Fishing Tournament Weighmaster Training Program

Weighmasters are essential personnel at sportfishing tournaments. They weigh and measure the fish that are entered into the tournament and oversee the weigh-in process. With the large number of fishing tournaments that are held in Texas, there is a coast-wide and community need for well-trained, knowledgeable weighmasters in Texas.

TEXAS SEA GRANT IS PLEASED TO OFFER A WEIGHMASTER TRAINING PROGRAM.

Dates: May 24 and 25, 2023

Time: 6-8 pm CST

Register at: https://tx.ag/weighmaster

Registration deadline: May 10, 2023

Cost: $75 (scholarships/discounts available for students, veterans, and those unable to pay the registration fee)

Past Classes: October 5-6, 2022; May 23-24, 2022

This program will teach interested individuals how to serve as weighmasters. Course participants will learn:

• The weighmaster’s role and responsibilities
• How to weigh and measure fish
• Fish identification
• How to assess fish freshness
• Equipment
• Steps in the weigh-in process, including weigh station set-up
• Code of conduct
• And more!

Through a combination of presentations, video demonstrations, and a final exam, this program will provide participants with classroom knowledge and skills needed to assist at a weigh station at saltwater sportfishing tournaments. In addition to this classroom training, Sea Grant strongly recommends that participants gain hands-on experience by assisting a weighmaster at an event. After gaining this practical experience supporting real fishing tournaments, participants can choose to have their names added to a list of trained weighmasters on the Texas Sea Grant website. Tournament directors can then consult the list if they need a weighmaster to assist at their tournament.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS WILL GET OUT OF THE COURSE:

• A Certificate of Completion at the end of the course stating that they completed the required training in the weighmaster’s role, fish identification, fish freshness, the weigh-in process, and other related topics
• Training provided by AgriLife and Sea Grant extension agents and specialists who are experienced weighmasters
• Their name added to the list of trained weighmasters on the Texas Sea Grant website, if desired
• Supplies such as protective gloves and a tape measure to measure fish
• A logbook that can be used to keep a record of each tournament that they assist at
• Printed and electronic copies of Saltwater Fishes of Texas fish identification guide
• Copies of all training presentations and video demonstrations

PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO:

• Gain valuable leadership experience while serving their communities
• Support Texas’ recreational fishing industry
• Learn new skills, including how to use a scientific identification guide and how to tell if fish have been previously frozen or altered

Are you ready to be a weighmaster? Sign up here!