2013 STAR RULES

[HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT]

PARTICIPATION:

1. Only members (i) in good standing with the Coastal Conservation Association, or its youth organization, the New Tide, during the contestants’ participation in the Tournament and (ii) who register for the Tournament and (iii) have paid all fees associated therewith shall be participants in the Tournament. Each tournament participant including youth anglers are eligible to win only one prize per tournament year. In addition, once a member wins a prize in a specific division that person becomes ineligible to win a prize in the same division for one tournament year after winning.

2. Participants and fish must comply with rules and regulations of the State of Louisiana governing the recreational harvest of fish in 2013 or when fishing in Mississippi waters, must comply with the rules and regulations set by the State of Mississippi.

3. Persons who qualify as, presently licensed as a commercial fin fishermen (as those terms are defined by applicable Louisiana law or pursuant to any federal law) or commercial hook and line licensees in Mississippi, during the tournament (one day or more during the tournament period) are not eligible to participate in the Tournament.

4. No employee of the Coastal Conservation Association, member of the Redfish Release Team, the STAR Committee, or members of their immediate families shall be eligible to compete in the tagged redfish division for a prize.

5. Professional fishing guides licensed and permitted by the state are not eligible to participate in the STAR Tournament. They are only eligible to participate in the Captain’s Division. (Note: Participants in the STAR Tournament are allowed to fish with a professional guide)

6. Any participant who has been previously disqualified in any CCA STAR shall be ineligible to participate in this Tournament.

DATES/TIME:

7. The Tournament will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2013, and end at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 2, 2013. Only fish caught and tendered at an official STAR weigh station during this period will be eligible for Tournament prize consideration.

FISHING METHOD:

8. Fish entered into competition for prizes must have been caught and landed by the participant on conventional rod, hook and line exclusively. While trolling, drifting or still fishing, a rod secured in a rod holder may hook a fish; however, the angler who initially receives the rod from the holder must thereafter continuously fight and land the fish without assistance from any other person. Deckhand or any other angler assistance is limited solely to leadering, gaffing, netting or tail-roping the fish caught by the participating angler. Disabling or in any way subduing a fish before it is landed is prohibited.

TOURNAMENT BOUNDARIES:

9. Boundaries are the territorial waters of the State of Louisiana including Louisiana’s common and shared boundary waters with Texas and Mississippi as defined by Louisiana law, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and the extension of Louisiana borders seaward 200 miles. (See special rules for speckled trout.) Offshore Divisions (Mangrove Snapper, Red Snapper, Cobia and Dorado) boundaries extend from the MS/Alabama State line to the Louisiana/Texas state line. Any fish taken outside Tournament boundaries from private impoundments or other waters not legally open to recreational fishing or accessible to the general public will not be eligible for entry. The location where the fish is caught determines which division or region that it is entered, not weigh in location. Designation of division or region must me entered at time of weigh in.

9A. Mississippi Division Boundary is the territorial waters of the State of Mississippi for the Mississippi Trout and Youth Division. Only fish caught in Mississippi State waters are eligible for the Mississippi Division.

10. All winning fish (except tagged redfish and youth division) shall be determined by weight. Only weights indicated by the digital graduations on the scale will be accepted. Visual fractionalizing of these graduations is not allowed. In the event of a tie, the fish that was weighed-in first shall be declared the winner. If weigh-in times are identical, the participant who registered for the Tournament first shall be declared the winner. All fish entered into competition must have been caught by the participant and must be weighed, or in the case of tagged redfish, presented, at a designated official STAR weigh station, as soon as practicable after landing and in no event more than twenty-four (24)* hours after landing. *Only dorado, cobia, red snapper, and mangrove snapper will be allowed seventy-two (72) hours to weigh, after landing. All fish entered shall be weighed only once at an official STAR weigh station. Participants wishing to enter a fish in the Tournament shall complete and sign the official STAR weigh form at weigh-in. The participant shall only need to present his or her proof of identity (driver’s license or identification card). No fish will be weighed or entered without the participant signing the official STAR weigh form.

11. No transfer of fish among Tournament participants shall be allowed.

12. No fish will be weighed-in after 5:00 p.m. on September 2, 2013.

13. No frozen, spoiled, gutted, altered, or mutilated fish will be eligible for entry.

14. Fish eligible to be entered into the Tournament are speckled trout, red snapper, flounder, mangrove snapper, cobia, dorado, sheepshead and tagged redfish. Minimum entry requirements: 38 inches for cobia, 22 inches for speckled trout (Louisiana), 14 inches for youth, fly, kayak and Mississippi divisions, 14 inches for flounder and mangrove snapper, and 16 inches for Red Snapper.

14A. All STAR participants must follow federal regulations and how they apply to Louisiana anglers set forth by NOAA and the Gulf Council pertaining to Red Snapper. This ensures all anglers have the same fishing opportunity (time) to catch the species.

15. Participants shall be eligible to win only one prize in this Tournament. The STAR Committee shall designate the prize (or its equivalent) in each division. All decisions of the STAR Committee are final and not subject to appeal.

SPECKLED TROUT RULES:

16. For speckled trout, the Louisiana Coast will be separated into four divisional competition areas; the West, South West, South East, and East; each having its own top prize fish.

17. The boundaries for the four areas are as follows: West Division: From the Louisiana/Texas border including the common boundary waters of Louisiana/Texas then due south 180 degrees (true) extending seaward 200 miles. To the common boundary of Cameron Parish and Vermilion Parish, then due south 180 degrees (true) extending seaward 200 miles. South West: From the common boundary of Cameron Parish and Vermilion Parish then due south 180 degrees (true) extending seaward 200 miles to the western most bank of the Atchafalaya River (southward) due south 180 degrees (true) extending seaward 200 miles. South East: Following the western most bank of the Atchafalaya River (southward) extending seaward 200 miles to the eastern most Jefferson Parish line (southward), then due south 180 degrees (true) extending seaward 200 miles. East Division: Following to the western most bank of the Mississippi river (southward) to the eastern most Jefferson Parish line (southward), then due south 180 degrees (true) extending seaward 200 miles to the Louisiana/Mississippi border including the common boundary waters of Louisiana/Mississippi then due south 180 degrees (true) extending seaward 200 miles.

18. Speckled trout must be landed in the zone (West, South West, South East or East) in which they are entered, and indicated on the official STAR weigh form. The Coastal Fisheries Institute at Louisiana State University is authorized to perform scientific tests to verify location and time of catch.

19. Prizes will be awarded as follows: A single prize will be awarded for the heaviest speckled trout weighed in each respective division. Heaviest trout overall will win the top prize.

The STAR Committee shall designate the prize (or its equivalent) in each division. All decisions of the STAR committee are final and not subject to appeal.

Mississippi Division Rules

20. Mississippi Division fish must be caught in Mississippi state waters. Eligible fish are speckled trout over 14 inches.

YOUTH DIVISION RULES (including Mississippi anglers):

21. CCA members 17 years old or younger may compete free of charge, but must complete an official STAR entry form. All of the rules, releases and indemnity agreements and eligibility for the STAR apply to the Youth division. In addition, youth anglers are eligible to compete in all categories.

22. Each youth participant may register a trout and a flounder per each division. This can be done by registering the fish at an official weigh station or by emailing a picture of the participant with the fish on a ruler to the tournament director at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

23. To be eligible to fish in the Youth division, angler must be a New Tide member (must be 17 years old or younger on May 25, 2013) and must be registered for STAR.

24. Fish eligible to be entered into the Youth division are speckled trout and flounder.

25. Size minimum: To be eligible for entry in the Youth division of the STAR, speckled trout and flounder must be 14 inches or greater in length.

26. Prizes: One prize will be awarded per each Youth division category: Four (4) total prizes, one prize per each division as described in Section 17 (boundaries are the same as the adult speckled trout division). One boat winner will be drawn at random for the Mississippi youth winner for fish caught in Mississippi waters. Youth Division drawings: The top prize drawings to award the Youth Division prize boats will be held on or before September 27, 2013, at the CCA Louisiana office.

KAYAK RULES:

27. For purpose of the STAR rules, a kayak is defined as any vessel that has no form of power other than that supplied by its occupant. Vessels powered by sail, combustion and electric engines are not eligible. No mothershipping (the transportation of a “kayak” by another boat or vessel to where the kayak operates independently from the boat or vessel that transports it) is allowed. Eligible fish: one speckled trout (over 14”). For the kayak division, the Louisiana Coast will be separated into four divisional competition areas; the West, South West, South East, and East; (identical to speckled trout in section 17) each having its own top prize fish.

FLY FISHING RULES:

28. Only one-handed rods and single-action reels designed specifically for fly fishing may be used. Any type of line or backing may be used. The tippet shall be a minimum of 15" long with a maximum breaking strength of 20 lbs.  Flies must be of the recognized type of artificial fly according to IGFA rules. No scent, either artificial or natural, is allowed.  Eligible fish: speckled trout (over 14").  Prizes: One prize will be awarded per each Region (East/West). For the fly fishing division, the Louisiana Coast will be separated into two regional competition areas, the East and West. West Region: from the Louisiana/Texas border (including the common boundary waters of Louisiana/Texas as defined by Wildlife and Fisheries and the extension of the Louisiana border seaward 200 miles), to the westernmost bank of the Atchafalaya River extending along the Eugene channel markers to Eugene channel marker #32 then due south 180 degrees (true). East Region: from the Louisiana/Mississippi border (including the common boundary waters of Louisiana/Mississippi as defined by Wildlife and Fisheries and the extension of the Louisiana border seaward 200 miles), to the westernmost bank of the Atchafalaya River extending east along the Eugene Island channel to channel marker #32 then east of the line drawn seaward 180 degrees south (true) from Eugene Island channel marker #32.

REDFISH RULES:

29. Fifty tagged redfish will be released into the coastal waters prior to the start of the tournament. The red tags on the redfish will read No. LA (426-525) 2013 CCA Louisiana / STAR. Only the first ten (10) redfish entered bearing one of the above described tag numbers will receive a prize. To be eligible, each tagged redfish, with the tag still attached to the fish, must be entered into the Tournament at a designated official STAR weigh station, within 24 hours of being landed. The date and time of entry must be clearly marked on the official STAR weigh form. Each participant shall be eligible to win only one prize for a tagged redfish. All tagged redfish immediately become the property of CCA Louisiana.

Captain’s Division:

30. All entrants must be a current CCA member, registered with the Louisiana Cooperative Marine Tagging Program and signed up for the captains division of STAR. STAR entry fee is not necessary. Eligible Fish is Speckled Trout. Participating captain must catch fish in accordance to all rules set forth by the STAR tournament and Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries regulations. To submit a fish for the competition, the following must be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it : 1) Name of Guide, Guide Service, location, and time with the actual length of the fish. 2) A picture of the fish tagged and on the specific Captain’s Division Ruler given to participant by CCA Louisiana. 3) A picture of the entire fish on the ruler. 4) and a close up picture showing the overall length of the fish. All photos, once submitted will be the property of CCA Louisiana and are eligible to be used in promotional efforts through advertisements and social media. There will be three winners: longest speckled trout through the end of June, the end of July and the end of the tournament. In the case of a tie, the multiple winners will share the full page ad in Tide for the corresponding month.

OTHER RULES:

30. If a participant under 18 years of age wins a prize, his or her legal representative will receive the prize on his/her behalf.

31. Any person, including minors, entering a prize-winning fish or claiming a prize, must agree to submit to a polygraph examination. Additionally, each person entering the STAR agrees to submit to a polygraph examination. The STAR Committee reserves the right to select polygraphists to administer polygraph examinations. All polygraph examinations required shall be taken at the time, place and by the polygraphists designated by the STAR Committee. Each contestant agrees by his/her signature on the official CCA STAR entry form, to submit to a polygraph examination and abide by its conclusion. All travel expenses are to be paid by entrant. Failure to submit to or pass the required polygraph examination shall result in disqualification.

32. Any protests must be submitted in writing, and postmarked to the CCA/STAR Tournament Director at P.O. Box 86458, Baton Rouge, LA 70879 by 5:00 p.m. on September 15, 2013.

33. The decision of the STAR Committee, in its sole discretion, shall be final on any and all matters and not subject to appeal.

34. In the event of litigation between a participant and CCA arising out of any aspect whatsoever of the STAR, the losing party in said litigation shall be bound to pay reasonable attorneys fees, expenses of litigation, court costs and other costs incurred by the winning party in said litigation.

35. All prizes will be conveyed “as is” to the actual winner or guardian after the Tournament has concluded at the STAR Awards Banquet. The STAR Committee may replace or substitute for any advertised prize another prize that the Committee deems, in its sole discretion, to be of comparable value to the original prize.

36. All prizewinners are solely responsible for payment of any applicable taxes, fees and costs associated with the prize.

37. All prizewinners are responsible for processing, registration and tax documentation in a timely fashion at specified sporting goods/marine/automotive dealerships.

DISCLAIMER:

38. The entire responsibility for valid member status and correctness of this entry form rests solely on the entrant. The STAR Committee reserves the right to change dates and times of the tournament, all decisions of the STAR Committee are final and not subject to appeal.

HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNITY:

38. IN CONSIDERATION OF BEING ALLOWED TO ENTER THE STAR, EACH PERSON AGREES AND CONTRACTS TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE COASTAL CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION, ITS AGENTS, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, REPRESENTATIVES, AND THE TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR, TOGETHER THE “INDEMNIFIED PARTIES” FROM ANY AND ALL LOSS, LIABILITY, CLAIMS, OR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY MANNER WHATSOEVER CONNECTED WITH THE PLANNING, OPERATION OR CONDUCT OF THE TOURNAMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CLAIMS FOR PERSONAL INJURY, WRONGFUL DEATH, SURVIVAL DAMAGES, PROPERTY DAMAGE, AND CLAIMS RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THE AWARDING OF PRIZES IN THE TOURNAMENT. THE PARENT OR LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE OF A MINOR PARTICIPATING IN THE TOURNAMENT FURTHER AND AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE INDEMNIFIED PARTIES FROM ALL LOSS ON ACCOUNT OF ANY CLAIMS PRESENTED AGAINST THEM BY OR ON BEHALF OF THEIR CHILD OR WARD. WINNERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO EXECUTE AN ADDITIONAL RELEASE, INDEMNITY AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT UPON RECEIPT OF PRIZE. ANY CONTROVERSY, CLAIM OR DISPUTE ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THE TOURNAMENT SHALL BE SETTLED BY BINDING ARBITRATION CONDUCTED IN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION RULES OF THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION. JUDGMENT ON THE AWARD RENDERED BY THE ARBITRATOR MAY BE ENTERED BY ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW. SHOULD LITIGATION AND/OR ARBITRATION RESULT BETWEEN A PARTICIPANT AND CCA LOUISIANA, IT IS AGREED THAT IF CCA LOUISIANA IS THE PREVAILING PARTY IN SUCH LITIGATION AND/OR ARBITRATION, CCA LOUISIANA SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER REASONABLE ATTORNEYS FEES AND ALL COSTS INCURRED IN THE ARBITRATION AND/OR LITIGATION FROM THE OTHER PARTY TO SAID ARBITRATION AND/OR LITIGATION.