1st Annual Suncoast Classic Inshore Challenge Rules

October 8 & 10, 2026
Hosted at Tiki Docks Skyway Bar + Grill
St. Petersburg, Florida

Tournament Rules

Benefiting:
Ready for Life Pinellas & Pasco  

Tournament Format

The Suncoast Inshore Classic is a catch, photo, and release tournament.

The goal is to catch the longest fish while promoting conservation and enjoying a fun day on the water.

Target Species

  • Snook
  • Redfish
  • Spotted Seatrout
  • Flounder
  • Gag Grouper (state waters only)

All fish must be caught in accordance with all current Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations.

Fishing Hours/Schedule

  • Mandatory Captain’s Meeting: 6pm-8pmThursday, October 8, 2026, Rules will be read at 8pm. One person from each team must be present. This will be the last opportunity to sign up for the tournament.
  • Lines In:12:01 AM, Saturday, October 10, 2026.
  • Lines Out:3:00 PM, Saturday, October 10, 2026.
  • Check In/Drop Off Measuring Device:4:00 PM-5:00 PM, Saturday, October 10, 2026. Awards to follow.

Any fish hooked prior to 3:00 PM may be landed.

Tournament Boundaries

Fishing is permitted anywhere within the legal waters of Tampa Bay and its surrounding waters, provided anglers remain in Florida waters and obey all federal, state, and local regulations.

The fishing boundaries are the west coast of Florida (no more than 9 nautical miles west), from the southern tip of Sanibel Island to the southern edge of the Crystal River Power Plant Main Channel. Once your vessel is in the water for the tournament, you may not trailer your vessel to another location.

Tournament officials reserve the right to define any disputed fishing location.

Team Format

  • Registration Fee: $325 per boat team.
  • Up to four anglers per boat.
  • Anglers may fish from boats, kayaks, or paddle craft.
  • If angler chooses to wade fish, all anglers must be within 200 yards of the boat.

Rods & Reels

  • Hook and line only.
  • Artificial or natural bait permitted.
  • No nets, traps, gigs, or spearing.
  • Fish may only be fought by the angler who hooked it.

Scoring

Each team may submit:

  • One Snook
  • One Redfish
  • One Trout
  • One Flounder
  • One Gag Grouper (state waters only)

Only the single longest fish of each species will count. Your team must choose which fish you will submit for each category.

Fish are measured to the nearest ¼ inch.

Total Score

The lengths of all five species are added together.

The team with the greatest combined total length wins.

Example:

Snook – 34″

Redfish – 28″

Trout – 23″

Flounder – 17″

Gag Grouper – 20″ (state waters only)

Total = 122 inches

Tie Breakers

If two teams have identical totals:

  1. Longest Snook
  2. Longest Redfish
  3. Longest Trout
  4. Earliest final fish submission
  5. Coin flip

Measuring Fish

All fish must be photographed on an official tournament measuring board.

The fish must:

  • Lay flat
  • Mouth completely closed
  • Nose touching the zero line/inside of bump board
  • Tail naturally positioned, no touching the tail in photo submission
  • Entire fish visible

Photos that cannot clearly verify length may be disqualified.

Photo Requirements

Each submitted photo must clearly show:

  • Official tournament identifier/card
  • Team number
  • Entire fish
  • Fish length
  • Date and timestamp enabled

Live Release

Fish should remain in the water as much as possible.

Handle fish carefully.

Tournament officials may reject fish that appear intentionally mishandled.

Conservation is one of the primary goals of this event.

Catch Verification

Tournament officials may request:

  • Original image
  • Additional photos
  • Video

Failure to provide requested information may result in disqualification.

Fish Identification

It is the responsibility of each team to correctly identify each species.

Any fish incorrectly identified will receive zero points for that submission.

Submission Deadline

All fish photos must be submitted by 3:00pm, lines out, deadline.

Late submissions will not be accepted.

Sportsmanship

This is intended to be a fun, family-friendly event.

Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in:

  • Point deductions
  • Fish disqualification
  • Team disqualification

Tournament Director decisions are final.

Safety

Safety comes first.

Captains are solely responsible for the safe operation of their vessels.

If weather conditions become unsafe, tournament officials reserve the right to delay, shorten, or cancel the tournament.

Required Equipment

All vessels must comply with current U.S. Coast Guard and Florida boating regulations.

Payouts & Prizes Subject to Change

  • 1stOverall- (total points): $2,500
  • Longest Snook: $1,500
  • Longest Redfish: $1,500
  • Longest Trout : $1,500
  • Longest Flounder : $1,500
  • Longest Gag Grouper (state waters only) : $1,500
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