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Fishing Competition Rules & Guidelines

Summer Fishing Competition

When fishing season is at its peak, let's see who bags the big one.

January of each year

Prizes

We'll announce them once the sponsors have agreed.

Main Sponsor: to be announced.

Winter Fishing Competition

Seeing who can catch the big one in these cold months!

June of each year

Prizes

January 2026 is a little way off, so keep checking. As always, they're bound to be great.

JPF Fishing Competition Rules & Guidelines


🗓️ Event Overview:

  • Dates: [Insert dates here]
  • Time: Daily from [Start Time] to [End Time]
  • Location: [Specify dam/lake/jetty at The Coves]
  • Eligibility: Open to children aged [6–16]* who are residents of The Coves or close friends of residents.
  • Entry is FREE but registration is required.


🧒 Identification & Age Categories:

  • Competitors MUST wear their name tags at ALL TIMES
  • Age Categories:
    • Little Anglers: 6–9 years
    • Junior Anglers: 10–13 years
    • Senior Junior Anglers: 14–16 years


🐟 Fishing Rules:

  1. Catch-and-Release only – All fish must be handled gently and released unharmed within 3 minutes of removing it from the water. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the fish in the net IN THE WATER until the marshal arrives with the scale.
  2. Only carp, barbel, bass, tilapia, and yellowtail species are eligible for scoring.
  3. Fishing may be done with one rod per angler at a time.
  4. Specimen or conventional tackle may be used — no boats or drones.
  5. Barbless or micro-barbed hooks are strongly recommended.
  6. No adult may cast, bait, or handle the rod once the competition starts. Adults may assist with unhooking under supervision.
  7. Each catch must be weighed and recorded by an official marshal before release.
  8. Anglers must have a landing net and unhooking mat (some spares will be available at marshal points).
  9. No chumming or feeding spots the night before. Pre-baiting is allowed 30 minutes before competition starts each day.
  10. Keep fishing areas clean. Any littering may lead to disqualification.


🏆 Scoring System:

  • Points per fish: 5 point per fish + 1 bonus point per kilogram.
    • Example: A 2.5kg carp = 5 + 2.5 = 7.5 points
  • A Daily Leaderboard will be posted each evening
    • Leaderboards will be OVERALL, and not per species
    • A FINAL Competition Leaderboard will be announced at the end of Day 2


🎖️ Prizes & Categories:

  • Biggest Fish (per age group)
  • Most Fish Caught (per age group)
  • Overall Champion Angler (highest score)
  • Best Sportsmanship Award (voted by fellow anglers)
  • Youngest Participant (must have caught at least ONE fish!)


🧣 Winter Weather Note:

  • Kids must be appropriately dressed – warm gear, beanies, gloves.
  • Marshals will check for signs of cold stress or fatigue.
  • Hot drinks and snacks will be available at the marshal tents.


👨‍👩‍👧 Parent/Guardian Involvement:

  • A responsible adult must accompany each child.
  • Adults may assist with gear setup and coaching before the start, but not during the fishing period.


📸 Photos & Media:

  • By entering, parents grant permission for Junior Pro Fishermen to share event photos of their children on community platforms.
  • A group photo will be taken on Day 2 for all participants.


💬 Good to Know:

  • This event is all about fun, learning, and community — not just catching fish!
  • Mobile phone should be used for an emergency ONLY. Persistent use of a mobile phone whilst the tournament is underway may result in a 10-point deduction.
  • Respect for nature, equipment, marshalls, and fellow anglers is expected at all times.