IGFA introduces Junior WR Length Categories 

Junior anglers now have a further 169 vacant IGFA  world records to target with the introduction of All Tackle Length categories for 169 species. 

Kicked off on March 1 2023, the new IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior Category will be open to all anglers ages 16 and under, allowing them to experience the thrill of setting world records while promoting conservation through catch-and-release fishing.  

Of the 169 nominated species, Kiwi anglers have 14 salt and freshwater species available in our waters. Included (with the minimum lengths in brackets) are saltwater species albacore tuna (61cm), skipjack tuna (49), bonito (49), kahawai (41), snapper (47), kingfish (78), along with freshwater species grass carp (66), brown trout (51), rainbow trout (54), tiger trout (43), chinook salmon (53), sockeye salmon (35), and Atlantic salmon (46). The NZ Sport Fishing Council administers saltwater species. 

The Junior category will follow the same rules and regulations as the current All-Tackle Length record categories. IGFA has made one record available for each eligible species, open to all anglers aged 16 and under, with no differentiation for the angler's gender. The above is consistent with the current All-Tackle Length and All-Tackle Length Fly record categories.  

"Fishing is a fantastic way to connect with the outdoors. We believe that engaging young people with this sport can inspire the next generation of stewards of our oceans, lakes, and rivers, ensuring the long-term health and vitality of our aquatic resources," says IGFA President Jason Schratwieser. 

The NZSFC has long recognised the value of encouraging junior anglers into the fold. Its Nationals for many years has specific categories for junior anglers, which are hotly contested. Last April, the council's junior committee hosted the inaugural 'junior nationals' over the school holiday period, an event to be repeated this year. A big part of the junior nationals was that it was open to all, not just club members, in an attempt to spread their net as wide as possible.

– Grant Dixon and IGFA