SNBF-XVIII - Rules and Sign-Ups

[Latimeria]

Saturday Night Bat Fight XVIII - Rules and Sign-Ups

Welcome to the 18th year of the Saturday Night Bat Fight! This event has been a blast throughout the years, and we're excited to continue the tradition. This is a fun and free event where only bragging rights are at stake, making it perfect for anglers of all ages. This year's event will take place on March 8th, 2025, rain or shine!

The Rules:

1. Eligible Fish:
Only Myliobatis californica, aka the Bat Ray, counts towards the ultimate winner. Other species caught will only count for individual bragging rights.

2. Measuring:
Measure the widest wingspan over the top of the Ray using a taut tape with corresponding pictures. Loose or flat-laying tape on the entire body and wings may lose inches based on peer reviews.

3. Catch-Photograph-Release (CPR):
Only CPR is allowed. No gaffs or landing tools that cause direct injury to the fish are permitted.

4. County Team Captains:
The main area for each county will be picked by the Team Captain. Satellite groups must post their results by 11:59 PM on March 8th, 2025. If no Captain is available, meet up with your regular fishing friends or other county participants to plan your game.

5. Fishing Location:
Shore Fishing Only from the Surf or Bay. No kayaking baits, shore casting only.

6. County Recording:
You can fish in any county, but the fish you catch will count for the county where it was caught (e.g., if you are from LA fishing in SD, the bat will count for SD).

7. Event Timing:
The event starts at 6:00 AM on the day of the tournament and ends at 11:59 PM that night. This generous window allows participants with different schedules to join the event.

8. Photo Submission:
Photos must be posted by 11:59 PM on Saturday, March 8th.
Late submissions will be disqualified. Please be mindful of the time! Submissions will be made at https://www.prehistoricsoulforum.com/index.php?topic=5509.0
or this Facebook Page (The easiest way for most people to participate)

9. Honor System:
This is a picture/honor system, so no cheating. Previous winners have won by a narrow margin, making for great finishes and friendly trash-talking.

10. Have Fun:
• Above all, everyone is required to have a good time!

Clarifications:

• No Yakking or Drones:
This is a shoreline casting event only.

• Fishing Restrictions:
No fishing off piers, bridges, docks, bulkheads, or jetties (boat ramps are okay if fishing is allowed and not impeding boat traffic). These rules are for your safety and the safety of the Bat Rays. Safety is paramount, and these structures pose high danger risks when dealing with big gear, rods, and fish.

We appreciate your cooperation and enthusiasm. Let's make this year's Saturday Night Bat Fight another memorable event!

Good Luck and may the best California County Win!!

[Latimeria]

Okay, please let me know if I forgot anything.  I reverted to the older rules to bring it back to simplicity and force people to find big bats again.

Let me know if I forgot anything from years past.