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Rules and Regulations

A Snapshot

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You will enter one photo per fish in one of the three categories: Females, Males, and Skunked! See below for more details about the categories. That one photo must show the challenges you've attempted (pink for breast cancer awareness, bring a friend fishing, wear or use sponsor gear, or wear a Halloween costume). You can attempt as few or as many challenges as you want. Ladies will get one ticket just for entering a fish and can earn 1-4 more for meeting the challenges. Guys will get one ticket just for entering a fish (dressed like a girl) and can earn 1 bonus for participating in any or all challenges. If you get skunked, you can still earn a ticket just for getting outside! This challenge begins at 12:01am on October 1st and runs until 11:59pm on October 31st. All fish must be caught and submitted within the challenge window. Fish entered into competition for prizes must have been caught and landed by the registered participant. You can fish from shore, boat, kayak, surfboard, etc. You can fish rod and reel, flyfish, handline spearfish, noodle, etc. The species are based off California and this contest is intended for California anglers but open to out-of-state female anglers until the maximum is reached. Only one photo may be submitted per fish. You may enter up to 12 of the same species in the month of October. We encourage versatility and trying something new. The angler, fish, and identifier must be clearly visible in the photo. The identifier will be announced at 9:00 pm on September 30th on iAngler.

 

Laying Down the Law

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1. In all seriousness, this is just about having fun.

2. The Scales in my Nails (SIMN) is an any fish, any water, any method challenge. Any legal method of take is permitted. All federal, state, county and local laws, rules, and regulations must be followed. Catch and release is encouraged (unless you are spearfishing of course). 

3. All SIMN entrants participate at their own risk.  

4. Anglers registered for the SIMN challenge on iAngler, are eligible to participate. Registration fee is $30. The first 100 registered female anglers are guaranteed a prize. $5 of each fee goes to iAngler. Registration fees will be used to buy some prizes and the rest will benefit Golden State Salmon Association. 

5. You are obligated to know the regulations for the fish you target in the area you are fishing. You must have a valid fishing license and any appropriate stamps/cards. Always use best practices when handling fish. The group will not defend irresponsible/illegal actions by a participant. Species list will be based on California  regulations. 

6. The SINMs challenge is aimed at getting more women on the water. This challenge is intended for California female anglers. Anglers from out-of-state may enter until the out-of-state capacity is reached. 

7. Safety is a top priority. The SIMN challenge encourages you to always fish with a buddy. Dress appropriately for the type of fishing you’ll be doing and have necessary safety gear. Please wear a PFD where appropriate. Check forecasts and always make good choices. 

8. All women and men 18 and older may enter. Men are required to dress like a girl to participate in this tournament. 

9. This challenge begins at 12:01am on October 1st and runs until 11:59pm on October 31st. All fish must be caught and submitted within the challenge window. 

 

Photo Submissions and Scoring

1. Fish entered in must have been caught and landed by the registered participant. You must submit each fish on iAngler. You will submit one photo per fish you catch despite how many "challenges" you are meeting. Your one photo will be submitted to one "category" only.

2. There are 3 categories you may submit your fish in. You may only submit one picture per fish you catch. 

   1. “Scales in my Nails” Category: Ladies only!! Women must submit the fish they catch in this category. Angler, fish, and identifier must be visible in the photo. Women will earn 1-5 virtual tickets per fish by meeting challenges (see rule #16). One photo must show all challenges attempted.

   2. “Do You Even Fish Bro?” Category: Guys only!! Men must submit the fish they catch in this category. Men must dress like a girl to be eligible. Find a wig or borrow a dress and show what a good sport you are. It should be obvious you are dressing like a girl in your photo. Men will earn 1-2 virtual tickets per fish by meeting challenges (see rule #16). One photo must show all challenges attempted. 

   3. “That’s Why They Call it Fishing” Category: We all get skunked! Trying should still earn you a chance to win. Photos submitted in this category must include the identifier and angler and it must be obvious you were fishing (i.e. holding a fishing rod by a lake). Men or women can enter their skunked day for 1 virtual ticket. Only one skunk a day please. 

3. Each fish requires a photo submission. The fish, angler, and the identifier must be clearly visible in each submission. Only one photo may be submitted per fish. The identifier will be announced at 9:00 pm on September 30th. You are not required to submit a weight or length in this challenge.

4. You may enter no more than 12 of the same species in the month of October. We encourage versatility and trying something new.

5. There is no limit on the number of species you catch and submit a day... unless you catch 13+.

6. Please submit your fish within one week of catching it. Fish submitted after one week of catching will not be approved. 

7. Each fish submitted will earn the angler one virtual opportunity ticket for an awesome raffle that will take place live on @scalesinmynails social media a week after the tournament. Men must be dressed like a girl and the identifier must be clearly in the photo with the angler and fish. Women will earn a ticket for submitting a fish but must have the identifier clearly in the photo with the angler and fish. Women are eligible for an additional 4 bonus tickets per fish submitted based on meeting 4 challenges. Men are eligible for an additional 1 bonus ticket per fish submitted based on meeting any/all of the same 4 challenges.

8.  The bonus challenges are intended to be fun! Your photo submission under the male, female, or skunked category will be eligible for bonus tickets (up to 4 for females and 1 for males). When submitting your photo you must select the challenges you meet. When entry is approved, the overall count will be adjusted and reflect your total amount of virtual tickets. 

   1. “Big or Small, Let's Save Them All” Challenge: October is Breast Cancer awareness month. You must wear pink (should be in an obvious way like a t-shirt, pants, hat, ribbon, etc) to show support for breast cancer awareness. You will earn a bonus ticket for each photo you submit wearing pink.* On a real note: Make sure you, your family, and friends are staying on top of their breast health with self exams, doctor visits and mammograms.

   2. “Witches and Fishes” Challenge: Let’s have some spooktacular fun for Halloween! Dress up in a Halloween costume and pose with your fish to earn an additional bonus ticket.* Should be obvious that you are dressing up in costume. 

   3. “Fishin’ Friends ‘til the End” Challenge: We encourage you to take someone new fishing or try targeting something new. Step out of your comfort zone and go to a spot you’ve never been. This challenge is all about fishing with a friend and introducing people to the amazing fishing world. Your friend must be visible in the photo submission. 

   4. “Sponsors and Monsters” Challenge: This challenge isn’t necessarily about big fish, but showing the sponsors some love and thanking them for their support. If you are wearing or using any of the SIMN’s sponsors/donors gear and it is clearly visible in the photo you will earn an extra raffle ticket.  

9. We encourage you to share your photos and hashtag #scalesinmynails on social media. Each person you refer to this challenge will earn you an additional raffle ticket which will not be reflected in your count until the challenge is over. 

10. The tournament director and SIMNs committee have the final say. Please contact director Annie Nagel by email if you have concerns or questions. 

11. This tournament is intended to be light-hearted and to get more people on the water. Please model good sportsmanship and just have fun with it. This isn’t about size, it’s about getting outside. 

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