 |  | 
 
International Angling 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
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. For updated and membership
information vist I.G.F.A. web site at http://www.igfa.org
RULES FOR FISHING IN FRESH AND SALT WATER
(Also see Rules for Fly Fishing)
Equipment Regulations
A. LINE
1. Monofilament, multifilament, and lead core multifilament lines may be
used. For line classes, see World Record Requirements.
2. Wire lines are prohibited.
B. LINE BACKING
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.
C. DOUBLE LINE
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. 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
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. (The above measurements do not apply to surf casting rods.)
F. REEL
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 which 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.
G. HOOKS FOR BAIT FISHING
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. 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
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 (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
1. Fighting chairs may not have any mechanically propelled devices which
aid the angler in fighting a fish.
2. 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.
3. Gaffs and nets used to boat or land a fish must not exceed 8 feet
(2.49 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. Electrified gaffs 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.)
4. Floats are prohibited with the exception of any small flotation device
attached to the line or leader for the sole purpose of regulating the depth of the bait.
The flotation device must not in any way hamper the fighting ability of the fish.
5. 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.
6. Outriggers, downriggers, 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.
7. Umbrella or spreader rigs, daisy chains 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.
8. 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
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.
The following acts will disqualify a catch:
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.
The following situations will disqualify a catch:
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.
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 (2.48 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
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.
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.
The following acts will disqualify a catch:
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.
|
|