IGFA Launches New World Records and Trophy Fish Clubs

The IGFA is excited to announce the launch of two new world record eligible fish, as well as additions and changes to the existing trophy fish clubs.

Additions to the World Record Program:

The IGFA is introducing two new species as eligible for the catch-and-release IGFA All-Tackle Length World Record Category, for both Barred Sand Bass (Paralabrax nebulifer) and Spotted Sand Bass (Paralabrax maculatofasciatus) These popular inshore game fish are a favorite among anglers in the Pacific for their aggressive strikes and abundance. The minimum length requirements for both species are as follows:

  • Barred Sand Bass (Paralabrax nebulifer) – 33-centimeters
  • Spotted Sand Bass (Paralabrax maculatofasciatus) – 28-centimeters

Be sure to use your official IGFA Measuring Device when measuring your potential catch. Additions to the Trophy Fish Club Program:

The IGFA is proud to introduce six new species to the trophy fish club program.

The IGFA Trophy Clubs recognize individual trophy game fish catches for certain eligible fresh and saltwater species. To qualify for an IGFA Trophy Club, the fish must meet either the required length or weight, as listed below. All past and present catches are eligible, provided they can be appropriately documented and were caught per IGFA Angling Rules.

Fish entered by weight must be weighed on a certified scale. If the scale is uncertified at the weigh-in, it may be certified shortly afterward. Fish may be weighed on a boat and be eligible for Trophy Clubs.

Fish entered by their length may be measured on any standard measuring device. The length measurement must be taken from the tip of the snout to the rear center edge of the tail (fork length). An IGFA official measuring device is not required.

For more information on IGFA Slam & Trophy Clubs, please visit: https://igfa.org/trophy-fish-clubs/. 

  • California Yellowtail/ Southern Yellowtail - (Seriola lalandi): A popular game fish species in California, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia, the IGFA currently holds two separate record categories for the species, split by region. Therefore, the IGFA has opened two separate Trophy Clubs for both California and Southern yellowtail.
  • Red Snapper - (Lutjanus campechanus): A popular game fish in the American Southeast, the red snapper has been a prized target for decades for most anglers. The introduction of this species to the Trophy Fish Club Program will allow anglers to receive recognition for their impressive catches. 
  • King Mackerel - (Scomberomorus cavalla): King mackerel are a popular game fish across the majority of the American Southeast and regions throughout the Gulf, with fishing tournaments and charter operations solely dedicated to fishing for the species. 
  • California Halibut (Paralichtys californicus): California halibut are a highly sought-after bottom fish throughout California and the Baja Peninsula. There are several tournaments throughout the region dedicated to the species. 
  • Pacific Halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis): A very popular game fish, there is a plethora of lodges and charter businesses dedicated to the species. Anglers travel from across the globe to test their skills against these large bottom dwellers. 
California Yellowtail

Minimum weight:
50 pounds

Minimum length:
50 inches

 

Southern Yellowtail 

Minimum weight:
60 Pounds

Minimum length:
50 Inches

 

Red Snapper

Minimum weight:
25 Pounds

Minimum length:
35 Inches

 

King Mackerel

Minimum weight:
40 Pounds

Minimum length:
50 Inches

 

California Halibut 

Minimum weight:
35 Pounds

Minimum length:
45 Inches

 

Pacific Halibut 

Minimum weight:
200 Pounds

Minimum length:
80 Inches

 

Additions to the Trophy Fish Club Program:

The IGFA is making the following changes to the IGFA Tuna Grand Slam Club:

  • The addition of albacore (Thunnus alalunga) as a species eligible for the IGFA Tuna Grand Slam Club.
  • The following species, southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii), Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) and Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) under “bluefin” for the IGFA Tuna Grand Slam.

Additions to the Royal Slam Club Program

The IGFA’s Royal Slam Clubs honor the outstanding accomplishment of catching a collection of different game fish species within an angler’s lifetime.

A “Royal Slam” is defined by an individual angler catching each of the required species within a category (shown below), per IGFA International Angling Rules. All past and present catches are eligible, provided they are properly documented.

The IGFA now differentiates Slam & Trophy Clubs caught on fly tackle versus those caught on conventional gear. To receive distinction for a Slam caught on fly tackle, all of the species must be caught on fly tackle according to IGFA Rules. Fly and conventional tackle Royal Slam Club members are displayed in the World Record Game Fishes book each year. Learn more about IGFA Slam and Trophy clubs here: igfa.org/angler-recognition

  • The addition of albacore (Thunnus alalunga) as a species eligible for the IGFA Tuna Royal Slam Club
  • The addition of Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) as a species eligible for the IGFA Tuna Royal Slam Club
    • Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii), Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) and Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) will remain as separate species for the IGFA Tuna Royal Slam Club.