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 insure 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.

Following are the rules for freshwater and saltwater fishing and a separate set of rules for fly fishing.

1. Monofilament, multifilament, and lead core multifilament

2. Wire lines are prohibited.

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.

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.

(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).

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).

The use of a leader is not required. If one is used, it must meet

the following specifications:

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.

(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).

limited to 6 feet (1.82 meters). The combined length of the double

line and leader shall not exceed 10 feet (3.04 meters).

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. When

the rod butt is placed in a gimbal, the measurement from the center of

the reel seat to the pivot point of the gimbal can be no more than 27

inches. (The above measurements do not apply to surfcasting rods.)

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 that

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.

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. A photograph or sketch of the hook arrangement must

accompany all record applications made for fish caught on two-hook

tackle.

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 (single, double, or treble, or a combination of any three). Baits

Page 2 of 9

may not be used with gang hooks. A photograph or sketch of the plug

or lure must be submitted with record applications.

devices that aid the angler in fighting a fish.

swing in a vertical plane only. Any gimbal that allows the angler to

reduce strain or to rest while fighting the fish is prohibited.

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. 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.)

prohibited and may not be used for any purpose including baiting,

hooking, fighting, or landing the fish.

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.

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.

not in any way assist the angler in fighting the fish.

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 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.

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.

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 angler's 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.

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.

Page 3 of 9

Double lines are measured from the start of the knot, braid, roll or splice making the double line 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. A double line must consist of the actual line used to

catch the fish. For saltwater species, the double line shall be limited to 15 feet (4.57 meters) for all line classes up to and including 20 lb (10

kg); and shall be limited to 30 feet (9.14 meters) for line classes over 20 lb (10 kg). For freshwater species, the double line on all classes of

tackle shall not exceed 6 feet (1.82 meters).

The leader shall be limited to 15 feet (4.57 meters) for saltwater species in line classes up to and including 20 lb (10 kg), and 30 feet (9.14

meters) for all line classes over 20 lb (10 kg). For freshwater species, the leader on all classes of tackle shall be limited to 6 feet (1.82 meters).

The length of the leader is the overall length including any lure, hook arrangements or other device.

The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 20 ft (6.1 meters) in line classes up to and including 20 lb (10 kg) and 40

feet (12.19 meters) in line classes over 20 lb (10 kg) for saltwater species. The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed

10 feet (3.04 meters) for freshwater species.

Page 4 of 9

LEGAL if eyes of hooks no more than 18 inches (45.72 cm) apart in

baits and no more than 12 inches (30.45 cm) apart in lures. ILLEGAL

if eyes further apart than these distances.

NOT LEGAL as the second or trailing hook extends more than the

hook’s length beyond skirt. See also two hook rigs.

NOT LEGAL in bait or lures as eyes of hooks are less than a hook’s

length (the length of the largest hook) apart.

LEGAL as eyes of hooks are no less than a hook’s length apart and no

more than 18 inches (45.72 cm) in baits and 12 inches (30.45 cm) in

lures.

LEGAL in baits and lures. The point of one hook is passed through

the eye of the other hook.

LEGAL as eyes of hooks are no less than a hook’s length apart and no

more than 12 inches (30.45 cm) apart, and the trailing hook does not

extend more than a hook’s length beyond the skirt.

LEGAL as hook is contained within the skirt.

NOT LEGAL as the single hook extends more than its length beyond

the skirt.

NOT LEGAL as back hook is not firmly imbedded in or securely

attached to bait and is a dangling or swinging hook.

LEGAL as both hooks are firmly imbedded or securely attached to

bait. Would not be legal if eyes of hooks were more than 18 inches

(45.72 cm) apart.

LEGAL on boats if effective rope length does not exceed 30 feet (9.15 meters).

LEGAL on boats if overall gaff length does not exceed 8 feet (2.44 meters).

Page 5 of 9

Any type of fly line and backing may be used. The breaking

strength of the fly line and backing are not restricted.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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. Only a

single fly is allowed. Dropper flies are 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.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Once a fish is hooked, the tackle may not be altered in any

way, with the exception of adding an extension butt. A harness

cannot be attached to the fly rod.

4. 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.

5. One or more people may assist in gaffing or netting the fish.

6. The angling and equipment regulations shall apply until the

fish is weighed.

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 either bodily or with any device during the

playing of the fish, 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 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 on any part of the boat, or on 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. Intentionally foul-hooking or snagging a fish.

6. Shooting, harpooning, or lancing any fish (including sharks

and halibut) at any stage of the catch.

7. Chumming with the flesh, blood, skin, or any part of

mammals.

8. 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.

9. Attaching the angler's line or leader to part of a boat or other

object for the purpose of holding or lifting the fish.

10. If a fish escapes before gaffing or netting and is recaptured

by any method other than as outlined in the angling rules.

11. 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.

12. When a fish is hooked or entangled on more than one line.

13. 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.

Page 6 of 9

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. An application fee of $25 U.S. for members and $50 U.S.

for non-members is required for each claim. All materials submitted become the property of IGFA.

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 exceed 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. Fish caught on or

after the effective date will be eligible for records. Announcement of an

IGFA publications will be considered proper notification in lieu of any

other notice.

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:

1. The fish must represent a valid species with a recognized

scientific name.

2. The fish must be a species commonly fished for with rod and

reel in the general area where the catch is made.

3. The fish must be identifiable based on photos and other

supporting data presented with the application.

4. 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.

species recognized for line class records is also recognized for tippet

records. Records are kept in the following line and tippet classes:

1 kg 2 lb 1 kg 2 lb

2 kg 4 lb 2 kg 4 lb

3 kg 6 lb 3 kg 6 lb

4 kg 8 lb 4 kg 8 lb

6 kg 12 lb 6 kg 12 lb

8 kg 16 lb 8 kg 16 lb

10 kg 20 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. Following are the maximum line classes acceptable for

world record purposes in each species category:

Species listed under the “freshwater” category are also eligible for

world records if caught in salt or brackish water. The catch must be

made in accordance with freshwater equipment regulations.

Page 7 of 9

Page 8 of 9

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 U.S. customary designations. For example,

the U.S. 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 U.S.

customary equivalents in pounds for the metric line classes are as

follows:

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.

1. 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 application. All IGFA decisions will be based

upon the intent of the regulations.

2. When a substantial award is specifically offered for a world

record will be considered.

3. 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.

1. 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.

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 and

title (or qualifications) should appear on the IGFA 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 need no longer 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.

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.

The minimum acceptance weight for any record catch claim is 1

pound (.453 kg).

1. 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.

2. 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

weight required would be 8 ounces (226.7 gm); at 200 pounds (90.71

kg) the additional weight required would be 1 pound (.453 kg).

3. 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.

be considered.

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 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 catches made in the past, 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:

1. The incomplete claim with explanations of why portions are

incomplete must be received by IGFA within the time limits specified

above.

2. Missing data must be due to circumstances beyond the control

of the angler making the record claim.

3. All missing data must be supplied within a period of time

considered to be reasonable in view of the particular circumstances.

IGFA’s Executive Committee will make final decisions on incomplete

claims.

1. 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.

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. At the time of weighing, the actual tackle used by the angler to

catch the fish must be exhibited to the weighmaster and weight witness.

4. No estimated weights will be accepted. Fish weighed only at

sea or on other bodies of water will not be accepted.

5. 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.

6. 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. An official report stating the findings of the

inspection prior to any adjustment of the scale must be included with the

record application.

1. 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.

2. 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.

Page 9 of 9

3. 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.

To apply for a world record, the angler must submit a completed

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 tackle used to catch the fish, the scale used to weigh the

fish, and the angler with the fish.

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

lines will be examined by IGFA to verify the specified strength of the