IGFA (International Game Fishing Association) Rules Explained
Will I Qualify For An IGFA Length Record?
QUESTION:
Looking at the current IGFA All-Tackle Length records, I’m confident there are several I could beat. If I use a standard tape measure and carefully document the fish’s length, then release it alive, will my catch be eligible for an All-Tackle Length record even though I don’t have an official IGFA Measuring Device?
ANSWER:
Unfortunately, no. The IGFA requires All-Tackle Length records to be measured on IGFA’s Official Measuring Device, for a couple of reasons.
First, requiring all anglers to use the same device keeps the playing field even and removes any doubt of length inconsistencies. Second, and equally important, the IGFA’s Official Measuring Device was designed to prevent slime loss on the fish. One of the major goals of the IGFA’s All-Tackle Length record program is to ensure fish can be released alive and in good health.. Anglers can purchase their own measuring device through the IGFA’s online store, www.igfa.org.
IGFA Rule Book: Rules Explained:
Will I Qualify For An IGFA Length Record?
Answer supplied by: Jack Vitek
Position: IGFA World Records Coordinator
This question ran in ISSUE 100 of BlueWater magazine: NOV / DEC 2013
