Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo

56th Annual Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo" Competition

Sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

April 1 - October 31, 2009
Over $7,000 in Prizes
No Entry Fee
Toll-free accommodations literature line: 800-356-3016

Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo | Rules and Regulations | Fish Divisions | State Record Information
Boats/Marinas/Piers | Weigh Stations | Tide Chart | Special Thanks | Fish of the Month Winners
Fish of the Month Prizes | Shoulder Patch Winners | Take A Kid Fishing

All fish must meet state and federal fishing regulations.

Tag and Release

In recognition of the Tag and Release Program, the Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo Committee has created a new division to award special certificates for marlin, sailfish, swordfish, and tarpon to fishermen submitting documentation of their participation.

Fish tagged and released are not eligible for the grand prize. However, special recognition will be made by South Carolina's Department of Natural Resources.

State Record Information

Anglers whose fish have been verified as new state records or ties with existing records will receive their certificates acknowledging their state records. Only the names of anglers establishing a new record will be published in the official list of state records. Fish names used in this program are those recognized by the American Fisheries Society as a standard for the species.

1. Record fish must be caught using conventional rod and reel, and the fish must be hooked and played by only one person. Fish which are shot, harpooned, gigged, caught on electric reel, or in any unsportsmanlike manner shall be ineligible for record status.
2. Only all-tackle records are maintained. Tackle size is not a consideration for state records.
3. Record fish must be caught in accordance with all state and federal laws. Fish from hatchery waters, sanctuaries, or cultured in any way are ineligible. Boats fishing offshore must depart and return to South Carolina waters without entering any other state's or nation's port.
4. To establish a new state record, the following weight requirements must be met: a) A fish weighing less than fifty pounds must exceed the standing record by four ounces to be recognized as a new record. A weight difference of less than four ounces will result in a tie. b) A fish weighing fifty pounds but not exceeding 100 pounds must exceed the standing record by eight ounces to be recognized as a new record. A weight difference of less than eight ounces will result in a tie. c) A fish weighing more than 100 pounds must exceed the standing record by sixteen ounces to be recognized as a new record. A weight difference of less than sixteen ounces will result in a tie. These weight requirements are based on the existing record with no consideration given to subsequent ties which may be slightly heavier.
5. Estimated weights are not acceptable. All fish must be weighed on state certified scales, and the weight must be verified by two witnesses not associated with the catch of the day.
6. All entries must be inspected and verified by a marine fisheries biologist of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Report your catch to:
   
   State Record Marine Game Fish Program
   P. O. Box 12559
   Charleston, SC 29422-2559
   (843) 953-9300 or (843) 953-9365
   dupret@mrd.dnr.state.sc.us

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources reserves the right to refuse any questionable entry. The decision of the State Record Marine Gamefish Committee is final. In the event a state marine fisheries biologist is not available, the fish should be frozen or otherwisepreserved intact until a biologist can be contacted.

State record information is subject to change. For updated information, check DNR Web site at:www.dnr.state.sc.us/marine/saltrecs/saltrec.html

Permission to reprint granted by State Record Marine Game Fish Program.

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