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IGFA &
NZBGFC RULES
The following angling rules have been
formulated by the International Game Fish Association to promote ethical
and sporting angling practices, to establish uniform regulations for the
compilation
of world game fish records, and to provide basic angling guidelines for
use in fishing tournaments
and any other group angling activities.
The word "angling" is defined as catching or
attempting to catch fish with a rod, reel, line, and hook as outlined in
the international angling rules. There are some aspects of angling that
cannot be controlled through rule making, however. Angling regulations
cannot ensure an outstanding performance from each fish, and world records
cannot indicate the amount of difficulty in catching
the fish. Captures in which the fish has not fought or has not had a
chance to fight do not reflect credit on the fisherman, and only the
angler can properly evaluate the degree of achievement in establishing the
record.
Only fish caught in accordance with IGFA
international angling rules, and within the intent of these rules, will be
considered for world records.
As these IGFA fishing
regulations are for world record claims, these rules have been extended by
the NZBGFC for better understanding to enable them to be more suited for
club trophies and tournaments. Any club who is considering running a
fishing tournament with high value prizes should extend these fishing
rules further to cover any circumstances pertaining to their club and
sponsors requirements.
These game fishing
regulations must be used for NZBGFC National Record Claims.
These game fishing
Regulations must be used in the Annual NZBGFC National Fishing Tournament.
Any Club or organization
using these Game Fishing Regulations do so at their own risk. The NZBGFC
does not accept any responsibility in the use of these game fishing
regulations in any
other Tournaments.
Following are the rules for freshwater and
saltwater fishing and a separate set of rules for
fly-fishing.
RULES FOR FISHING IN FRESH AND SALT WATER
(Also see Rules for Fly-fishing)
Equipment Regulations
A. LINE
- Monofiliament, multifilament, and lead core
multifilament lines may be used. For line classes, see World Record
Requirements.
- Wire lines are prohibited.
B. LINE BACKING
- Backing not attached to the fishing line is
permissible with no restrictions as to size or material.
- 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:
- A double line must consist of the actual line
used to catch the fish.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- Reels must comply with sporting ethics and
customs.
- 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.
- Ratchet handle reels are prohibited.
- Reels designed to be cranked with both hands at
the same time are prohibited.
G. HOOKS FOR BAIT FISHING
- 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.
- The use of a dangling or swinging hook is
prohibited. Double or treble hooks are prohibited.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- Fighting chairs may not have any
mechanically propelled devices, which aid the angler in fighting a fish.
- 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.
- 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.
Choke ropes must not exceed 30ft(9.14meters)
including the wire or chain on one end. Harpoon or lance
attachments are prohibited. Electrified gaffs are prohibited. Tail ropes
are limited to 30 feet (9.14 meters).
(Once the catch is along side and under control and the crew are unable
to lift the fish
onboard the anchor rope or a block and tackle may be used as long as the
crew can verify it was not used in the fight of the fish). (When
fishing from a bridge, pier or other high
platform
or structure, this length limitation does not apply).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- If a rod holder is used and a fish strikes or
takes the bait or lure, the angler must remove 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Use of a rod belt or waist gimbal is permitted.
- 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.
- 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.
- The angling and equipment regulations shall
apply until the fish is weighed.
- In the event of an angler
wishing to re-use a successful lure on the same day, the leader
must be cut on a 45 degree angle at the swivel top or loop end. Both
pieces together with the re-rigged lure must be presented to the
weighmaster or judge that day.
- Any catch will not be
deemed to be complete until after the catch is weighed.
In the event of
a fish being tagged, the catch will be deemed complete when the tag is
inserted in the fish.
- When tagging a fish, the
tag pole must be held at all times.
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 (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.
- Returning the rod to the
rod holder, resting the rod in a rod holder, on the gunwale of
the boat, or any other object while playing the fish.
The
rod being passed to the angler after the fish
has taken the bait or lure.
- Handling 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.
- Shooting, harpooning, or lancing any fish
(including sharks and halibuts) at any stage of the catch.
- 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.
- 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.
- Changing the rod or reel while the fish is being
played.
- Splicing, removing, or adding to the line while
the fish is being played.
- Intentionally foul-hooking a fish.
- Catching a fish in a manner that the double line
never leaves the rod tip.
- Using a size or kind of bait that is illegal to
possess.
- 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.
- Catching a fish in a
manner that the double line never leaves the rod tip.
- When live baiting and the
deckhand or any other person other than the angler is holding the rod
when the fish takes the bait.
- Using a size or kind of
bait that is illegal to possess
- Attaching the anglers line
or leader to any part of the boat or object for the purpose of holding
or lifting the fish.
- If a fish escapes before
gaffing, netting , Tagging, or deliberate releasing, it will be
considered a free swimming fish and will not be regarded as a catch
- That any marlin taken out
of the water to be Tagged and released will be disqualified.
- If the tag pole is used in
a manner of a Harpoon, when tagging a fish or leaves the hand.
The following situations will disqualify a
catch:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 watercraft 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 6lb.
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 organizations. 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 notarized. 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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