A Guide to the IGFA Regulations for Light Tackle Records

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In today's extremely mobile society, there are virtually no oceans, lakes, rivers or streams that are out of reach of the traveling angler. As the sport of fly fishing and light tackle angling continues to appeal to an ever-increasing number of anglers throughout the world, tremendous potential exists for establishing new all-tackle and line class world record catches.

The major governing body responsible for record keeping on an international level is the International Game Fish Association (I.G.F.A.), located in Dania, Florida. Although many believe that line class or all-tackle records, be they for peacock bass or other species, are unattainable, it is well documented that unwary anglers frequently land record fish, only to release them without ever realizing the significance of their catch.

It is our intent to enlighten the light-tackle angler on some of the important I.G.F.A. rules and requirements for correctly hooking, playing and landing a potential record fish, especially as they would pertain to species in the weight category of peacock bass.

From the time the possible record fish strikes the bait, lure or fly, the angler must hook, fight and land or boat the fish without the aid of any other person. The only exception to this rule is that when angling from a boat, once the leader* is brought within grasp of the mate, or the end of the leader is wound to the rod tip, more then one person is permitted to hold the leader. If a captain, guide or fishing companion touches any part of the rod, reel or line, in any capacity, during the hooking, battling or landing of the fish, the catch is disqualified!

*A point of clarification regarding the I.G.F.A.'s definition of a legal leader in fresh. The leader in freshwater may not be more than 6 feet in length. There are no regulations regarding the material or strength of the leader.

In regard to record fish taken while fly fishing, let's look at the following regulations. As far as fly line is concerned, the I.G.F.A. allows for any type and size without restrictions. A fly leader includes a class tippet and, at the discretion of the angler, a shock tippet. A butt or taper section between the fly line and class tippet shall be considered as part of the leader and there are no limits on its length, material or strength.

The class tippet, however, must be made of nonmetallic material and must be attached directly to the fly or to the shock tippet. The class tippet must be at leas 15 inches long as measured inside the connecting knots. A shock tippet, not to exceed 12 inches, may be added to the class tippet and tied to the fly. It can be made of any material and there are no restrictions on its size or allowable break strength. The shock tippet is measure from the eye of the fly to the single strand of class tippet.

For a fish weighing less than 25 lb (11.33 kg), the I.G.F.A. will consider an all-tackle or line class record if the potential new record fish is at least
2 0z. (56.69 grams) heavier than the existing record.

When an existing record fish is heavier than 25 lbs., the I.G.F.A. will only consider a new record if the fish is 1/2 of 1 percent heavier than the existing record. If the fish landed is equal in weight to the existing record or does not exceed the record by the required amount, the fish will be listed as a tie with the original record fish.

If an angler uses backing on the reel that is a different break strength then the line extending from the reel to the lures, the catch shall be classified under the heavier of the two lines.

The use of a double line is not required. If you use one, this will be measured from the start of the knot, braid, roll or splice making the double to the furthermost end of the knot, splice, snap, swivel or other device used for securing the trace, leader, lure or hook to the double line. The double line on all classes of tackle for fresh water shall not exceed 6 feet. The combined length of the double line and the leader shall not exceed 10 feet.

Although the I.G.F.A. considers line classes up to 130 lb (60kg), for their record keeping, this section will only focus on light tackle catches up to the 20 lb class. The smallest line class that is recognized by the I.G.F.A. is 2 lb test. Line classes are also considered in 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 20 lb.

The following is a handy reference guide, listing the metric weight, U.S, equivalent weight and maximum allowable break strength (mabs) for line classes up to 20 lb.

For all-tackle records, any size line may be used, no matter what the size of the fish, as long as it does not break above 60 kg or 132.27 pounds.

If you suspect you may have landed a record-potential fish, the I.G.F.A. must have clear, sharp color photographs of the fish to that they may make a positive identification of the species. Although slides can be made into color prints, it may be easier to have one camera on hand with color print film. When taking photographs of a possible record fish, please keep in mind that the scenery is not important, so key in on the fish so that it completely fills the frame without cutting out any part of the fish. Also, have someone secure a well-cropped photo of you with the fish.

The following are photographs that should accompany your application to the I.G.F.A. to ensure a speedy response.

1. Photograph of the cleanest profile of the fish.
2. Photographs of the fish at different angles.
3. Photograph of angler holding the record fish (make sure everything is cropped tight, but don't cut out anything like the fins or the face of the fish).
4. Photograph of the angler holding fish, rod and reel.
5. Photograph of the lure or fly used.
6. Photograph of the fish next to a ruler or measuring tape on flat ground on its side.
7. Photograph of the scale.
8. Photograph of the fish being weighed on the scale.

*Remember a record fish must be weighed on shore, stable sandy bottom, lake bottom or river bed to be certified and not in the boat.

If there is any doubt that the fish cannot be identified from a photograph, an ichthyologist or qualified fisheries biologist must examine the fish and document the identification of the species before the record application is submitted. If no scientist is available, the fish should be preserved, or frozen, until an expert can be secured.

Record claims for fish caught in U.S. continental waters must be received by the I.G.F.A. within 60 days of the catch. Claims for record fish caught in other waters must be received within 3 months. Applications for an all-tackle record must be submitted within 1 year of the catch.

1. Secure an IGFA application.
2. Send at least 50 feet of single line, with leader attached.
3. The leader must be attached to the line and not removed.
4. For fly fishing records, one must submit the fly, entire tippet, entire leader and one inch of fly line beyond the attached leader (all intact and not disassembled).
5. Photographs as described.
6. Signatures and addresses of boat captain, mate, guide, weigh-master, and witness.
7. Try and secure witnesses that would not have anything to gain by your record catch.
8. Notarized applications.