Competition Rules

NZGFC Aligned Competition Rules

Our facebook page will have key updates: BullerBluewaterClassic

The Buller Bluewater Classic shall be conducted in accordance with:

  • New Zealand Sports Fish Council (NZSFC) Rules
  • International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Angling Rules
  • MPI Fisheries Regulations
  • Westport Harbour requirements: Westport Harbour Info pack.
  • These Tournament Rules
  • All vessels must comply with Maritime NZ safety requirements.

Where conflict exists, the Tournament Committee will rule in consultation with NZSFC principles.

  • This is a boat-based gamefishing competition.
  • All anglers must be registered prior to fishing, and have paid the entry fee. 
  • One registration and entry fee PER person fishing (not just per boat).
  • Trailer sticker and ticket (from Coast Outdoors) must be sighted at weight in / with tag & release photos
  • All trailer boats must launch and return via Buller river in Westport, New Zealand, unless weather or safety conditions require otherwise.
  • If you are a launch or boat coming from elsewhere by sea, you will be required to berth / come ashore to qualify – please message the Buller Bluewater Classic facebook page so we can make arrangements.
    (This is about supporting Westport and the businesses here who have supported us)
  • Fishing only within the fishing time and boundaries in 4. FISHING TIMES & BOUNDARIES
  • All skippers and anglers must hold relevant licences and comply with NZ law.

The following NZSFC-recognised gamefish species are eligible:

  • Striped Marlin (Kajikia audax)
  • Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans)
  • Black Marlin (Makaira nigricans)
  • Swordfish (Xiphias gladius)
  • Southern Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus maccoyii)
  • Pacific Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus orientalis)
  • Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)
  • Big Eye Tuna (Thunnus obesus)
  • Mahi Mahi / Dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus)

All species must meet NZSFC minimum weight and capture standards

  • Event commences Sunday February 1, 1026 and closes 3pm, Tuesday March 31st.
  • Fish hooked outside official hours are ineligible.
  • All fishing must occur in legal fishing waters under NZ law.
  • Fishing in restricted or closed areas will result in disqualification.
  • The fishing area is limited to this area of the West Coast, South Island, below:
  • Rod and reel only
  • Electric reels are NOT permitted unless explicitly approved by NZSFC 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 NZSFC rules.
  • Artificial lures and natural baits are permitted.
  • 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 or Black Marlin 90kg
    • Swordfish 90kg
    • Mahi Mahi – no minimum
    • Yellowfin / Southern Bluefin / Pacific Bluefin Tuna 20kg
    • Big Eye Tuna 20kg
  • Read the specific rules for tag & release at the end of this document. Only those tagged will qualify.
  • 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:
    • Follow the instructions mentioned above
    • Be clearly identified to species
    • Be controlled at the boat
    • Be released alive and in good condition
  • NZSFC-approved tag cards must be completed where applicable.
  • Video or photographic evidence will be required – note that a physical copy of your entry ticket must still be presented to weighmaster on shore.

How to record your catch:

  • Report captures or releases to weighmaster:
  • One hour prior to return to port, text 0274-383 630 so weighmaster knows to meet you there to:
    1. weigh fish
    2. see proof of tag and release / measurements details and your entry ticket
  • Fish for weigh-in must:
    • Meet NZSFC minimum weights
    • Be brought to the official weigh station / gantry near Yacht Club.
    • 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 in 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.
  • Points will be allocated as outlined at the end of this document.
  • For full awards and prizes announcements see our social media pages or website. 
  • Note: We’re awarding double the points for tag and released fish.
  • Weights of landed fish will be recorded for leaderboard bragging rights but not incentivised with prizes
  • In the event of a tie, NZSFC tie-breaking rules apply.
  • Each Main award will have Adult and Youth Prizes and are awarded by total points apart from the Tag & Release estimated weight categories and other prizes. 
  • A few examples of awards – there will be adult and youth categories also.
    • By points:
      • Buller Bluewater Classic Champion 
      • Champion Boat
      • Striped Marlin Champion
      • Swordfish Champion
      • Yellowfin Tuna Champion
      • Bluefin Tuna Champion (Southern and/or Pacific)
    • Tag & Release Heaviest Fish Per Species estimated weight  (see instructions at the end of this document).
    • Photo Competition prizes, Best Hard Luck Stories and more as announced on social media
  • See Westport Harbour Info pack.
  • All vessels must comply with Maritime NZ safety requirements.
  • Harbour Masters office: 0800 497 8427 or call/text 021 959 279. 
  • Must give “all ships” call on VHF ch14 on entry and exit.
  • 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 and specific decisions.
  • All vessels must:
    • Follow harbourmaster reporting requirements
    • Report departure per maritime rules
    • Report return to port to 1) weigh fish or 2) show photos and proof of tag and release and present your competition entry card
    • Report captures or releases to weighmaster
  • 1 hour prior to return to port, text 0274-383 630 so weighmaster knows to meet you there
  • Failure to report may result in penalties or disqualification.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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

All competitors enter at their own risk. The organisers accept no responsibility for injury, loss, or damage incurred before, during, or after the event.

Rules

Entry Fees

Team Captain Entry: $50 | Angler Entry: $50

  • Boat ID decals
  • Weigh-in eligibility
  • Leaderboard access
  • Digital competition certificate
  • Event support & safety coordination
  • Access to prize giving ceremony

Awards Categories

Each Main Award has Adult and Youth Prizes and are awarded by total points. Many of the awards have a 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize!

Main Awards

  • Buller Bluewater Classic Champion
  • Southern Bluefin Tuna Champion
  • Striped Marlin Champion
  • Yellowfin Tuna Champion
  • Blue Marlin Champion
  • Mahi Mahi / Dolphinfish prize
  • Swordfish Champion
  • Champion Boat

Other Awards

  • Last Tagged Marlin
  • Photo Competition
  • Best Hard Luck Story
  • Other Spot Prizes
Points & Prizes
Contact Info
0276607493
line@bullerbluewaterclassic.com
PAY REG AT
COAST OUTDOORS
234 Palmerston Street, Westport 7825