NZGFC Aligned Competition Rules
1. GOVERNING RULES
The Buller Bluewater Classic shall be conducted in accordance with:
- New Zealand Game Fish Council (NZGFC) Rules
- International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Angling Rules
- MPI Fisheries Regulations
- These Tournament Rules
Where conflict exists, NZGFC rules take precedence, followed by Tournament Rules.
2. ELIGIBILITY
- This is a boat-based gamefishing competition.
- All vessels must launch and return via Westport, Buller, New Zealand, unless weather or safety conditions require otherwise.
- The fishing area is limited to the Westcoast of the South Island of New Zealand from Jackson Bay to Cape Farewell.
- All anglers must be registered prior to fishing.
- All skippers and anglers must hold relevant licences and comply with NZ law.
3. ELIGIBLE SPECIES (NZGFC RECOGNISED)
The following NZGFC-recognised gamefish species are eligible:
- Striped Marlin (Kajikia audax)
- Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans)
- Swordfish (Xiphias gladius)
- Southern Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus maccoyii)
- Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)
- Mahi Mahi / Dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus)
- Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola Lalandi)
All species must meet NZGFC minimum weight and capture standards.
4. FISHING TIMES & BOUNDARIES
- Official fishing hours will be confirmed prior to the event.
- Fish hooked outside official hours are ineligible.
- All fishing must occur in legal fishing waters under NZ law.
- The fishing area is limited to the Westcoast of the South Island of New Zealand from Jackson Bay to Cape Farewell.
- Fishing in restricted or closed areas will result in disqualification.
5. GEAR & METHODS (NZGFC / IGFA)
- Rod and reel only
- Electric reels are NOT permitted unless explicitly approved by NZGFC for a specific division (default: prohibited).
- No hand-lining.
- No spearfishing.
- No explosives, poisons, or illegal devices.
- Hook and line fishing methods must comply with NZGFC rules.
- Artificial lures and natural baits are permitted.
6. ANGLING & FIGHTING RULES
- Once a fish is hooked:
- Only one angler may fight the fish
- The rod must remain in the angler’s hands
- No passing the rod between anglers.
- Assistance is limited to:
- Gaffing
- Leader handling at the boat
- One eligible fish per boat per category is to be landed per day.
- Anglers can tag and release multiple fish, but are encouraged to only land a single fish per species category
MINIMUM BOATED FISH WEIGHTS & SIZES
- Striped Marlin 90kg
- Blue Marlin 90kg
- Broadbill Swordfish 90kg
- Tuna 10kg
- Mahi Mahi – no minimum
- Kingfish 100cm
7. TAG & RELEASE (NZGFC STANDARDS)
- Tag and release is encouraged, particularly for billfish.
- Billfish must NOT be removed from the water during the tagging and releasing process. Fish intending to be tagged and released must be released as soon as practicable.
- A valid release must:
- Be clearly identified to species
- Be controlled at the boat
- Be released alive and in good condition
- NZGFC-approved tag cards must be completed where applicable.
- Video or photographic evidence may be required.
8. CAPTURE & WEIGH-IN
- Fish for weigh-in must:
- Meet NZGFC minimum weights
- Be brought to the official weigh station
- Be presented in fresh, edible condition
- Fish that are mutilated, spoiled, or illegally captured will be rejected.
- All weights recorded on official tournament scales are final.
- The final decision is any event of a dispute is at the discretion of the official weighmaster on the day of weighing.
- An official weighmaster for a given competition day will be appointed by the tournament committee.
9. POINTS & AWARDS
- Points will be allocated in accordance with NZGFC points schedules, unless otherwise stated.
- Awards may include:
- Heaviest fish per species
- Champion Angler
- Champion Boat
- Tag & Release awards
- Spot prizes
- In the event of a tie, NZGFC tie-breaking rules apply.
10. SAFETY & COMMUNICATION
- All vessels must comply with Maritime NZ safety requirements.
- Functional VHF radio is mandatory.
- Skippers must monitor the designated tournament channel at all times.
- The Tournament Committee may suspend or cancel fishing for safety reasons at any time. Safety decision factors include weather, sea conditions, bar closure, boat specific decisions and
11. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
- All vessels must:
- Report departure (to Westport harbourmaster)
- Report captures or releases if required
- Report geolocation of capture except Swordfish
- Report return to port
- Failure to report may result in penalties or disqualification.
12. SPORTSMANSHIP & CONDUCT
- All competitors are expected to act in accordance with NZGFC standards of sportsmanship.
- Harassment, interference, unsafe behaviour, or abuse will not be tolerated.
- The Tournament Committee may penalise or disqualify any competitor.
13. PROTESTS
- Protests must be lodged in writing within the specified protest period.
- The Tournament Committee will rule in consultation with NZGFC principles.
- All decisions are final.
14. TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE AUTHORITY
The Tournament Committee reserves the right to:
- Interpret NZGFC and Tournament Rules
- Resolve disputes
- Modify schedules or procedures for safety or fairness
- Cancel or suspend fishing if conditions require
15. DISCLAIMER
All competitors enter at their own risk. The organisers accept no responsibility for injury, loss, or damage incurred before, during, or after the event.