The 2023 Spring Sea Run Opener Rules and Prize Categories

     The tournament start date is open ended and will "begin" when the first sea run striped bass has been landed by a tournament participant.  The tournament will end June 1st.   The prize for first landed sea run striped bass may be claimed at any point if the angler can provide photographic evidence of sea lice. 

     Registration fee is $25 for adults and free to Nantucket students, with all proceeds to benefit a Nantucket Island charity. Entrants may register to participate any time leading up to or during the course of the tournament but may not submit a catch until prior to signing up. Registration can be completed under the registration tab, on our Facebook page, in person at Bill Fisher Tackle, Nantucket Tackle Center, or by mailing the $25 entry fee with your email and phone number  to "Spring Sea Run Opener - Box 3833 - Nantucket, MA. 02584".

     This is a catch and release striped bass tournament. Qualifying catches include any striped bass landed from beach or boat in Nantucket's inshore waters with any standard spinning or fly rod equipment.  All brackish ponds housing potential "holdovers" are OFF LIMITS to this tournament as only migratory sea run stripers will be eligible.  

     To register a catch simply take a photo of the fish with a measuring device.  Next, submit the picture of your catch under the "Submit a Catch" tab.  A catch may also be submitted by email to springsearunopener@gmail.com with the time, date and length of the fish to the nearest quarter inch.  Measurement of the fish is only essential for team scoring, to signify that it is a "keeper" (28"+) or to qualify for the prizes of smallest or biggest fish of the tournament.

     To qualify for any of the prizes requiring the length of the fish (shortest bass, First Keeper 28" or greater, and largest Fish of the Tournament) a photo is required with a tape measure showing the overall length of the fish from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail at its' furthers point.  both the fish and the measuring device should be on as flat of a surface as the situation allows.  The measuring device may lay above or below the fish.  Lengths will be judged to the nearest 1/4" and in the event of a tie the photo submission that is received first will take the prize.  The clarity and quality of the photo is the responsibility of the angler, but ALL reasonable submissions will be accepted.  Please note that the prizes for "first landed sea run striper" and "first keeper sized bass of 28 or greater'' are time sensitive, and it is the participants responsibility to submit their entry as quickly as he or she is able.  

If by the end of May 31st all prize categories are not filled, the tournament will continue until they have been.