IGFA (International Game Fishing Association) Rules Explained
Assist Rig For ‘Mud-Flap’ Lure
QUESTION:
While preparing for a recent expedition to Ascension Island in search of the world’s biggest blue marlin, renowned captain, deckie and angler Scott Levin presented this unique rig for the IGFA’s consideration. With the trip’s goal being the All-Tackle world record Atlantic blue marlin, Levin wanted to make sure this two-hook ‘Mud Flap’ rig would be IGFA-legal.
ANSWER:
The IGFA ruled that the pictured rig would not be legal. First, the fact that the hooks are free-swinging and neither affixed to, or contained within the lure would make this illegal. Secondly, the IGFA found the hook arrangement on this unconventional rig/lure to most closely resemble assist hooks – which are more commonly used on metal jigs. With that established, this set-up would clearly violate the IGFA’s rule governing the length of the attachments used with assist hooks.
To make his mud-flap rig IGFA compliant, Levin removed one of the hooks, and the remaining single hook was attached to the lure via stitching or rubber band so that it was not free-swinging. Although they didn’t find the world record, this rig was struck by a grander-sized marlin.
IGFA Rule Book: Rules Explained:
Assist Rig For ‘Mud-Flap’ Lure
Answer supplied by: Jack Vitek
Position: IGFA World Records Coordinator
This question ran in ISSUE 122 of BlueWater magazine: FEB / MAR 2017
