Tournament Rules & Guidelines
At the SEAS Classic, we prioritize integrity, safety, and community. All offshore and nearshore participants must adhere to these regulations to ensure a level playing field and honorable competition in support of St. Elizabeth Seton School.
General Tournament Rules
Participation
All participants must be officially registered and have a signed tournament waiver on file prior to the 6:00 AM departure. The event is open to onshore anglers and to both private and charter vessels operating out of Collier County. Each boat captain is responsible for ensuring their team adheres to federal marine safety standards and local southwestern Florida harbor protocols throughout the competition.
Fishing Methods
Angling is strictly limited to traditional rod and reel techniques. The use of electric reels is prohibited unless pre-authorized for medical reasons. All harvests must comply with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations for offshore and nearshore species. Tournament boundaries extend 50 miles from the Gordon Pass markers; fishing outside this range will result in disqualification.
Prize Eligibility
To be considered for cash prizes and awards, all qualifying fish must be brought to the official weigh station within the specified tournament hours. Winners must be present at the post-tournament ceremony at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School to accept their awards. The decision of the Head Weighmaster and the tournament committee is final in all matters of competition integrity.
Safety & Vessel Protocols
The safety of our tournament anglers and their guests is non-negotiable. All participating vessels must meet USCG requirements and maintain proper communication equipment for the duration of the event. We fish with integrity and respect for the offshore environment of the Gulf.
- USCG Safety Gear: Every boat must carry all required Coast Guard safety equipment, including fire extinguishers and sound devices.
- VHF Communication: All vessels are required to have a working VHF radio and must monitor Channel 16 for emergency broadcasts or tournament updates.
- PFD Requirements: Life jackets must be worn by all participants while the vessel is on plane or in poor weather conditions.
- Weather Awareness: The tournament committee reserves the right to postpone or cancel heats based on Small Craft Advisories in the Naples area.
- Float Plans: Captains are strongly encouraged to file a float plan with a responsible shore contact prior to departure.
Angler Code of Conduct
Every angler in the SEAS Classic serves as an ambassador for St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School. We expect a high standard of integrity, where respect for fellow boaters and strict adherence to FWC regulations are the baseline for every crew.
Sportsmanship is non-negotiable. Whether onshore, offshore, or nearshore, fair play ensures a safe and honest competition for all. Let’s protect our Naples marine environment and uphold the tournament’s mission of stewardship and educational support for our students.
Eligible Species & Scoring Rules
Accuracy and honesty are the hallmarks of a SEAS Classic angler. All catches must be measured on an official tournament-approved ruler with the tail pinched to achieve maximum length. Round down to the nearest quarter-inch.
Snook (Centropomus undecimalis)
Strict slot limits apply. Only fish between 28" and 33" are eligible. Points are awarded based on total length. One entry per angler for this category.
Spotted Seatrout
Minimum qualifying length is 15". Total aggregate pounds for a three-fish stringer will determine the winner of the inshore aggregate division.
Red Drum (Redfish)
FWC Northwest region slot limits maintained (18"-27"). Scored by total length. Must be caught within the specified tournament grid for validity.
Offshore Aggregates
Includes Grouper and Snapper species. Scored by weight. Fish must be brought to the official weigh station by the firm cutoff time of 4:00 PM.
Grounds for Disqualification
The SEAS Classic maintains high standards to honor our mission. In Naples' offshore and nearshore waters, the following infractions result in immediate disqualification:
- Fishing outside of designated tournament boundaries.
- Violation of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations.
- Tampering with fish or using prohibited equipment/bait.
- Unsportsmanlike conduct or harassment of other participants.
- Failure to attend the mandatory Captain's Briefing.
- Arriving late to the weigh-in station at the Naples harbor.
We expect all anglers to compete with honor, stewardship, and a shared commitment to local education and fair play.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
For clear guidance on offshore boundaries, weighing protocols, or tournament compliance, please attend the pre-tournament meeting or reach out to our event coordinator. Direct all sponsorship and rule inquiries to Meghan McLean.
mmclean@seseton.org