Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
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What types of payments are accepted for registration?
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A:
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Credit cards only for online registration. The website will handle credit card payments via a merchant account using STRIPE. If any divisions do not sell out online we will take credit cards and cash payments onsite. We will accept credit cards & cash for merchandise and raffle tickets during the Sunday awards ceremony.
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Q:
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Will there be a capacity for entries this year?
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A:
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Sharkathon will always have a self-imposed capacity. Each year we try to allow the maximum amount of people without pushing the limits of the resources. We carefully evaluate the impact we have each year and slowly add spots if we feel it is possible.
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Q:
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Will there be merchandise for sale at the tournament?
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A:
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At the awards ceremonyon Sunday(Padre Balli park)we will have merchandise for sale.
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Q:
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Can I use a bait canon to deploy my baits?
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A:
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No. Spud guns, pneumatic canons, or combustible pipe based canons are not allowed for use during Sharkathon. All baits must be deployed by human power.
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Q:
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Will there be a minimum requirement of quality of digital camera used?
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A:
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There will be a minimum required 5 mega pixel quality camera to submit an entry. There will be no catch entries accepted from cell phones no matter what the quality your phone claims to have.
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Q:
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Can I win more than one place in a division (1st and 2nd of the same category).
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A:
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No, you may only win one place per division. In the case of the shark division, if you place 1st, 2nd or 3rd you still qualify for the most inches category.
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Q:
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Will you provide trash bags at the event?
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A:
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Yes! Please take as many as you want.
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Q:
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Can I use a trolling motor on my kayak to deploy baits or to help me get back to shore?
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A:
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No! You may not use a trolling motor on your kayak for any purpose. All baits must be deployed using human power only.
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Q:
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Are checks accepted for entries?
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A:
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No. Online payment will be credit cards, no checks accepted.
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Q:
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Should I "dump" my camera card before bringing my camera to Sharkathon?
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A:
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Yes! Please come to Sharkathon with a blank memory card in your camera to avoid excessive download times.
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Q:
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Is there a limit to the number of raffle tickets I can buy?
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A:
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No! You may purchase as many as you want.
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Q:
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Can I volunteer to help with the event?
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A:
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Yes! Please send your request to Info(year of tourney)@Sharkathon.com. There are plenty of things for everyone to do!
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Q:
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What can a volunteer help do?
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A:
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Pick up trash, take photographs, give directions, organize the check in lines.....we will think of more!
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Q:
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Has the event ever been cancelled?
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A:
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Yes due to Covid in 2020, but otherwise no, in the event that the National Seashore is closed to visitors because of any reason, we fall onto the back up dates established each year. We have had to use our backup dates due to a hurricane and Red Tide before.
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Q:
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Can I receive a refund of my entry fee after I have entered the tournament?
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A:
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All entries are non-refundable.
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Q:
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How would I measure a stingray for the kids division?
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A:
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Wingtip to wingtip and take the picture from the rear of the stingray with the angler standing near the head to avoid the tail.
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Q:
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Is there a sponsored Sharkathon party before the event?
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A:
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No. Sharkathon is not sponsoring a pre-party.
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Q:
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Can I fish from a stand that is placed in the water or on the beach?
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Yes, you may fish from a stand on the sand bar or on the beach.
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Q:
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Can I catch a fish while wade fishing?
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Yes, as long as it complies with Sharkathon rules and locations.
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Q:
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How do we prove that we successfully released a fish?
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A:
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It is best to take multiple pictures of each fish - on the beach, during the release, etc. Video helps too!
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Q:
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At what point can aid be given to land a fish?
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A:
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When leadering the fish, you may have assistance from any able human being.
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Q:
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How will you ensure that people follow the rules?
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A:
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Polygraph. Also it is a third degree felony in Texas to cheat in a tournament the size of Sharkathon. Anyone caught cheating will be turned into the authorities.
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Q:
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Do I need a valid Texas fishing license to enter this event?
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A:
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Yes, and you need a saltwater stamp. Remember, many fishing licenses expire on August 31st, so take a look at your license before the event.
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Q:
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Do I need to be present to win one of the fish catch categories?
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A:
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Yes, you must be present to win any of the categories (shark, redfish, trout, tarpon, women, kids).
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