Official Rules and Regulations
A. GENERAL
1. To be eligible for membership in The Tyee Club of British Columbia and for any of the Tyee Club’s buttons or awards, an angler must fish and act in the spirit of traditional methods of the Tyee Club, in accordance with these Rules and Regulations and in accordance with the current Transport Canada and Department of Fisheries and Oceans Regulations.
2. A qualifying Tyee is a chinook salmon registered in accordance with these Rules and Regulations and weighing at least 30 pounds. No more than two qualifying Tyee may be retained in one day. Season limits are those of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
3. The Tyee Club fishing season begins each year on July 15th and ends on September 15th except as may be modified by regulations issued by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
4. Qualifying Tyee must be landed in the waters of Discovery Passage between Seymour Narrows and a line extending between Cape Mudge and the Big Rock on the Vancouver Island shore.
5. The Directors may require members to review and acknowledge these Rules and Regulations in a prescribed form and at a prescribed time.
B. ROWING REQUIREMENT
1. A Tyee qualifying for Club recognition may be landed only while trolling from a boat that is being rowed or paddled. No motor power may be used while fishing or landing a fish.
2. Trolling is defined as the method of angling by which the lure is drawn behind a boat which is moving in relation to the water.
3. Outboard motors may be used only for transportation to and from the fishing grounds and must be tilted while fishing to avoid line entanglement. Motors must not be used in the area designated by the Canada Shipping Act.
C. APPROVED TACKLE
1. The word “tackle” shall be defined as consisting of rod, reel, line, weight, leader, and lure.
2. The rod shall have a minimum length of six feet and a maximum of nine feet.
3. The reel must be a hand-operated type. Electric or spring wound automatic reels are not permitted. Reels with slipping or clutch mechanisms, while acceptable, are not considered single action reels for the purposes of the Gavin Chisholm Trophy. It is suggested that the reel has a minimum capacity of 250 yards of line.
4. The Tyee Club line test requires that the line breaks before lifting the weight in the Official Testing Device. The weight in the Official Testing Device weighs 26 1/4 pounds, and it is located at The Tyee Club House. It should be remembered that most synthetic lines are much stronger than advertised. Line labeled 20 pounds will normally pass the line test, but all rowers and anglers are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure their line will qualify. The Tyee Club urges every angler or rower to have their line tested by the Weighmaster prior to fishing, although such testing is not required.
5. The use of a leader is optional. When used, it shall be 6 feet or less in length. The line may be doubled for a length of three feet or less at its attachment to the leader.
6. The lure may be any type of artificial lure that has one single barbless hook only and its basic use is for trolling. Lures designed for jigging, spinning, still fishing, or attraction by electronic or sonic means shall be excluded. Any lure about which there is doubt as to the acceptability should be referred to the Tackle Committee.
7. The maximum amount of weight permitted is six ounces.
8. Use of natural bait not permitted.
9. Use of any oils, natural attractants, or artificial attractants immediately prior to or during angling for the purposes of improving chances of a strike is not permitted.
10. Use of devices, electronic or otherwise, that provide information that improves the current or future chance of a strike or are not permitted. This includes, but is not limited to chart plotters, depth sounders, GPS, cameras, cell phones, watches, and drones.
D. MEMBERSHIP FEES
1. All persons participating in The Tyee Club of British Columbia must complete Annual Membership Registration and pay membership dues and/or fees set by the Directors prior to fishing with the Weighmaster at The Tyee Club House on the Spit or by qualified persons at other locations designated by The Tyee Club. Completing Annual Membership Registration is a criterion of eligibility for The Tyee Club’s buttons, awards, and member categories.
2. If an angler encounters difficulty completing Annual Membership Registration prior to fishing, they may signal their intent by doing any one of the following:
a) Notifying any Director of The Tyee Club, or
b) Notifying the Weighmaster or
c) Signing the Intent to Complete Annual Membership Registration board at The Tyee Club House.
Such notification may be made by telephone or in person, and within 24 hours, the anglers must complete the Annual Membership Registration.
3. Member categories:
a) Registered members are anglers who have landed a Tyee Salmon weighing 30 pounds or over in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of The Club and who have paid required initial dues.
b) Life members are Registered members who have subscribed for membership for life and who have paid required dues. Life members have all the rights and responsibilities of Registered members.
c) Honorary members are individuals who have been elected to Honorary Membership by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Such action by the Board shall be considered a tribute by The Tyee Club to the individuals so honoured because of special qualifications possessed by the Honoree;
d) Anglers are individuals that have not met the conditions of other member classes and who have paid required dues.
4. Member Dues:
a) Annual dues for Registered members: $30.00
b) Annual dues for Anglers: $20.00.
i. Upon registering a Tyee, the Angler must pay additional dues of $10.00 to become a Registered member.
c) Single day dues for Anglers: $10.00.
i. Upon registering a Tyee, the Angler must pay additional dues of $20.00 to become a Registered member.
ii. Single day dues may be upgraded to Annual dues (section 4b) prior to angling.
d) Annual dues for Anglers that are juniors, sixteen years and younger: $0.00.
i. Upon registering a Tyee, the Junior Angler will pay no additional dues and shall become a Registered member.
e) Life Membership dues: $500.00
i. Dues are a one-time payment and annual dues thereafter are $0.00.
ii. Only Registered members are eligible for Life membership.
E. TYEE QUALIFICATION
1. To be considered as a Registered Member, an Angler (sec. D(3)(d)) must:
a) Land a chinook salmon of 30 pounds, minimum weight, while fishing in accordance with these Rules and Regulations, and
b) Pay the required dues.
2. Every angler must bring their Tyee to gaff or net by use of rod and reel only, and unaided, except that the guide or other anglers in the same boat may net or gaff the fish or loosen the lead. The guide or other anglers may also aid the angler if the line tangles with another line, catches on a propeller, or is fouled by other objects, by handling only the line and never the rod or reel.
3. All retained Tyee must be weighed and officially recorded, on the date of capture at The Tyee Club House by the Weighmaster to be eligible for qualification and Club competition.
4. The weighmaster will attempt to measure and record the length and girth, in inches, and weight, in pounds, of every chinook salmon weighed on the Tyee Club of BC scale weighing 27 pounds or greater.
5. The club expressly reserves the right to require an additional line test and to call for an examination of tackle whenever such action may be deemed advisable. The Weighmaster will randomly test the tackle of anglers entering qualifying Tyee. The Weighmaster will inspect and test the tackle on anglers whose qualifying Tyee may be a contender for any of The Tyee Club awards, whether or not the tackle has been previously inspected.
6. In case of a tie, the first officially registered Tyee shall be considered the winner.
F. CATCH AND RELEASE
1. Catch and release has been used for many years by anglers throughout the world in an effort to conserve fish stocks. Studies have shown that the survival rate of released fish caught using artificial lures with a single barbless hook is sufficiently high enough to have a beneficial effect upon fish populations. The Tyee Club of BC supports the practice of catch and release of chinook of all sizes, when the chinook can be released in a healthy condition.
2. All catch and released Tyee must adhere to the following:
a) The angler may be a Registered, Life, Honorary or Angler member of The Tyee Club. Releasing a Tyee under this section does not fulfill the requirement for an Angler (sec. D(3)(d)) to become a Registered Member;
b) The Tyee must have been caught and released while fishing in accordance with these Rules and Regulations; and
c) The Tyee must be handled carefully and released in good condition. The Club recommends the Tyee is kept in the water, handling is minimized, and the Tyee is righted and responsive when released; and
d) The weight of the Tyee must be estimated by either:
i. Estimation:
a. The angler and rower, or just the angler if solo, estimate the size of the Tyee to be greater than 30lbs; or
ii. Measurement:
a. the length and girth of the Tyee is recorded by the angler and/or rower, where length and girth are measured in inches, rounded down to the nearest ¼ inch, and length is measured from nose to tail fork, and girth is measured at the mid-section taken immediately in front of the dorsal fin, use of stretcher nets to assist in these aims is encouraged; and
b. the length and girth shall be reported to the weighmaster on the date of catch; and
c. the angler and rower must state the reported length and girth to be true and accurate. If angler is solo rowing, only the angler is required to state the length and girth to be true and accurate; and
d. the weighmaster shall estimate weight using formula:
(length x girth x girth) / 750;
3. If observed, the presence or absence of the adipose fin should be reported to the weighmaster;
4. Caught and released Tyee are not eligible for Club trophies.
G. TYEE DISQUALIFICATION
1. Any of the following acts or omissions will disqualify a catch:
a) A broken rod.
b) Hand lining a Tyee.
c) Any person, other than the angler, touching the rod or reel while the angler is fighting the Tyee.
d) Hand lining the double line or the use of a boatman’s hand line, snapped on or in any way attached to the double line or leader.
e) Failure to comply with tackle regulations.
f) Shooting a Tyee.
g) Throwing a gaff at the Tyee before the leader is within reach of the boatman.
h) Use of a lily iron, harpoon, lance, or gaff over four feet in length.
i) Anyone other than the angler and one gaffer assisting in gaffing or killing a Tyee.
j) The mutilation of the Tyee by sharks, seals, or other sources, that in the judgement of the Rules Committee will have affected the fighting qualities of the Tyee.
k) Angling from an anchored boat.
l) Use of motor while angling.
m) Failure to handle a catch and released Tyee carefully, or to release the Tyee in good condition.
n) Motoring through the boundaries of the Tyee Pool to record a captured or released Tyee.
H. PROTESTS
1. Any protest based upon a possible violation of the Rules and Regulations by an angler must be made to a member of the Executive Committee of The Tyee Club within 24 hours after the weight of the fish is recorded. Such protest must be filed in writing.
2. Within 3 days of the filing of the protest, the President or Vice President shall select a committee of the Board of Directors of the Tyee Club and convene a meeting to evaluate the protest.
3. After investigating all circumstances relating to the protest and after considering all available evidence and hearing all pertinent testimony, the committee of Directors shall rule on the merits of the protest. Such ruling shall be in writing and shall be final.
I. BUTTONS
1. Buttons are available for purchase by Registered Members who have landed and registered a qualifying Tyee according to the Rules and Regulations of The Tyee Club of British Columbia. Members may purchase one button for each qualifying Tyee. The Club buttons shall be:
· The Bronze button for Tyee salmon weighing 30 pounds or over but under 40 pounds.
· The Silver button for Tyee salmon weighing 40 pounds and over but under 50 pounds.
· The Gold button for Tyee salmon weighing 50 pounds and over but under 60 pounds.
· The Diamond button for Tyee salmon weighing 60 pounds and over but under 70 pounds.
· The Ruby button for Tyee salmon weighing 70 pounds and over.
· The Tyee Man button which is presented to the angler taking the largest Tyee salmon for the season.
· The Catch and Release button for Tyee salmon weighing 30 pounds or over that has been caught and released.
J. TROPHIES
1. Trophies will be awarded to anglers registering Tyee according to the Rules and Regulations of The Tyee Club of British Columbia in various categories. The Club Trophies are as follows:
a) The Tyee Man Trophy is presented to the angler who registers the largest Tyee of the season.
b) The Lillian J. Sparrow Trophy is presented to the female angler who registers the largest Tyee of the season.
c) The E.B. Ballentine Trophy is presented to the angler who registers the largest pair of Tyee in one day during the season.
d) The Gavin Chisholm Trophy is presented to the angler who registers the largest Tyee using a single action reel in the season.
e) The Les McDonald Trophy is presented to the angler who registers the first Tyee of the season.
f) The W.C. Mainwaring Trophy is presented to the guide whose angler registers the largest Tyee of the season.
g) The Dr. Julien E. Benjamin Trophy is presented to the guide whose anglers collectively register the largest number of Tyee during the season.
h) The Dr. Richard Murphy Trophy is presented to the guide who rows the most new members into the Tyee Club during the season.
i) The Isfeld Memorial Trophy is presented to the angler who takes the largest pair of Tyee during the season.
j) The Raven Trophy is presented to the angler 16 years or younger who registers the largest Tyee of the season.
2. With the exception of the Les McDonald Trophy, the trophies and awards are presented at the Annual General Meeting of The Tyee Club the following year. All trophies are the property of The Tyee Club of British Columbia. The Tyee Club provides each year’s trophy winners with a ‘keeper’ trophy as a permanent possession.
K. ETIQUETTE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Lawful Regulations
a) The Tyee Club of British Columbia annual tournament is conducted in the public sphere and is fully subject to all Municipal, Provincial, and Federal laws and regulations. Tyee Club participants who breach any lawful code may be liable to prosecution.
b) All Transport Canada and Department of Fisheries and Oceans regulations must be followed as the first General Rule of the Tournament. Failure to do so may result in disqualification of a Tyee or Censure by the Board of Directors.
c) Of the highest concern is the adherence to Canadian Coast Guard Regulations requiring that no motor power be permitted within the Tyee Pool during the Tyee Club season. Motoring is permissible outside the boundaries including a strip along the shore west of the low water mark. At extreme low tides the option to motor along the shoreline of the Spit does not exist. This requires rowboats returning to the river mouth under motor power to transit outside the north eastern boundary of the Tyee Pool.
d) Other notable regulations that must be followed are to: ensure you possess your Tidal Fishing License while fishing and mark all retained chinook on your licence immediately after catching; ensure you possess and have your Transport Canada Boating Licence on your person; have your running lights and all required safety equipment on board your boat and in good working order.
e) A full list of Canadian Coast Guard approved and required boating safety equipment can be found at: www.boatingsafety. gc.ca
2. Motor Restriction Area
In 1990 regulations under the Canada Shipping Act were passed that restrict the use of motors in a specific area off the Tyee Spit. It took the Tyee Club years of advocacy to protect this special fishery in this way. It required Federal legislation and it is unique in Canada. This area is largely self-policed and requires that Club Members and participants comply and encourage all other anglers to do the same. If you see someone motoring inside the no motor zone politely inform them of the restriction. Please see the accompanying map for details of the Tyee Pool boundaries. (This is the map of the Pool Boundaries)
3. Before You Go Fishing
a) Be sure you have registered for the Tournament and paid your appropriate fees and dues.
b) Ensure that your boat, tackle and person meet all Tyee Club, Coast Guard, Transport Canada and Department of Fisheries and Oceans requirements. Any questions or concerns about tackle and Club Rules can be made at the Clubhouse to the Weighmaster.
4. While on the Water
a) The Tyee Club expects all anglers and rowers to observe certain common courtesies while traveling to and from the fishing grounds and while fishing, and encourages good sportsmanship among all anglers.
b) Be careful of your wake. Tyee boats can make a large wake that can swamp other boats. It is critical that you slow down as you are passing other boats. When motoring to and from the Tyee Pool in the dark it is required for safety that you do not pass slower rowboats as your wake may swamp them. Further, be sure to manage your wake when motoring past the Clubhouse where boats on the beach are also very susceptible to being swamped.
c) Anglers and rowers are required to shut off the motor and row or paddle the boat, with motors raised, into the “no motor” area to begin fishing. Departing the area should be in the same manner: rowing out of the “no motor” area before lowering and starting the engine.
d) If you have completed a “drift” on the ebb or flood and are returning to repeat, or if you are returning from plying a fish, ensure that you motor outside the boundary and then shut off your motor and row into position. Again, be sure to watch your wake while motoring.
e) Be respectful when using bright lights at dawn and dusk.
5. While Fishing
a) Respect the rights of other anglers, including motorboats outside of the no motor zone.
b) The onus is on the boat fishing with the current to avoid boats fishing against the current.
c) Give the other rowers room. Look over your shoulder frequently as collisions are not uncommon. Please try to warn other boats if a collision seems likely.
d) Respect the position of other rowers and do not push them off their location. Be aware that some boats may be fishing lures requiring different speeds than your own.
e) If a boat anywhere near you has a fish on, reel in your lines and remove your lures from the water so you do not tangle with the angler playing the fish. Keep your eyes and ears open because sometimes a fish can tangle with you from quite a distance.
f) If your reel allows, avoid using the clicker when putting out line or reeling up so as to not falsely indicate a fish on.
g) Warn other boats nearby if there is debris floating toward them.
6. While Playing a Fish
a) When a fish is hooked the rower and/or angler should serve notice to others in the area by conveying a loud call of “Fish On!’ This may need to be done several times until the fish is clear of the Pool, particularly in low light and crowded conditions.
b) The rower should row in a straight line for a few moments to allow other boats to clear their lines, and then endeavor to maneuver the fish out of the Pool into deeper water and away from the other boats as soon as reasonably practical. This can be achieved by rowing at an angle out into Discovery Passage and against the current. If you have tight tension on the fish, it will eventually come with you.
c) Solo anglers and rowers fishing a line from the rowing seat are also responsible to work their fish out of the pool by alternating strokes on each oar while holding your rod in the opposite hand.
d) When playing a fish make sure your clicker is on so that other rowers will know that you are playing a fish and can stay out of your way.
7. Weighing In a Fish
a) After coming ashore, place your fish on the gravel in front of the scale and notify the Weighmaster that you have a fish to be weighed. Under no circumstances should anyone other than the Weighmaster put a fish on the scale or weigh a fish without the consent of the Weighmaster. Only the Weighmaster will declare the official weight of the fish. The Weighmaster’s decision is final.
b) When you go to the Club House to weigh in your fish, be sure to bring your rod and reel with you because the Weighmaster may ask to inspect your tackle and test your line.
c) If you have caught a Tyee, the Weighmaster will officially record your catch and your name and address in the official Tyee Club register book. Be sure to sign the register with the entry for your catch and pay applicable fees or expenses. It is never a bad idea to make sure you have some cash on your person while Tyee fishing.
d) The angler may wish to take part in the distinction of ringing the bell with one ring for every 10 pounds of Tyee class weight; ie. 3 rings for a Tyee in the 30 pound class.
e) Upon weighing of fish Members and Anglers are encouraged to participate in any Department of Fisheries and Oceans data collection initiatives being conducted in co-operation with the Tyee Club.
All to the end that our brave Tyee may have a fair fight, and that the men and women we meet wearing the coveted emblem of the Tyee Club shall be known as worthy champions of the rod.