General Tournament Info
The B.U.G.S. Classic was an open division fishing tournament where anglers targeted snook, redfish and trout. The entry fee was $300.00 per boat with cash prizes awarded. In addition to the inshore slam tournament, there was also be a seawall slam for kids 12 and under at Marker 1 Marina
The tournament began at 7:00 a.m. sharp off Erin Island and ended at 3:00pm. All boats had to check in on the morning of the tournament to receive their measuring sticks and markers. Check in was at the grey Sea Hunt tower boat anchored off the north side of the island. This boat was well marked and easy to find!
All teams needed to have a digital camera, or camera phone, to record fish caught. In the past, polaroid cameras had been provided. Pictures had to clearly show the numbers on the measuring sticks in order for that entry to be valid.
Any anglers eligible for prizes had to be in line BEFORE 3:00 p.m. at Marker 1 Marina. Docking space for boats was provided. Once all photos had been submitted, winners were announced and cash prizes awarded. In addition to awards, there was an after party with food and drinks for anglers, sponsors, friends and family.
Rules
- 2-4 fisherman per boat. $75.00 each additional person on vessel
- All fishing tackle is legal (live bait or lures).
- All live/release wells must be inspected and be empty of target species prior to the shotgun start.
- All fish must be released in healthy condition.
- Waders must stay within 100 feet of tournament vessel.
- Boaters must stay an ethical distance from other competitors.
- All boats must check in at Erin Island before the 7:00 shotgun start to receive measuring sticks and bags.
- Only one fish per event will be judged. For example, if you enter your snook in the largest snook category, it cannot be used in the slam category as well.
- Slam awards the total length of all three fish species, snook, redfish and trout.
- Take photo of most spots on one side of any redfish, regardless of size. In the event of a tie, the longest redfish won.
- Participants were required to use personal digital cameras to record fish caught. Cameras were checked by the judges to verify eligible fish.
- If you were not in the check-in line by 3:00, you were considered late and your fish could not be scored. Prizes were awarded at Marker 1 Marina following the tournament.
We asked anglers to do their part in safely releasing all fish caught. Drinking during tournament hours was discouraged.
Cash Prizes
Trophies and prizes were awarded to all winners at the cookout following the tournament at Marker 1 Marina.
| First Place | Second Place | Third Place | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snook | $1000 | $300 | $200 |
| Redfish | $1000 | $300 | $200 |
| Trout | $300 | $200 | $100 |
| Slam* | $1000 | $300 | $200 |
| Redfish Spots** | $50 |
** Redfish Spots - most number of spots on any one side of the fish
Seawall Slam
In addition to the inshore slam tournament, the B.U.G.S. Classic hosted a seawall slam for kids 12 and under at Marker 1 Marina. Participants were asked to bring their own fishing rods for the event. Bait was provided. Those registering for the seawall slam must be accompanied by an adult. The event will take place on the long southern most dock of the marina.
Entry fee for the seawall slam was $25 per angler and it included a goody bag and lunch following the event. This was just a great way to get the kids more involved in the fun of tournament day!
After Party
The after party offered a great time to "wind down" following a long day on the water. There was a cookout at Marker 1 Marina, and tournament winners were announced.
We welcomed sponsors, friends, family and children to join the festivities.
Locations and Times
After Party/Weigh Ins
Marker 1 Marina
343 Causeway Boulevard, Dunedin, FL
(727) 733-6306 ยท marker1marina.us
Tournament Start
Erin Island
Second spoil island north of Dunedin Causeway