IGFA World Record Requirements: Know Before You Go

As you may know, Release Boatworks is the founding member of the Boat Builders For Billfish Coalition which supports the International Gamefish Association (IGFA).

In the sportfishing industry, it is an elite honor to have an IGFA World Record in the books, but it is definitely not easy. Not only is finding a world record fish a lifetime goal that takes research, experience, preparation, and perseverance, but if you don’t know the requirements for properly documenting it, you could be in for a load of heartbreak.

Here are the IGFA World Record Requirements as of July 2020.

Game fish catches can only be considered for world record status if they are caught according to the IGFA International Angling Rules. Following is information on world record categories, requirements and procedures for filing claims. All materials submitted as part of the application process become the property of IGFA.

World Record Categories

General Information

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. 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.
No applications will be accepted for fish caught in hatchery waters, sanctuaries or small bodies of water that are stocked with fish for commercial purposes. The intent of this rule shall prevail and IGFA retains the right to determine its applicability on a case-by-case basis. 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 All-Tackle Length, Line Class, Tippet Class, Junior or Smallfry world records, the effective date will be announced by the IGFA. Fish 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 communications will be considered proper notification in lieu of any other notice.
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.

All-Tackle 

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). All-Tackle record claims are considered for all species of fish caught according to the IGFA International Angling Rules.
Applications for All-Tackle species not currently included in the IGFA Line Class and Tippet Class listings must meet the following criteria:
1. The fish must represent a valid species with a recognized scientific name.
2. The fish must be identifiable based on photos and other supporting data presented with the application.
3. 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. If no maximum weight is available, it must fall within the top half of the maximum reported length for the species. Maximum reported weight and length for species may be found at www.fishbase.org or from other reputable sources.

All-Tackle Length

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.

Junior 

Junior World Records are kept for the heaviest fish of each eligible species in any Line Class up to 60 kilograms (130 pounds). Junior records are kept for both male and female anglers ages 11-16. All species recognized for Line Class records and Tippet Class records are also recognized for Junior records. All IGFA International Angling Rules apply, with the exception that fish do not have to be weighed on land.

Smallfry

Smallfry World Records are kept for the heaviest fish of each eligible species in any Line Class up to 60 kilograms (130 pounds). Smallfry records are kept for both male and female anglers ages 10 and under. All species recognized for Line Class records and Tippet Class records are also recognized for Smallfry records. All IGFA International Angling Rules apply, with the exception that fish do not have to be weighed on land.

Line Class

Line Class world records are kept for each eligible species according to the breaking strength of the first 5 meters (16.5 feet) of line directly preceding the double line, leader or hook. This section must be comprised of a single, homogeneous piece of line. For all Line Class records, the weight of the fish must be at least ½ of the Line Class used to make the catch.

Tippet Class

Tippet Class world records are kept for the eligible species according to the breaking strength of the class tippet. For all Tippet Class records, the weight of the fish must be at least ½ of the Tippet Class used to make the catch.
World records are kept in the following Line and Tippet classes:

Line Testing

The IGFA tests all line and tippet samples submitted with world record claims using the metric system, which varies slightly from the imperial measurement system. For example, the imperial measurement system equivalent of 4 kilograms is 8.81 pounds. Thus, line designated by the manufacturer as 8-pound class line may test up to 8.81 pounds (4 kilograms) to qualify for a 4-kilogram (8-pound) Line Class world record. 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.
Note: IGFA offers a line and tippet testing service for IGFA members at a fee of $30 USD per sample.

Record Catch Regulations

General Information

1. Protested applications or disputed existing records will be referred to the IGFA Rules Committee for review. Rules Committee decisions may be appealed to the IGFA Board of Trustees. IGFA reserves the right to refuse to consider an application or grant a claim for a record application. All IGFA decisions will be based upon the intent of the regulations.
2. 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. 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) 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”),
(ii) waives any objection to the laying of sole and exclusive venue of any such litigation in any of the Applicable Courts,
(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
(iv) agrees that it will not bring any action, suit, or proceeding in connection with any dispute, claim or controversy arising out of or relating to the Angling Rules in any court or other tribunal other than any of the Applicable Courts. Nothing in this Section shall prevent enforcement in another forum of any judgment obtained in the Applicable Courts.
In the event that it shall become necessary for any party to take action of any type whatsoever to enforce the terms of the IGFA International Angling Rules, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover all its costs, including attorneys’ fees, costs, and expenses, including all out-of-pocket expenses that are not taxable as costs, incurred in connection with any such action, including any negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, litigation, and appeal.
3. The IGFA will not recognize or approve any IGFA World Record application where a financial award is offered for obtaining the record.
4. In some instances, an IGFA officer, IGFA representative or a representative from a local IGFA member club may be asked to re-check information supplied on a record application. 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

1. Photographs must be submitted by which positive identification of the exact species can be made. Read the photographic requirements at the end of this section. Applications without photographs will not be accepted.
2. 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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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. 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 all Line Class and Tippet Class categories, the catch must weigh at least ½ as much as the Line Class or Tippet Class. For example, a fish entered for the 6-kilogram (12-pound) Line Class or Tippet Class category must weigh a minimum of 2.72 kilograms (6 pounds).

Weights needed to defeat or tie existing record

1. To replace a record for a fish weighing less than 11.33 kilograms (25 pounds), the replacement must weigh at least 56.69 grams (2 ounces) more than the existing record.
2. To replace a record for a fish weighing 11.33 kilograms (25 pounds) or more, the replacement must weigh at least one half of one percent more than the existing record. For an existing record weighing 45.35 kilograms (100 pounds), the additional weight required to defeat the record would be 226.7 grams (8 ounces).
3. 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. In the case of a tie claim involving more than two catches, the weight must be compared with the original record (i.e., the first fish caught). No catch weighing less than the original record will be considered.

Time Limits on Claims

With the exception of All-Tackle World Records, claims for record fish caught in U.S. 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 90 days of the date of catch.

Weighing Requirements

1. 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. Disinterested witnesses to the weight should be used whenever possible. If at the time of weighing the fish the scale has not been properly certified within the past twelve months, it must 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.
2. 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.
3. No estimated weights will be accepted. With the exception of Junior and Smallfry records, fish must be weighed on land.
4. 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.
5. IGFA reserves the right to require any scale to be re-certified for accuracy if there are any indications that the scale might not have weighed correctly.
Note: IGFA offers a scale certification service for IGFA members at a fee of $40 USD.

Preparation of Claims

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.
Application Form
A current, official IGFA world record application form must be used for record claims. This form may be found on the www.igfa.org website or in the 2019 World Record Game Fishes book. No other version of the application form will be accepted.
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 Line Class and Tippet Class categories). All lines and tippets will be examined by IGFA to verify the specified strength of the line. If the line or tippet over tests its class, the application will be considered in the next highest class. 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. The heaviest Line Class permitted for both freshwater and saltwater records is 60 kilograms (130 pounds). The heaviest Tippet Class permitted for Tippet Class records is 10 kilograms (20 pounds). If the line or tippet over tests these maximum strengths, the claim will be denied.
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 the fish is measured correctly.
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. 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 angler must appear in person before a qualified authority to have an application notarized. 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. Applications delivered to the IGFA Headquarters in person do not require 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 caught on fly fishing tackle must be accompanied by the fly, the entire tippet and the entire leader connected in one piece.
All applications caught on conventional tackle must be accompanied by the entire leader (including the hook(s)), the double line and at least 5 meters (16.5 feet) closest to the double line, leader or hook. All line samples and the leader (if one is used) are to be submitted in one piece. Broken or incomplete line samples must be accompanied by a full explanation. 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. 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 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.

Photographic Requirements

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 for identification purposes.
For best results, photograph the fish broadside to the camera so that no part of the fish is obscured. 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. 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 is also helpful.
It is important that we have clear, publishable photographs of the fish and the angler, including action shots, if available. Original, high resolution digital files are preferred and will assist the IGFA in publicizing the world record catch. The IGFA encourages anglers to release record fish whenever possible and we prefer to see photos of fish carefully being held horizontally, and not vertically, to prevent harming the fish.

Conversion Formulas for
Weights & Measures

Persons submitting world record claims are 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.

For complete and updated IGFA World Record Requirements, visit their website here: https://igfa.org/world-record-requirements/

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