Atlantic HMS Tournament Regulations for 2026
NOAA Fisheries requires all Atlantic HMS tournaments to register in advance and report catch data afterward. This guide covers the key rules for operators and anglers, based on the official HMS Recreational Compliance Guide.
Key Deadlines
What Counts as an HMS Tournament?
Any fishing competition where participants register or enter, or where a prize/award is offered for catching highly migratory species. This includes events where HMS isn't the target species but participants can earn points or prizes for HMS catches. Applies to tournaments from any Atlantic or Gulf of America coastal state, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
For Tournament Operators
Register 4+ Weeks Before Start
Online via the NOAA HMS tournament portal. Questions: (727) 824-5399.
Report Catch Within 7 Days
Submit a Tournament Summary Report with catch and effort data, even if no fish were caught. Report via the same portal, or by email/mail/fax. Questions: (305) 361-4214.
What's on the Report?
Tournament Details
- Name & port location
- Boats registered vs. fishing
- Fishing dates & times
- Catch & release only (Y/N)
- Recorder contact info
Catch Data
- Species-level breakdown
- Kept / released alive / released dead
- Individual weights (lbs)
- Individual lengths (inches)
- Measurement method per species
Participating in NOAA surveys (Large Pelagics Survey, MRIP) does not satisfy tournament reporting obligations. You must still file the Tournament Summary Report.
For Participants
Verify Registration
Confirm your tournament is registered with NOAA before you fish. A public list is on the HMS website.
Tournament Handles Reporting
Fish entered in a registered tournament don't need separate individual reports to NOAA. The operator handles it.
Non-Tournament Catches
Billfish or swordfish landed but not entered in the tournament must be reported by the permit holder within 24 hours.
All HMS Rules Apply
Gear restrictions, hook requirements, size limits, and bag limits apply during tournaments. No exceptions.
Required Permits
Every vessel fishing recreationally for Atlantic HMS needs one of these permits. Only one can be issued per vessel per year (except Atlantic Tunas General + Swordfish General Commercial may be held together).
HMS Angling
Private vessels fishing recreationally. Shark endorsement required to fish for sharks.
HMS Charter/Headboat
For-hire vessels. Must carry a Merchant Marine License or USCG Certificate of Inspection.
Atlantic Tunas General
Commercial tuna permit. Can fish recreationally for all HMS only during a registered tournament.
Swordfish General Commercial
Commercial swordfish permit. Can fish recreationally for all HMS only during a registered tournament.
Obtain permits at hmspermits.noaa.gov or call (888) 872-8862.
Species Quick Reference
Size and bag limits from the NOAA HMS Recreational Compliance Guide. Always check hmspermits.noaa.gov for current season updates.
Billfishes
| Species | Min Size (LJFL) | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Marlin | 99" | No limit* |
| White Marlin | 66" | No limit* |
| Roundscale Spearfish | 66" | No limit* |
| Sailfish | 63" | No limit* |
Swordfish
| Permit | Min Size | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| HMS Angling / Swordfish General / Atlantic Tunas General (in tournament) | 47" LJFL or 25" CK | 1/person, up to 4/vessel |
| Charter vessels | 47" LJFL or 25" CK | 1/paying passenger, up to 6/vessel |
Tunas
| Species | Min Size (CFL) | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowfin | 27" | 3/person/day, max 3 on board |
| Bigeye | 27" | None |
| Albacore | None | None |
| Skipjack | None | None |
| Bluefin (School) | 27" to <47" | Varies by season |
| Bluefin (Large School/Small Medium) | 47" to <73" | Varies by season |
| Bluefin (Large Medium/Giant) | 73"+ | 1/vessel/year ("Trophy") |
Sharks
| Species Group | Min Size (FL) | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Sharpnose | None | 1/person |
| Bonnethead | None | 1/person |
| Smoothhound Sharks | None | None |
| Hammerheads (Great, Smooth, Scalloped) | 78" | 1/vessel |
| All Other Authorized Sharks | 54" | 1/vessel |
Effective Feb 2, 2024
It is unlawful to possess or retain oceanic whitetip sharks in or from the U.S. EEZ. Possession and retention of great, smooth, and scalloped hammerhead sharks is prohibited in the U.S. Caribbean EEZ.
Gear & Hook Quick Reference
Authorized Gear Types
- Rod and Reel
- Handline
- Bandit Gear
- Greenstick
- Speargun (BAYS tunas only)
Hook Rules at a Glance
- Billfish w/ natural bait: non-offset circle hooks required
- Billfish w/ artificial bait: J-hooks, offset or non-offset circles OK
- Sharks: non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks (except with flies/artificial lures)
Catch & Release Requirements
All HMS that are caught but not kept must be released immediately without removing them from the water. NOAA safe release tips:
- Do not remove the fish from the water, even for a picture
- Use circle hooks and dehooking devices to reduce injury
- Use heavier tackle to reduce fight time and stress
NOAA Contacts & Resources
Tournament Registration
(727) 824-5399
Catch Reporting
(305) 361-4214
HMS Permits & Bluefin Limits
(888) 872-8862 or (978) 281-9260
HMS Management Division HQ
(301) 427-8503
NOAA HMS Tournament Portal
Register, report, and view registered tournaments
HMS Permits & Catch Reporting
Buy/renew permits, report landings, get the Catch Reporting App
Official Regulations (50 CFR Part 635)
Full Code of Federal Regulations for Atlantic HMS
This summary is based on the NOAA HMS Recreational Compliance Guide (published April 2025). Fishery rules change frequently. If there is a discrepancy between this page and the regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations, the regulations take precedence.
How Reel Time Helps
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Running an HMS Tournament in 2026?
Reel Time handles catch tracking, digital scoring, and reporting so you can focus on running a great event.