Rare Insight to Frequently Asked Questions
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Q:
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What types of payments will be accepted this year?
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A:
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Due to the parks rules that money cannot change hands on park property we do an online only registration process. While this may be an inconvenience for some anglers it makes it much simpler from our aspect of running the tournament and bringing the best possible event to you the anglers. The website will handle credit card payments via PayPal’s website. If you have a PayPal account it is very simple if not you can still pay via credit card thru the PayPal website without an account being set up.
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Will there be a cap for entries this year?
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Online registration will begin in late August, the cut off for online registration will be September 15, 2011 11:59 pm or when 650 participants (400 spots are reserved for shark, 150 spots are reserved for redfish, trout and tarpon, 100 for Women'S & Kids) have signed up. Participants must print out a receipt of payment, email receipts and registration forms to present at check in.
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Q:
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Will there be merchandise for sale at the tournament?
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At the awards ceremony on Sunday (Padre Balli park) we will have additional items for sale. However, there will not be any type of merchandise for sale within the park boundaries during the tournament due to park regulations. We will have merchandise for sale on the website and will bring those items to the beach and distribute them during check-in.
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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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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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Can I win more than one place in a division (1st and 2nd of the same category).
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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 are automatically withdrawn from the most inches category.
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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 and PayPal, if mail in payments are arranged with Sharkathon staff they will be money order only, 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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Can I volunteer to help with the event?
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Q:
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What can a volunteer help do?
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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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No, but in the event that the National Seashore is closed to visitors because of any reason, we will reschedule to a later date to be announced in print and publications as well as on the web.
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Can I receive a refund of my entry fee after I have entered the tournament?
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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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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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When leadering the fish, you may have assistance from any able human being.
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How will you ensure that people follow the rules?
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Polygraph.
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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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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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