There are four (4) eligible divisions included in the general entry for this tournament: (i) Billfish, ii) Tuna, (iii) Dorado & (iv) Wahoo. Trophies and cash awards will be presented to the top three teams (1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place) for their aggregate performance in each respective division over two days of fishing.

General entry includes up to six (6) registered anglers, one (1) boat captain, and two (2) deckhands only. Each team must designate and register anglers and crew, with a total team consisting of no more than nine (9) members. 

In the Billfish Division, teams are awarded points for successfully catching and releasing sailfish, blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, and spearfish. Billfish release must be clearly documented on video according to specific tournament rules.   

In the Gamefish Divisions, each team may weigh their respective tuna, dorado, and wahoo.  Teams may weigh two (2) fish per species each day; however, only their single-heaviest tuna, dorado, and wahoo will be scored for that day.  At the end of the final day of tournament fishing, team rankings will be determined for each gamefish division based on their aggregate two-fish per species weight (single-heaviest each day) throughout the tournament. 

ENTRY FEES AND OPTIONAL JACKPOTS 

GENERAL ENTRY: $3,000 

Early Bird: $2,500 before June 1^st

ALL IN: $51,000

 ANGLING and TACKLE RULES

1. All billfish must be released; offset circle hooks are forbidden.
2. Fish must be caught on standard/manual rod and reel equipment during advertised tournament hours 
3. Teams may use live bait or dead bait, with non-offset, in-line circle hooks or lures with standard J-Hooks, so long as offset circle hooks are not used. 
4. All billfish must be released and videoed from the back/stern/aft of the vessel. While casting, hooking, and fighting fish from the bow is acceptable, billfish must be in clear sight and released from the aft of the vessel for them to count towards billfish release points and jackpots. Angler and mate must be at the aft of the vessel for all five (5) video release requirements found in the Video Release Requirements listed in this rules kit.
5. No more than six (6) fishing lines deployed in the water at one time, including bait rods. Teams may not fish more than six (6) baits/lures in the water at any time during tournament fishing hours. For example, if six lines are deployed in the water, no additional fishing lines may be deployed; regardless as to whether a fish is attached to those lines or not. At least one line/bait/lure would have to be fully retrieved and in the boat before an additional line can be deployed.
6. Teams must strictly abide by all Mexican Fisheries and other applicable laws. All billfish must be released; and offset circle hooks are forbidden.
7. 130lb. manufacturers stated maximum line class. Leader length shall not exceed 30 feet. The maximum combined length of double line and leader shall be limited to 40 feet.
8. Anglers may receive assistance from their captain/crew in hooking their fish. Because this is a fun tournament, it is perfectly acceptable for registered anglers and crew to hook the fish and pass registered anglers the rod; however, after the initial pass there are no additional passes of the rod allowed. Angling must be done by the angler who received the rod after it was hooked and passed.  Note: See Gamefish Divisions for tuna exception

*All rules will be reviewed at Captain’s Meeting. Any last-minute changes announced at the Captain’s Meeting will be enforced; at least one registered member from each team is required to attend. It is the responsibility of each team to read and understand all rules, including changes or adjustments.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Starting Line: 6:45am

Shotgun Start: 7:00am

Lines-In: 7:00am

Lines-Out: 4:00pm

Scales Open: 4:00pm

Scales Close: 6:30pm

DAILY FISHING HOURS: 7:00AM-4:00PM – Teams are asked to be lined up in front of “Land’s End” Cabo Arch by 6:45am for an official shotgun start promptly at 7:00am, after which they may begin fishing.  Fish hooked prior to lines-out may be fought until released, lost, or boated (in the case of a gamefish), but teams must make it to the scales before closing at 6:30pm each day.  

WEIGH IN: 4:00PM – 6:30PM – Weigh-ins will be hosted between G and H Dock. Scales close at 6:30pm; however, if there are fish waiting to be weighed beyond official close time, they will be accepted, so long as contact has been made with Tournament Director and the boat has visibly made it to the dock before 6:30pm scale closing.

BILLFISH RELEASE VIDEO DOCUMENTATION: 4:00PM – 6:30PM – At the end of each fishing day, teams will be required to drop-off billfish release scorecards and provide video evidence of each individual billfish release at the official documentation station located at Tournament HQ. Teams must be docked and checked in with Tournament Director prior to 6:30PM.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

• Thursday, June 11^th – The Place at Cabo (H Dock)
  • 4:00pm – 7:30pm – Mandatory Team Check In/Registration
  • 7:00pm – Mandatory Captain’s Meeting
  • 7:30pm – Kick Off Party
• Friday, June 12^th – Fishing Day 1
  • 6:45am – Starting Line
  • 7:00am – Shotgun Start
  • 7:00am – Lines-In/Start Fishing
  • 4:00pm – Lines Out/Stop Fishing
  • 4:00pm – 6:30pm – Weigh-In/Video Release Review 
  • 6:30pm – Scales Close
• Saturday, June 13^st – Fishing Day 2
  • 6:45am – Starting Line
  • 7:00am – Shotgun Start
  • 7:00am – Lines-In/Start Fishing
  • 4:00pm – Lines Out/Stop Fishing
  • 4:00pm – 6:30pm – Weigh-In/Video Release Review
  • 6:30pm – Scales Close
• Sunday, June 14^th – Baja Cantina
  • 5:00pm – Awards Ceremony and Party

GENERAL ENTRY and AWARDS PAYOUTS

All teams must pay the fee for the General Entry to participate in the tournament and be eligible for awards. 

After applying a 50% administration fee against total the general entry amount to arrive at total available prize money, 40% of the general entry purse is allocated to the Billfish Release Division, which pays 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place; and 20% of the general entry purse is allocated to each of the three (3) individual Gamefish Divisions; which pays 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place per division.  

Within each general entry division (Billfish Release, Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo), the prize money will be awarded as follows: 65% to 1^st place; 25% to 2^nd place; and 10% to 3^rd place.               

NOTE: A 50% administration fee is deducted from all general entries, so the NET prize money payout is 50% of gross fees.

GAMEFISH DIVISIONS: TUNA, DORADO, WAHOO – SCORING OVERVIEW

At the end of each day of tournament fishing, teams may weigh their respective tuna, dorado, and wahoo.  Each team may weigh two (2) fish per species each day; however, only their single-heaviest tuna, dorado, and wahoo will be scored for that day.  Team rankings will be determined for each gamefish division based on their aggregate two-fish per species weight (single-heaviest each day) throughout the two-day tournament. 

If no qualifying fish are scored in a particular Gamefish Division, entries for that species will be rolled to the other gamefish division (i.e. if no qualifying dorado scored, then money rolls to tuna division; and vice versa).

If no qualifying gamefish are scored, of any species, the money from those divisions rolls to the Billfish Release Division, and the entry money will be divided equally among 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place Billfish Release Division winners.

If only 1^st and 2^nd place are handed out, the 3^rd place money will be evenly distributed amongst 1^st and 2^nd.  If only one team places in the general entry, 1^st place will receive the money from 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd.

SCORING: Teams will receive 1-point per pound of scored gamefish, rounded to the nearest tenth (i.e. 17.2 points).   

Minimum Weight per fish to Qualify = 15.0 lbs. 

The tail of each fish brought to the scales will be clipped, signifying that it has been weighed and scored.  All fish that appear to have been altered, spoiled, mutilated, or frozen will be disqualified, per the discretion of tournament officials.  Any boat which enters a fish that is proven to have been caught on another vessel, weight-altered, frozen, previously weighed or otherwise tampered with will be disqualified from the tournament without refund.

In the tuna category only, it is acceptable to use a one-time angler switch during one tuna battle per day, per team. The following procedures must be followed for the fish to be eligible to score points in the tournament: 

1. One (1) angler switch allowed per day for tuna only
2. The switch must be between two (2) register anglers; registered crew members can assist in the switch but may not turn the reel handle and gain line at any time during the switch
3. The captain must report the switch to radio control prior to the switch being made. Angler switch must be videoed, submitted, and reviewed at tournament headquarters for fish to be scored in the tournament.

BILLFISH RELEASE DIVISION – SCORING OVERVIEW

The team which scores the most billfish release points combined over the two (2) days of tournament fishing will win the Billfish Release Division.  All billfish releases must be radioed into radio control (Primary VHS Channel 28; Backup VHS Channel 68), recorded on video, and documented in your catch log (received at registration/final team check in). Qualifying billfish species are sailfish, striped marlin, spearfish, blue marlin, and black marlin. Teams will be ranked based on their two-day combined release point total: 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place will be awarded.  

Teams are not required to call in hook-ups but are required to call in releases. When calling in releases please give the scorekeeper at radio control the boat number, species of fish released, angler name. Once your radio release is confirmed, you will receive a release time to write in your catch log. Official release status and points will be awarded once tournament officials have reviewed your billfish release video documentation. All releases are unofficial until all billfish releases have been reviewed and confirmed by tournament officials. 

Points are scored as follows:

IN EVENT OF A TIE: If there is a tie in aggregate billfish release points by multiple teams at the end of the two-day tournament, rankings will be determined by the first team to reach their aggregate point total by time of catch. 

Example: If “Team A” reached their point total at 1:00pm and “Team B” reached their point total at 2:00pm, “Team A” beats “Team B”. PLEASE NOTE: Make sure your video time/date profiles are accurate to local Mexican time zone.

BILLFISH RELEASE VIDEO REQUIREMENTS

Properly documented video evidence of each released billfish must be provided to tournament officials at the end of each fishing day.  To be scored, the release video must contain a continuous sequence with the following items: 

1. Ability to show correct time/date on all release videos
2. A registered tournament angler fighting the fish from the aft or cockpit of the vessel.
3. A mate touching the leader with the fish boat side and at the aft or cockpit of the vessel. To identify species, clear video showing the fish’s distinctive traits must be provided.
4. Tournament provided color-coded scorecard in clear view with fish in sight, to mark completion of a catch
5. Video of the leader being cut, or the fish unhooked and released from the aft or cockpit of the vessel, followed by at least 3 seconds of continuous video showing the fish no longer attached.

If proper video is not supplied, your catch will not be scored.   Teams must supply their own video recording device with the ability to show time/date.  Tournament Officials’ rulings on release evidence are final; there will be no protests allowed for video evidence.  

OPTIONAL DAILY JACKPOTS

OPTIONAL DAILY JACKPOTS: Daily Jackpot winners will be determined by single-heaviest qualifying fish of the day in the Tuna, Dorado, and Wahoo jackpot categories, and by the most daily release points in the Billfish Release categories.  The purchase of a daily jackpot is split evenly over the two-day tournament. 

TIE BREAKERS/ROLLOVERS (GAMEFISH): In the event of a tie in any of the gamefish daily jackpots, money will be split evenly between the teams with the tied weight.  If no qualifying fish are weighed or scored in a jackpot category on the first day of the tournament, the money will roll to Day 2; if no qualifying fish are weighed or scored in a jackpot category on the second day of the tournament, the money will roll back to the Day 1 winner.  In the unlikely event that no qualifying fish are scored in a given jackpot category, the monies collected for the unfulfilled jackpot category will be paid back to each respective entrant of that category, minus the 20% administrative fees.

TIE BREAKERS/ROLLOVERS (BILLFISH): If there is a tie in aggregate billfish release points by multiple teams at the end of a given tournament day, the daily jackpot winner will be determined by the first team to reach their aggregate point total by time (verified by release video date/time). Example: If “Team A” reached their point total at 1:00pm and “Team B” reached their point total at 2:00pm, “Team A” beats “Team B”. In the unlikely event that no qualifying fish are scored in a given jackpot category during the two-day tournament, the monies collected for the unfulfilled jackpot category will be paid back to each respective entrant of that category, minus the 20% administrative fees.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS: Credit card payments will incur a surcharge of 3.5%; All charges are paid to Pelagic Tournaments, LLC

REGISTRATION/CHECK-IN: Teams wishing to enter the Tournament must complete registration online at www.PelagicTournaments.com; or during Team Check-In/Registration(s). Tournament entry fees and optional jackpots must be determined, listed, and payment received at the time of final registration. At least one registered member is required to attend final registration and Captains meeting.

CAPTAIN’S MEETING: Captain’s Meeting will be held in person near tournament HQ’s. Efforts will be made to virtually stream the event on @PelagicGear’s Instagram social media platform. At least one registered member is required to attend registration/captain’s meeting.

AWARDS CEREMONY: An awards presentation and trophy ceremony will be held at Baja Cantina.  All tournament teams are encouraged to join, regardless of overall placing in the tournament.

DRONES/SPOTTER PLANES: The use of drones or spotter planes is strictly prohibited. No drones or planes are allowed to be flown at any time during official tournament hours by any team or associate of any team, including commercial planes or drones for hire. Any team caught flying a drone or using spotter planes will be disqualified from the tournament. 

PROTESTS: Any protests must be made in writing and presented to the tournament director accompanied by $500 cash, NO LATER than 10:00pm on Day 2 Fishing Day. You will be asked to provide a statement and any photo/video or other form of supporting documentation surrounding the claim.  Protests will be ruled on by Tournament Director and supporting staff. The decision of the Tournament Director is final.  Any verbal/physical abuse or threats made to tournament staff or disparagement (whether orally, in writing, or on social media or any other forum) of Pelagic Tournaments LLC, PELAGIC, or their personal staff is grounds for team disqualification for this and future tournaments without refund. A successful protest will result in a reimbursement of the $500 fee.  A failed protest is non-refundable, with the $500 fee being retained by Pelagic Tournaments LLC or at its election donated to a charity of its choice. Pelagic Tournaments LLC reserves the right to deny entry to any individual or team for any lawful reason. Tournament Officials’ rulings on release evidence are final; there will be no protests allowed for video evidence. Submitted tournament videos may be used by Pelagic, Inc. and/or Pelagic Tournaments, LLC for marketing or other purposes, worldwide, in Pelagic’s sole discretion. 

VIDEO RELEASE: The Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament, Pelagic Tournaments LLC, Pelagic Inc and their respective affiliates, have the right, but not the obligation, to post and/or use for any purpose, all video, photos and imaging submitted to the tournament or taken by Pelagic Inc or Pelagic Tournaments LLC, on a worldwide basis, in perpetuity, for marketing, advertising or any other purposes in Pelagic’s discretion.

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE TOURNAMENT: All withdrawals must be submitted in writing. If the withdrawal is received prior to the tournament’s Day 1 Fishing Day, by 7:00am, a full refund will be issued. Once tournament fishing starts there are no refunds for any reason whatsoever.

RIGHT TO POLYGRAPH TOURNAMENT PARTICIPANTS: The Tournament reserves the right to polygraph all tournament winners at its discretion. Any teams caught cheating or falsifying video release verification will be disqualified with no refund and could possibly be banned from entering any future Pelagic or Pelagic Tournaments events.

FORM 1099, TAXES, & FEES: All monies won in the Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament are subject to taxing and you will receive a 1099 form from Pelagic Tournaments, LLC and may be asked to execute a W-9 and a release in favor of the tournament company as a condition of awarding your prize monies. Please expect a 30 to 60-day processing period to receive any cash winnings. Winners will be paid via wire transfer only; no wire fees apply.

MEXICAN TAXES: The tournament is required by Mexican law to withhold a combined 15% city, state, & federal tax from any winnings to be paid. A disbursement breakdown will be provided to any teams receiving cash prizes showing total winnings, the tax deduction, & total disbursement. You agree to pay all applicable taxes in connection with any winnings.

PERMITS AND LICENSES: It is the responsibility of registered boat captains & anglers to comply with all Mexican Federal & State laws regarding fishing licenses, size limits, bag limits & any other regulations that may apply. This is a requirement of Mexico and is not a tournament rule—permit and licensing infractions have no bearing on tournament results or awards. A representative from the Mexico Department of Fisheries is normally on-site during Registration at all events to sell Licenses and Permits, but this is not guaranteed. Consult the FONMAR website for more information (www.sportfishingbcs.gob.mx).

CHARTER INFORMATION: View the options below and call or visit the various charter operations on the web to find the boat for you.  Remember, each team must reserve their own vessel or charter; the tournament will not provide this for you.

Have further questions? Please send an email [re: 2026 Triple Crown Tournament] and one of our Tournament Officials will contact you shortly.

US Contact/Tournament Director – Tony DiGiulian: tony@pelagicgear.com  (954) 895-6635 (Call, Text, and WhatsApp)