Careers Site Terms 2. Junior records are kept for both male and female anglers ages 11-16. Only weights indicated by the graduations on the scale will be accepted. A photograph of the angler with the fish is also required. If an angler submits more than one application for the same record, caught on the same day, only the heaviest or longest of the fish will be accepted. This section must be comprised of a single, homogeneous piece of line. 1. In 1978 it added the field of freshwater record-keeping when Field & Stream magazine transferred its 68 years of records to the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, the association's world headquarters in Dania Beach, Fla. All materials submitted as part of the application process become the property of IGFA. Maxima IGFA line meets the requirements of tournaments operating under IGFA rules where lines are designed to break at specific weight standards. 4. On all record claims, witnesses to the catch are highly desirable. The heaviest Tippet Class permitted for Tippet Class records is 10 kilograms (20 pounds). The hitch falls under the subject of science and a potential case of mistaken identity, according to Jason Schratweiser, IGFA Conservation Director. All line samples and the leader (if one is used) are to be submitted in one piece. Any deliberate falsification of an application will disqualify the applicant for any future IGFA World Record and any existing records will be nullified. The IGFA maintains the World Records for all species of game fish. Smallfry World Records are kept for the heaviest fish of each eligible species in any Line Class up to 60 kilograms (130 pounds). Protested applications or disputed existing records will be referred to the IGFA Rules Committee for review. Donate to the IGFA Auction and Receive Advertising Space. If the line or tippet under tests into a lower Line or Tippet Class, the application will not be considered for the lower Line Class or Tippet Class. and all tippet class (fly rod) categories,the weight of the catch must weigh at least ½ as much as the line class it is eligible for. The heaviest Line Class permitted for both freshwater and saltwater records is 60 kilograms (130 pounds). Changes to World Record Requirements. 3. LINE BACKING 1. Finding the rules for world records is very easy on the IGFA website. Currently, to submit a line class or tippet class (fly rod) world record, the only weight requirement is that the fish must weigh at least .45 kg (1 lb). All lines and tippets will be examined by IGFA to verify the specified strength of the line. Wire lines are prohibited. 1. 4. Dania Beach, FL 33004 In order to qualify for a record, a catch must be a minimum of .453 kilograms (1 pound) in weight, and must outweigh the existing record by the required amount or meet the minimum weight requirement for vacant records. The angler must appear in person before a qualified authority to have an application notarized. I’ve downloaded and attached the copy of the rules. Description: The Angler Recognition Coordinator will manage the IGFA’s angler recognition programs including: world records, trophy clubs, and slam clubs along with the development of new recognition programs that increase the IGFA’s relevance to recreational anglers around the world. With the exception of Junior and Smallfry records, fish must be weighed on land. 3. Sitemap, 300 Gulf Stream Way Sitemap, 300 Gulf Stream Way [email protected]. (ii) waives any objection to the laying of sole and exclusive venue of any such litigation in any of the Applicable Courts, The next record holder could be you, if you’re willing to take the time to meet the IGFA’s requirements, purchase their $49 ruler, and pay the associated fees. All species recognized for Line Class records and Tippet Class records are also recognized for Smallfry records. As a result, the IGFA has added the following minimum ratio requirements for all new line class and tippet class world records: For line class categories up to and including 10 kg (20 lb.) As a result, the IGFA has accumulated a significant amount of records where the weight of the fish is much lighter than the size of the tackle used to land the fish. Currently, to submit a line class or tippet class (fly-rod) world record, the only weight requirement is that the fish must weigh at least .45 kg (1 pound). Nothing in this Section shall prevent enforcement in another forum of any judgment obtained in the Applicable Courts. Visual fractionalizing of these graduations is not allowed. For best results, photograph the fish broadside to the camera so that no part of the fish is obscured. Equipment Regulations A. 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 application is submitted to IGFA. Emily is no stranger to IGFA World Records as this marks her 31st in the books. The angler is responsible for obtaining the necessary signatures and correct addresses of the boat captain (where applicable), weighmaster (where applicable) and witnesses on the application. Minimum Ratio Requirements. Read the photographic requirements at the end of this section. The publication also gives fishing tips, and has an extensive fish identification guide. 2. (iii) agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that such litigation brought therein has been brought in an inconvenient forum and agrees not to otherwise attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction or venue by motion or other request for leave from any such court, and 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. Broken or incomplete line samples must be accompanied by a full explanation. The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is the leading authority on angling pursuits and the keeper of the most current World Record fishing catches by fish categories. Application Form Extreme care should be exercised in measuring the fish, as the measurements are often important for weight verification and scientific studies. Only fish caught in accordance with IGFA international angling rules, and within the intent of these rules, will be considered for world records. Disinterested witnesses to the weight should be used whenever possible. No estimated weights will be accepted. You can search all IGFA World Records for freshwater and saltwater fishes in All-TackleLine Class, All-Tackle Length for male, female and junior anglers. IGFA CHANGES TO ANGLING RULES, WORLD RECORD REQUIREMENTS, AND RECOGNIZED GAME FISH SPECIES The IGFA’s Board of Trustees recently met for their annual meeting where they ratified several significant changes to the IGFA’s International Angling Rules and World Record Requirements. In locations where notarization is not possible or customary, the signature of a government official, a member of an embassy, legation or consular staff or an IGFA officer or representative may replace notarization. Privacy Policy When an additional species of game fish is made eligible for IGFA All-Tackle Length, Line Class, Tippet Class, Junior or Smallfry world records, the effective date will be announced by the IGFA. 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 no longer needs to be retained. 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. Junior World Records are kept for the heaviest fish of each eligible species in any Line Class up to 60 kilograms (130 pounds). Persons submitting world record claims are required to provide the weights and measurements of the fish in the units in which they were taken. All fish submitted for record consideration must be weighed on scales that have been certified for accuracy by government agencies or other qualified and accredited organizations within the past 12 months. Weighing Requirements 1. IGFA’s World Record Requirements have changed to ensure consistency with the internal record review process. The IGFA has changed its minimum ratio to a uniform ½ to 1 ratio for all Line and Tippet Classes. 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. 2. Tippet Class world records are kept for the eligible species according to the breaking strength of the class tippet. Detailed information regarding these changes is listed below: CHANGES TO THE INTERNATIONAL ANGLING RULES Assisting the Angler Current IGFA International Angling Rules state that “the act of a […] Rules Committee decisions may be appealed to the IGFA Board of Trustees. IGFA maintains world records for both freshwater and saltwater game fish in All-Tackle, All-Tackle Length, Line Class, Tippet Class and Junior and Smallfry categories. For example, the imperial measurement system equivalent of 4 kilograms is 8.81 pounds. 4. The IGFA reserves the right to reject applications with broken line samples that prevent it from testing the breaking strength and/or verifying the length of the double line and leader. This is especially important in the cases of hybrids and fishes that may be confused with similar species. All species recognized for Line Class records and Tippet Class records are also recognized for Junior records. Secure one end of the line to the cardboard and wind the line around the cardboard through the notched areas. 1. Announcement of an additional species in the World Record Game Fishes book or in other IGFA communications will be considered proper notification in lieu of any other notice. Up until 1940, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) noted that there was “no universal code of sporting ethics to guide anglers in their pursuits.” Shortly after IGFA was founded in 1939, its officers immediately set to the task of establishing angling guidelines and requirements for world record catches. Angler Recognition Coordinator. The fins should be fully extended and not obscured with the hands in cases where the number of spines and rays need to be counted. Original, high resolution digital files are preferred and will assist the IGFA in publicizing the world record catch. This position will report to the President and will serve as the … A current, official IGFA world record application form must be used for record claims. All-Tackle World Records are kept for the heaviest fish of a species caught by an angler in any Line Class up to 60 kilograms (130 pounds). 2. Smallfry records are kept for both male and female anglers ages 10 and under. Any weights that fall between two graduations on the scale must be rounded to the lower of the two. All-Tackle record claims are considered for all species of fish caught according to the IGFA International Angling Rules. The International Game Fish Association, often referred to simply as IGFA, was founded in 1939, and immediately set forth as one of its first priorities the creation of angling guidelines and requirements for world record saltwater catches. Backing not attached to the fishing line is permissible with no restrictions as to size or material. 2. All IGFA decisions will be based upon the intent of the regulations. The scientist’s signature, title and qualifications should appear on the IGFA record application form or on a separate document confirming the identification of the species. Game fish catches can only be considered for world record status if they are caught according to the IGFA International Angling Rules. (i) irrevocably and unconditionally consents to submit itself to the sole and exclusive personal jurisdiction of any federal or state court located within Broward County, Florida (the “Applicable Courts”), Or, you could go after the bluefish record of 34 inches, currently held by “The Chicken Man” … Following are the rules for freshwater and saltwater fishing and a separate set of rules for All‐Tackle Length and Flyfishing. Note: IGFA offers a scale certification service for IGFA members at a fee of $40 USD. In the event that parties are unable to mutually resolve any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of, in connection with, or in relation to the IGFA International Angling Rules, such dispute, controversy or claim shall be resolved by litigation; in that connection, each of the parties to such dispute hereby I must admit, it is amazing they update the rules each year and manage to keep that historical look. A recommended method is to take a rectangular piece of stiff cardboard and cut notches in two opposite ends. Photographs from various angles are most helpful. To apply for a world record, the angler must submit a complete IGFA application form, the mandatory length of line and terminal tackle (described below) used to catch the fish, and acceptable photographs of the fish, the rod and reel used to catch the fish, the scale used to weigh the fish, and the angler with the fish. Line and Backing 1. All-Tackle Length World Records are kept for the longest fish of each eligible species caught according to the IGFA International Angling Rules in any Line Class up to 60 kilograms (130 pounds) and released alive. Under this new ratio, the weight of the fish must now be at least half as much as the Line or Tippet Class that it qualifies for and will be based on pounds. Fish caught on or after the effective date will be eligible for records. Careers 2. GENERAL INFORMATION A catch that 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. If the line or tippet over tests its class, the application will be considered in the next highest class. To apply for a world record, the angler must submit a completed IGFA form, the mandatory length of line and terminal tackle (described below) 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. Though it is something many people dream about when they start to look at the IGFA rules it becomes complicated. An application fee of $25 U.S. for members and $50 U.S. for non-members is required for each claim. Any and all claims and/or disputes regarding the IGFA International Angling Rules shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida without regard to such jurisdiction’s conflict of laws principles. 3. Any line sample submitted that is tangled or cannot be easily unwound will not be accepted. The fish must be considered “trophy-sized.” A rule of thumb is that the weight must fall within the top half of the maximum reported weight for the species. The imperial measurement system equivalents in pounds for the metric Line Classes are as follows: Line and tippet samples submitted with record claims are uniformly tested in accordance with IGFA protocols. Following is information on world record categories, requirements and procedures for filing claims. 1. We also strongly recommend the submission of high resolution digital photos (300 dpi). If the line or tippet over tests these maximum strengths, the claim will be denied. The good news is that anglers who catch a record fish and meet the qualifications do not have to be a member of IGFA, or any other organization, at the time they catch a record fish. Note: IGFA offers a line and tippet testing service for IGFA members at a fee of $30 USD per sample. However, since IGFA rules do not allow class tippets heavier than 10 kg (20-pound), IGFA will adopt the convention of allowing a maximum fly leader length of 15 feet in keeping in accordance with the regulations for conventional tackle. The following formulas are provided for your information. Fishing World Records. The IGFA will not recognize or approve any IGFA World Record application where a financial award is offered for obtaining the record. For all Line Class records, the weight of the fish must be at least ½ of the Line Class used to make the catch. 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