Young Anglers Making Waves
IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior World Records Inspire Ethical Fishing
The All-Tackle Length Junior Category of World Records is a welcome addition to our world record categories and has allowed young anglers to leave their mark in the annals of sportfishing history.
Launched on March 1, 2023, the IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior Category opened new doors for anglers aged 16 and under, giving them the chance to chase world records while practicing responsible catch-and-release fishing. This innovative category adheres to strict angling rules, responsible handling practices, and requires junior anglers to submit comprehensive documentation of their catch, including exact measurements, clear photographs, and evidence of the fish’s release.
IGFA Official Measuring Device
To register an All-Tackle Length Junior record, one essential requirement is an official IGFA Measuring Device. Just as a certified spring or digital scale is used for weight records, this measuring device is used for length records. In the diagram below, you can see the correct method for measuring and recording your catch before safely releasing it.
This record category provides youth anglers with an unparalleled opportunity to achieve a world record while supporting conservation efforts. These records don’t require weighing fish on certified scales; instead, anglers can measure their catch on a flat surface using an official IGFA Measuring Device, which makes the process simpler and requires fish to be released quickly and safely. First introduced by IGFA in 2011, length records have become an exciting alternative to weight records, and now with this youth-focused category, children have an accessible pathway to world-record status (and memories to last a lifetime).
For some species, the current All-Tackle Length records are highly competitive, yet they remain within reach for young, determined anglers eager to make their mark. Unlike traditional weight records, which may stand unchallenged for decades, length records are relatively new and frequently updated. This dynamic nature creates exciting opportunities for junior anglers to etch their names into the record book while competing for a piece of angling history.
Length records also bring a fresh perspective to sportfishing, offering an alternative to the traditional focus on weight. In some cases, All-Tackle length records rival the sizes of established weight records, while others reveal significant gaps, suggesting they are still attainable for aspiring anglers. This new frontier provides a thrilling challenge and an avenue for conservation-minded youth to engage with the sport in meaningful ways.
The accessibility and abundance of length record opportunities not only inspire the next generation of anglers to push their limits but also encourage them to play an active role in being involved with the IGFA.
Young Anglers to Watch
These young anglers are no strangers to the record books. They hail from places far and wide and have had success targeting a variety of species. They are are big part of the future of our sport.
