Spanish Fly Shark Tournament Rules 2026

Placements

Whichever team scores the highest is eligible to place. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be awarded in both the Offshore Division and Inshore Division.

Scoring and Species

Scoring is based on the successful catch-and-release of sharks with photo/video evidence uploaded to WPTM.

Spin/Conventional Scoring (Tackle)

• Tiger – 500 pts
• Bull – 200 pts
• Blacktip – 50 pts
• Lemon – 15 pts
• Nurse – 10 pts
• Open Class (Tackle Scoring) – 5 pts (for any other shark species not listed above)

Fly Scoring

• Tiger – 750 pts
• Bull – 300 pts
• Blacktip – 100 pts
• Lemon – 30 pts
• Nurse – 20 pts
• Open Class (Fly Scoring) – 10 pts (for any other shark species not listed above)

Additional Rules for Scoring:

• Cap: A maximum of 5 qualifying sharks per species per team will count toward scoring across the full two-day tournament. Any additional sharks of that species will not earn points.
• Open Class Restriction: The Open Class is strictly for shark species not already listed. It cannot be used as a rollover once the 5-fish cap is reached in a listed species.
• Each qualifying catch must include a clear photo (side/profile view preferred) showing the species, leader in hand, and the supplied key identifier.
• Photos must be uploaded to WPTM the same day of the catch.
• Sharks hooked before 4:00 PM and landed after still qualify, but must have timestamped evidence prior to lines-out.
• In the event of a tie, the last shark caught first (based on upload timestamp) wins.

Team Composition

• Teams may include a max of 4 anglers (excluding the captain).
• Captains are permitted to fish; they are not required to be USCG licensed.
• Only registered anglers aboard the vessel may fish.
• No substitutions allowed, except for a non-fishing captain.
• Members of the Tournament Rules Committee are not eligible to compete.

Licensing and Permits

• All anglers must possess a valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License if required.
• All boats must have a valid HMS Permit with Shark Endorsement, which covers all anglers aboard.
• HMS Permits must be presented at the mandatory captain’s meeting.
• Permits can be obtained at hmspermits.noaa.gov (approx. 45 minutes to complete, $26).

Check-In and Reporting

• Teams must check in via WPTM after lines-in each day.
• Team results and photos must be uploaded to WPTM by 6:30 PM the same day.
• A key identifier will be issued daily via text and through WPTM. This must be visible in all release photos (on an angler’s hand or piece of paper).
• In-person check-in is not required.

Gear and Fishing Methods (IGFA Regulations Apply)

General Tackle Requirements (Spin/Conventional Scoring)

• Rod and reel only; no electric reels.
• Lines: Any type of line (mono, braid, or fluorocarbon) is permitted.
• Leaders: Any size or material may be used. Wire and mono leaders are permitted.
• Hooks: Only one hook per rig. Treble hooks are prohibited. In-line, non-stainless circle hooks are required.
• Angling: Once a shark takes the bait and the reel is engaged, only one angler may fight the fish to completion. Passing the rod disqualifies the catch.
• Release Definition: A release is legal when the leader is touched or the swivel reaches the rod tip, while the shark remains in the water.
• Handling: Sharks may not be removed from the water. Only the leader may be touched; gills must remain wet at all times.

IGFA Fly Scoring Addendum

• Rod & Reel: Only conventional fly rods and single-action fly reels permitted.
• Fly Line: Manufactured fly lines only; shooting heads/interchangeable tips allowed if attached to a fly line.
• Leader & Tippet:
  • Total leader length may not exceed 12 ft.
  • Class tippet must be a minimum of 15 in.
  • Shock/bite tippet allowed up to 12 in.
• Fly:
  • Only one fly permitted.
  • Must be tied in traditional manner on a single hook. Trebles not allowed.
  • Foam heads/poppers permitted if tied directly to the hook.
  • No bait may be added to the fly.
• Casting & Hook-Up:
  • Fly must be delivered by fly casting only.
  • No trolling, drifting, or pitching without a cast.
  • Angler must hook, play, and fight the fish alone — rod may not be passed.
• Catch & Release (Fly):
  • Release counts when leader is touched or swivel reaches rod tip, shark remains in the water.
  • Shark must not be removed from water.
  • Video or photo evidence must show the fly in use. A brief video of hookup/fight and photos of release with leader in hand, fly visible, and key identifier are recommended.

Ethical and Safety Rules

• Quick releases encouraged, with boat at idle speed.
• Fishing boundaries: All waters of the Florida Keys, excluding designated swim and dive zones. Captains must stay clear of dive boats and swimming areas.
• Any team that intentionally kills a shark will be disqualified.
• No chumming or fishing before 8:00 AM (lines-in). Honor system enforced.
• Captains assume full liability for safety and weather decisions. There is no weather committee.

Protests & Polygraph

• Honor system applies.
• Winning teams may be subject to a polygraph test. At least one angler must remain sober to complete the test.
• Any protest regarding a rules violation must be filed in writing by 6:00 PM the same day, with a $150 refundable fee and supporting evidence.

Calcutta

• Optional cash Calcutta available to all teams.
• Payouts: 1st = 45%, 2nd = 25%, 3rd = 15%, with 15% benefiting the Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation.
• Separate Calcuttas for Inshore and Offshore Scoring.
• Buy-in amount will be determined at the captain’s meeting.
• Only teams that buy in are eligible for payout.
• W9 Forms will be issued for all payouts.

How to Submit a Release

1. Log into WPTM and choose your team from the Team Profile dropdown.
2. Click the “Add Releases” button.
3. From the Species dropdown, select the correct option based on scoring method:
   • Tiger Shark – Tackle or Tiger Shark – Fly
   • Bull Shark – Tackle or Bull Shark – Fly
   • Blacktip Shark – Tackle or Blacktip Shark – Fly
   • Lemon Shark – Tackle or Lemon Shark – Fly
   • Nurse Shark – Tackle or Nurse Shark – Fly
   • Open Class – Tackle or Open Class – Fly (for any shark species not listed above; may not be used as rollover once a species cap is reached)
4. Upload a clear photo showing:
   • Shark species (side/profile preferred)
   • Leader in hand
   • Key identifier visible
5. If needed, click “+ Add Another Release” for additional sharks.
6. When complete, click “Submit Your Scores” to finalize.
7. All submissions must be uploaded by 6:30 PM the same day to qualify.