to submit to a polygraph test if deemed necessary by tournament officials.
   

• NO REFUNDS.
  Once entry is paid, all sales are final.
   

• All participants fish at their own risk.
   
• SFT is not responsible for accidents, injuries, or property damage.
  Be safe, be respectful, and have fun.