INTERNATIONAL GAMEFISH TOURNAMENTS
Equipment and Angling Rules

 

 

 

LINE

1.Monofilament, multifilament, lead core multifilament and Spectra fiber braided fishing lines may be used. Line must not exceed 130 pound test class as stated on the line manufacturer’s product specifications. Wire lines are not allowed.

 

2. Two different types or strengths of lines ("top-shots") may be used on a single reel provided the two lines meet the tournament's line requirements.  The connecting knot, splice or braid may not exceed seven (7) feet in length. Teams weighing fish must report the use of “top shots” or the use of two different lines on their reel at the time of weighing their fish in order for Tournament Officials to examine the two lines and connecting knot, splice or braid.

LINE BACKING
1. Backing not attached to the fishing line is permissible with no restrictions as to size or material. If the fishing line is attached to the backing, the backing may not exceed the 130 pound maximum line class.

DOUBLE LINE
If double line is used, it must meet the following requirements:
1. A double line must consist of the actual line used to catch the fish.
2. Double lines are measured from the start of the knot, braid, roll or splice making the double to the farthest end of the knot, splice, snap, swivel or other device used for securing the trace, leader, lure or hook to the double line. In all line classes up to and including 20 lb, the double line shall be limited to 15 feet. The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 20 feet. The double line on all classes of tackle over 20 lb shall be limited to 30 feet. The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 40 feet.

LEADER
A leader must be used; it must meet the following specifications:
1. The length of the leader is the overall length including any lure, hook arrangement or other device. The leader must be connected to the line with a snap, knot, splice, swivel or other device. Holding devices, such as knotted loops, are prohibited. There are no regulations regarding the material or strength of the leader.
2. In all line classes up to and including 20 lb, the double line shall be limited to 15 feet. The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 20 feet. The double line on all classes of tackle over 20 lb shall be limited to 30 feet. The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 40 feet. 

3. The main line may not be connected directly to the hook. All line strengths including 130 lb. test must have a swivel, splice, or knot attaching a leader and hook. The leader cannot exceed 30 feet in length.

4. A fish cannot be fought entirely on the double line or leader. If is fish is hooked before the double line and leader has cleared the rod tip you must immediately free spool or otherwise get the double line and leader past the rod tip.

ROD
1. The rod tip must be a minimum of 40 inches in length. The rod butt cannot exceed 27 inches in length. These measurements must be made from a point directly beneath the center of the reel. A curved butt is measured in a straight line. When the rod is placed in a gimbal, the measurement from the center of the reel seat to the pivot point of the gimbal can be no more than 27 inches.

2. Once a billfish has been boated the rod and reel may be reused, however it must have the  jig or hook(s) complete leader, double line, if used, and 12 inches of the main line cut off before reusing. Please put aside for examination by a Tournament Official. Zip-Lock bags work great. The rod and reel must be tagged or marked in a manner which can be later identified as the combination used in the catch.

REEL
1. Power driven reels of any kind are prohibited. This includes motor, hydraulic, or electrically driven reels, and any device that gives the angler an unfair advantage.  Ratchet handle reels are prohibited. Reels designed to be cranked with both hands at the same time are prohibited.

HOOKS FOR BAIT FISHING    
See Illustrated Hooks, Lures and Gaffs
For live or dead bait fishing no more than two single hooks may be used. Both must be firmly imbedded in or securely attached to the bait. The eyes of the hooks must be no less than a hook's length (the length of the largest hook used) apart and no more than 18 inches apart. The only exception is that the point of one hook may be passed through the eye of the other hook. The use of a dangling or swinging hook is prohibited. Double or treble hooks are prohibited.
                                                                                                            
HOOKS AND LURES   
See Illustrated Hooks, Lures and Gaffs
1. When using an artificial lure with a skirt or trailing material, no more than two single hooks may be attached to the line, leader, or trace. The hooks need not be attached separately. The eyes of the hooks must be no less than an overall hook's length (the overall length of the largest hook used) apart and no more than 12 inches apart. The only exception is that the point of one hook may be passed through the eye of the other hook. The trailing hook may not extend more than a hook's length beyond the skirt of the lure.
2. Gang hooks are permitted when attached to plugs and other artificial lures that are specifically designed for this use. Gang hooks must be free swinging and shall be limited to a maximum of three hooks (single, double, or treble, or a combination of any three). Baits may not be used with gang hooks.                                                                                                                                   3. When a Billfish has been boated, it is Mandatory you retire at least 12 inches of the main line, all double line, leader, lure, and the hook(s). If a lure or bait hook is reused and later lost, the billfish will be disqualified. This rule is in place to protect your team and your catch.

OTHER EQUIPMENT
1. Fighting chairs may not have any mechanically propelled devices that aid the angler in fighting a fish.
2. Gimbals must be free swinging, which includes gimbals that swing in a vertical plane only. Any gimbal that allows the angler to reduce strain or to rest while fighting the fish is prohibited.
3. Gaffs used to boat a fish must not exceed 8 feet in overall length. In using a flying or detachable gaff the rope may not exceed 30 feet. The gaff rope must be measured from the point where it is secured to the detachable head to the other end. Only the effective length will be considered. If a fixed head gaff is used, the same limitations shall apply and the gaff rope shall be measured from the same location on the gaff hook. Only a single hook is permitted on any gaff. Harpoon or lance attachments are prohibited. Tail ropes are limited to 30 feet. The use of a gaff is only permitted in the taking of Dorado, Wahoo, tuna, or a billfish that is over the minimum weight. See Illustrated Hooks, Lures and Gaffs.
4. Entangling devices, either with-or-without a hook, are prohibited and may not be used for any purpose including baiting, hooking, fighting, or landing the fish.
5. Outriggers, downriggers and kites are permitted to be used provided that the actual fishing line is attached to the snap or other release device, either directly or with some other material. The leader or double line may not be connected to the release mechanism either directly or with the use of a connecting device.

6. Daisy chains, spreader bars, birds, floats and similar devices may not be used between the main line and the hook(s). They can only be used as a teaser with no hooks attached.
7. A safety line may be attached to the rod provided that it does not in any way assist the angler in fighting the fish.
8. Nets may not be used to capture a qualifying fish.

ANGLING RULES:
1. From the precise moment a fish strikes a bait or lure, no one other than the individual angler involved in the catching of that fish may touch or handle the rod, reel, line or double line. If an event like this occurs, the Rules Committee's decision for disqualifying the fish will be based on whether or not the angler was aided by the act, potentially altering the outcome of the capture or release of the fish. Momentary, accidental and inadvertent events that do not or would not alter the outcome of the ultimate capture or release of the fish will not necessarily lead to disqualification of the fish.
2. Deckhands or mates can handle all equipment and tackle but they cannot set the hook on a fish and then hand the rod off to a team member. After a fish strikes, deckhands and mates may remove the other rods, teasers and other legal devices in use from the water. However, any fish hooked while a deckhand or mate is bringing in, or letting out, a line is a non-qualifying catch.
3. If a rod holder is used and a fish strikes or takes the bait or lure, the angler must remove the rod from the holder as quickly as possible.
4. A harness may be attached to the reel or rod, but not to the fighting chair. The harness may be replaced or adjusted by a person other than the angler.
5. Use of a rod belt or waist gimbal is permitted.
6. Once the leader is brought within the grasp of the mate, or the end of the leader is wound to the rod tip, more than one person is permitted to hold the leader.
7. One or more gaffers may be used in addition to persons holding the leader. The gaff handle must be in hand when the fish is gaffed.
8. The angling and equipment regulations shall apply until the fish is weighed. 

9. We do not want dead fish floating. In the event a fish comes up dead or is too weak to be released, you will be required to contact tournament control of your intentions to boat the fish. You will receive 100 points for the fish if you are in the Optional Release Division. You will be required to boat the fish without gaff marks or any kind of man made marks or injuries (i.e.: bat marks) to the fish. The fish MUST be brought to the scales for examination by the weigh master. If the fish has any gaff mark or injuries, the fish will be disqualified and weighed. All penalties will apply as indicated in the IGT rules and no release points will be awarded if the team is in the Optional Release Division.

THE FOLLOWING ACTS/SITUATIONS WILL DISQUALIFY A CATCH:
1. Failure to comply with IGT Tournament, equipment or angling regulations.
2. The act of persons other than the angler in touching any part of the rod, reel, line or double line, either bodily or with any device, from the time a fish strikes or takes the bait or lure, until the fish is either landed or released, or in giving any aid other than that allowed in the rules and regulations (see angling rule 1. above for further clarification).

3. If an obstacle to the passage of the line through the rod guides has to be removed from the line, then the obstacle, whether chum, float line, rubber band, or other material, shall be held and cut free. Under no circumstances should the line or double line be held or touched by anyone other than the angler during this process.
4. Intentionally resting the rod in a rod holder, on the gunwale of the boat, or any other object while playing the fish. A momentary accidental brushing of the rod on an object is not an infraction of the rules.
5. Hand lining or using a hand line or rope attached in any manner to the angler's line or leader for the purpose of holding or lifting the fish.
6. Shooting, harpooning, or lancing any fish at any stage of the catch.
7. Chumming with or using as bait the flesh, blood, skin, or any part of mammals other than hair or pork rind used in lures designed for trolling or casting.
8. Using a boat or device to beach or drive a fish into shallow water in order to deprive the fish of its normal ability to swim.
9. Changing the rod or reel while the fish is being played.
10. Splicing, removing, or adding to the line while the fish is being played.
11. Intentionally foul-hooking a fish.
12. Catching a fish in a manner that the double line or leader never leaves the rod tip.
13. Attaching the angler's line or leader to part of a boat or other object for the purpose of holding or lifting the fish.
14. If a fish escapes before gaffing and is recaptured by any method other than as outlined in the angling rules.
15. When a rod breaks, while the fish is being played, in a manner that reduces the length of the tip below minimum dimensions or severely impairs its angling characteristics.
16. Mutilation to the fish, prior to landing or boating the catch, caused by sharks, other fish, mammals, or propellers that remove or penetrate the flesh. Injuries caused by leader or line, scratches, old healed scars or regeneration deformities are not considered to be disqualifying injuries.
17. When a hooked fish becomes entangled on more than one line or when one fish is hooked to two lines. 

18. If a team calls a release into tournament control they cannot later decide to take the fish as a potential qualifier and bring it to the scales.

19. Teams caught communicating in any manner with spotter planes, commercial boats, or any non-tournament vessels during tournament fishing hours may be disqualified. Boats are not allowed to come in contact with or hand off anything to another vessel during fishing hours unless given permission from tournament control. (Exceptions are navigational hazards or any other safety issues.) 

20. Un-sportsmanship conduct can lead up to and include disqualification of a team in the current tournament and all future events. Items such as physical or excessive abuse directed towards any tournament official or participant of the tournament and excessive profanity on the radio are covered under this rule.