Frequently Asked Questions

Question:  What caused you to have the weigh-in and prize ceremony on Sunday, a full day after the fish are shot?

Answer: There are several reasons for switching to this format, so the following is only a partial list:

i.  Safety:    The Spearboard Open strongly encourages you to dive no more aggressively than you would on any other trip.   By making the rules so that participants can hunt all day Saturday, we hope that participants will be encouraged to take their time and enjoy a full day of non-rushed diving.

ii. Value:   Many people, especially from out of the area, might charter a boat specifically for this tournament.   Some of the charters will involve the expense and time of going to the Middle Grounds, etc.   There is not much value in racing to the Middle Grounds, diving for a few hours, and having to return much sooner than you would otherwise.   Even for those using their own vessel, there is considerable time and money involved in an offshore trip, and one would presumably like to get the benefit of a full day on the water.

iii. Encourage Participation:    Since this is a "Spearboard Tournament," and we have members from across the State and beyond who might like to participate.   By having the weigh-in the day after the hunting, the Spearboard Open now allows people to hunt their own waters and still make weigh-in the next mourning.   A person in Jacksonville, Miami, or beyond could use his boat out and hunt his own spots, and then come across State the next morning.

Q: With this format, are there geographical boundaries for permissible hunting?

A: No in most cases.   You may hunt in the Gulf, Atlantic, or even rivers.   You may hunt off the Coast of States other than Florida.   You may NOT hunt in other countries like the Bahamas including the various surrounding banks considered Bohamian Territory. The only rule in this regard is that fish must be brought to the weigh in line by vehicle.   In other words, you cannot have your fish flown in to make the weigh-in.

Q: Last year there was a free BBQ, complete with free beverages (water, soda, etc.).   What is included in the price of my entry this year?

A: Apart from competing for what we think will be a prize table that beats even last years value, your ticket price will again include a BBQ catered meal with beer and other beverages.  

Also, be advised that beer is available for anyone over the age of 21, whether they are participating in the tournament, and even if they have no meal ticket.

Q: Will you have trophies this year, and what will determine your turn at the prize table?

A: All of this is included in the rules, which can be found here.

Q: I'd like to bring my wife/husband/friend and/or kids.   Can they participate in the BBQ?

A: Yes.   We want you to feel free to spend the day with your family.   We will again offer meal tickets at an excellent value to your family members.   The registration form, found here , has all of this information.

Q: How big do you think the prize table will be?

A: I think it will be bigger than last year.   How much bigger, I will regularly report to you.   We will keep a running tally on the prize table's value, just as I did last year.   Last year, our table exceeded $50,000.00.  

Q: Are you going to have any raffles this year?

A: Yes.   Please see the rules for complete details.

 

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