IGFA introduces new Junior Line and Tippet Class World Records
by IGFA 1 Apr 2025 10:23 PDT
The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) © IGFA
The International Game Fish Association (IGFA), the global authority on world records for all game fish species, is excited to announce the launch of new Junior Line Class and Junior Tippet Class World Record categories, giving anglers aged 16 and under even more opportunities to be recognized for their achievements on the water.
Beginning April 1, 2025, junior anglers will be able to submit world record applications for select freshwater and saltwater game fish species using designated Line and Tippet Classes. Separate categories will be available for both boys and girls, and all entries will follow the IGFA's current Line and Tippet Class rules and regulations to ensure fair, ethical, and scientifically valuable records.
The only deviation from standard Line and Tippet Class record requirements is that, consistent with other Junior record categories, fish may be weighed on a boat. This exception is noted in the "Weighing Requirements" section of the IGFA International Angling Rules.
"Introducing Junior Line and Tippet Class Records is more than just expanding our record categories, it's about challenging young anglers to fish according to IGFA's angling rules while fostering a deeper connection to the sport and its conservation values," said IGFA President Jason Schratwieser. "These categories celebrate skill, patience, and precision, and we hope they'll inspire the next generation to not only fish, but to care deeply about the future of our fisheries."
IGFA Junior Line and Tippet Class World Records will be listed in the IGFA World Record Database online, mirroring the format of current Line and Tippet Class records. These new records will not appear in the "IGFA World Record Game Fishes" book. Moving forward, the existing Junior and Smallfry World Records will be referred to as "IGFA Junior and Smallfry All-Tackle World Records" and remain unchanged in format.
With more than 150 eligible game fish species ranging from largemouth bass and Atlantic salmon to dolphinfish and yellowfin tuna, this new program opens the door to exciting world records opportunities for young anglers across the globe. Some highly regulated species such as sharks, billfish and tarpon are not eligible for this new youth-focused category in keeping with the IGFA's commitment to promoting ethical angling and the responsible pursuit of world records.
To view the complete list of eligible species and learn more about the new IGFA Junior Line and Tippet Class World Record categories, visit here.