The IGFA Expands Recognition Programs and

Announces Changes to World Record Requirements

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA)  announced several changes to its angler recognition programs, including new eligible species for Line Class, Tippet Class and Junior/Smallfry world records; new Slam & Trophy Club programs;  standard minimum ratios required for Line Class and Tippet Class world record submissions; and clarifications to its World Record Requirements.

Approved at the annual IGFA Board of Trustees meeting last January, these new world record categories, angler recognition programs and world record requirements take effect on May 1, 2019.

“For 80 years the IGFA has recognized outstanding angling achievements and set the standard for angling rules and world record catches,” said IGFA President Nehl Horton. “With the addition of these exciting new record categories and angler recognition programs, and the clarification of our world record requirements, we will continue to make participation in the IGFA’s angler recognition programs more accessible and understandable to anglers around the world.” 

 

New Eligible Species for Line Class, Tippet Class and Junior/Smallfry Record Categories

Effective May 1, 2019, IGFA will begin maintaining separate Atlantic and Pacific record categories for bonefish (Albula spp.) in the same way that it does for snook (Centropomus spp.).  With at least 11 different species of bonefish found worldwide, this will provide more opportunities for anglers to pursue world record catches of this iconic game fish. Current bonefish records will be reassigned based on where they were caught to reflect these new categories. 

Two new species will be added to Line Class, Tippet Class and Junior/Smallfry record categories: snubnose pompano (Trachinotus blochii) and milkfish (Chanos chanos).  Both species are highly sought after by anglers in the Indo-Pacific region and will also comprise part of the new IGFA Inshore Grand and Royal Slam Clubs.

 

New Inshore Grand Slam Club and Royal Slam Club

Historically, the IGFA’s Inshore Grand Slam Club has included four species: bonefish, tarpon, permit and snook.  To make this popular club more accessible to anglers around the world, the IGFA has expanded this club to include the following species:

• Atlantic bonefish
• Pacific bonefish
• Atlantic snook
• Pacific snook
• Atlantic cubera snapper
• Pacific cubera snapper
• Tarpon
• Permit
• Snubnose pompano
• Giant trevally
• Roosterfish
• Bluefin trevally
• Milkfish

Effective May 1, 2019, catching any three of these species in a day in accordance with IGFA International Angling Rules constitutes an Inshore Grand Slam, catching any four in a day constitutes an Inshore Super Grand Slam and catching any five in a day constitutes a Fantasy Slam.  Catching all 13 species during a lifetime earns an angler the new IGFA Inshore Royal Slam.

 

New Bigeye and Yellowfin Tuna Trophy Clubs

Effective May 1, 2019, IGFA will add two new opportunities to its prestigious Trophy Club program. Any angler who catches a bigeye tuna (Atlantic or Pacific) or a yellowfin tuna fishing in accordance with IGFA International Angling Rules that weighs at least 90 kg (200 lb) or has a fork length of at least 1.7 m (70 in) will qualify for one of these new trophy clubs.

 

Minimum Ratio Requirement

Effective May 1, 2019, the minimum ratio for world record catches will be set at ½ to 1 for all Line and Tippet Classes.  Under this requirement, the weight of the fish must be at least half as much as the Line or Tippet Class that it qualifies for based on pounds.  For example, a fish entered for a 15 kg (30 lb) Line Class record must now weigh a minimum of 6.8 kg (15 lb).

This change eliminates the 1:1 minimum ratio previously required for Line Classes greater than 10 kg (20 lb).

 

Changes to World Record Requirements

Effective May 1, 2019, the IGFA has also made changes to the IGFA’s World Record Requirements to ensure that they are consistent with the internal record review process and to reduce its risk and potential liability in relation to third party promotions involving world record catches.

Importantly, these changes include the elimination of the requirement that to qualify for an All-Tackle world record, “the fish must be a species commonly fished for with rod and reel in the general area where the catch was made.”

“Eliminating the requirement that a species is ‘commonly fished for’ makes it clear that the IGFA welcomes world record applications from anglers who are passionate about catching lesser known or exotic species,” said Horton.

Effective May 1, 2019, the IGFA has also amended item 3 of its Record Catch Regulations to clarify that, “The IGFA will not recognize or approve any IGFA World Record application where a financial award is offered for obtaining the record.”

“The IGFA has faced legal challenges in the past few years involving disputes that arose from third parties running marketing promotions that offer prizes, awards or bounties for setting IGFA World Records,” Horton said.  “This clarification will eliminate this unnecessary legal risk and free IGFA World Records from undue financial influence.”

Collectively, the expansion of the IGFA World Record and Slam & Trophy Club programs will provide more opportunities for anglers to be recognized by the IGFA, and the changes to the IGFA World Record Requirements will simplify the process of submitting an IGFA World Record.

About the IGFA

Founded in 1939, The International Game Fish Association is a nonprofit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and the promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices through science, education, rule making, record keeping and recognition of outstanding accomplishments in the field of angling.