IGFA Launches New World Record Length Category for Kids
Young anglers have a new chance to catch and release IGFA World Records
March 01, 2023
Beginning March 1, 2023, the new IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior category will be open to all anglers ages 16 and under, providing them with an opportunity to experience the thrill of setting World Records while promoting conservation through catch-and-release fishing.
The new All-Tackle Length Junior category will follow the same rules and regulations as the current All-Tackle Length record categories. The All-Tackle Length Junior category will have one record available for each eligible species and be open to all anglers ages 16 and under, with no differentiation made for the angler’s gender, which is consistent with current All-Tackle Length and All-Tackle Length Fly record categories. The creation of this new record category will create 169 vacant record opportunities. Vacancies will be created for all eligible species of the All-Tackle Length record category and will follow the same minimum length requirements already established.
"By introducing the All-Tackle Length Junior category, we hope to inspire the next generation of anglers to get out and fish, while promoting ethical and sustainable fishing practices," said IGFA President Jason Schratwieser. "Fishing is a fantastic way to connect with the outdoors, and we believe that by engaging young people with this sport, we can inspire the next generation of stewards of our oceans, lakes, and rivers and help ensure the long-term health and vitality of our aquatic resources."
The new category represents a significant step forward for youth involvement in angling. With children and teenagers increasingly disconnected from the outdoors, the IGFA hopes to inspire a new wave of young anglers who are passionate about the sport and its role in connecting people to nature. To learn more about IGFA Angling Rules, visit https://igfa.org/international-angling-rules/.
IGFA World Records are published each spring in the IGFA World Record Game Fishes book and distributed to IGFA members worldwide. In addition to featuring all current World Records, the nearly 500-page volume features IGFA Slam & Trophy Clubs, fishing tips, conservation updates, and more. World Records can also be viewed online. To learn more about becoming a member and receiving your annual copy of the IGFA World Record Game Fishes book, go to www.igfa.org/join.
Click here for a list of eligible species.