Official Rules, Regulations & Legal Coverage Guide
Tournament Date: May 2, 2026
Location: Hidden Cove Marina, Cooper River / Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie
Address: 547 Reid Hill Rd, Moncks Corner, SC
Tournament Start: 7:00 AM EST | Scales Close: 5:00 PM EST
Overview and Purpose
This document establishes the official rules, regulations, and legal framework governing the Hidden Cove Marina 1st Annual Catfish Tournament (“Tournament”). It is designed to ensure a fair, safe, and legally compliant event for all participants, protect the interests of Hidden Cove Marina as the Tournament sponsor, and satisfy the conditions required by SCA Promotions, Inc. (Certificate #10-3051) for the $100,000 contingent prize. All registered participants are bound by these rules in their entirety. Ignorance of any rule does not exempt a participant from disqualification.
Section 1: Registration and Entry Fees
Registration is the first step to participation and must be completed in full before any team may compete. The following terms govern entry into the Tournament.
1.1 Entry Fee. A registration fee of $150 per boat must be paid in full prior to the start of the Tournament. This fee covers entry for one boat.
1.2 Optional Jackpot Entry. Teams may elect to purchase the Record-Breaking Catfish Entry for an additional $200. This optional entry gives the team the opportunity to compete for the $100,000 jackpot prize, subject to the conditions outlined in Section 6 of this document.
1.3 Pre-Registration Required. All Tournament Participants must be pre-registered. Walk-up registrations on the day of the Tournament are not guaranteed and are subject to availability. The total number of participating boats shall not exceed one hundred (100) as required by SCA Promotions Certificate #10-3051.
1.4 Waiver Requirement. No team will receive a weigh card or be permitted to launch until all team members have completed and submitted a signed Liability Waiver and Release form (see Section 7).
1.5 Ineligible Participants. Employees, agents, successors, and assignees of Hidden Cove Marina, its advertising agencies, and promotional companies involved in this Tournament, as well as family and household members of the same, are ineligible to participate and are ineligible for any prize.
Section 2: Team Composition and Conduct
2.1 Team Size. All teams are based per boat. Children under the age of 18 are permitted to fish free of charge.
2.2 Captain’s Responsibility. The Captain (boat owner) is liable and responsible for the boat, all equipment, and all passengers. The Captain assumes all risks on behalf of all Team Members aboard the vessel.
2.3 Sportsmanlike Conduct. All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and sportsmanlike manner at all times. Unsportsmanlike conduct includes, but is not limited to, cheating, verbal or physical altercations, sharing fishing information with other teams during tournament hours, and any form of deception. Violations will result in immediate disqualification with no refund of entry fees.
Section 3: Fishing Methods and Equipment
To maintain a level playing field and ensure compliance with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) regulations, all participants must adhere to the following fishing method requirements.
3.1 Tackle. Catfish must be caught using conventional rod and reel only. The following methods are strictly prohibited:
Prohibited Method | Description |
Trotlines | Lines with multiple hooks strung between two fixed points |
Limb Lines | Lines tied to tree limbs or fixed objects over water |
Jug Lines | Floating lines attached to jugs or bottles |
Noodling | Hand-grabbing catfish from underwater holes or structures |
Electric Reels | Any motorized or electric reel assist device |
3.2 Bait. Any legal natural or commercial bait is permitted. However, chumming (dispersing bait into the water to attract fish) and fishing in intentionally pre-baited holes are strictly prohibited.
3.3 Eligible Species. The following species of catfish are eligible for weigh-in:
Common Name | Scientific Name | SC State Record |
Blue Catfish | Ictalurus furcatus | 113.8 lbs (Lake Moultrie, 2017) |
Channel Catfish | Ictalurus punctatus | 58.0 lbs (Lake Moultrie, 1964) |
Flathead Catfish | Pylodictis olivaris | 84.6 lbs (Cooper River, 2018) |
3.4 Fishing Boundaries. All fishing must occur within the eligible waters of the Santee-Cooper watershed, including the Cooper River and those waters adjacent to Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie, as defined in SCA Promotions Certificate #10-3051. All tournament waters must have been open to the public for fishing for at least one (1) year prior to the Tournament.
Section 4: South Carolina DNR Regulations (Mandatory Compliance)
All participants must comply with all applicable state and federal fishing and boating laws. The following SCDNR regulations are specifically applicable to this Tournament.
4.1 Fishing License. Every angler must possess a valid South Carolina freshwater fishing license. License verification may be requested at any time by Tournament officials or law enforcement.
4.2 Blue Catfish Regulations. Pursuant to SCDNR regulations, the following limits apply statewide to Blue Catfish:
Regulation | Limit |
Daily Possession Limit | 25 fish per person |
Oversized Fish Limit | No more than 2 fish larger than 32 inches per person |
4.3 Vessel Safety. All vessels must be equipped with all U.S. Coast Guard-required safety equipment, including but not limited to: personal flotation devices (PFDs) for each person aboard, a throwable flotation device, a sound-producing device, visual distress signals, and a fire extinguisher. Vessels must be legally registered in accordance with South Carolina law.
4.4 Boating Regulations. All participants must comply with all South Carolina boating regulations while on the water. The use of kill-switches and PFDs is strongly encouraged.
Section 5: Weigh-In Procedures and Prizes
5.1 Fish Limit for Weigh-In. Each team is allowed to enter one (1) fish for weighing to compete for the main cash prizes.
5.2 Weigh-In Cutoff. Scales open at 3:00 PM EST and close promptly at 5:00 PM EST. No fish will be accepted after 5:00 PM. No exceptions will be made under any circumstances.
5.3 Fish that are dead, frozen, spoiled, gutted, altered, or mutilated will not be eligible for weigh-in. All livewells are subject to inspection prior to tournament.
5.4 Weigh Card. Each team must present their weigh card to the Weighmaster at the scale. Teams without a valid weigh card will not be permitted to weigh in.
5.5 Release. Any live fish weighed in the main tournament may be released alive at the designated release area at the end of the docks.
5.6 Main Tournament Prizes. The following cash prizes are awarded to the heaviest eligible catfish:
Place | Prize |
1st Place | $3,000 |
2nd Place | $2,000 |
3rd Place | $1,000 |
5.7 Raffle. Raffle tickets are available for $20 each for multiple items.
5.8 Tie-Breaking. In the event of a tie in weight, the win goes to the team whose fish was weighed in first, as recorded by the official Weighmaster.
5.9 Protests. Any protest must be submitted in writing to Tournament officials within fifteen (15) minutes of the completion of the final weigh-in. The protest must identify the team and the specific rule alleged to have been broken. The burden of proof falls upon the protesting team. Rulings made by Tournament directors are final.
Section 6: $100,000 Record-Breaking Catfish Jackpot — Rules and Legal Coverage
This section governs the optional $200 entry for the $100,000 jackpot prize. This prize is underwritten by SCA Promotions, Inc. (Certificate #10-3051) and is subject to strict verification requirements. Hidden Cove Marina’s obligation to pay this prize is contingent upon SCA Promotions’ verification and payment under the certificate. The following rules must be followed precisely to preserve eligibility for the prize.
6.1 Prize Trigger Conditions
The $100,000 prize will be awarded only if ALL of the following conditions are simultaneously met:
1.The fish is an eligible species: Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) only, as specified in SCA Certificate #10-3051.
2.The fish is caught by a registered Tournament Participant who has paid the $200 optional jackpot entry fee.
3.The fish is caught during Tournament hours (7:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST on May 2, 2026).
4.The fish is caught within the eligible waters of the Santee-Cooper watershed.
5.The fish establishes a new “All Tackle South Carolina State Record” for Blue Catfish, as certified by the SCDNR.
6.The catch is made in full compliance with all state, federal, and Tournament rules.
7. Weigh-In Cutoff. Scales open at 3:00 PM EST and close promptly at 5:00 PM EST. No fish will be accepted after 5:00 PM. No exceptions will be made under any circumstances.
6.2 Current State Record Threshold
The current South Carolina state record for Blue Catfish is 113.8 pounds, caught at Lake Moultrie in 2017. To establish a new state record for a fish weighing over 100 pounds, the fish must exceed the existing record by at least sixteen (16) ounces (1 pound). Therefore, the qualifying fish must weigh a minimum of 114.8 pounds to be eligible for the $100,000 prize.
6.3 Mandatory Catch Requirements
The following requirements mirror SCDNR state record rules and are conditions precedent to prize eligibility:
•The fish must be caught using conventional rod and reel only. Electric reels, harpooning, gigging, or any unsportsmanlike method disqualifies the catch.
•There will be only one winner. The fish must be hooked and played by one (1) person only, without assistance from any other person.
•The angler must hold a valid South Carolina freshwater fishing license at the time of the catch.
•The fish must be caught in waters that have been open to public fishing for at least one (1) year prior to the Tournament.
6.4 Weighing and Verification Requirements
•The fish must be weighed on state-certified scales. Estimated weights are not acceptable.
•The weight must be verified by two (2) independent witnesses who are not associated with the catch of the fish (i.e., not the angler’s captain, crew, or fishing party).
•A certifying biologist from the SCDNR must inspect and verify the catch.
6.5 Claim Documentation and Timeline
A potential winner must complete the following steps within the specified timeframes:
Action | Deadline |
Report potential winning event to SCA Promotions | Within 3 business days of the catch |
Submit completed Winner’s Affidavit & Release (Exhibit B) to SCA | Within 60 days of the Tournament |
Submit SCDNR Freshwater Fish Record Affidavit | Within 45 days of the catch |
Complete SCDNR state record certification process | Within 90 days of the Tournament |
The Winner’s Affidavit (SCA Exhibit B) must include: species, weight (lbs./oz.), length (fork and total, in mm), girth, date and time caught, angler’s full name and government-issued ID, address and contact information, make and model of reel and line, line class, bait/lure used, angling method, and boat/captain information.
6.6 Polygraph Examination
As a condition precedent to prize payment, any potential winner of the $100,000 prize must submit to and pass a polygraph examination administered by a licensed polygraphist designated by SCA Promotions or an SCA-designated independent judging organization. Tournament officials may also be required to submit to polygraph examination. Refusal to submit to a polygraph examination will result in forfeiture of the prize claim.
6.7 SCA Promotions Certificate Terms
The $100,000 prize is underwritten by SCA Promotions, Inc. (Certificate #10-3051, Dallas, Texas). The following terms from the certificate are binding:
•This is not an insurance policy. SCA Promotions is not an insurance company. Performance under the certificate is not covered by any state guaranty association.
•SCA’s liability is limited to the actual cost of the contingent prize as described in the certificate. SCA has no obligation unless the Certificate Fee was received prior to commencement of the Tournament.
•If actual conditions of the Tournament differ in any material way from those stipulated in the certificate without prior written approval from SCA, SCA incurs no liability.
•SCA’s name shall not be used by Hidden Cove Marina in conjunction with the Tournament without prior written permission.
•Any dispute arising under the certificate shall be resolved by binding arbitration under the expedited rules of JAMS, in Dallas, Texas, governed by the laws of the State of Texas.
•The maximum aggregate liability of SCA under the certificate is $100,000.
•Any prize liability in excess of the certificate limits reverts to Hidden Cove Marina as Sponsor.
6.8 Ineligibility for Jackpot Prize
The following persons are ineligible for the $100,000 jackpot prize:
•Employees, agents, successors, and assignees of Hidden Cove Marina.
•Employees of any advertising agency or promotional company involved in the Tournament.
•Family and household members of any of the above.
Section 7: Liability Waiver and Release
The following terms constitute the Liability Waiver and Release that must be signed by all participants prior to participation. This waiver is a condition of entry and is non-negotiable.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING.In consideration of being permitted to participate in the Hidden Cove Marina 1st Annual Catfish Tournament (the “Tournament”), the undersigned acknowledges and agrees to the following:Assumption of Risk: It is understood that competitive fishing involves inherent risks, including but not limited to unpredictable weather, water hazards, equipment failure, and physical injury. All risks associated with participation are voluntarily assumed.Release of Liability: This document serves to release, waive, and discharge Hidden Cove Marina, its officials, sponsors, and volunteers from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action for personal injury, death, or property damage arising out of participation in the Tournament. Captain’s Responsibility: The Captain (boat owner) presumes all risks for Team Members. The Captain certifies that the vessel is equipped with all U.S. Coast Guard-required safety equipment, is legally registered, and that all anglers possess a valid South Carolina fishing license.Rules & Safety Agreement: The undersigned agrees to abide by all Tournament rules and all state and local boating and fishing regulations.Media Release: The Tournament organizers are granted the right to use photographs or video taken during the event for promotional purposes without further compensation.Understanding: The undersigned has read this waiver and understands that substantial legal rights are being given up by signing it.
Section 8: Disqualification and Protests
8.1 Grounds for Disqualification. A team may be disqualified for any of the following:
•Violation of any rule in this document
•Failure to comply with SCDNR fishing or boating regulations
•Unsportsmanlike conduct or cheating
•Leaving the boat landing before the official blast-off time
•Failure to be in the weigh-in line by 5:00 PM EST
•Refusal to submit to a polygraph examination (for jackpot prize claims)
8.2 Protest Procedure. Any protest must be submitted in writing to a Tournament official within fifteen (15) minutes of the final weigh-in. The protesting team must identify the specific rule violation and provide clear and convincing evidence. The decision of the Tournament directors is final and binding.
8.3 Cheating. Any team caught cheating will be immediately disqualified and may be reported to local law enforcement.
Section 9: Tournament Cancellation and Force Majeure
Hidden Cove Marina reserves the right to postpone or cancel the Tournament due to severe weather, force majeure, or other circumstances beyond its control. In the event of cancellation due to force majeure, SCA Promotions must be notified in writing within seventy-two (72) hours of the official declaration of cancellation. Any rescheduled Tournament must take place within ninety (90) days of the original Tournament date. Tournament directors reserve the right to refuse entry to any team or participant.
Section 10: Media and Publicity
By participating in the Tournament, all participants agree to have their name, likeness, and photographs used in publications, social media, and other media by Hidden Cove Marina and its designees for promotional purposes, without further compensation. This right extends to SCA Promotions, Inc. as a designee of the Sponsor, as specified in Certificate #10-3051.
Quick Reference Summary
The table below provides a concise summary of the most critical tournament parameters for easy reference.
Parameter | Detail |
Tournament Date | May 2, 2026 |
Location | Cooper River / Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, Hidden Cove Marina |
Start Time | 7:00 AM EST |
Scales Close | 5:00 PM EST (No exceptions) |
Entry Fee | $150 per boat |
Optional Jackpot Entry | $200 per boat |
Teams | per boat |
Max Boats | 100 |
Eligible Species | Blue, Channel, and Flathead Catfish |
Fishing Method | Rod and reel only |
Fish Per Weigh-In | 1 fish per team |
1st Place Prize | $3,000 |
2nd Place Prize | $2,000 |
3rd Place Prize | $1,000 |
Jackpot Prize | $100,000 (state record Blue Catfish required) |
Current Blue Catfish Record | 113.8 lbs (must beat by 1 lb = min. 114.8 lbs) |
Captain’s Meeting | Wednesday before tournament at 7:00 PM |
