2025 Official Membership and Angling Rules of the Southern Kingfish Association

ELIGIBILITY

You must be an active Competition Member of the Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) to win any SKA sponsored prizes. In order for your Division and Tournament Trail points to count you must have a minimum of 2 active SKA members on your vessel. Competition membership runs on an annual basis, from January 1 to December 31. Once SKA accepts your membership, no refunds will be issued.

MEMBERSHIPS

All NEW Members will receive a membership card and a Southern Kingfish Association decal. New and renewing members will receive an SKA decal and access to member discounts provided by SKA industry partners. Decals will be available through an SKA representative at sanctioned events.

COMPETITION MEMBERSHIP: Competition Members are entitled to compete for qualifying points in any number of the Divisions. Membership includes access to SKA Member-Only TWTs and Jackpots, regional prizes, and participation in any qualifying Partner Incentive Programs.

COMPETITION JUNIOR ANGLER MEMBERSHIP: Competition JUNIOR Anglers are defined as 12 years of age and under. If the Angler is 12 on January 1 of this season's calendar year, they are eligible for competition in the JUNIOR Angler category. Competition JUNIOR Anglers are entitled to compete in any number of Divisions. Female JUNIOR Anglers are not qualified for the LADY Angler category.

COMPETITION NEXTGEN MEMBERSHIP: Competition NEXTGEN Anglers are defined as anglers 13 to 17 years of age. If the Angler is 13 on January 1 of this season's calendar year, they are eligible for competition in the NEXTGEN Angler category. If the Angler is 17 on January 1 of this season's calendar year, they can compete as an NEXTGEN Angler for the remainder of the season even if they turn 18 during competition. Competition NEXTGEN Anglers are entitled to compete in any number of Divisions. Female NEXTGEN Anglers are not qualified for the LADY Angler category.

LADY, SENIOR & VETERAN ANGLER CATEGORIES: Adult Competition Members (not JUNIOR or NEXTGEN Anglers) are also automatically eligible for LADY, SENIOR and/or VETERAN Angler categories and prizes if qualified. SENIOR ANGLERS are defined as any Competition Member aged 55 and older as of January 1 of this season's calendar year, regardless of gender. LADY ANGLERS are defined as any female Competition Member aged 18 or older as of January 1 of this season's calendar year. Any female Competition Member may choose to compete as a SENIOR ANGLER instead of a LADY ANGLER for the year, but this choice must be communicated to an SKA Representative prior to the first tournament. VETERAN ANGLERS are defined as any Competition Member that is serving or has served in any Branch of the US Armed Services. A VETERAN Angler can also qualify as a SENIOR or LADY Angler. For 2024, adult female anglers will EITHER be qualified for LADY Angler (by default) or SENIOR Angler status (upon request), not both.

SKA ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP: Associate Members are NOT entitled to compete for points in any Divisional competition or allowed entry to fish in the National Championship. They will, however, receive all of the other benefits listed above.

RESPONSIBILITY OF MEMBERS

By registering as a member of the Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) and fishing an SKA-Sanctioned Tournament or an SKA-Produced Tournament, the member consents to the use, without payment or restrictions, of any photographs, and his or her name, in which the member, their crew and/or boat appears for any purpose whatsoever. The member further releases the Southern Kingfish Association, its officers, directors, employees, committee members, sponsors, and sanctioned tournament personnel, from any liability for libel, slander, loss, damage, negligence, injury and/or death suffered by any member, family, crew, boat and/or other person which may occur during the term of membership.

Any member, or members who threaten or pursue any form of litigation against the Southern Kingfish Association, or any of the SKA Sanctioned Tournaments, will be permanently expelled from the organization and its Sanctioned Tournaments.

It is the responsibility of every member to read the Membership Rules, Code of Conduct, Angling Rules, Tournament Rules, and SKA Tournament Trail Division Rules and comply with the same guidelines in all SKA sanctioned events they fish or participate. In joining the SKA, every member agrees to abide by the rules set forth in the Membership Rules, Code of Conduct, Angling Rules, Tournament Rules, and SKA Tournament Trail Division Rules, whether they have read them or not. Furthermore, said member agrees that all decisions on disputes and/or protests are final and cannot be judged by any court or other authority.

SKA TOURNAMENT TRAIL ANGLING RULES

OVERVIEW: The Southern Kingfish Association and its Sanctioned Tournaments are considerably lenient in regard to the Angling Rules, especially when compared to the standards set by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). Anglers are not out to set world records in tournament competition, and by allowing certain types of tackle and equipment, we allow them to increase their chances of boating a tournament-winning King Mackerel. All anglers should keep in mind that, if they are interested in setting a world record, they would need to modify their tackle and equipment to conform to IGFA rules. Otherwise, during any SKA sanctioned tournament, the following set of Angling Rules shall apply to all SKA members and non-members fishing a SKA sanctioned event.

A. LINE: Monofilament, multifilament, braided and lead core multifilament lines may be used. A fluorocarbon line may also be used. Wire lines are prohibited.

B. LEADER: The use of a leader is not required, but if one is used it must meet the following specifications: Single strand, multi-strand, and/or braided wire leaders are acceptable. Fluorocarbon leaders may also be used. There is no length restriction on the leader or shock leader. There are no requirements on the strength of the leader or shock leader.

C. ROD: Rods must comply with sporting ethics and customs. Considerable latitude is allowed in the choice of a rod; however, any rods giving the angler an unfair advantage will be disqualified. The rule is intended to eliminate the use of unconventional rods. There are no restrictions on the length of the rod or type of material in its manufacture.

D. REELS: Reels must comply with sporting ethics and customs. Power-driven reels of any kind are prohibited. This includes the motor, hydraulic or electrically driven reels and any device, which gives the angler an unfair advantage. Special consideration for physically impaired members will be pre-arranged upon request. This rule does NOT apply to power-driven kite reels provided the fishing line is attached via a release clip so the fish is not fought on the power-driven reel. It also does NOT apply to power-driven downriggers, provided the fishing line is attached via a release clip so the fish is not fought using the power-driven downrigger. Ratchet handle reels are prohibited. Reels designed to be cranked with both hands at the same time are prohibited.

E. BAIT, HOOKS, and LURES: It is the overall intent of the SKA to prevent any angler from attempting to/or obtaining an unfair advantage over any other anglers. Any angler, who uses illegal methods to capture fish, including baitfish, may be subject to disqualification and/or expulsion by the tournament committee and/or the SKA. Bait may be taken by any legal means following recreational rules, including the use of a cast net of legal size. Artificial lures, skirts and trailing materials may be used in the capture of bait or Kingfish providing such skirt, lure or trailer is attached to a qualified rod, reel and line. Teasers such as jig heads or skirts may be used in front of live bait rigs or attached to the front of any ribbon fish or eel. There will be a maximum of five (5) hooks allowed per rig. Each hook may be of a single, double or treble design. This is largely in the case of ribbonfish or silver eels. Anglers are encouraged to use the least amount of hooks possible in order to increase the chances of survival for any kingfish who are released. This is especially important while pre-fishing, when most fish will be released anyway. For all tournaments, pre-caught or bought bait must be on the participating boat prior to check-out. Bait pens may be kept at locations other than with a vessel at a marina or a home dock, however, no bait from these pens can be removed after check out nor can a team stop on their way to the weigh-in dock and put bait in a pen. The only exception to this rule is an area affected by red tide. If bait cannot be kept alive in a given area, alternative arrangements will be announced at the Captain's Meeting or, if possible, within three days of the event. SKA Teams are required to adhere to local, state and federal RECREATIONAL bait limits regardless of licensing. This applies to all events regardless of tournament rules.

F. OTHER EQUIPMENT: Gaffs and nets used to boat or land a fish must not exceed an overall length of 12 feet. Flying or detachable head gaffs are not allowed. All gaffs must be equipped with a single hook. Harpoon or lance attachments are prohibited. Floats are prohibited with the exception of any flotation device attached to the line or leader for the sole purpose of regulating the depth of the bait. The flotation device must not in any way hamper the fighting ability of the fish. Entangling devices, either with or without a hook are prohibited and may not be used for any purpose including baiting, hooking, fighting or landing the fish. Outriggers, downriggers, and kites are permitted, provided that the actual fishing line is attached to the device by a snap, clip, rubber band or other release devices so the line is released upon the strike and the fish is fought unencumbered on an allowed rod, reel, and line.

G. ANGLING REGULATIONS: A harness may be attached to the rod and reel, but not to a fighting chair. The harness may be replaced or adjusted by a person other than the angler. The angler may pass the rod to another angler at any time in the fight and for any reason. This is primarily in the case of Junior Anglers who may tire more easily. The use of a rod belt or gimbal is allowed. The angling and equipment regulations will apply throughout a sanctioned tournament.

H. ANY OF THE FOLLOWING MAY DISQUALIFY A CATCH: Failure to comply with any local, state, federal, tournament or Tournament/SKA angling regulations. Hand lining or using a hand line or rope attached in any manner to the angler's line or leader for the purpose of holding or lifting a fish. Shooting, harpooning, or lancing any fish during any stage of the catch is prohibited. Using a boat or other device to beach or drive a fish into shallow water in order to deprive the fish of its normal ability to swim. Intentionally foul hooking a fish. Using a size or type of bait that is illegal to possess. Attaching the angler's line or leader to any part of the boat or other objects for the purpose of holding or lifting the fish. Mutilation of the fish prior to landing or boating the catch, caused by sharks, barracuda, any other fish, mammals, or propellers that hampers the fish's natural fighting and swimming ability. (Injuries caused by line or leader, gaff marks, old healed scars or regeneration deformities are not disqualifying injuries).

SKA TOURNAMENT TRAIL & DIVISION RULES:

OVERVIEW: This is a team competition in which the team's captain receives one (1) point per pound for their largest King Mackerel weighed in per tournament (minimum 10 pounds). Qualifying points include 1/100 of a pound. SKA must have the make, model, power, and boat name of the team. This is a boat/team effort. The boat you register at the start of the season is the boat you must fish on throughout the year in that division. The name of the boat remains the same all year, as you cannot change names in midseason.

Boat Sales: If you sell your boat, you will be allowed to transfer points to the new boat, provided that you remain within the same boat class. for example, if you begin the year in the Small Boat Class, garner points, then purchase a boat larger than the Small Boat Class maximum, you will NOT be allowed to transfer points between the Small Boat Class and the Open Class. Putting your current boat up for sale and fishing on another vessel does NOT qualify as a reason to carry over points to another boat. You may not substitute a boat for one that is already declared as a SKA tournament boat; furthermore, you may not substitute a boat in order to allow your SKA declared vessel to fish in a non-SKA tournament. There are two exceptions: 1) one is a licensed boat dealer fishing a company-owned demonstration boat. The MSO of the boat must be in the dealer's name and the name given the boat at the start of the season must remain the same. 2) The other pertains to breakdowns.

Breakdown(s):See Sanctioned Tournament and SKA Produced Tournament Rules, number All substitutions qualifying under these exceptions must be approved by SKA Director of Operations prior to tournament registration. Substitution vessels will be allowed in the event of breakdowns or if the manufacture of a new vessel is not complete at the time of the tournament. Substitution vessels will be approved on a case by case basis; check with SKA directors before using a substitute boat.

CAPTAIN QUALIFICATIONS: For members to register as Captain or Co-Captain, they must be at least 16 years of age prior to January 1 of this season's calendar year. It is highly recommended that if you register as Captain with the SKA that you also register as Captain with the sanctioned tournament's officials in order to eliminate any confusion in scorekeeping. ONCE A CAPTAIN IS DETERMINED, HE OR SHE WILL REMAIN CAPTAIN FOR THE SEASON. SKA recommends designating a Co-Captain at the beginning of the season in case the Captain cannot be onboard for the event. A "local" Captain that has not been previously designated as Captain or Co-Captain may not be hired for a tournament.

OPEN CLASS: This class has no maximum horsepower or length restrictions.

SMALL BOAT CLASS: This class is for boats whose manufacturer lists the Length Overall (LOA) as 26.5 feet or less. The SKA may physically measure any boat to determine its length and will assist any member in determining the length. The vessel cannot exceed 26.5 LOA. Length is measured from the forward-most part of the bow to the stern (or transom) of the boat, in a straight line parallel to the water. Check with a SKA director for ruling on your vessel if you have questions. You may choose to fish Open Class in a Small Boat (26.5' LOA or less). You must declare your boat's Class on the SKA Points Form for each tournament you enter. This will determine which category you qualify to fish in the National Championship. NOTE: If you are in the process of selling your Small Boat Class boat and moving to Open Class, it is recommended that you declare Open Class at the beginning of the season. You may not transfer points between Classes during a season. Once you declare a Class, points earned cannot be transferred between classes.

SKA TOURNAMENT TRAIL & DIVISION RULES: There are up to 11 divisions in the SKA depending on tournament volume in a regional area. A team's best three fished events over 10 points (within their division) count toward the team's score. SKA only allows one qualifying fish weight per event for points. For teams that fish more than three events within their division, their lowest weighing fish points are dropped - SKA keeps the three highest weighing fish for points. Teams may fish in as many divisions as they choose, however, their points are not transferable between divisions. Upon registration, teams must declare their desired division. Points garnered will remain with that boat/team within their declared division. Captain or Co-Captain must be a SKA Competition member(s) and one or both must be onboard in order to receive points in their division. Individual team members are not required to be on board for every tournament during the season. The Captain and the boat receive points, and points remain with the boat throughout the season. A Captain switching teams may NOT carry his or her points from one team to another.

SKA MEMBER REGISTRATION AND POINTS FORM

There is no fee for processing the Points form at each tournament.

Each team must check in with the SKA by completing the SKA Points Form prior to or during tournament registration hours. It is imperative that SKA Points Form is completed in full, by designated deadlines. Failure to do so will result in the team's points not counting for that tournament. There will be no exceptions. The Captain or Co-Captain and at least one other angler must be current Members in good standing for points to qualify. Points Forms are available online two weeks prior to an event. In many cases, an SKA representative will be on-site and available to assist with Check-In during the hours of tournament registration. Members will receive a confirmation email.

CHANGES TO SKA POINTS FORM: Teams must notify an SKA Representative and email the SKA of any changes to crew listed on the SKA Points Form within 24 hours of the event ending, or SKA cannot guarantee changes will be made. Anyone violating the honor system will not be awarded points for that event.

SKA CATEGORY AWARDS

Two-Day Aggregate Events: For two-day, aggregate events, including Nationals, if a crew member does not fish one day for any reason, the team's points from that day will not be included in that crew member's Category Awards rankings. Category Awards points can only be earned if that crew member actively fishes. A crew member can still rank for Category Awards with a single day's points. Category Awards include Junior, NextGen, Lady, Senior and Veteran Anglers.

LADY ANGLER AWARDS: The Lady Angler's best three fished events within her division will count toward points for that season. There will be one Top Lady Angler per division. There will be one Lady Angler of the Year award. The Top Lady Angler in each division will receive recognition from the SKA at the divisional awards. Lady Anglers must be a member of the team that drives the boat, angles, gaffs, or participates in catching the fish. SKA rewards them for participating with the team only. Lady Anglers must remain with one team in a division in order to garner points throughout the season. The Lady Angler cannot qualify for points on another boat within her division but may qualify for points within other divisions. Boat switching for Lady Angler in a division is not allowed unless falling under approved breakdown substitution rules.

Lady Anglers must be clearly and properly marked on the SKA Points Form to be eligible for points. This must be done for each event they fish. In the event a Lady Angler is indicated but does not fish, it is the responsibility of the team captain to notify the SKA representative before the last fish is weighed at the event, so the SKA Points Form can be corrected. There will be one Top Lady Angler per division. Ties are broken by the weight of the largest of the three fish counted for scoring. In the event that the largest fish also tie, the winner will be determined by the second largest fish weighed in.

JUNIOR ANGLER AWARDS: The Junior Angler's best three fished events within their division will count toward points for that season. The top three (3) Junior Anglers in each division will receive recognition from the SKA at the divisional awards. If the Angler is 12 years of age on January 1 of that calendar year, they are eligible for competition in the Junior Angler class. There will be three (3) Top Junior Anglers of the Year. Junior Anglers must be aboard the boat and a member of the team that angles, gaffs, or participates in catching the fish. SKA rewards them for participation as part of the fishing team.

Junior Anglers must remain with one team in a division in order to garner points throughout the season. The Junior Angler cannot get points on multiple boats throughout a single division but may switch to a different boat in a different division. Boat switching in a division is not allowed with the exception of approved breakdown substitution. Junior Anglers must be clearly and properly marked on the SKA Points Form to be eligible for points (must be done at each event they fish.) In the event a Junior Angler is indicated on the points form but does not fish, it is the responsibility of the team captain to notify the SKA representative prior to the last fish weighed, so the SKA Points Form can be corrected. Anyone violating the honor system will not be awarded points for that event. Ties are broken by the weight of the largest of the three fish counted for scoring. In the event that the largest fish also tie, the winner will be determined by the second largest fish weighed in.

NEXTGEN ANGLER AWARDS: The NEXTGEN Angler's best three fished events within their division will count toward points for that season. The top three NEXTGEN Anglers in each division will receive recognition from the SKA at the divisional awards. If the Angler is between 13 and 17 years of age on January 1 of that calendar year, they are eligible for competition in the NEXTGEN Angler class. There will be (3) Top NEXTGEN Anglers of the Year. NEXTGEN Anglers must be a member of the team that drives the boat, angles, gaffs, or participates in catching the fish.

NEXTGEN Anglers must remain with one team in a division in order to garner points throughout the season. The NEXTGEN Angler cannot get points on multiple boats throughout a single division but may switch to a different boat in a different division. Boat switching in a division is not allowed with the exception of approved breakdown substitution. NEXTGEN Anglers must be clearly and properly marked on the SKA Points Form to be eligible for points (must be done at each event they fish.) In the event a NEXTGEN Anglers is indicated on the points form but does not fish, it is the responsibility of the team captain to notify the SKA representative prior to the last fish weighed, so the SKA Points Form can be corrected. Anyone violating the honor system will not be awarded points for that event. Ties are broken by the weight of the largest of the three fish counted for scoring. In the event that the largest fish also tie, the winner will be determined by the second largest fish weighed in.

LONNIE BROADWELL SENIOR ANGLER AWARD: The top Senior Angler in each division will receive an award. The Senior Angler's 55th birthday must fall prior to January 1 of the calendar year of competition. The Lonnie Broadwell Senior Angler of the year award will be awarded to the Divisional winner (male or female, if designated as a Senior Angler) in the Senior Angler category with the highest three fish aggregate point total. Senior Anglers must be a member of the team that drives the boat, angles, gaffs, or participates in catching the fish. SKA rewards them for participation as part of the fishing team.

Senior Anglers must remain with one team in a division in order to garner points throughout the season. The Senior Angler cannot get points on multiple boats throughout a single division but may switch to a different boat in a different division. Boat switching in a division is not allowed with the exception of approved breakdown substitution. Senior Anglers must be clearly and properly marked on the SKA Points Form to be eligible for points (must be done at each event they fish). In the event a Senior Angler is indicated but does not fish, it is the responsibility of the team captain to notify the SKA representative prior to the last fished weighed, so the SKA Points Form can be corrected. Anyone violating the honor system will not be awarded points for that event. Ties are broken by the weight of the largest of the three fish counted for scoring. In the event that the largest fish also tie, the winner will be determined by the second largest fish weighed in.

VETERAN ANGLER AWARD: The top Veteran Angler in each division event will be recognized. Veteran Anglers must be clearly and properly marked on the SKA Points Form to be eligible (must be done at each event they fish). A Veteran Angler must be serving or have served in any branch if the US Armed Forces. A Veteran Angler can also qualify as a Lady or Senior Angler.

Veteran Anglers must remain with one team in a division in order to garner points throughout the season. The Veteran Angler cannot get points on multiple boats throughout a single division but may switch to a different boat in a different division. Boat switching in a division is not allowed with the exception of approved breakdown substitution. Veteran Anglers must be clearly and properly marked on the SKA Points Form to be eligible for points (must be done at each event they fish). In the event a Veteran Angler is indicated but does not fish, it is the responsibility of the team captain to notify the SKA representative prior to the last fish weighed, so the SKA Points Form can be corrected. Anyone violating the honor system will not be awarded points for that event. Ties are broken by the weight of the largest of the three fish counted for scoring. In the event that the largest fish also tie, the winner will be determined by the second largest fish weighed in.

Awards and Weights from Partnered Tournaments: The official/final Tournament Results are given to the SKA to base all points, prizes, etc. In the event the SKA is unable to attain the final results from the Tournament representatives at the conclusion of the tournament, prizes, points, etc. will be delivered in a timely fashion and announced on media platforms.

TIES: Any ties in Divisional competition will be broken by the size of the largest fish of the three that count toward the boat's points. The boat with the larger fish will break the tie. In the event of identical big fish weights, the size of the second-largest fish will break the tie, and if necessary, the third-largest fish. Any and all ties in the divisional competition will be broken. There will be no co-winners or equal placing in the divisions.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - UPDATED APRIL 16, 2024

The SKA National Championship has an additional set of Rules and Regulations that will be made available prior to the annual event.

To qualify for the National Championship a team must have:
1) Weighed a fish in AT LEAST ONE sanctioned event in the current tournament season;
2) AND finish in the current tournament season in the GREATER of:
     A) Top 25%* of the Division's Class OR
     B) The top 25* of the Division's Open Class / the top 15* of the Division's Small Boat Class.

* Number of teams is determined by the total number of participating teams in that Division Class fishing AT LEAST ONE sanctioned event for the current tournament season regardless of whether the team weighed a fish.

Additional Qualifiers and Exceptions:

1) If a team qualifies in multiple Divisions, that team will be excluded from qualifying ranking lists in all but the highest ranked Division.
2) Past National Champions, Hall of Fame inductees, AND past Anglers of the Year are automatically qualified for the Championship and will be excluded from any Divisional qualifying ranking lists.
3) Teams that ranked 1st, 2nd or 3rd in their Class in 2023's Divisional rankings are automatically qualified for the Championship and will be excluded from any Divisional qualifying ranking lists.
4) The SKA will allow for a current SKA Partner to nominate Teams otherwise not qualifying. The Team entered must be in good membership standing with the SKA.

Teams that meet these criteria will be invited to compete in the SKA's National Championship and will receive an invitation** as notification of their selection.

Nationals Crew: Should your team qualify for the National Championships, any and all adult (age 18+) crew members must have fished in AT LEAST ONE regular season event with the qualifying team. This does not apply to Junior and NextGen anglers. Captains can fish with their original team or may pick their crew as long as crew members meet all crieria listed. ALL ANGLERS on a National Championship crew MUST BE CURRENT SKA competition members PRIOR TO the National Championship FISHING DAY 1.

Crew members may ONLY FISH WITH ONE TEAM during Nationals. Team members are declared at registration and no later than the end of the Nationals Captain's Meeting.

SKA Corporate Partners and members of the press are the only exceptions and must be approved by the SKA management prior to fishing. Captains must submit a request to the SKA for an exemption at least 60 days prior (by October 1) to the National Championship.

** Invitations will be sent by October 20 or earlier as results become available; additional invitations will be sent after the Division's last event, if after October 20.

PARTNER/SANCTIONED TOURNAMENT & SKA PRODUCED TOURNAMENT RULES:

ALL SKA SANCTIONED OR PRODUCED TOURNAMENTS ARE CAPTAIN'S CHOICE EVENTS.

1. Captain's Choice: It is up to the discretion of the participating Captain to determine whether their craft is seaworthy for the existing conditions. The Captain is responsible for the safety and conduct of their crew both on and off the ocean from the time the tournament begins (Registration) until it ends (Awards Ceremony). Captains are responsible for their crew's and/or teammates' actions at all time. Captains/teams may be disqualified solely on the actions of one team member. Captains can only enlist (1) Co-Captain and up to (8)* crew members for sanctioned SKA tournaments. Sanctioned SKA events do allow for crew member changes from one tournament event to another. (*if your boat capacity allows)

2. UNDERSTANDING THE RULES: It is the responsibility of all SKA members to familiarize themselves with all rules and regulations of the association and sanctioned tournaments and to abide by the rules and regulations. Members also agree by joining the Association, that all decisions of SKA management are final. This is to protect both members and the Association.

3. Any King Mackerel caught and presented at a tournament scale for tournament participation must be iced and fit for human consumption. The weighmaster, Tournament Director, or SKA management may disqualify any fish kept improperly after capture. The SKA staff reserves the right to inspect fish prior to being weighed. Members must be ready for photo presentation with all SKA members present. If a tournament does not collect your catch, you are responsible for disposing of the fish in an appropriate manner. All King Mackerel must be offloaded at the end of each fishing day. Any boat found possessing King Mackerel in weighable condition prior to check-out will be subject to disqualification. Fish to be weighed in must be accompanied by a member of the boat's crew, who must stay with the fish to verify the weight and sign the weigh ticket.

4. In the event of identical weights, the first fish weighed in will break the tie. In a two-day, two-fish aggregate event, the tie will be broken on the basis of the team's largest fish of the two weighed in. In the event that the largest fish tie in weight, the winner will be determined by the first of the largest fish weighed in. No altering of a fish's weight, in any way, is allowed i.e. stuffing the fish, chemical treatment, or injection of any substance, etc.

5. Hooks/Tackle and any items used to stop blood loss must be removed prior to bringing a fish to the scales. This is for the safety of the weighmaster and fish handlers.

6. No boat is permitted to make landfall, congregate with another boat, and/or pass anything between boats or land after checkout and before weigh-in each day. Any boat receiving assistance is disqualified for that day only. Any boat rendering assistance will not be disqualified. Please keep in mind notifying the tournament committee, committee boat, or another tournament participant is required. The boat rendering assistance must maintain any time schedules and/or weigh-in hours. In the event of a no-checkout tournament, the above shall apply at the tournament's designated time for lines in the water. After checkout (or once fishing hours have started in the case of a no-checkout tournament), no boats are to pass, throw, float, airlift or otherwise transfer ANY object (related to fishing or not) onto any other boat during tournament competition hours. This form of congregation is reserved for dire emergencies at sea, such as onboard fire, sinking or danger of sinking, medical emergencies, etc. as required by Maritime Law. If any team knowingly weighs or attempts to weigh a fish after receiving assistance from any other vessel, they will be disqualified from the SKA and/or disqualified by Tournament Officials upon protest from any other team or member.

7. At SKA sanctioned or produced tournaments, if your registered vessel has a breakdown, you will be allowed to switch boats for the remainder of that event provided you notify the Tournament Director and the SKA of your intention to switch boats, and provided that the sanctioning tournament allows such a substitution. Limit is two (2) breakdowns per season, per division, once you have entered an event. Remember that this is a team and machine contest. The ability to keep your boat in running order is equally important to your success. Exception: In the event your boat cannot be repaired because of circumstances beyond your control, you must get special approval from SKA management to change boats for the remainder of the season or until the problem is resolved. You will be required to provide proof of the problem for verification.

8. All boats are responsible for getting their fish to the weigh station by their own power and on the boat in which the fish was caught. Transferring fish to another boat for any reason will cause immediate disqualification and/or expulsion from the SKA. Fish must be turned in on the same day they are caught. SKA officials and/or tournament representatives reserve the right to inspect all boats entered in competition at any time.

9. Anglers must safely secure their vessel at the dock while weighing in (anglers must provide their own dock lines). SKA officials assume no responsibility for any damage incurred while securing the vessel.

10. All teams are required to provide proof of insurance on the vessel you declare for the season and any substitute boat. A copy of your declaration page can be sent to SKA via email or text message. A copy should also be kept on board at all times. Law enforcement officials may board tournament vessels without penalty to the team at any time during a tournament. However, a citation from any law enforcement official during tournament hours will cause that team to be disqualified from that day of fishing. At all times Captains should keep boat registration, proof of insurance, and any other boat ownership information in a plastic bag in a safe dry place on the vessel.

11. Participants in tournaments must have a working VHF radio and scan VHF channel 16 along with the tournament channel to keep abreast of any marine warnings or dangerous weather conditions. We encourage tournament participants to heed any weather warnings, as safety is paramount. It is mandatory that all vessels carry the prescribed Coast Guard approved flotation devices for all people on board, plus an approved EPIRB and/or PLB, and an approved fire extinguisher. Captains and crew members must abide by State and Local laws.

12. Any member who provides any of the following to a sanctioned tournament vendor and/or the SKA: a bounced check, stopping payment on a check, or a credit card payment which does not clear, will have points frozen until the matter is resolved.

13. In a SKA sanctioned tournament, any tournament rule that is in conflict with an existing SKA rule replaces the SKA rule for that event only. The King Mackerel size limit rule is the exception. SKA still will not accept any fish under ten (10) pounds for points, regardless of fork length, even though the tournament may accept it. Otherwise, all other SKA rules, Angling Rules, Code of Conduct, Membership Rules, Tournament Rules, and SKA Tournament Trail Division Rules apply to all SKA members and must be strictly adhered to at all times.

14. Captains and crew members are responsible for following and adhering to all local, state, and federal fishing and boating laws. This includes having the proper fishing license. No tournament fishing is allowed in foreign waters at any time. Tournaments have the right to set boundaries.

15. All SKA members participating in a sanctioned event understand that the SKA does not get involved in tournament disputes except for SKA produced tournaments such as the National Championship. The SKA is a guest of the event and will act accordingly. All decisions made by sanctioned tournaments, their rules committees, and directors are final. If a member believes he/she has been slighted by an event, the member(s) should contact the SKA in writing, explaining the problem to SKA management. The matter will be taken under advisement. Our recourse for flagrant violations is the cancellation of the SKA sanction for the following season(s). Members also agree to abide by any and all tournament rules and the decisions of the sanctioned tournament rules, committees and directors when joining the SKA.

16. Payment of the entry fee into and/or Points Form Check-in submission for a sanctioned or SKA produced tournament constitutes a representation by each entrant that they have read and understood the tournament rules and will abide by such rules and the decisions of tournament committees and their directors plus SKA management.

17. Any angler or captain being disqualified from a sanctioned or SKA produced tournament because of a rule violation, regardless of the severity of the violation, will not receive points for that day of the disqualification. If a member is disqualified from the entire tournament, the member will not receive any points gained during that event. Members are also subject to expulsion depending upon the severity of the violation. This disciplinary action is subject to the discretion of the management of SKA. Anyone expelled from the SKA will also forfeit any points already awarded prior to the infraction which caused the expulsion and will not be entitled to any refunds of membership or registration fees.

18. Any team violating tournament rules, expelled or disqualified from an event, or attempts to initiate litigation, will not be allowed to fish any SKA sanctioned event. Tournament participants agree that by entering a tournament sanctioned or managed by the SKA that all rulings and management decisions are final, within the time frame allowed by the SKA and/or the tournament, and tournament rules are not subject to any further interpretation and/or litigation. It is the responsibility of SKA to notify any and all tournaments of who these anglers are each year.

19. AT ALL SKA SANCTIONED AND SKA PRODUCED EVENTS, THE SKA AND/OR THE TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT TO REFUSE ENTRY TO ANY PERSON OR PERSONS. The SKA and/or Tournament Director has the right to enforce any and all rules and their penalties without a formal written protest from other contestants.

20. In the event of cancellation due to bad weather or any other reason, all efforts to reschedule will be made and the event will count as a divisional sanctioned tournament.

21. Any tournament official, tournament sponsor, SKA executive and/or employee entering a tournament, in compliance with the tournament rules and SKA rules, is eligible for any and all prizes provided no such individual should be involved in any disputes that arise out of the said tournament. Vendor partners and sponsors are eligible to participate in sanctioned SKA tournaments. Registration and local rules apply.

22. Winners, or any anglers, may be requested to submit to and pass a polygraph test and/or sign an affidavit prior to being presented any prize. This must be done in a timely manner. Failure to submit to a polygraph test automatically revokes all claims to any prizes won. All members of any SKA team or tournament participants entering and participating in an SKA sanctioned or produced event agrees that all polygraph results are final and agree that the subject of the polygraph will not be challenged beyond the posting of the results.

23. It is the official policy of the SKA to polygraph tournament winners as well as random tournament participants in SKA produced/sanctioned events and National Championship when deemed necessary or possibly as the result of any and all protests. Any participant in any SKA event, sanctioned or produced, who refuses to take the test will automatically lose his or her SKA membership. All members agree that the results of the test will be final and accepted by the participant(s).

24. ANY AND ALL PROTESTS WILL BE ADDRESSED THROUGH THE TEAM CAPTAIN ONLY

In SKA sanctioned and/or SKA produced tournament(s); all participants must follow the tournament rules concerning protests. The decisions of the tournament director(s) and tournament rules committee are final regarding the standings in that tournament. Should the tournament director or rules committee elect to disqualify a team or fish, the SKA will uphold their ruling without question or hesitation in the standings of that tournament. Regarding the standings or awards of SKA points, prizes, etc. the SKA reserves the right to take the information and reach their own decision. Based upon the circumstances and severity of the disqualification, SKA management may, at their discretion, choose to disqualify that team for that season, or may even choose to revoke that team's membership in the organization for a time period of their choice. In tournaments managed and produced by the SKA, the SKA Angling, Membership, Code of Conduct, Tournament, Professional Kingfish Tour, and SKA Tournament Trail Division Rules shall apply at all times. Tournament protests must be made as soon a feasibly possible after the last fish is weighed in, and must be accompanied by a $500 cash deposit. If the protest is upheld, the deposit will be returned, otherwise, the deposit becomes property of the tournament or SKA. The decision to uphold or deny the protest will be made as promptly as possible after the protest, and any and all decisions will be final.

25. SKA tournament participants agree that by entering a tournament, all rule protests and management decisions are final within the time frame allowed by the SKA/Tournament rules and not subject to any further interpretation and/or litigation.

26. Teams are not permitted to carry extra fuel onboard the vessel. This does not apply to overflow tanks or tanks that are designed by the manufacturer.

27. Hold Harmless: It is expressly understood that all registered participants and non-registered occupants of their boats enter into the events in the Southern Kingfish Association LLC voluntarily and at their own risk. Further, each registered and non-registered participant on behalf of other family members and/or executors agrees to release and hold harmless Southern Kingfish Association LLC, its officers, directors, owners, members, representatives, agents, employees, independent contractors, volunteers, promoters, advertisers, sponsors, partners, joint ventures, affiliates, assigns, polygraph examiner, the city and county where the events are held and all other persons connected directly or indirectly with the operation of any event in the Southern Kingfish Association LLC (collectively, "Released and Indemnified Parties") from any and all claims, losses, damages, demands, causes of action, suits and liabilities of every kind arising out of, related to, or resulting from the tournament, activity or event, including but not limited to all events in the Southern Kingfish Association LLC, including without limitation, any claim for loss, damage or destruction of property, or injury (including death), regardless of whether such loss arises in whole or in part from the negligence of any Released and Indemnified Party. This release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as possible under applicable law, and if any portion of this release is held invalid or unenforceable, the balance shall continue in full force and legal effect. Jurisdiction over the tournament trial shall be exclusively that of each tournament director or committee. All parties agree to be bound by the tournament director's decisions without exception.

28. Signature: By registering for a membership, the captain, owner or person responsible for the team's registration acknowledges that all anglers and crew members on board the boat will abide by Southern Kingfish Association Tournament Trail rules.

29. Winnings: Winnings over the IRS threshold will require submission of an IRS form W-9, either by the team's Captain or the team's corporate entity, as applicable. The Captain/Team will then receive an IRS form 1099.

CODE OF CONDUCT:

OVERVIEW: Each person joining the SKA is expected to conduct herself/himself in a manner that reflects the wholesomeness and image of the organization both on and off the water. While the tournaments are highly competitive in nature, good sportsmanship is paramount at all times. Members are expected to be role models both on the water as well as social media, as this is a family organization.

At no time shall any boat captain or crew member make verbal or written contracts that affect the splitting or receiving a percentage of a tournament prize or purse, Partner incentive and/or TWT monies with another team or boat entered into the same event or Tournament Trail itself. Failure to conform will result in the immediate forfeiture of all points for the season for all boats involved. Captains are responsible for the safety and conduct of their crew and/or team members during all aspects of an event. Subversive or damaging comments directed at the SKA and/or its Sponsors and members is strongly discouraged. This includes but is not limited to verbal and written communications. Any member putting the welfare of the general membership at risk with sponsors, or potential sponsors, will be expelled from the SKA immediately.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND / OR ILLEGAL DRUGS: The consumption of alcoholic beverages during tournaments is strongly discouraged by the management of the SKA. Anglers and members are expected to practice good sportsmanship and set good examples. Please keep in mind that this is a family fishing organization. Abuse of alcohol or illegal drugs will result in disqualification and/or expulsion from the organization at the discretion of SKA management. Members smoking or drinking during picture taking will not have their photos used in Angler magazine.

VHF RADIO USE: Members are asked to practice common sense when using the VHF radio. Inappropriate language, poor sportsmanship, and disrespectful or demeaning communication is strictly prohibited. Failure to comply with this guideline may result in expulsion from the organization, at the discretion of SKA management and/or the Board of Directors.

CONSERVATION: Each and every member is encouraged to practice and set examples of good conservation. Take only fish that you intend to weigh and release the rest unharmed to grow and reproduce. No SKA angler shall unnecessarily kill a King Mackerel during a tournament or while pre-fishing unless said fish is to be weighed or used as table fare. Abuse can result in disqualification from a sanctioned tournament and/or expulsion from the organization, at the discretion of the SKA management. In SKA sanctioned events, anglers with Federal Permits that allow them to keep more King Mackerel than State Regulations will not be recognized. State regulation on total King Mackerel per boat, per day, will be applied to all SKA tournament vessels.

KINGFISH KASH PROGAM:

DIVISIONAL JACKPOTS:

Divisional Jackpots are available in each Division. Divisional Jackpots are optional. There are three Jackpot levels: $1,000, $500, and $250. Jackpot entry fees are one-time only and highly recommended to be paid prior to the first event of the season to maximize your chances! Divisional Jackpots are open to all teams regardless of Class.

A team may enter Jackpots in multiple Divisions, but points MAY NOT be transferred across Divisions. Teams may enter a Jackpot at any time during the regular season, BUT event points earned prior to entry fee payment will NOT be included in Jackpot rankings. For points to qualify for Jackpot rankings, the Jackpot entry fee must be paid prior to the first fishing day of the event.

The three heaviest qualifying fish from any SKA-sanctioned, regular season tournament within a single entered Division will count toward final ranking. If 5 or more entrants, payouts for top three teams are 50%/30%/20%. For 2-4 entrants, payout for top team is 100%. For one entrant, the team will have the option of a full refund or rolling over entry fees to the next year's Jackpot. SKA retains 15% of all entry fees with the exception of a single entrant refund.

Should 5 or more teams enter a Divisional Jackpot level but only two teams rank, the unallotted 3rd Place winnings will be split evenly between the top two teams. Should only one team rank in this situation, that team will take 100% of winnings.

In the event of a tied aggregate weight, the team with the heaviest single qualifying fish will outrank the other tied team(s). Should the heaviest single fish from both tied teams also result in a tie, the date of weighing that heaviest single fish will be used to break the tie, with the earliest date outranking the other team(s). In the extremely rare event that both teams weighed that heaviest fish in the same event on the same day, those teams will share the winnings of the corresponding two (or three) rankings equally.

Divisional Jackpots will be available for entry online with credit/debit card. Entry must be received BEFORE the first day of fishing; no exceptions. Payouts will be handled by check within 10 business days of the event's ending assuming receipt of the winner's IRS W-9 Form if not on file. All winners will receive an IRS Form 1099 at year end.

Although this is not a new rule we want to emphasize - Divisional Jackpots participants points only count AFTER entry into the respective Jackpot/Incentive Program. Points earned BEFORE entry will not be included in any rankings.

Winners will receive 1099; SSN/TIN required to collect winnings. Credit card entry fee payments will include an additional, non-refundable 5% processing fee.

KINGFISH CALCUTTAS:

Kingfish Calcuttas (also called Event TWTs) are available per tournament. Kingfish Calcuttas are optional. Kingfish Calcuttas may not be available for all tournaments.

There are four Kingfish Calcuttas per tournament:
$100 Event Calcutta: Open to all teams
$100 Small Boat Calcutta: Open to Small Boat Class teams ONLY
NEW! $300 Event Calcutta: Open to all teams
$500 Event Calcutta: Open to all teams
$1,000 Event Calcutta: Open to all teams

To enter the Small Boat Calcutta, a team MUST fish in the Small Boat Class in the corresponding event. Should the SKA determine that a team does not qualify as Small Boat Class per guidelines above, the team will forfeit any winnings and the $100 Small Boat Calcutta fee.

A team may enter one or more Kingfish Calcuttas per event. For the event's points to qualify for Kingfish Calcutta ranking, the entry fee(s) must be paid prior to the first day of fishing of the corresponding event. A team may not have more than one entry in any Kingfish Calcutta category for an event.

A team's single heaviest fish per event is used to determine ranking. If 10 or more entrants, payouts for top three teams are 50%/30%/20%. For 2-9 entrants, payout for top team is 100%. For one entrant, the team will get a full refund. SKA retains 15% of all entry fees with the exception of a single entrant refund.

Should 10 or more teams enter a Kingfish Calcutta level but only two teams rank, the unallotted 3rd Place winnings will be split evenly between the top two teams. Should only one team rank in this situation, that team will take 100% of winnings.

In the event of a tied weight, the team weighing their fish first according to official Tournament records will outrank the other tied team(s).

Winners will receive 1099; SSN/TIN required to collect winnings. Credit card entry fee payments will include an additional, non-refundable 5% processing fee.

Kingfish Calcuttas will be available for entry online with credit/debit card. Entry must be received BEFORE the first day of fishing; no exceptions. Payouts will be handled by check within 10 business days of the event's ending assuming receipt of the winner's IRS W-9 Form if not on file. All winners will receive an IRS Form 1099 at year end.

PARTNER INCENTIVE PROGRAM:

For 2024, the SKA is excited to announce the Partner Incentive Programs. The SKA has been working with many of our industry partners, both National and Local, to create new ways for YOU TO WIN! Each Partner Incentive Program has its own qualifications, prize structure and rules. Partner Incentive Programs are optional. Some Partner Incentive Programs may only be available to specific Divisions, Classes or Angler categories. To learn more and participate, visit the Kingfish Kash section of the SKA Web site.

Although this is not a new rule we want to emphasize - Incentive Program participants points only count AFTER entry into the respective Jackpot/Incentive Program. Points earned BEFORE entry will not be included in any rankings.

Each Partner Incentive Program has its own rules and regulations, published on our Web site. Please read each carefully.

Last Updated May 3, 2024