RULES FOR FISHING IN FRESH AND SALT
WATER
(Also see Rules for Fly fishing below) Equipment Regulations
A. LINE
1. Monofiliament, multifilament, and lead core multifilament lines may be
used. For line classes, see World Record Requirements.
2. Wire lines are prohibited. B. LINE BACKING
1. Backing not attached to the fishing line is permissible with no
restrictions as to size or material.
2. If the fishing line is attached to the backing, the catch shall be
classified under the heavier of the two lines. The backing may not exceed
the 130 lb (60 kg) line class and must be of a type of line approved for
use in these angling rules. C. DOUBLE LINE The use of a double line is not
required. If one is used, it must meet the following specifications:
1. A double line must consist of the actual line used to catch the fish.
2. Double lines are measured from the start of the knot, braid, roll or
splice making the double to the farthermost end of the knot, splice, snap,
swivel or other device used for securing the trace, leader, lure or hook
to the double line. Saltwater species: In all line classes up to and
including 20 lb (10 kg), the double line shall be limited to 15 feet (4.57
meters). The combined length of the double line and leader shall not
exceed 20 feet (6.1 meters). The double line on all classes of tackle over
20 lb (10 kg) shall be limited to 30 feet (9.14 meters). The combined
length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 40 feet (12.19
meters). Freshwater species: The double line on all classes of tackle
shall not exceed 6 feet (1.82 meters). The combined length of the double
line and the leader shall not exceed 10 feet (3.04 meters). D. LEADER
The use of a leader is not required. If one is used, it must meet the
following specifications: 1. The length of the leader is the overall
length including any lure, hook arrangement or other device. The leader
must be connected to the line with a snap, knot, splice, swivel or other
device. Holding devices are prohibited. There are no regulations regarding
the material or strength of the leader. Saltwater species: In all line
classes up to and including 20 lb (10 kg), the leader shall be limited to
15 feet (4.57 meters). The combined length of the double line and leader
shall not exceed 20 feet (6.1 meters). The leader on all classes of tackle
over 20 lb (10 kg) shall be limited to 30 feet (9.14 meters). The combined
length of the double line and leader shall be limited to 40 feet (12.19
meters). Freshwater species: The leader on all classes of tackle shall be
limited to 6 feet (1.82 meters). The combined length of the double line
and leader shall not exceed 10 feet (3.04 meters). E. ROD
1. Rods must comply with sporting ethics and customs. Considerable
latitude is allowed in the choice of a rod, but rods giving the angler an
unfair advantage will be disqualified. This rule is intended to eliminate
the use of unconventional rods.
2. The rod tip must be a minimum of 40 inches (101.6 cm) in length. The
rod butt cannot exceed 27 inches (68.58 cm) in length. These measurements
must be made from a point directly beneath the center of the reel. A
curved butt is measured in a straight line. (The above measurements do not
apply to surf casting rods). F. REEL
1. Reels must comply with sporting ethics and customs.
2. Power driven reels of any kind are prohibited. This includes motor,
hydraulic, or electrically driven reels, and any device which gives the
angler an unfair advantage.
3. Ratchet handle reels are prohibited.
4. Reels designed to be cranked with both hands at the same time are
prohibited. G. HOOKS FOR BAIT FISHING
1. For live or dead bait fishing no more than two single hooks may be
used. Both must be firmly imbedded in or securely attached to the bait.
The eyes of the hooks must be no less than a hook's length (the length of
the largest hook used) apart and no more than 18 inches (45.72 cm) apart.
The only exception is that the point of one hook may be passed through the
eye of the other hook.
2. The use of a dangling or swinging hook is prohibited. Double or treble
hooks are prohibited.
3. A two-hook rig for bottom fishing is acceptable if it consists of two
single hooks on separate leaders or drops. Both hooks must be imbedded in
the respective baits and separated sufficiently so that a fish caught on
one hook cannot be foul-hooked by the other.
4. All record applications made for fish caught on two-hook tackle must be
accompanied by a photograph or sketch of the hook arrangement.
H. HOOKS AND LURES
1. When using an artificial lure with a skirt or trailing material, no
more than two single hooks may be attached to the line, leader, or trace.
The hooks need not be attached separately. The eyes of the hooks must be
no less than an overall hook's length (the overall length of the largest
hook used) apart and no more than 12 inches (30.48 cm) apart. The only
exception is that the point of one hook may be passed through the eye of
the other hook. The trailing hook may not extend more than a hook's length
beyond the skirt of the lure. A photograph or sketch showing the hook
arrangement must accompany a record application.
2. Gang hooks are permitted when attached to plugs and other artificial
lures that are specifically designed for this use. Gang hooks must be free
swinging and shall be limited to a maximum of three hooks (either single,
double, or treble, or a combination of any three). Baits may not be used
with gang hooks. A photograph or sketch of the plug or lure must be
submitted with record applications.
I. OTHER EQUIPMENT
1. Fighting chairs may not have any mechanically propelled devices which
aid the angler in fighting a fish.
2. Gimbals must be free swinging, which includes gimbals that swing in a
vertical plane only. Any gimbal that allows the angler to reduce strain or
to rest while fighting the fish is prohibited.
3. Gaffs and nets used to boat or land a fish must not exceed 8 feet (2.44
meters) in overall length. In using a flying or detachable gaff the rope
may not exceed 30 feet (9.14 meters). The gaff rope must be measured from
the point where it is secured to the detachable head to the other end.
Only the effective length will be considered. If a fixed head gaff is
used, the same limitations shall apply and the gaff rope shall be measured
from the same location on the gaff hook. Only a single hook is permitted
on any gaff. Harpoon or lance attachments are prohibited. Electrified
gaffs are prohibited. Tail ropes are limited to 30 feet (9.14 meters).
(When fishing from a bridge, pier or other high platform or structure,
this length limitation does not apply).
4. Entangling devices, either with or without a hook, are prohibited and
may not be used for any purpose including baiting, hooking, fighting, or
landing the fish.
5. Outriggers, downriggers, spreader bars and kites are permitted to be
used provided that the actual fishing line is attached to the snap or
other release device, either directly or with some other material. The
leader or double line may not be connected to the release mechanism either
directly or with the use of a connecting device. Spreader bars are also
acceptable when used strictly as a teaser.
6. Daisy chains, birds, floats and similar devices may only be used if
they do not unfairly hamper or inhibit the normal swimming or fighting
ability of the fish, thereby giving the angler or crew an unfair advantage
in fighting, landing or boating the fish.
7. A safety line may be attached to the rod provided that it does not in
any way assist the angler in fighting the fish ANGLING REGULATIONS
1. From the time that a fish strikes or takes a bait or lure, the angler
must hook, fight, and land or boat the fish without the aid of any other
person, except as provided in these regulations.
2. If a rod holder is used and a fish strikes or takes the bait or lure,
the angler must removed the rod from the holder as quickly as possible.
The intent of this rule is that the angler shall strike and hook the fish
with the rod in hand.
3. In the event of a multiple strike on separate lines being fished by a
single angler, only the first fish fought by the angler will be considered
for a world record.
4. If a double line is used, the intent of the regulations is that the
fish will be fought on the single line most of the time that it takes to
land the fish.
5. A harness may be attached to the reel or rod, but not to the fighting
chair. The harness may be replaced or adjusted by a person other than the
angler.
6. Use of a rod belt or waist gimbal is permitted.
7. When angling from a boat, once the leader is brought within the grasp
of the mate, or the end of the leader is wound to the rod tip, more than
one person is permitted to hold the leader.
8. One or more gaffers may be used in addition to persons holding the
leader. The gaff handle must be in hand when the fish is gaffed.
9. The angling and equipment regulations shall apply until the fish is
weighed.
The following acts will disqualify a catch:
1. Failure to comply with equipment or angling regulations.
2. The act of persons other than the angler in touching any part of the
rod, reel, or line (including the double line) either bodily or with any
device, from the time a fish strikes or takes the bait or lure, until the
fish is either landed or released, or in giving any aid other than that
allowed in the rules and regulations. If an obstacle to the passage of the
line through the rod guides has to be removed from the line, then the
obstacle (whether chum, floatline, rubber band, or other material) shall
be held and cut free. Under no circumstances should the line be held or
touched by anyone other than the angler during this process.
3. Resting the rod in a rod holder, on the gunwale of the boat, or any
other object while playing the fish.
4. Handlining or using a handline or rope attached in any manner to the
angler's line or leader for the purpose of holding or lifting the fish.
5. Shooting, harpooning, or lancing any fish (including sharks and
halibuts) at any stage of the catch.
6. Chumming with or using as bait the flesh, blood, skin or any part of
mammals other than hair or pork rind used in lures designed for trolling
or casting.
7. Using a boat or device to beach or drive a fish into shallow water in
order to deprive the fish of its normal ability to swim.
8. Changing the rod or reel while the fish is being played.
9. Splicing, removing, or adding to the line while the fish is being
played.
10. Intentionally foul-hooking a fish.
11. Catching a fish in a manner that the double line never leaves the rod
tip.
12. Using a size or kind of bait that is illegal to possess.
13. Attaching the anglers line or leader to part of a boat or other object
for the purpose of holding or lifting the fish.
14. If a fish escapes before gaffing or netting and is recaptured by any
method other than as outlined in the angling rules. The following
situations will disqualify a catch:
1. When a rod breaks (while the fish is being played) in a manner that
reduces the length of the tip below minimum dimensions or severely impairs
its angling characteristics.
2. Mutilation to the fish, prior to landing or boating the catch, caused
by sharks, other fish, mammals, or propellers that remove or penetrate the
flesh. (Injuries caused by leader or line, scratches, old healed scars or
regeneration deformities are not considered to be disqualifying injuries).
Any mutilation on the fish must be shown in a photograph and fully
explained in a separate report accompanying the record application.
3. When a fish is hooked or entangled on more than one line.
RULES
FOR FLY FISHING
Equipment Regulations
A. LINE
Any type of fly line and backing may be
used. The breaking strength of the fly line and backing are not
restricted.
B. LEADER
Leaders must conform to generally accepted
fly fishing customs. A leader includes a class tippet and, optionally, a
shock tippet. A butt or taper section between the fly line and the class
tippet shall also be considered part of the leader and there are no limits
on its length, material, or strength.
A class tippet must be made of nonmetallic material and either attached
directly to the fly or to the shock tippet if one is used. The class
tippet must be at least 15 inches (38.10 cm) long (measured inside
connecting knots). With respect to knotless, tapered leaders, the terminal
15 inches (38.10 cm) will also determine tippet class. There is no maximum
length limitation.
A shock tippet, not to exceed 12 inches (30.48 cm) in length, may be added
to the class tippet and tied to the lure. It can be made of any type of
material, and there is no limit on its breaking strength. The shock tippet
is measured from the eye of the hook to the single strand of class tippet
and includes any knots used to connect the shock tippet to the class
tippet.
In the case of a tandem hook fly, the shock tippet shall be measured from
the eye of the leading hook.
C. ROD
Regardless of material used or number of
sections, rods must conform to generally accepted fly fishing customs and
practices. A rod shall not measure less than 6 feet (1.82 meters) in
overall length. Any rod that gives the angler an unsporting advantage will
be disqualified. Extension butts are limited to 6 inches (15.24 cm).
D. REEL
The reel must be designed expressly for fly
fishing. There are no restrictions on gear ratio or type of drag employed
except where the angler would gain an unfair advantage. Electric or
electronically operated reels are prohibited.
E. HOOKS
A conventional fly may be dressed on a
single or double hook or two single hooks in tandem. The second hook in
any tandem fly must not extend beyond the wing material. The eyes of the
hooks shall be no farther than 6 inches (15.24 cm) apart. Treble hooks are
prohibited.
F. LURES
The lure must be a recognized type of
artificial fly, which includes streamer, bucktail, tube fly, wet fly, dry
fly, nymph, popper and bug. The use of any other type of lure or natural
or preserved bait, either singularly or attached to the fly, is expressly
prohibited. The fact that a lure can be cast with a fly rod is not
evidence in itself that it fits the definition of a fly. The use of any
lure designed to entangle or foul-hook a fish is prohibited. No scent,
either natural or artificial is allowed on flies. The use of scented
material in a fly is prohibited.
G. GAFFS & NETS
Gaffs and nets used to boat or land a fish
must not exceed 8 feet (2.44 meters) in overall length. (When fishing from
a bridge, pier or other high stationary structure, this length limitation
does not apply). The use of a flying gaff is not permitted. Only a single
hook is permitted on any gaff. Harpoon or lance attachments are
prohibited. A rope or any extension cannot be attached to the gaff.
Angling Regulations
- The angler must cast, hook,
fight, and bring the fish to gaff or net unaided by any other person. No
other person may touch any part of the tackle during the playing of the
fish or give aid other than taking the leader for gaffing or netting
purposes.
- Casting and retrieving must
be carried out in accordance with normal customs and generally accepted
practices. The major criterion in casting is that the weight of the line
must carry the fly rather than the weight of the fly carrying the line.
Trolling a fly behind a moving water craft is not permitted. The craft
must be completely out of gear both at the time the fly is presented to
the fish and during the retrieve. The maximum amount of line that can be
stripped off the reel is 120 feet (36.57 meters) from the fly.
- Once a fish is hooked, the
tackle may not be altered in any way, with the exception of adding an
extension butt.
- Fish must be hooked on the
fly in use. If a small fish takes the fly and a larger fish swallows the
smaller fish, the catch will be disallowed.
- One or more people may assist
in gaffing or netting the fish.
- The angling and equipment
regulations shall apply until the fish is weighed.
The following acts will disqualify a catch:
- Failure to comply with
equipment or angling regulations.
- The act of persons other than
the angler in touching any part of the rod, reel, or line either bodily
or with any device during the playing of the fish, or in giving aid
other than that allowed in the rules and regulations. If an obstacle to
the passage of the line through the rod guides has to be removed from
the line, then the obstacle shall be held and cut free. Under no
circumstances should the line be held or touched by anyone other than
the angler during this process.
- Resting the rod on any part
of the boat, or on any other object while playing the fish.
- Handlining or using a
handline or rope attached in any manner to the angler's line or leader
for the purpose of holding or lifting the fish.
- Intentionally foul-hooking or
snagging a fish.
- Shooting, harpooning, or
lancing any fish (including sharks and halibut) at any stage of the
catch.
- Chumming with the flesh,
blood, skin or any part of mammals.
- Using a boat or device to
beach or drive a fish into shall water in order to deprive the fish of
its normal ability to swim.
- Attaching the angler's line
or leader to part of a boat or other object for the purpose of holding
or lifting the fish.
- If a fish escapes before
gaffing or netting and is recaptured by any method other than as
outlined in the angling rules.
- When a rod breaks (while the
fish is being played) in a manner that reduces its length below minimum
dimensions or severely impairs its angling characteristics.
- When a fish is hooked or
entangled on more than one line.
- Mutilation to the fish, prior
to landing or boating the catch, caused by sharks, other fish, mammals,
or propellers that remove or penetrate the flesh. (Injuries caused by
leader or line, scratches, old healed scars or regeneration deformities
are not considered to be disqualifying injuries). Any mutilation on the
fish must be shown in a photograph and fully explained in a separate
report accompanying the record application.
World Record Requirements
Game fish catches can only be considered for
world record status if they are caught according to International Angling
Rules. Following is information on world record categories, requirements,
and procedures for filing claims, effective January 1, 1998. An
application fee of $10 US for members and $25 for non-members is required
for each claim. All materials submitted become the property of IGFA.
World Record Categories
GENERAL
INFORMATION
IGFA maintains
world records for both freshwater and saltwater game fishes in line class,
tippet class and all-tackle categories.
In order to qualify for a record, a catch must be a minimum of 1 pound
(.453 kg) in weight and must out weigh the existing record by the required
amount or meet the minimum weight requirements, if any, for vacant
records. No applications will be accepted for fish caught in hatchery
waters or sanctuaries. The catch must not be at variance with any laws or
regulations governing the species or the waters in which it was caught.
When an additional species of game fish is made eligible for IGFA world
records, the effective date will be announced. Fishes caught on or after
the effective date will be eligible for records. Announcement of an
additional species in the World Record Game Fishes book or in other IGFA
publications will be considered proper notification in lieu of any other
notice.
ALL-TACKLE CATEGORY
All-tackle world
records are kept for the heaviest fish of a species caught by an angler in
any line class up to 130 lb (60 kg). Fish caught on lines designed to test
over the 130 lb (60 kg) class will not be considered for record claims.
All-tackle record claims are considered for all species of fish caught
according to IGFA angling rules. Applications for species not currently
included in the IGFA line class and tippet class listings must meet the
following criteria:
- The fish must represent a
valid species with a recognized scientific name.
- The fish must be a species
commonly fished for with rod and reel in the general area where the
catch is made.
- The fish must be
identifiable based on photos and other supporting data presented with
the application.
- The fish must be considered
"trophy-sized". A rule of thumb is that the weight must fall within
the top half of the estimated maximum weight of the species.
FLY ROD CATEGORIES
Fly rod world records are maintained
according to tippet strength. Records are kept for the same species listed
for line class records in the following tippet classes:
|
Metric |
US Customary |
|
1
kg |
2
lb |
|
2
kg |
4
lb |
|
3
kg |
6
lb |
|
4
kg |
8
lb |
|
6
kg |
12 lb |
|
8
kg |
16 lb |
|
10 kg |
20 lb |
LINE CLASS CATEGORIES
Line class records are kept according to the
strength of the line. Records are kept in these line classes:
|
Metric |
US Customary |
|
1
kg |
2
lb |
|
2
kg |
4
lb |
|
3
kg |
6
lb |
|
4
kg |
8
lb |
|
6
kg |
12 lb |
|
8
kg |
16 lb |
|
10 kg |
20 lb |
|
15 kg |
30 lb |
|
24 kg |
50 lb |
|
37 kg |
80 lb |
|
60 kg |
130 lb |
With the exception of all-tackle claims,
line classes are limited for many species.
LINE TESTING
IGFA tests all line and tippet samples
submitted with world record claims in accordance with the metric line
class designations, which vary slightly from the standard US customary
designations. For example, the US customary equivalent of 4 kilograms is
8.81 pounds. Thus, line designated by the manufacturer as 8 lb class line
may test up to 8.81 pounds (4 kg) to qualify for an 8 lb line class
record. The US customary equivalents in pounds for metric line classes are
as follows:
|
Metric |
US Customary Equivalent |
|
1
kg |
2.20 lb |
|
2
kg |
4.40 lb |
|
3
kg |
6.61 lb |
|
4
kg |
8.81 lb |
|
6
kg |
13.22 lb |
|
8
kg |
17.63 lb |
|
10 kg |
22.04 lb |
|
15 kg |
33.06 lb |
|
24 kg |
52.91 lb |
|
37 kg |
81.57 lb |
|
60 kg |
132.27 lb |
Line and tippet samples submitted with
record claims are uniformly tested in accordance with Government
specifications which have been modified and supplemented by IGFA. Note:
IGFA offers a line and tippet testing service for members only.
Record Catch Regulations
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Protested applications or
disputed existing records will be referred to the IGFA Executive
Committee for review. Its decisions will be final. IGFA reserves the
right to refuse to consider an application or grant a claim for a record
or fishing contest application. All IGFA decisions will be based upon
the intent of the regulations.
- When a substantial award is
specifically offered for a world record catch in any line or tippet
class, only a claim for an all-tackle record will be considered.
- In some instances, an IGFA
officer or member of the International Committee or a deputy from a
local IGFA member club may be asked to recheck information supplied on a
claim. Such action is not to be regarded as doubt of the formal
affidavit, but rather as evidence of the extreme care with which IGFA
investigates and maintains its records.
SPECIES IDENTIFICATION
- Photographs must be submitted
by which positive identification of the exact species can be made. Read
the rules on photographs at the end of this section, and refer to the
Species Identification section in the World Record Game Fishes book to
determine which features must show to identify your fish. Applications
without photographs will not be accepted.
- If there is the slightest
doubt that the fish cannot be properly identified from the photographs
and other data submitted, the fish should be examined by an
ichthyologist or qualified fishery biologist before a record or contest
application is submitted to IGFA. The scientist's signature and title
(or qualifications) should appear on the IGFA application form or on a
separate document confirming the identification of the species.
- If a scientist is not
available, the fish should be retained in a preserved or frozen
condition until a qualified authority can verify the species or until
notified by IGFA that the fish need no longer be retained.
- If no decision can be made
from the photographs and the angler can provide no further proof of the
identification of the species, the record claim will not be considered.
WITNESSES TO CATCH
On all record claims, witnesses to the catch
are highly desirable if at all possible. Unwitnessed catches may be
disallowed if questions arise regarding their authenticity. It is
important that the witnesses can attest to the angler's compliance with
the IGFA International Angling Rules and Equipment Regulations.
MINIMUM WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS FOR VACANT RECORDS
The minimum acceptance weight for any record
catch claim is 1 pound (.453 kg).
WEIGHTS NEEDED TO DEFEAT OR TIE EXISTING RECORDS
- To replace a record for a
fish weighing less than 25 pounds (11.33 kg), the replacement must weigh
at least 2 ounces (56.69 gm) more than the existing record.
- To replace a record fish
weighing 25 pounds (11.33 kg) or more, the replacement must weigh at
least one half of 1 percent more than the existing record. Ex: At 100
pounds (45.35 kg) the additional weight required would be 8 ounces
(226.7 gm); at 200 pounds (90.71 kg) the additional weight required
would be 1 pound (.453kg).
- A catch which matches the
weight of an existing record or exceeds the weight by less than the
amount required to defeat the record will be considered a tie. In case
of a tie claim involving more than two catches, weight must be compared
with the original record (first fish to be caught). Nothing weighing
less than the original record will be considered.
- Estimated weights will not be
accepted. (See Weighing Requirements.) Fractions of ounces or their
metric equivalents will not be considered.
TIME LIMIT ON CLAIMS
With the exception of all-tackle records
only, claims for record fish caught in US continental waters must be
received by IGFA within 60 days of the date of catch. Claims for record
fish caught in other waters must be received by IGFA within three months
of the date of catch.
Claims for
all-tackle records only are considered for catches made in past years if
(1) acceptable photographs are submitted, (2) the weight of the fish can
be positively verified, and (3) the method of catch can be substantiated.
For these catches, as much information as possible must be submitted on an
IGFA world record application form with any additional substantiating
data.
If an incomplete
record claim is submitted, it must be accompanied by an explanation of why
certain portions are incomplete. An incomplete claim will be considered
for a record if the following conditions are met.
- The incomplete claim with
explanations of why portions are incomplete must be received by IGFA
within the time limits specified above.
- Missing data must be due to
circumstances beyond the control of the angler making the record
claim.
- All missing data must be
supplied within a period of time considered to be reasonable in view
of the particular circumstances.
Final decisions on incomplete claims will be
made by IGFA'S Executive Committee.
WEIGHING REQUIREMENTS
- The fish must be weighed by
an official weighmaster (if one is available) or by an IGFA official or
by a recognized local person familiar with the scale. Disinterested
witnesses to the weight should be used whenever possible.
- The weight of the sling,
platform, or rope (if one is used to secure the fish on the scales) must
be determined and deducted from the total weight.
- At the time of weighing, the
actual tackle used by the angler to catch the fish must be exhibited to
the weighmaster and the weight witness.
- No estimated weights will be
accepted. Fish weighed only at sea or on other bodies of water will not
be accepted.
- Only weights indicated by the
graduations on the scale will be accepted. Visual fractionalizing of
these graduations is not allowed. Any weights that fall between two
graduations on the scale must be rounded to the lower of the two.
- All record fish should be
weighed on scales that have been checked and certified for accuracy by
government agencies or other qualified and accredited organisations. All
scales must be regularly checked for accuracy and certified in
accordance with applicable government regulations at least once every
twelve months. If at the time of weighing the fish, the scale has not
been properly certified within twelve months, it should be checked and
certified for accuracy as quickly as possible, and an official report
stating the findings of the inspection prior to any adjustment of the
scale must be included with the record application.
SCALE CERTIFICATION
- If there is no official
government inspector or accredited commercial scales representative
available in the area where the fish is weighed, the scales must be
checked by weighing objects of recognized and proven weight. Objects
weighed must be at least equal to the weight of the fish. Substantiation
of the correct weight of these objects must be submitted to IGFA along
with the names and complete addresses of accredited witnesses to the
entire procedure.
- In extremely remote areas
where no weighing scales are available, it will be permissible for the
angler to use his own scales providing that they are of a quality type
and have been properly certified both before and after returning from
the fishing trip.
- IGFA reserves the right to
require any scale to be recertified for accuracy if there are any
indications that the scale might not have weighed correctly.
Note: IGFA now offers a scale testing service for members only.
Preparation of Claims
To apply for a world record, the angler must
submit a completed IGFA application form, the mandatory length of line and
terminal tackle (as described in following) used to catch the fish, and
acceptable photographs of the fish, the tackle used to catch the fish, the
scale used to weigh the fish, and the angler with the fish.
APPLICATION FORM
The official IGFA world record application
form or a reproduction must be used for record claims. This form may be
reproduced as long as all items are included.
The angler must fill in the application personally. IGFA also recommends
that the angler personally mail the application, line sample or fly leader
and photographs.
When making any record claim, the angler must indicate the specified
strength of the line or tippet used to catch the fish. In the cases of
line class and tippet class records, this will place the claim in an IGFA
line or tippet class category (see World Record Categories). All lines
will be examined by IGFA to verify the specified strength of the line. If
the line or tippet over tests its particular category, the application
will be considered where the line tests; if it under tests into a lower
line or tippet class category, the application will not be considered for
the lower line class. The heaviest line class permitted for both
freshwater and saltwater records is 60 kg (130 lb) class. The heaviest
tippet class permitted for fly fishing records is 10 kg (20 lb). If the
line or tippet over tests these maximum strengths, the claim will be
disallowed.
Extreme care should be exercised in measuring the fish as the measurements
are often important for weight verification and scientific studies. See
the measurement diagram on the record application to be sure you have
measured correctly.
The angler is responsible for seeing that the necessary signatures and
correct addresses of the boat captain, weighmaster and witnesses are on
the application. If an IGFA officer or representative, or an officer or
member of an IGFA club is available, he or she should be asked to witness
the claim. The name of a boatman, guide, or weighmaster repeated as
witness is not acceptable.
The angler must appear in person to have his application notarised. In
territories where notarization is not possible or customary, the signature
of a government commissioner or resident, a member of an embassy, legation
or consular staff or an IGFA officer or International Committee member may
replace notarization. Any deliberate falsification of an application will
disqualify the applicant for any future IGFA world record, and any
existing records will be nullified.
LINE OR TIPPET SAMPLE
All applications for fly fishing records
must be accompanied by the fly, the entire tippet, and the entire leader
along with one inch of the fly line beyond the attachment to the leader.
These components must be intact and connected.
All applications for freshwater and saltwater line class records must be
accompanied by the entire leader, the double line, and at least 50 feet
(15.24 meters) of the single line closest to the double line, leader or
hook.
All line samples and the leader (if one is used) must be submitted in one
piece. If a lure is used with the leader, the leader should be cut at the
eye attachment to the lure.
Each line sample must be in one piece. It must be submitted in a manner
that it can be easily unwound without damage to the line. A recommended
method is to take a rectangular piece of stiff cardboard and cut notches
in two opposite ends. Secure one end of the line to the cardboard and wind
the line around the cardboard through the notched areas. Secure the other
end, and write your name and the specified strength of the line on the
cardboard. Any line sample submitted that is tangled or cannot be easily
unwound will not be accepted.
PHOTOGRAPHS
Photographs showing the full length of the
fish, the rod and reel used to make the catch, and the scale used to weigh
the fish must accompany each record application. A photograph of the
angler with the fish is also required.
For species identification, the clearest possible photos should be
submitted. This is especially important in the cases of hybrids and fishes
that may be confused with similar species. Shark applications should
include a photograph of the shark's teeth, and of the head and back taken
from above in addition to the photographs taken from the side. Whether the
shark has or does not have a ridge between the dorsal fins should be
clearly evident in this photograph.
In all cases, photographs should be taken of the fish in a hanging
position and also lying on a flat surface on its side. The fish should be
broadside to the camera and no part of the fish should be obscured. The
fins must be fully extended and not obscured with the hands, and the jaw
or bill clearly shown. Avoid obscuring the keels of sharks and tunas with
a tail rope.
When photographing a fish lying on its side, the surface beneath the fish
should be smooth and a ruler or marked tape placed beside the fish if
possible. Photographs from various angles are most helpful. An additional
photograph of the fish on the scale with actual weight visible helps to
expedite the application.
Photos taken by daylight with a reproducible-type negative film are highly
recommended if at all possible. Note: IGFA's bimonthly newsletter
International Angler keeps anglers up to date on world record catches. It
is important that we have clear, publishable photographs of the fish and
the angler. If you have action shots of the catch, we would like to see
them also.
Conversion Formulas for Weights & Measures
Persons submitting world record and contest
claims are only required to provide the weights and measurements of the
fish in the units in which they were taken. The following formulas are
provided for your information.
WEIGHTS
Ounces x 28.349 = Grams
Ounces x 0.02835 = Kilograms
Pounds x 453.59 = Grams
Pounds x 0.45359 = Kilograms
Grams x 0.0353 = Ounces
Grams x 0.002 = Pounds
Kilograms x 35.2736 = Ounces
Kilograms x 2.2046 = Pounds
MEASURES
Inches x 25.4 = Millimeters
Inches x 2.54 = Centimeters
Feet x 30.48 = Centimeters
Feet x 0.3048 = Meters
Millimeters x 0.03937 = Inches
Centimeters x 0.3937 = Inches
Centimeters x 0.0328 = Feet
Meters x 39.37 = Inches
MISCELLANEOUS
1 pound force x 4.448 = Newtons
1 kilogram force x 9.806 = Newtons
1 fathom x 6 = Feet
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