Stilbaai Kayak Classic 2026

 Rules & Regulations

1. Each participant must have a valid fishing license issued by the local authorities.

2. Participation is open to anyone 18 years of age or older. Minors (u/18) are eligible to participate with a parent or legal guardian and signature on a release form. 

3. Safe boating will be observed at all times. During competition each contestant is required to comply with SAKFA regulations. In addition, participants MUST wear a PFD at all times while competing in the event and be in possession of a sounding (whistle) device. Tournament days may be shortened or cancelled due to unsafe weather or water conditions. The decision to shorten or to cancel will be left totally to the discretion of the Competition Directors. A 5-hour period shall constitute a day of fishing. If you do not own all safety equipment particularly flares, then we strongly insist that you use the buddy system with someone who does. Each angler is responsible for his/her own safety and should not exceed their limits.

4. Competitors are expected to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety and conservation. Any infraction of these fundamental sporting principles and untethical fishing practises may be deemed cause for disqualification, the Competition Directors decision on this will be final. Maximum courtesy must be practiced at all times, especially with regard to boating and angling in the vicinity of non-competitors who may be on tournament waters. Any act of a competitor, which reflects unfavourably upon fisheries conservation, clean waters, and courtesy, shall be reviewed by the executive team and a decision shall be made accordingly. Evidence of chemical substance addiction or abuse, conviction of a felony or other crimes involving moral turpitude or other conduct reflecting unfavourably upon the efforts to promote safety, sportsmanship and compliance with tournament rules shall be grounds for rejecting any application for participation and for disqualification. Any act deemed by the Competition Directors that gives an angler an unfair advantage not specifically covered under this set of rules shall be grounds for disqualification. Any violation by an angler deemed intentional or preconceived by the Competition Director to gain an unfair advantage, would be grounds for permanent disqualification.

5. The use of a boat or motorized water vehicle to transport your boat on the water is prohibited. All crafts must be self-propelled – no motors are allowed (electric or combustion).

6. Fishing Methods: Only conventional fishing methods, including reel, rod and lines will be allowed. Any use of illegal or unethical fishing techniques, including but not limited to chumming and making use of flashers will result in immediate disqualification.

7. All fish that are caught and released, must be photographed, and if released, alive in a conventional sporting manner. Anglers may not catch fish or weigh in fish that have been caged or confined in an area prior to the tournament. All fish must be caught from a kayak (self-propelled water craft). During the hours of competition, contestants may not obtain or receive assistance, including but not limited to the following: a non-competitor’s boat, the placing of markers by a non-competitor, being towed by or riding on motorized vessels.

8. Fishing Area: The competition area will be Stilbaai and Jongensfontein area, participants may not fish within the MPA areas. Any violation of this rule will result in disqualification. Please follow these regulations – Fishing Regulations

9. Fishing Quotas: Each participant may only catch the maximum number (bag limit) of fish per day, as determined by the law. This is to ensure the conservation of the fish stocks in the area.

10. Photos and videos of released fish – for a catch to be eligible the following are required:

• Unique – Each digital photo submitted must be of a different fish, the judges will deny subsequent photos of the same fish.  All fish must be caught, photographed/video and released prior to resuming fishing for subsequent fish. 
• The photo/video should be sent to a WhatsApp number at the time of the catch. This number will be provided at the pre-competition briefing.
• Each photo must be in focus and clear enough to verify the scorecard (visible in the photo).

11. The use of any means to alter the weight or length of the fish is strictly prohibited.

12. There will be a separate prize for the best release photo/video of a fish species. More info on this will be given at the safety briefing and rule discussion.

13. Participants agree to follow the guidelines and safety recommendations as set out by SAKFA on their website www.sakfa.co.za 

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