Official Hobie Fishing Worlds 9 Rules

• Updated August 10th, 2022

SPORTSMANSHIP AND CONDUCT

All contestants shall follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy and conservation and shall conduct themselves in a manner that is a credit to themselves, to Hobie, Hobie’s sponsors, the sport of fishing and Hobie’s efforts to promote the sport. Conduct not complying with these standards includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Violation of, or failure to comply with, any of the rules of the event.
• Consumption and/or possession of alcoholic beverages or any kind of mind-altering substance during registration or tournament hours extending through the weigh-in procedure.
• Abuse of, or addiction to, mind-altering substances.
• Anglers are not to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while competing. Legally required blood alcohol levels must be adhered to, and the International Hobie Fishing Worlds Committee (IHFWC for HFW9: Steve Fields – North America, Jim Barrie – South Pacific & Gero Priebe – Europe) reserves the right to request a blood alcohol test prior to the start of the competition or at any time during competition hours.
• Suspension/disqualification, probation or ban from any tournament or fishing organization globally.
• Any comments, conduct or actions reflecting unfavorably upon efforts to promote safety, sportsmanship, fair competition, and compliance with tournament rules, or which fail to comply with the standards set forth in the first sentence of this section. This includes verbal communication and social media.
• In case of any conduct not complying with the standards outlined above, the Tournament Director shall have the right to refuse an application to compete, to deny a confirmed application to compete. A disqualified angler shall forfeit their entry fee.

TRUTH VERIFICATION TEST

• Each contestant agrees to submit, by registering for this tournament, to a polygraph or voice stress
• analysis examination and to abide by its conclusion.
• Consumption of alcohol or any mind-altering substance is strictly prohibited prior to a truth
• verification test.
• Refusal to participate in the polygraph or voice stress analysis examination will result in
• disqualification from the tournament.
• Failure to pass an examination, if administered, can result in disqualification from the tournament.
• Truth verification tests will be used at Hobie Fishing Worlds Tournament Directors discretion, and the determination of the meaning of the results will be made solely by the Tournament Director.

SAFETY

• The event organizers shall provide a PFD to all Worlds’ anglers. All anglers shall wear a fastened provided PFD at all times on the water. No other PFD shall be worn. The personal flotation device must always be worn on the outside of all clothing.
• At the morning check-in each competitor shall be issued with a numbered key tag for that day only. Anglers may be issued with a different key tag number each day.
• All anglers MUST return their key tag to the key tag board when they return to the event site at session finish time, regardless of whether they are measuring fish or not.
• In the event of angler/s not returning their key tag to the key tag board, by the session finish time, the event organizers shall commence a search for the missing angler/s.
• IHFWA committee will encourage fisheries and boating officers to attend all HFW tournaments to police safety regulations, registration, relevant boating legislation, as well as, alcohol and drug laws.
• IHFWA committee’s sportsmanship principals dictate that care of fellow anglers is of the upmost importance. If an angler or boat is in distress, it is expected that other anglers will assist. Remember that safety is more important that your day’s catch.
• At the discretion of the tournament director, tournament days may be shortened, postponed, or canceled due to unsafe weather or water conditions.
• Emergency calls should be made to a tournament official when possible.
• Competitors are expected to use sound judgement and are accountable for their own actions when faced with a potentially dangerous situation. (i.e., lightning, excessive wind, rough waters, recreational and commercial marine traffic, hunting areas, etc.)

HOBIE KAYAKS

• All anglers shall fish from the supplied, identically rigged, 2022 Hobie Mirage® 14 Pro Angler 360 kayaks. An overview of these event kayaks can be found here: https://hobiefishingworlds.com/event-info/what-is-supplied/
• No decals, mounts, fittings, or modifications shall be made to the factory supplied kayaks.
• No external maps may be used and or added or inserted into the supplied Lowrance sounder.

BRIEFING

• Attendance at daily briefings is mandatory for all anglers. (See the event noticeboard for exact briefing times).
• Arriving late to a briefing may incur a starting time penalty of not less than 5 minutes and not more than 2 hours.
• Failure to attend a briefing shall result in that angler penalized 70cm per day late.

DAILY CHECK-IN

• Check-in times shall be announced at Registration, the Daily Briefing and posted on the official Noticeboard.
• ALL anglers must collect their key tag before the start of each day’s briefing. Failure to do so may result in time penalties at the rate of 10cm per minute late or part thereof.
• Anglers/Managers cannot collect key tags for other anglers.
• After the morning check-in each day and before the start, angler’s kayaks may be inspected and checked for safety equipment.
• Session start method shall be announced by the Tournament Director at the Daily Briefing and posted on the official Notice Board.

STARTING PROCEDURE

• The order of entry may be used to determine the start method. Start methods include;

Order of entry, single file start e.g., #1 entry first away, #2 entry, second start, etc.

Group start, all competitors start together in single start line.

Gate start in which all anglers start on single start line, however split direction at the two turning gates.

Other as required for safe fleet start.

• All competitors shall pedal across the defined start line and in the specified direction. Failure may result in a penalty and deduction of length from a minimum of 10cm to a maximum of 100cm.
• The tournament organizers reserve the right to modify any starting order and procedure as required.
• The Tournament Director shall announce the start method at the official briefing.

FISHING

• Anglers must abide by all the local fishing and boating regulations. Hobie and local authorities may patrol the tournament waterways.
• ALL session start times shall be announced by the tournament director the previous day and posted to the official notice board.
• Kayaks should remain a cast apart (27 meters – 30 yards-) while fishing.
• All two species must be at least the minimum legal length. Fish below the minimum size shall be released immediately.
• The legal lengths are as follows:
  
  1. Pike: 45 cm 
  2. Perch: 20 cm* 

* No minimum length for Perch 20 cm inches shall be the minimum length for HFW9.

• If an angler presents an under-size fish to the scorer, they will forfeit the fish*.
• 2 Pike, and 3 Perch shall be the daily target (unless otherwise advised by the Tournament Director).
• It is the angler’s responsibility for the well-being of the fish.
• Any angler on the tournament waterway outside of session times shall be disqualified for that day.

FISHING METHODS

• Cast-and-retrieve only – no trolling, no live baits, no dead baits.
• Only artificial lures and flies shall be used during competition.
• Alabama style rigs or multi-rigs are not allowed.
• Trolling as a method of fishing is NOT allowed. Long-lining and drifting with current/wind are allowed. Trolling is defined as directly using the vessel’s propulsion to present a lure.
• Commercially sold scents may be added and used.
• Only ONE rod, either a casting, spin casting, spinning rod and reel or fly rod shall be used at any one time.
• The rod must be handheld, at all times while fishing.
• Fish grips of any type shall not be used.
• No fish are to be kept on stringers.
• An angler’s catch must be safely released before casting or fishing may resume.
• Hobie shall supply landing nets to all anglers. Only landing nets supplied by Hobie shall be used.
• ALL fish shall be caught in a conventional sporting manner. A cast must be fully retrieved before an angler may select another rod.
• Anglers shall not catch or measure fish that have been caged or confined in an area prior to the tournament.
• ALL fish must be caught from the provided Hobie kayak. The angler shall not be outside the kayak, for any reason, between casting and landing of the fish, with the exception of going to shore to assist with measuring and photographing the catch when a large Pike is caught.
• During the hours of competition, contestants shall not obtain or receive assistance, including but not limited to the following: a non-competitor’s boat; the placing of markers by a non-competitor; being towed by or riding on motorized vessels; or receiving electronic, voice or data communication from a non-competitor.

INFORMATION GATHERING

• The purchasing of, or bartering for, information about locating or catching fish on tournament waters (other than through commercially available sources) is not permitted during the OFFICIAL PRACTICE period through the conclusion of the tournament.
• Any use of or communication with a guide or guide services, directly or indirectly, pertaining to tournament waters within 30 days of the event is prohibited, other than through publicly available sources.
• During official tournament days, contestants may not solicit information about locating or catching fish on tournament waters from anyone except other anglers confirmed in the tournament and through publicly available sources. Quasi-public websites, blogs and/or social media pages set up for the specific purpose of sharing information with individuals or a small group of individuals are NOT publicly available sources.
• Any collaboration on or off the water with other competitors or non- competitors for the purpose of sharing or pooling winnings is strictly prohibited.

FISHING BOUNDARIES

• All fishing locations shall be identified by the Tournament Director at the daily briefing and posted on the official notice board.
• The fishing arena shall be announced at briefing each day. Out of bounds areas will be provided whenever possible at the anglers briefing.
• The fishing boundaries may be embedded in the supplied maps on the Lowrance unit.
• Angler’s kayaks shall not be inside any out of bounds area, anglers lure and line shall be considered to be an extension of the kayak.
• Anglers shall not cast, land a lure or fish in any out of bounds location.
• Anglers must remain within the boundaries set out by the Tournament Director. Failure to adhere to this rule shall result in disqualification for that day.
• Fishing in the “Åmåls gästhamn” – “Åmåls guest harbor” is Out of bounds. 

 

  SOUTH EAST OVERVIEW

 

NORTHEAST OVERVIEW

 

MARINA BOUNDARY – NO FISHING IN THE MARINA

 

PREFISH BANS

• Anglers fishing in the 9th Hobie Fishing World Championship will not be allowed to access the tournament arena from and including Monday 11^th July 2022, until and including Tuesday 9^th August 2022. The arena is deemed to be within 16 kilometers of the start area. A map may be shown on the official event website.
• During the pre-fish ban no contestant shall be on tournament waters, and no person shall be on tournament waters to locate fish or gain fishing information on a contestant’s behalf.

REGISTRATION AND BRIEFING

• Registration, Briefing, Start, and Finish times may vary. Please read the Noticeboard and pay attention to briefing announcements to confirm times. (See the event noticeboard for exact briefing times).
• The tournament key tag allocation shall be on the morning of the pre-fish days and competition days and will close 30 minutes before the session begins.
• Failure to sign in for your key tags within the allocated time shall result in an angler starting in the last position plus 10 mins and not more than 2 hours regardless of reason for absence.
• The Daily Briefing shall be held after the close of key tag allocation.
• It is a requirement of entry that all anglers shall attend the entire briefing. Failure to do so shall result in an angler starting in the last position plus 10 mins regardless of reason for absence.
• Hobie Fishing Worlds 9 will have the official Registration and Briefing the evening before day one of the tournament. Failure to attend the Registration and entire Briefing may result in an automatic disqualification from the championship.

EVENT FORMAT

The Hobie Fishing World Championship may consist of two Pre-Fish or Practice days, and three days of competition (Weather permitting).

WEDNESDAY | 10 AUGUST 2022

• Registration & Key Tag Allocation at Event Site | 7:00am
• Mandatory Morning Briefing at Event Site | 7:30am
• The Blessing of the Fleet Jesper Pålsson – Harbor TIME 7:50am  
• National anthem – Anki Frisk TIME: 8:00am
• ATCO Practice – Pre-Fish Day 1 | (session times announced at briefing)

THURSDAY | 11 AUGUST 2022

• Registration & Key Tag Allocation at Event Site | 7:00am
• Mandatory Morning Briefing at Event Site | 7:30am
• RAM MOUNTS Practice – Pre-Fish Day 2 | (session times announced at briefing)

FRIDAY | 12 AUGUST 2022

• Registration & Key Tag Allocation at Event Site | 6:00am
• Mandatory Morning Briefing at Event Site | 6:30am
• POWER-POLE, Hobie Fishing World Championship Day 1 | (session times announced at briefing)

SATURDAY | 13 AUGUST 2022

• Registration & Key Tag Allocation at Event Site | 6:00am
• Mandatory Morning Briefing at Event Site | NOW 6:15 not 6:30am
• LOWRANCE, Hobie Fishing World Championship Day 2 | (session times announced at briefing)

SUNDAY | 14 AUGUST 2022

• Registration & Key Tag Allocation at Event Site | 6:00am
• Mandatory Morning Briefing at Event Site | NOW 6:15  not 6:30am
• DIAWA, Hobie Fishing World Championship Day 3 | (session times announced at briefing)

In the event of a serve weather forward weather forecast, Pre-Fish days may become competition days.

KEY TAGS AND PENALTIES

• Key Tags shall be placed on the key tag board immediately on return to the event site, at completion of the session. Tags not returned by the allotted time shall be penalized at the rate of 5 cm – 1.96 in per minute. This may apply for Pre-Fish Days.
• If an angler returns later than 15 minutes after session finish time, the angler shall be disqualified for the day and forfeit their day’s catch. This may apply for Pre-Fish Days.
• Penalties shall be deducted from the anglers accumulated length and may incur a negative score.
• The key tag shall be placed on the key tag board by the angler.
• Other anglers, guest, families & friends cannot collect and return key tags on behalf of anglers.
• Kayak anglers may return to the event site earlier than the allotted time, however, once their key tag is placed on the key tag board, the angler’s session is deemed to be over, and they shall not be permitted to return to the water.

SCORING – Catch Photo Release (CPR) will be via the TourneyX Tournament Management System

TourneyX® has been tested by hundreds of tournament directors and thousands of anglers across the country. There is no other system that makes managing tournaments easier. Your phone will need to be able to use the cell services in Sweden.

To use the TourneyX scoring system, we have a few small but important steps.

We have a “HOW TO” on YouTube which explains the sign-up process for TourneyX registration  https://youtu.be/47TshXbMkx8

A/ USE the Website link to create a new TourneyX account. https://tourneyx.com/app/angler-registration-request/

B/ After you have registered on the website, please go download your app from the app store or google play.

 Google Play Android

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tourneyx.pro&hl=en_US&gl=US

Apple IOS 

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tourneyx-pro/id1478882171

 C/ Once your account is made and the TourneyX Pro app is installed, search under Country Sweden for HWF9 POWER-POLE / LOWRANCE PRE-EVENT CUP

&

HOBIE FISHING WORLDS 9 – ÅMÅL SWEDEN 2022

D/ Register for both events using the password (request via email) to: stevefields@hobie.com

Here is a short intro video on TourneyX

If you have any question on installing or using the apps, please contact me here info@tourneyx.com

All questions about the scoring, please contact the Tournament Director here stevefields@hobie.com

ANGLER ASSIST

• “Angler Assist” shall be allowed when handling large fish. Anglers may summon a nearby competitor for assistance in measuring and photographing the fish, to get a clear measurement and ensure the safety of the fish. The photo must be taken with the angler’s own camera.

PHOTO CRITERIA

Anglers must be able to submit their photos to our tournament submission application, TourneyX Tournament Management System. There will be no manual submissions.

• Each fish photo must include all the following criteria to avoid penalties or disqualification:

• The entire fish (Pike and Perch), from the tip of the lip to the end of the tail, on an approved measuring device, while in a tournament legal vessel. (see examples below)
• Fish (Pike and Perch) must be laying with the tip of the lip against the post end of the measuring device. Measuring device post must be visible. (see examples below)
• The mouth of the Pike and Perch can be open to measure the catch. 
• The tail of the fish Pike and Perch must be lying flat on the board and will be measured to the longest point.
• Pinching the tail is permitted.
• Pike and Perch orientation must be facing to the left, tail to the right, belly toward the angler. (see examples below).
• Measuring device markings must be clearly visible. Including the actual numbers. (see examples below)
• Assigned unique identifier’s number must be clearly visible. (see examples below)
• One overhead photo shot frame (not shot at a drastic angle). (see examples below)
• Fish must be clear of any holding devices including fishing lure or hook.
• Lip, eye, and end of tail cannot be obstructed in the photo, even by your hand or identifier.

• If a fish has a visibly glossy eye or odd markings, we ask that the competitor take video of that fish to prove it is alive, showing it going from the board to the water and actively swimming away.

• Any questionable issues with a fish should be immediately brought to the HFW9 TD attention.

• Quality of the photo submitted is the responsibility of the angler.

**All criteria above must be met, or the photo may not be scored*

 

MEASURING DEVICE

• The supplied metal measuring board is the mandatory and official measuring devices for the  Hobie Fishing Worlds 9 Tournament.  No other measuring board shall be used.
• A clean measuring device is expected to ensure we can give you a proper score.
• A photo of the official measuring board will be shown prior to the completion starting within the rules. 

COMMUNICATIONS / SOCIAL MEDIA

• During tournament hours, the use of cellular telephones, marine radios, walkie-talkies, CBs, pagers, or any electronic device to communicate fishing information or to contact anyone, including family member for any reason other than for an “Angler’s Assist”, is strictly prohibited. Anglers caught communicating in the ways listed shall be disqualified for that day.
• Communication among anglers is allowed on the water only by non-electronic methods.
• for that day. Anglers may be requested to provide the Tournament Director his or her phone to see last number called and timestamp during Tournament Days.
• The use of Social Media is permitted to make Hobie Fishing Worlds 9 posts only. All posts should include the following tag #HFW9 and #hobiefishingworlds.
• Emergency calls are permitted and should be made to a tournament official if/when possible. Emergency numbers shall be posted on the official notice board if applicable.

NAVIGATIONAL AIDS / CHARTS

• The use of navigational aids, marine charts on tablets, smartphones or any hand-held device is not allowed.
• The use of personal charts / cards shall not be permitted. The Tournament Director has the right to inspect equipment at any time during tournament days including pre-fish / practice days.
• Only Hobie supplied cards / charts shall be used and only with supplied Lowrance fitted sounders.

PROTEST

• All protests must be submitted to the Tournament Director, in writing, in English, along with a $100 EURO (cash) non-refundable, within twenty (20) minutes of the end of the session time for each day to be valid.
• Any concerns regarding clarification of rules shall be discussed with the Tournament Director BEFORE the start of the session each day.
• The protester also agrees that if there is a question of verifying the charge of a protest that he or she may be subject to take a polygraph and agree to testify in a court of law if necessary. If the Tournament Director, or polygraph, upholds the protest, the cash deposit shall be returned to the contestant submitting the protest.

PRIZES and PAYOUT

• 1^st Place                         $3500 USD
• 2^nd Place                        $2000 USD
• 3^rd Place                         $1000 USD

• Event Big Pike                $250 USD
• Event Big Perch              $250 USD

Event fish prizes are for submitted competition days fish only and shall not include practice or pre-fish days.

Anglers are responsible for providing event organiser the appropriate forms for Hobie to process prizes.

Anglers are responsible for any / all taxes and Hobie will not be responsible for any international – country – state – government taxes which may affect the final payout figure.

Anglers shall supply the appropriate tax / income forms to event organiser within 30 days on the completion of the tournament.

Hobie will endeavour to make payment within 60 days of the close of the tournament and or receiving the appropriate country – state – government forms.

Hobie is not responsible for any delays in payments due to payment laws in international countries.        

FISHING LICENSE

• No Fishing License is required for LAKE VANERN.

MINIMUM HOURS REQUIRED FOR A WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

• In the event of unfavourable weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances, a minimum of 4 hours over the 3 days shall constitute a world championship. In the event of less than 4 hours being fished, no World Champion shall be declared for that year.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE – UNITS OF MEASUREMENTS

• The official language of Hobie Fishing Worlds 9 event is English and in case of dispute over the translation, the English text shall prevail.
• The word “shall” is mandatory and the word “may” is permissive.
• HFW9 will be scored in centimeters – CM

EVENT APPAREL

• During Navigation, Pre-Fish and Competition hours only approved event apparel and hats shall be worn by all anglers. Penalties may apply.

RULES AND RULE CHANGES

• Rules interpretation is exclusively left to the Tournament Directors and/or the IHFWC. Decisions of the Tournament Directors and IHFWC are final in all matters and are not subject to appeal.
• If there is a conflict between languages the English text will take precedence.
• Any/all rule changes will be posted for viewing on the event notice board and on the event website prior to session starting times each day.
• All rules are subject to change without notice at the discretion of the Tournament Directors and/or the IHFWC.
• ALL rules are applied as interpreted by the Tournament Directors and/or by the International Hobie Fishing Worlds Committee (IHFWC) and the Director’s decision is final.
• The Tournament Directors and or the IHFWC has the right to modify, change or move the arena location.

TRUTH VERIFICATION TEST

• Each contestant agrees to submit, by registering for this tournament, to a polygraph or voice stress analysis examination and to abide by its conclusion.
• Consumption of alcohol or any mind-altering substance is strictly prohibited prior to a truth verification test.
• Refusal to participate in the polygraph or voice stress analysis examination will result in disqualification from the tournament.
• Failure to pass an examination, if administered, can result in disqualification from the tournament.
• Truth verification tests will be used at Hobie Fishing Worlds Tournament Directors discretion, and the determination of the meaning of the results will be made solely by the Tournament Director.

AMENDMENTS

• DEFINED PRIZES

• TRUTH VERIFICATION TEST added

• PROTEST INFORMATION UPDATED

• PHOTO CRITERIA UPDATED

• KEY TAGS AND PENALTIES UPDATED

• PREFISH BANS UPDATED

• SAFETY UPDATED

• STARTING PROCEDURE UPDATED

• FISHING UPDATED

• FISHING BOUNDARIES UPDATED

•          CHANGE THE HEADING FROM DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY TO ANGLER ASSIST

Last Update July 12th, 2022, 14:20 EST

• IMPROVED CLARIFICATION IN THE “CHECK-IN” SECTION OF THE RULES.

Last Update July 26TH, 2022, 14:07 EST

• UPDATED the SCORING – Catch Photo Release (CPR) will be via the TourneyX Tournament Management System with “How To” instructions

Last Update July 26TH, 2022, 15:28 EST

Last Update August 8th, 2022, 13:00 CET

• Removed “inches” in reference to fish length.
• Inserted photo of official measurement board.
• Added FISHING BOUNDARIES – MAPS & GPS Lat / Long
• Added Caroliners -Cannon firing ceremony | 5:30pm
• Added The Blessing of the Fleet Jesper Pålsson – Harbor TIME 7:50am
• Added National anthem – Anki Frisk TIME: 8:00am

Last Update August 9th, 2022 07:02 CET

• Added photos as an example to measure fish correctly.

Last Update August 1oth, 2022 04:21 am CET

Added additional North Boundary MAP & North Boundary MAP OVERVIEW – To be posted on NOTICE BOARD by 06:30 when possible

Added Marina Boundary – No fishing