How to claim a sport fishing record

I often see outstanding catches on Facebook, some of which are lauded as potential New Zealand or even world records, but few make it into the record book or come to my attention officially.

Sadly, some people prioritise telling everybody about their catch over completing the process required to have it recognised as it deserves to be. Here are some tips on how to make your record claim a success.

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Compliance

Firstly, make sure your gear is compliant with the equipment regulations and that you fish strictly according to the IGFA and NZSFC angling rules. What you see on television frequently does not comply. That non-compliance is perfectly fine for food and fun fishing, of course, but if you want to make a record claim, then you must do everything according to the book. If you’re going to take a record off someone else, then ethically you need to comply with the rules.

NZ Record applications are free to affiliated members of NZSFC but cost $150 for non-members – it’s one of the benefits of belonging to a club. World record applications cost USD$50 for IGFA members and USD$80 for non-members. Successful world record applications automatically become NZ records as well once they are advised by IGFA, where both organisations recognise the species concerned.

Remember, the job is not finished until the paperwork is done. Claim forms are available from the NZSFC website or from the clubs themselves, which is where your fish will most likely be weighed.

Club weigh-masters and/or officials will be able to assist you in filling out the forms and checking that your gear complies with the requirements. This assistance is another very good reason for belonging to a club in the first place. The requirements to complete a world record claim are much more extensive than for a national one.

Club membership also entitles you to a copy of the excellent NZSFC Yearbook, which contains everything you need to know, including the rules, a copy of the record application form and a checklist to follow for making a claim.

Once you have completed the claim form, it must be witnessed by a JP or anyone else authorised to witness a statutory declaration, including IGFA representatives.

There is a strict time limit for all claims. New Zealand record claims must be received within 60 days to be considered. World record line class claims must be received in the USA within three months of capture if the fish was caught outside that country. Photographs are required to accompany the claim. These can be in printed or digital form, such as a memory stick. The minimum photographic requirements are, one, showing the full length of the fish hanging up and one lying flat on its side on the ground, showing all the fins clearly; the fishing gear used to catch the fish; and a photo of the lure used if it is not included with the claim. A picture of the scales used is also required.

In New Zealand, we recognise line class claims for junior anglers, as we do for senior anglers. IGFA recognises only all-tackle claims for each species for male and female Smallfry and Junior anglers.

While NZSFC recognises a total of 29 marine sports fish for record purposes, IGFA recognises hundreds, and the logistical challenge of accepting Smallfry and Junior claims for every line class is too great to be possible.

Take a sample

Line samples are required for all claims. The requirements are the same for NZ or world records: 15 metres of the line attached to the trace as used in the capture.

Please note that the line sample must be supplied in a form that is easily unwound, either wound onto a piece of cardboard or a spool. Line that is tangled or cannot be unrolled without tangling may be rejected, along with your claim.

You do not have to include the lure if one was used. Cut the trace diagonally at the hook end, and include a photograph of the lure showing the placement of the hook or hooks within the skirt. Good luck with your fishing!

For more information: NZSFC Records Officer: 027 4991136, [email protected] Website: www.nzsportfishing.co.nz

   This article is reproduced with permission of   
New Zealand Fishing News

January 2019 - Pete Saul
Re-publishing elsewhere is prohibited

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