IGFA
Rules & Updates
International Game Fish Association Rules & Submissions
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.
Rules for Fishing in Freshwater and Saltwater
- Line & Backing
- 1 Monofilament, multifilament, and lead core multifilament lines may be used. For line classes, see World Record Requirements.
- 2. Wire lines are prohibited.
- 3. Backing is permitted.
- 4. The catch shall be classified under the breaking strength of the first 5 meters (16.5 feet) of line directly preceding the double line, leader, or hook. This section must be comprised of a single, homogeneous piece of line and may not exceed 60 kilogram (130 pound) line class.
- LEADER
If a leader is used, it must meet the following specifications: The length of the leader is the overall length including any lure, hook arrangement or other device, and is measured to the bend of the last hook. 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. - 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 101.6 centimeters (40 inches) in length. The rod butt cannot exceed 68.58 centimeters (27 inches) 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. When the rod butt is placed in a gimbal, the measurement from the center of the reel seat to the pivot point of the gimbal can be no more than 68.58 centimeters (27 inches). (The above measurements do not apply to surf-casting rods.)
Hooks & Bait Fishing
1. For live or dead bait fishing, no more than two single hooks may be used. Both must be firmly embedded
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 45.72 centimeters (18 inches) apart. The only exception is that the point of one hook may be passed through the eye of the other hook. A hook may not precede bait, lure or bait/lure combo by more than one hook’s length.
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. The combined length of the separate leaders or drops including the hooks, cannot exceed the total length between the connections with the main leader. Both hooks must be embedded in the respective baits.
4. A photograph or sketch of the hook arrangement must accompany ball record applications made for
Hooks & 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 30.48 centimeters (12 inches) 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 hook may not precede bait, lure or bait/lure combo by more than one hook’s length. 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. 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. Gang hooks must be free swinging and shall be limited to a maximum of three hooks (single, double, or treble, or a combination of any three). It is permissible to embed or securely attach a gang hook to a lure, provided that the hook becomes free swinging once the fish takes the lure. Gang hooks may not be used with live or dead baits. A photograph or sketch of the plug or lure should be submitted with record applications. The IGFA defines gang hooks to be any hook other than a single hook and are limited to double or treble hooks only. Hooks with more than three points are not permitted.
3. Assist hooks or other such single hooks that are attached to a lure with a lead constructed of monofilament, multifilament, wire or other such material must conform to the following: When using assist hooks on any artificial lure, other than a skirted lure, the lead cannot be more than 1½ hook’s length and the bend of the hook may not be more than 10.1 centimeters (4 inches), whichever is less, from the closest point of attachment on the lure. A maximum of three assist hooks can be used. Double and treble hooks may not be used as assist hooks.
4. Only one lure containing hook
