Our certified Observer Training Courses (OTCs) and training materials, including the IGFTO tournament coursebook, are second to none. We are given a 4-hour immersion of marine science and law and then expected to show our mastery with a written test score.
We leave the OTC knowing that the Black Marlin would never be seen fishing the San Juan IBT, that it has rigid pectoral fins and that no heavyweight double line and leader combo should exceed 40 feet. Most of the practical and most appreciated advice is also outlined in the condensed pamphlet, but sometimes it pays to revisit these simple principles.
Paying close attention to the details of etiquette, the stuff sometimes overlooked in the coursework, will get you to the top of your game. The Los Suenos Signature Triple Crown scorecard for the Observer – yes, your evaluation, the one the captain signs after each day – underscores the importance of these tips.
Be Invisible (and Quiet). When we walk onto a boat in a competitive tournament, we are walking into a sacred work environment. Yes, there are pleasantries, the occasional ice bucket dunks and Hi Fives, but underneath it all is intense competition – even if it is well hidden by a “chill” exterior. This applies, in particular, to the captain.
Small talk and chit-chatting have their place, but it is often distracting to the person in charge of the boat, who has several balls in the air – who is judged by the certification card at the end of the day. At the right time, you might be invited to share a talk. Otherwise, less is better.
The preferred observer position on the boat, absent direction otherwise from the captain, is on the bridge, and the person at the wheel needs to see the action – which is where invisibility is important. Be ever mindful of the line of sight, which is constantly changing after a line or lines become tight. It never hurts to ask what position works best for the crew.
Be Impeccable with the Rules. Our job is to know the IGFA rules and to carry a set with us while observing. Read and re-read the key IGFA rules leading up to a tournament and avail yourself of the OTCs held throughout the year. Observers are encouraged to attend an OTC as a refresher.
Know that tournament rules can supplement or trump the IGFA rules. These rules must also be studied prior to the start of any tournament. In the Pescadora, as an example, the hooking of a billfish and handing to an angler is permissible and at the Guatemala Invitational, throwing a mangled ballyhoo overboard is impermissible chumming.
Be a Welcomed Guest. Whether you are observing on an older center console or a recently splashed Bayliss, you are probably walking onto someone’s baby or into another’s second home, so treat it as such. Carry a beach towel to protect cabin seats from sunblock drenched skin, be mindful of dirty shoes from the gravel parking lot and never enter staterooms. Act as if you are a guest in someone’s home. Men, consider sitting down on the toilet during rough seas, lest you inadvertently spray the walnut cabinetry.
Be the Witness, Not the Judge. As observers, our job is to observe, not to render final judgment. Our responsibility is summed up in our title – observer. Final determinations of qualification or disqualification of a release rests with tournament officials. If we witness a rule violation, it should be immediately brought to the attention of the captain. Often there is simultaneous agreement between the captain (and even the involved parties) and the observer about rule violations. Never get into disputes – just note and document.
In my opinion, I am not convinced that an observer can ever technically DQ or disqualify a release. I believe the proper position is that, as the observer, you are not calling it a “release” (based on your documented witnessing) and that final determination can only be made by the tournament director or authority.
Be a teacher. Take your knowledge and pass it along to others with humility – not as a know-it-all. Joan Vernon, the worldwide, veteran tournament director, who now runs the El Salvador IBT, always makes a point of saying that part of our role is to be helpful – to be educators. I agree. Not every boat you observe will host proven tournament teams. If you see a situation that could lead to a violation on a less experienced boat, say something. Give friendly reminders throughout the day to new tournament contestants.
I personally have learned the nuances of good observing by listening to and talking with the veterans of our group. So please take your tips and tricks and share them with the newer members of our terrific organization.
Photograph courtesy of Los Suenos Marina and Resort and Pepper Ailor.