IGFA (International Game Fishing Association) Rules Explained
Electric Reel For Downrigger/deep-dropping
QUESTION:
When daytime deep-dropping for swordfish I’d like to use a reel that can operate both manually and electronically. With the click of a button it can toggle between manual cranking and having a motor do the winding. Generally, we only use the electric setting to retrieve and check our bait, then immediately switch to manual for the actual fishing. I know that electric reels are not permitted under IGFA rules, but would this particular reel be an exception due to its ability to operate manually?
ANSWER:
In short, the answer is no. Reels that toggle between manual and power-driven settings are still not permitted by the IGFA – even if the fish is caught completely on the manual setting.
For an easier way to check your baits without having to reel up a heavy weight, try a two-rod set-up, utilizing your electric reel as a downrigger. The line from the fishing rod is then attached to the downrigger (electric reel set-up) via a release clip. That way, in the event of a strike, or when the bait needs to be checked, the fishing line can be released from the weight. Check out this helpful how-to video on the IGFA’s website: www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7lv7XmI91M
IGFA Rule Book: Rules Explained:
Electric Reel For Downrigger/deep-dropping
Answer supplied by: Jack Vitek
Position: IGFA World Records Coordinator
This question ran in ISSUE 119 of BlueWater magazine: SEPT / OCT 2016
