Official Rules & Regulations
1. General Information
1.1. Event Name:
EFC Shoreline Challenge 2025
1.2. Date & Time:
Date: Sunday, 27 July 2025
Check-in Time: 07:00 AM
Session One Start Time: 07:30 AM – 11:00AM
Session Two Start Time: 14:00 PM – 17:00 PM
Tournament End Time: 17:00 PM
Weigh-In & Awards Ceremony: Begins immediately after tournament end at designated location
1.3. Location:
Venue: Maradhoo Harbor, Addu City
Access Points: Designated shoreline access points will be provided in advance via email and event app/map.
Boundaries: Participants must remain within official tournament boundaries as defined by maps or GPS coordinates released before the event.
2. Eligibility & Registration
2.1. Team Composition:
The tournament is open to all anglers .
Each team must consist of at least two members:
Team Captain : Must be age 18 or older .
Junior Angler : Must be between the ages of 5 and 17 .
Teams may include an Optional Angler , who can be:
An adult angler (age 18+), or
A junior angler (age 5–17)
All team members must be registered and present during check-in.
2.2. Registration:
Registration opens online on https://www.equatorialfishingclub.com.
Entry fee: FREE
Late entries will not be accepted after 15 July 2025.
3. Fishing Rules
3.1. Fishing Hours:
All fish must be caught between 07:30 AM – 05:00 PM on 27 July 2025.
Fish caught outside these hours will not be eligible for scoring.
3.2. Species Eligible:
Following species are not eligible for weigh-in:
. Eels, remoras, puffer fish, lion fish etc.…
. All protect species under Maldivian law
.Fishes below 4 inches
Protected species must be immediately released.
3.3. Equipment:
All fish must be caught on a rod and reel in sporting manner.
Rod and reel fishing only – No spearfishing, nets, traps, or handlines allowed.
All participants must use a reel size below 5000 series .
Unlimited number of rods may be used, but only one rod may be fished at a time per angler.
Hooks: Single or double hooks only; treble hooks permitted if legal for target species.
Bait: Artificial bait only (jig, stick bait, popper etc.…) – live and dead bait is prohibited.
Hand lining in this event is not allowed.
3.4. Fishing Method:
This is a shore-based fishing tournament only — no boats or wading beyond designated areas.
Anglers must maintain direct control of their line at all times.
The angler must reel in the fish solely by hand using the rod and reel until the fish is landed. No external help during the fight or landing process is allowed.
Snagging, netting, trapping, or snag-and-release methods are strictly prohibited.
Trolling from shore is not allowed.
4. Scoring System
4.1. Weigh-In Procedure:
All eligible fish must be brought to the official weigh-in station.
Fish must be weighed in natural condition (drained of water, no swelling).
Teams earn 100 points for every 1 kg of total fish weight.
Example: A total catch weighing 5 kg = 500 points.
Fish must meet the minimum size requirement and be alive at weigh-in to qualify.
Junior Angler Bonus:
If a junior angler hooks, fights, and lands a fish without assistance, they will receive an additional 5 bonus points per qualifying fish.
This bonus is applied regardless of fish species or size, as long as the catch meets all other tournament requirements.
4.2. Measurement:
In case of tiebreaker, length (in inches) will be measured from tip of nose to end of tail (pinched).
Use of measuring boards provided by tournament staff only.
4.3. Scoring Categories:
Team Total Weight: Combined weight of all eligible fishes.
-1st Place
-2nd Place
-3rd Place
Biggest Fish (Total Weight): Heaviest individual fish caught.
Best Junior Angler: Most Catches among the junior anglers
Youngest Angler Award: Youngest angler among all the junior anglers by age.
Lucky Catch: Random prize draw among all participants.
5. Safety & Conduct
5.1. Safety Requirements:
Life jackets are strongly recommended while near or wading in water.
Wading beyond knee-deep is in not allowed.
Carry a phone or signaling device at all times.
Notify tournament officials if you are leaving your fishing area.
5.2. Smoking:
Smoking and Vaping during tournament hours is strictly prohibited.
Violators will be disqualified and asked to leave the premises.
5.3. Sportsmanship:
Unsportsmanlike conduct, cheating, or tampering with another angler’s equipment or catch will result in immediate disqualification.
Respect private property and do not trespass.
6. Environmental Responsibility
6.1. Leave No Trace:
All trash must be disposed of properly.
Do not damage vegetation or disturb neighbors unnecessarily.
6.2. Catch & Release Ethics:
Handle fish with care to maximize survival rates.
Practice proper release techniques.
6.3. Protected Species:
Any endangered, protected, or undersized species must be released immediately.
Report accidental catches to tournament officials.
7. Weather & Emergencies
7.1. Weather Policy:
Tournament may be delayed or canceled due to severe weather (lightning, high winds, etc.).
Decisions will be communicated via phone, or official social media channels.
7.2. Emergency Contact:
Emergency contact number: +960 9995765
8. Liability Waiver
By registering, all participants agree that:
They assume full responsibility for any injuries, accidents, or property loss during the event.
The tournament organizers, sponsors, and volunteers are not liable for any such incidents.
Photos/videos taken during the event may be used for promotional purposes.
10. Additional Rules
Cell phones must be silenced during weigh-ins and presentations.
No coaching or outside assistance during competition hours.
Tournament directors reserve the right to modify rules as necessary for safety or fairness.
Final Notes:
All participants must read and sign the official Rulebook Acknowledgment Form at check-in. Failure to comply with any rule may result in disqualification.
HAVE FUN
Remember, winning is not something you can completely control, because there is no way to play defense in this sport. All you can control is your fishing and your attitude….so relax, have fun, and enjoy your time on the SHORE.
