Applying for a World Record

The IGFA is the worldwide keeper of fishing world records. There are over 7,100 categories, from fly rod to conventional, freshwater and saltwater. Before starting your quest to attain an IGFA World Record, it is important that anglers are aware of how Junior Angler rules differ from the IGFA Adult Record rules.

• There are two age groups for Junior Anglers—Smallfry and Junior. Any angler age 10 and under will qualify in the Smallfry category. Anglers between the ages of 11-16 are classified in the Junior category. All anglers no matter their age are subject to IGFA rules.
• If a Junior Angler's catch also qualifies for an adult record, the catch must be weighed on land, and must submit line sample for testing. Please read regulations on submitting line samples.
• Junior and Smallfry anglers are allowed to weigh their catch on the water using a certified scale. This makes it easier to release their catch after weighing and measuring.
• Junior Anglers do not have line classes so applicants do not have to submit a line sample unless requested by IGFA.
• Junior Anglers are allowed to use up to 130 lb test line. Please remember that some lines over-test so use lines that you know will not break heavier than the maximum allowed.

For people who want to try to set records for the first time, the first thing we tell them is to know the IGFA rules and application form backwards and forwards. It is important to know what you can and cannot do, and what you need and do not need when submitting a record application. One important rule to keep in mind is that a Junior Angler may weigh their catch on the boat with a certified scale in order to release it. That angler will qualify for a junior record only, as long as the fish is heavier than the current record for the angler’s category. If the Junior Angler weighs the fish on land with a certified scale, then he or she could qualify for any record-line class, all-tackle, or fly rod.

It is important to follow all rules and regulations. Often times a record is lost because of a rule violation. The most common reasons for losing a record are hook violations, scales that are not certified or not certifiable and late applications. Anglers who catch fish in U.S. waters have 60 days to submit a record. Anglers in international waters have 90 days. The only exception is for all-tackle records where there is no time limit. Any application submitted beyond the 60 or 90-day limit is subject to rejection.

To submit a record, you must fill out the record application and submit it, along with photographs of the angler with the catch as well as photographs of the rod, reel and scale. For sharks or other species that may be difficult to identify, you will need photographs of the side of the fish as well as underside in order to expedite verification of the species. Scales used to weigh the catch must be current on certification or be submitted along with the application for testing. Scales that have been certified by the state or government for commercial purposes are acceptable as well. IGFA will examine scales at a nominal fee for members. On the application form, check the appropriate boxes i.e. “smallfry” (10 and under) and “junior” anglers (11 to 16) as well as male or female.  If you are applying for an adult line or tippet record in addition to the junior record, you must weigh your catch “off the body of water”, as well as submit the line and leader for testing, please read the angling rules carefully before applying for both junior and an adult records.

A good knowledge of IGFA rules can mean the difference between a nice catch and a certifiable IGFA World Record. For example, sometimes anglers catch a fish with a treble hook and bait. This would be a violation of IGFA rules. Treble hooks are acceptable if they are free-swinging on a lure, but not if they are used with natural bait. Also, anglers sometimes use a “stinger” hook- a treble hook dangling behind an otherwise properly baited hook. Again, this is a violation. This is why it is important to read the IGFA rules, so you know which hooks and hook setups you can and cannot use.

It is always best to be prepared whenever you go fishing. Know what you can and cannot do, and know what information you need. If you are unsure about any of the rules and regulations, or need additional information, contact the IGFA at (954) 927-2628 or email HQ@igfa.org. The people you fish with, if properly informed, can take great pleasure in assisting you with your record catch and application, almost as much as you did when you caught the fish. That way, whenever anyone looks at your record certificate proudly displayed it will not be just you who will remember fondly the one that didn’t get away.

Click for a downloadable version of the IGFA Rules.

Click for a downloadable version of the Junior Angler Record Application.

 (These document are in the Adobe PDF format. If you do not have the Adobe Reader you can download it for free by clicking here.)

Soon you will be able to click for a list of Eligible Species!