Pre-Lim Rules¹

Last Updated 6-1-2023

  1. Tournament limited to first 50 teams in each division. Tournament split in 2 divisions. Both Artificial Division & Open Division will fish on Saturday, June 10th!

  2. Online entry/registration will close on Sunday, June 4th! We will be taking tournament entries on Thursday, June 8th, at the door of the Captain's meeting (cash only, please)!

  3. All team members must check in, in person, the morning of tournament at Matagorda Harbor with tournament directors. Check in window opens at 5:45 AM.

  4. Fishing may begin no earlier than 5:45 AM on the day of the tournament. No fishing lines or team members out of the boat until after the team has checked in at Matagorda Harbor with tournament directors.

  5. $2,500 Team Entry Fee, maximum 5 members on a team. 80% of Entry Fee will be paid back to tournament winners. 20% will be retained by Tournament Committee for Donations and tournament expenses. See Below for $$$ breakdown!

  6. Any team that cancels on or after June 1 will not receive a refund on their tournament entry.

  7. Upon weather cancellation tournament will be rescheduled.

  8. All teams and individuals must be paid teams and team members to be eligible to compete in the tournament pots.

  9. If a fishing guide is used the fish caught by the guide cannot be used unless guide is paid member of team.

  10. All designated fishing boats must leave morning of the tournament from Matagorda Harbor after your team has checked in. You must fish from the boat you leave in and return in the same boat in which you left from no exceptions. (No fishing from kayaks or motor vehicles)

  11. All teams must fish within plain eyesight of their exclusive designated vessel at all times.

  12. Spot holding or hole sitting by any team member or non-team member for tournament participants is prohibited.

  13. “Courtesy Rule” All tournament teams are asked to not fish within 100 yards of another tourney team.

  14. Artificial division may not use any type of bait (live or dead). “Scented” artificial baits are permitted.

  15. All fish must be caught on rod and reel.

  16. All fish in tournament must be legal size (no oversized (tagged) redfish).

  17. Trout Size Limit – The minimum length of 17 inches and maximum length of 23 inches for all trout will be in effect for the tournament.

  18. All fish to be weighed in must be caught after teams leave from harbor on morning of tournament.

  19. No fish may be accepted from or given to another team.

  20. Boat Breakdown – Tournament Director must be contacted. No catching rides with other teams.

  21. Weighmaster and tournament directors have final decision on validity of fish.

  22. Fish used in the side-pots can be used in “Texas Trio” competition.

  23. Weigh in is 2:30PM-4:00PM at Harbor Bait & Tackle. All teams must have at least 1 team member be in LINE to weigh in by 4:00pm with the all of the team’s fish.

  24. Each team can bring only 1 trout, 1 flounder, and 1 redfish to the scales to be used for weigh in. Once a fish is measured and weighed, there will be no exchanging of fish. If there is an illegal sized fish measured, the entire team will be disqualified for that category.

  25. Two sets of scales will be calibrated. If one set of scales breaks down, the other will be used moving forward with no re-weighs on previous fish.

  26. Fish will be weighed in the following order

    1. Biggest Trout (name of angler who caught fish is needed)

    2. Big Redfish (name of angler who caught fish is needed)

    3. Big Flounder (name of angler who caught fish is needed)

  27. Sponsors, organizers, and other entities involved in the Texas Trio Classic are not responsible for any accident or injury, nor loss, damage, or theft to any property.

  28. All teams are required to follow Texas Parks and Wildlife fishing and boating regulations.

  29. Polygraph tests will be administered.

    1. All team members must be present to take polygraph. If a team member is not available to be tested, the entire team is disqualified.

    2. If the polygraph administrator is unable to perform the polygraph for any reason, (participant has been drinking too much according to administrator, etc.) the entire team is disqualified.

    3. Polygraph administrator has final determination on all test results (Pass/Fail)

  30. Unofficial awards ceremony will begin immediately following weigh in on Saturday 6/10. All winners will be unofficial until final polygraph results are in and complete. All team members from winning teams (All categories) will need to stay until polygraph results are complete to receive their money winnings. No checks will be handed out during unofficial awards ceremony.