A group of big game fly fishermen have been sending petitions to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) urging them to create a new record category. The new ”heavy fly” division, which they propose be separate from the existing fly records, would greatly loosen IGFA flyfishing rules for large marlin, sailfish, swordfish, tarpon, tuna and sharks on a fly rod. Included in the species list for which record status is requested is whale shark which grow to over 60 feet and can weigh more than 40,000 lbs. Whale sharks are protected in U.S. waters. IGFA is seeking opinions from fly anglers regarding the advisability of creating a new fly rod record category. The petition proposes: * flying gaffs and rod harness would be allowed * tipped categories up to 30 lb. class (15 KG) * shock tippet up to 1 meter in length (39.4 inches) * separate records for men and women * the fish may not be gaffed until 2 minutes after hook up * the hooked fish may not be chummed after hook up to keep it near the boat * record submissions must weight more than the current record for that species in the corresponding tippet category
The new category, if accepted by IGFA, would create 220 vacant records to start. IGFA currently maintains 7115 records, of which 2129 were vacant as of July 1, 2002. If anyone would like to express their opinion on the proposal, fax, mail or e-mail to International Game Fish Association (IGFA), 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, Florida 33004, Fax (954) 924- 4299, E-mail IGFAHQ@aol.com
