BILLFISH SHOOTOUT RULES
The GFA PNG Billfish Shootout is held as part of the annual National Game Fishing Titles. Teams compete across designated fishing days to tag and release the most billfish under strict IGFA rules.
WHAT IS THE BILLFISH SHOOTOUT?
The Billfish Shootout is a tag-and-release competition held during the National Titles that pits teams against each other in a race to tag the most billfish. It is one of the most prestigious events on the PNG game fishing calendar and attracts the best teams from across the country.
The Shootout runs across specific designated fishing days during the Titles week. All IGFA angling and tagging rules apply, and all fish must be tagged and released in good condition to score points.
KEY SHOOTOUT RULES
All teams registered for the National Titles are eligible to enter the Billfish Shootout. Teams must be registered with an affiliated GFA PNG club and comply with all entry requirements for the Titles.
All IGFA International Angling Rules apply to the Shootout. This includes rules on tackle, fighting the fish, and the use of tag poles and tagging equipment.
All billfish must be tagged and released in good condition. Fish that are weighed or not released alive will not be scored in the Shootout. Conservation is at the heart of this competition.
Only billfish species count towards the Shootout scoring — including Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, and Sailfish. All billfish must be positively identified at the time of tagging.
Lines in and lines out times are strictly enforced. Fishing hours are set by the Tournament Committee and announced at the Captains Meeting prior to the start of competition. All boats must adhere to designated check-in procedures.
Points are awarded per billfish tagged and released. The team with the highest cumulative points across all Shootout fishing days wins. In the event of a tie, the team that tagged their fish earliest on the final day takes the win.
All hookups, tags, and releases must be reported via radio to the Tournament Control Base at the time they occur. Late or unreported tags may be disqualified.
Any protests must be lodged in writing with the Tournament Committee within two hours of the close of fishing on the day in question. The Committee’s decision is final.
QUALIFYING BILLFISH SPECIES
BLACK MARLIN
PNG’s most iconic game fish. The waters around Madang and Kimbe are renowned for producing spectacular black marlin.
BLUE MARLIN
A powerful deep-water predator found throughout PNG’s offshore waters. Known for spectacular aerial displays when hooked.
STRIPED MARLIN
A beautiful and acrobatic billfish prized for its fighting ability on lighter tackle classes.
SAILFISH
Fast and frequently encountered in PNG coastal waters. Sailfish often hunt in packs, creating exciting multi-hookup opportunities.
WANT TO COMPETE IN THE SHOOTOUT?
Teams must be registered for the National Titles through an affiliated GFA PNG club. Contact the GFAPNG or your local club for entry information and to secure your spot.