Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Crystal Coast Program
presents
The 2016 Pinfish Challenge
July 9th 2016
Cedar Point Recreation Area
Common Pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides
About
Welcome to the 1st Project Healing Waters Crystal Coast Pinfish Challenge. A tournament dedicated to the most challenging fish species known to man, a species that anglers dream about and spend their every dollar to travel the world and fish for. A species that fights as hard, and runs as fast as any sportfish in the world. The Pinfish...are you up to the challenge?
Of course we are joking with you. The world of sport fishing is packed with some very serious tournaments for glamour species such as Largemouth Bass, Redfish and King Mackerel. We are going to do the exact opposite and have a competition based around every saltwater fisherman's worst nightmare...the Pinfish. A species that is very plentiful and always willing to eat. Although they are known for immediately attacking a piece of shrimp or a Gulp bait, they can also easily be caught on small artificial flies and fly gear. Pinfish can be found at basically any inshore saltwater location including oyster rocks, grass banks, bridge pilings, rock jetties or any other type of structure. We wanted to choose a species that is not only easy to catch, but also easy to fish for, whether in a boat, kayak, or on foot.
Although this tournament is based around a fun format, we want you to take it seriously and see how many you can catch. We will have some good prizes for the winners and great fellowship and food for everyone. Do you have what it takes to be the Pinfish Angler of the year?
This year we will be opening the tournament up to PHWFF Participants from any program. We will also open the tournament up to non PHWFF participants on an invitation only basis. Non PHWFF competitors are asked to consider making a small donation at "check in" to help with the cost of lunch. If you are interested in coming in from out of town, but aren't sure where to fish, our local Pinfish Masters will be more than happy to impart some local knowledge on fishing locations, hot flies, etc.
Of course we are joking with you. The world of sport fishing is packed with some very serious tournaments for glamour species such as Largemouth Bass, Redfish and King Mackerel. We are going to do the exact opposite and have a competition based around every saltwater fisherman's worst nightmare...the Pinfish. A species that is very plentiful and always willing to eat. Although they are known for immediately attacking a piece of shrimp or a Gulp bait, they can also easily be caught on small artificial flies and fly gear. Pinfish can be found at basically any inshore saltwater location including oyster rocks, grass banks, bridge pilings, rock jetties or any other type of structure. We wanted to choose a species that is not only easy to catch, but also easy to fish for, whether in a boat, kayak, or on foot.
Although this tournament is based around a fun format, we want you to take it seriously and see how many you can catch. We will have some good prizes for the winners and great fellowship and food for everyone. Do you have what it takes to be the Pinfish Angler of the year?
This year we will be opening the tournament up to PHWFF Participants from any program. We will also open the tournament up to non PHWFF participants on an invitation only basis. Non PHWFF competitors are asked to consider making a small donation at "check in" to help with the cost of lunch. If you are interested in coming in from out of town, but aren't sure where to fish, our local Pinfish Masters will be more than happy to impart some local knowledge on fishing locations, hot flies, etc.
Rules
1) All fish must be caught on "fly" and "fly fishing gear". No conventional tackle may be used. A net may be used to land fish hooked on "fly gear".
2) Generally a fish is considered caught when it comes to hand and is unhooked and released. If a fish comes unhooked before coming to hand, it can be counted as caught if the leader comes into the rod tip before the fish comes free.
3) No type of bait can be attached to the fly, nor can an angler use scent on their fly. Anglers may chum the area they are fishing to attract pinfish.
4) There will 3 prize categories -
-Most pinfish caught:
*1st Place
*2nd Place
*3rd Place
-Largest Pinfish:
*1st Place only
-Most species of trash fish:
*1st Place only - Trash fish may not include: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, Sheepshead
5) Scoring will be based on the honor system. Please bring a digital camera or phone camera to photograph fish. Judges may ask to see photos of Pinfish when tallying scores for "Most Pinfish Caught" Winners. To qualify for the prize of "Largest Pinfish" you must submit a photo of the fish laying beside a legal measuring device. Judges will need to see a photo of each of your "Trash Fish" to consider you for this category.
6) Tournament starts at 6am on July 9th 2016. No lines allowed in the water before this time. Lines out of water no later than 12pm. Competitors must report to the "check in area" at the Cedar Point Recreation Area no later than 1pm or they will be disqualified from the competition.
7.) There is a kayak/canoe launch at the Cedar Point Recreation Area, but competitors are allowed to fish anywhere they want in Carteret or Onslow County as long as they are at "check in" by 1pm.
2) Generally a fish is considered caught when it comes to hand and is unhooked and released. If a fish comes unhooked before coming to hand, it can be counted as caught if the leader comes into the rod tip before the fish comes free.
3) No type of bait can be attached to the fly, nor can an angler use scent on their fly. Anglers may chum the area they are fishing to attract pinfish.
4) There will 3 prize categories -
-Most pinfish caught:
*1st Place
*2nd Place
*3rd Place
-Largest Pinfish:
*1st Place only
-Most species of trash fish:
*1st Place only - Trash fish may not include: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, Sheepshead
5) Scoring will be based on the honor system. Please bring a digital camera or phone camera to photograph fish. Judges may ask to see photos of Pinfish when tallying scores for "Most Pinfish Caught" Winners. To qualify for the prize of "Largest Pinfish" you must submit a photo of the fish laying beside a legal measuring device. Judges will need to see a photo of each of your "Trash Fish" to consider you for this category.
6) Tournament starts at 6am on July 9th 2016. No lines allowed in the water before this time. Lines out of water no later than 12pm. Competitors must report to the "check in area" at the Cedar Point Recreation Area no later than 1pm or they will be disqualified from the competition.
7.) There is a kayak/canoe launch at the Cedar Point Recreation Area, but competitors are allowed to fish anywhere they want in Carteret or Onslow County as long as they are at "check in" by 1pm.
Registration
To Register for the Event, please email your registration information to: johndmauser@yahoo.com
In the email Subject Line please put: PINFISH CHALLENGE
In the body of the email please include:
First and Last Name
Invited Guest or PHWFF Participant (If you are a PHWFF Participant, please list your program name)
Phone Number
Email Address
** If you are not a participant in a PHWFF Program, we are asking for a suggested donation of $10 to help cover your meal. Registration donations can be paid at the "check in area" at the Cedar Point Recreation Area.
In the email Subject Line please put: PINFISH CHALLENGE
In the body of the email please include:
First and Last Name
Invited Guest or PHWFF Participant (If you are a PHWFF Participant, please list your program name)
Phone Number
Email Address
** If you are not a participant in a PHWFF Program, we are asking for a suggested donation of $10 to help cover your meal. Registration donations can be paid at the "check in area" at the Cedar Point Recreation Area.
Directions
Heading East on HWY 24:
Turn LEFT onto HWY 58 at intersection of HWY 24 and HWY 58 in Cape Carteret
Drive 0.7 miles
Turn LEFT onto VFW Road
Drive 0.5 miles
Turn LEFT onto Croatan Forest Road
Drive 0.8 miles until Croatan Forest Road Dead Ends at Recreation Area
Heading West on HWY 24:
Turn RIGHT onto HWY 58 at intersection of HWY 24 and HWY 58 in Cape Carteret
Drive 0.7 miles
Turn LEFT onto VFW Road
Drive 0.5 miles
Turn LEFT onto Croatan Forest Road
Drive 0.8 miles until Croatan Forest Road Dead Ends at Recreation Area
If you have questions please contact us at: johndmauser@yahoo.com