日本語FAQ
We have compiled the frequently asked questions and their answers in a Q&A format, addressing the many inquiries we have received. The association will continue to strive for better operations based on the feedback. We appreciate your continued support. Furthermore, the association welcomes input on strategies and approaches to the current rally from anyone who is interested. If you have opinions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you. GAFRA – Tokyo Head Office
About the GAWFR
Q. What is GAWFR?
A. GAWFR is a rally aimed at achieving the pinnacle of all-round freshwater fishing.
Q. What are aimed by GAWFR?
A. There are several objectives, including to prove that fishing as a “sport” of the few sports that can be competed regardless of gender. For that, we try overturning the traditional perception of fishing in many ways.
Q. What are the features of GAWFR?
A. We consider those important like, it happens in the Great Amazon, as the most physically and mentally tough fishing competition, equal participation of male and female, a rally appealing for Olympic’s recognition and “100 Little Journalist Project” as a social and environmental commitment.
Q. Why is the event named a “Rally” not a “Tournament”?
A. The name “Rally” is fitting because it spans five days and involves catching seven fish species, making it one of the world’s longest and most challenging competitions.
Q. What does “All-Rounder” mean?
A. In our view, becoming a Fishing Master involves skillfully catching the diverse range of fish species that inhabit the water realm. Instead of focusing on a specific fish, the association values anglers who can adapt to fish all fish species, making them true all-round anglers and the most respected figures in fishing.
About the Participating Anglers
Q. How are anglers selected?
A. Anglers are primarily selected from recommendations by anglers, fishing gear manufacturers, and others in fishing industry and network.
Q. Is there a predetermined number of participants?
A. The number of participants is not fixed. It depends on the field conditions and infrastructure of the area where the event is held. The participation slots for anglers are determined accordingly.
Q. Can participants join from any country? (Does nationality matter?)
A. Participants from any country and nationality are welcomed.
Q. How to be selected to participate?
A. If an individual is recommended by someone who believes that they can win the rally, the association considers them for selection.
Q. Will there be preliminary rounds?
A. In the future, the possibility of regional qualifiers is being planned, but it’s currently not planed.
Q. Is there an entry fee?
A. Yes. The amount varies depending on the location and condition of the rally.
About Event Locations
Q. Why in the Amazon?
A. The South American continent, centered around the Amazon River system, including the Orinoco and La Plata River systems, is a water kingdom. The Amazon River system alone is home to over 3,000 fish species. It’s a fitting location to battle for the title of Fishing Master.
Q. How the location to be decided?
A. As this competition aims to determine the best all-round angler, fish diversity in the area and the difficulty of catching specific target fish species without changing fishing methods are key factors. Access, infrastructure, and timing are also considered when selecting event location.
Q. Are test fishing sessions conducted at potential event locations?
A. Yes, absolutely. Selected anglers from the association’s network are dispatched to perform simulated matches. This helps assess the suitability of the location and point distribution.
Q. Why was the event held in July?
A. First, the event location is decided, and then the best water levels for that region during the year are determined. By our analysis, the best season for fishing in the Cristalino River area is July for 2023. If the event were held in another location, the timing would be adjusted according to that region’s best season.
About the Rules
Q. Can you explain about the basics of the rule?
A. The competition of 2023 involved catching targeted seven fish species over five days to accumulate catch points.
Q. Why seven fish species to be targeted?
A. This rally seeks the finest fresh water all-round angler in Amazon fishing. It’s believed that to become an Amazon Fishing Master, one should be capable of catching all fish species that represent the freshwater kingdom. The seven target species were chosen from the fish species in the Cristalino and Araguaia rivers, where strategic angling skills are required.
Q. How are points allocated?
A. Points are allocated based on the relative abundance of fish species in the region. Species that are relatively easier to catch receive fewer points, while those that are harder to catch receive more points. The keeper size is determined for strategy to be required to catch the fish.
Q. What is a catch point?
A. There are 7 target fish in this competition in 2023. If the angler does not catch the designated target fish in 5 days, he/she will be charged a penalty of -50P for each target fish that did not catch on the final day. However, for Piraiba and Prarara, no penalty will be imposed at the point where either one species is caught. Below are the target fish and points earned.
- Peacock Bass
45cm over 10pt - Aruwana
60cm over 30pt - Freshwater Rock Fish
30cm over 30pt - Dourada
45cm over 40pt - Pirarucu
90cm over 600pt - Pralara catfish
80cm over 600pt. 400pt when caught with bait. - Piraiba catfish
100cm over 1200pt. 800pt when caught with bait.
Q. What is “Special Stage?”
A. Special Stage is the day when the angler can catch only two species of Piraiba and Pirarara using live bait. However, live bait must be captured by angler self with a lure.
Q. What is the purpose of deducting points for fish not caught?
A. Since this is a competition to determine the all-round angler, anglers can’t rely on specializing in catching just one type of fish. The aim is to catch as many species as possible, fostering versatility.
Q. How are catch points certified?
A. Each angler is assigned a judge. According to GAWFR rules, when an angler catches a fish, both the angler and the judge measure the fish’s size using the GAWFR official scale. They record the measured size and species, and after verifying its accuracy, both parties sign, confirming the catch’s authenticity and finalizing the points. Fish records without both signatures are invalid.
Q. Do all anglers have cameramen?
A. Not all anglers have cameramen. Some anglers bring their own cameramen at their own expense to make their videos, but some do not bring. There is no officially assigned cameraman to record the measurement by the association. The association’s cameramen who participate for making promotional shooting.
Q. Is there video verification for fish measurement?
A. There is no video verification for fish measurement in principle. As in many sports, judges have the authority to make judgments in this rally. The association does not provide measurement-certifying cameramen.
Q. How are judges selected?
A. Judges are selected from professional fishing guides who are well-acquainted with the area such as natural condition.
Q. How are judges trained?
A. Before and during the rally, judges are required to attend meetings several times to review and understand rules. Each judge carries the rulebook during the rally to ensure that they can make on-the-spot decisions appropriately.
Q. Are the pilots and judges the same every day?
A. No, the pilots and judges are determined by a daily draw for each participant. Typically, they change on a daily basis, ensuring a rotation of pilots and judges throughout the event.
Q. How are claims handled?
A. Those who discover misconduct during the competition can report it to the rule committee. However, complaints must be made in writing, and the rule committee will not respond to complaints that do not meet the conditions for complaints (such as claims against other anglers without evidence) in accordance with the rules.
About operation of the GAWFR
Q. Where is GAFRA based?
A. The head office of GAFRA is based in Tokyo, Japan. GAFRA-Brazil who is responsible for the operation and logistics in Brazil is in the city of Goiania, Brazil.
Q. How is the funding for GAFRA covered?
A. Funds for holding the event are covered by financial contributions from sponsors, support from local governments, and entry fees from participants. On the other hand, we were not able to cover all the holding funds for the 1st and 2nd events, so in fact, considerable parts of them were covered by the personal funds of the directors of GAFRA.
Q. How can I become a sponsor?
A. Please contact GAFRA directly now. You can also contact us through our website.
Q. Will there be a sponsor menu?
A. Yes. Please contact GAFRA directly and we will guide you.
About GAWFR’s Future
Q. When will the third GAWFR take place?
A. The third is planned to be in 2025.
Q. Is the location of the next competition decided?
A. The location is not yet decided at this stage. We are considering exploring other attractive places beyond being limited to within Brazil, without being constrained by national boundaries.
Q. Will there be changes to the target fish species and point allocation?
A. Yes, both the target fish species and point allocation will determined based on the characteristics of the place.