Tripletail fishing enthusiasts across the United States are gearing up for an exciting competition: The Tripletail Championship presented by Irish Wake Fishing. This unique contest, set to run from June 1 – September 30, offers both novice and experienced anglers a chance to showcase their skills in a nationwide arena. With multiple cash prizes and sponsor packages on the line, the tournament not only seeks to crown a Grand Champion but also to promote responsible stewardship of Tripletail (Blackfish), a favorite among coastal anglers.
This will be the third year of the tournament, and it promises to be the most thrilling yet! The big surprise for this year is they are giving away a KillerDock to one lucky Tournament Angler! All you have to do to be in the drawing for the free KillerDock is to purchase a ticket to enter the Tournament! The biggest change this year is the duration of the competition. Based on participant feedback, the tournament has been shortened from six months to four months to make it more engaging. Additionally, the structure now provides the anglers 20 days within the competition period to fish, adding a strategic element to the contest. Participants will have to plan their fishing days carefully, considering weather conditions and fishing patterns to maximize their chances of winning.
The tournament is open to anyone who fishes for tripletail, with participants allowed to enter fish caught in any waters across the United States. The entry fee is $200 as long as tickets are purchased before the June 1st start date. Tickets purchased after that date will be $300. Ticket sales will end on June 30th, 2024. Participants must register through the Fishing Chaos app or its website. Anglers can choose their fishing days by using the app’s hail-out feature, which will allow them to declare their fishing day either the night before or by 7 AM CST on the day of fishing.
Tripletail Championship Categories
The Tripletail Championship is structured around several competitive categories that highlight different aspects of tripletail fishing. The main divisions include Most Tripletail Caught Over 18 Inches, Longest Tripletail Caught, and Total Cumulative Inches of Tripletail Caught, with each fish needing to be over 18 inches to qualify. Additional categories like the Average Joe offer more opportunities for recognition. These additional categories are excluded from the Grand Champion calculations to maintain a focused competition.
This tournament is not just about catching the biggest or the most fish; it is deeply rooted in promoting sustainable fishing practices. All participants are expected to follow a comprehensive code of conduct that emphasizes sportsmanship, courtesy, and environmental conservation. These principles are essential to the Championship’s mission of enhancing the public’s appreciation and responsible engagement with tripletail fishing.
Tournament Rules
Anglers are required to use rod and reel or Calcutta pole with line and hook only, ensuring the sport remains challenging and fair. The contest rules explicitly prohibit the use of nets, spearing, or snagging, as well as the submission of fish that have been caged or confined prior to the tournament. This strict approach to catch and release is complemented by detailed photo and video submission requirements, designed to verify that all entries are legitimate and that the fish are released back into their habitats in good health. Each fish must be photographed on an approved measuring board with specific guidelines for positioning and documentation. Similarly, video submissions must show the careful release of the tripletail back into the water, demonstrating the angler’s commitment to conservation and the well-being of the fish. Anglers are allowed to keep 3 fish per month that fall in the slot length and enter them into the Tournament to coincide with the Tournament’s mission of responsible stewardship.
Tripletail Championship Payouts
Financially, the tournament’s payouts have been very generous over the first two years. Nearly $20,000 in cash and prizes have been awarded in each of the first two years of the Tournament. Last year’s top winners included Todd Kercher, who took home over $5,000 in cash as well as numerous prizes, and Tommy Cook, who won $3,500 in cash along with other prizes. This year, the prize pool continues to grow with contributions from sponsors like Islamorada Boatworks, Wiltew, Irish Wake Fishing, McMurphy Orthodontics, Smith Optics, Cajun Rods, Shimano, PowerPro, Saltwater Finaddicts, Chandeleur Brewing Company, McCoy Outdoor Company and CCA Alabama among others. Additionally, a special prize from KillerDock includes a high-end fish cleaning station, adding extra incentive for participants. Every ticket purchased enters the angler into a drawing for this prize, and every fish registered and released in the tournament earns an additional entry into the drawing.
In conclusion, the Tripletail Fishing Championship offers a comprehensive and engaging platform for anglers nationwide to compete, learn, and contribute to the sustainability of their favorite fishing species. It’s a celebration of skill, conservation, and community within the sport of fishing, providing an exciting challenge for all who participate and a valuable opportunity to further the cause of responsible angling. As the competition begins, it promises to be a thrilling four months for the tripletail fishing community.
