IGFA (International Game Fishing Association) Rules Explained
Bait Presentation Via Drone
QUESTION:
I recently saw a video on social media where shore-bound anglers were utilizing a remote-controlled drone to deliver their bait to schooling fish several hundred yards offshore, beyond the surf line and well out of casting distance. The angler’s mainline was attached to the drone through a release clip (similar to one found on outriggers and downriggers), so when the fish took the bait, the line released from the drone and the angler was connected directly to the fish. Would this be legal by IGFA rules?
ANSWER:
The IGFA’s International Angling Rules state that “Outriggers, downriggers, spreader bars 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.”
While the rules do not specifically mention the use of drones, the same intent of the rules quoted above applies. As long as the mainline is attached to a release clip that allows it to separate away from the apparatus (in this case, a drone) once the fish strikes, this technique would be IGFA-legal as the device does not give the angler an unfair advantage with fighting the fish.
IGFA Rule Book: Rules Explained:
Bait Presentation Via Drone
Answer supplied by: Jack Vitek
Position: IGFA World Records Coordinator
This question ran in ISSUE 118 of BlueWater magazine: JUL / AUG 2016
