How To Register A World Record Fish And What Is IGFA?
IGFA is the acronym for International Game Fish Association . This term comes from the International Sport Fishing Association, which is an authority on the subject, being recognized from the sport of fishing and other aspects related to the activity.
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How To Register A World Record Fish And What Is IGFA? |
This non-profit organization aims to conserve game fish. That is, it consists of actions and promotion of activities related to fishing that are ethical and responsible for the ecosystem, promoting leisure and sustainability.
Such measures are possible based on education and science programs, as well as the maintenance of records and the creation of specific fishing grounds for the practice, without harming the environment.
The association also has the initiative to develop practices aimed at the conservation of natural spaces and education in the scope of sport fishing.
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Furthermore, it establishes guidelines for the sport and for the motivation of fishermen. For this, it takes into account the management of world records and the establishment of rules for fishermen, for example.
Many people end up becoming interested in sport fishing, which does not consume or kill the animal, but serves as a space for relaxation and fun for the fisherman.
For you who are interested in the subject, we will explain how the fish record works, as well as bring some records in this area. To understand more about the world of fishing and its curiosities, continue reading the article!
What is sport fishing?
It is not today that the practice of fishing exists in society. On the contrary, it has been going on for thousands of years and has already helped many people to satisfy their hunger.
To get an idea, we have several stories in Christian children’s books , which show fishing as an element of protagonism in that society, being practiced by disciples of Jesus, more specifically by Simon and Peter.
In addition, since the original peoples and ancient civilizations there has been the development of apparatus for catching fish, in this case with the aim of providing food for communities.
Fishing is practiced until today from a commercial point of view and with the use of some professional equipment, such as boats that have steel rope , also acquiring relevance as a leisure activity and socializing with friends and family.
But fishing can also have a sporting character. In this case, the intention is not to kill the animal, only to fish it and then return it to its natural environment.
fishing ethics
There are many ethical issues surrounding the topic, about what kind of fish can go through this or whether animals are injured in the process.
Therefore, there are some institutions that work to ensure that sport fishing is carried out, but in complete safety. Thus, there are several rules that need to be followed, based on the legislation in force in each country.
For example, there are situations in which traditional fishing can be seen as a crime, taking into account prohibited actions, inadequate collection, irregularities on the boat or the use of unauthorized equipment.
Like traditional fishing, the sport also has rules that aim to hold competitions, so that the capture of fish that are large or rare happens in a healthy way for the environment.
In addition, some biologists explain that the fish’s mouth area has few vascularization points and, therefore, they are areas that are able to heal quickly. However, it is important to note that this type of recovery varies depending on the species.
For this, it is important that the fisherman is aware of the type of vessel that should be used, as well as if there is authorization from the public authority to carry out certain tournaments or sports activities.
It is also necessary to assess whether the practice is not experiencing a situation of vulnerability. Some fishermen do an environmental impact study to understand how this practice impacts nature.
For example, capturing or even hunting endangered species or species that are in the breeding season can result in several fines for the fisherman.
So, pay close attention to these details, if the place has a vacuum filters , it is well equipped and within the law.
How to get the registration of a world record in the IGFA?
Many people who work in fisheries aim to achieve a world record record.
This is an element that instigates people who practice sport fishing. For this, it is necessary to ask the IGFA for some elements such as:
- Requirement for the record;
- Use of scale that has recognized certification;
- Testing of the line used in fishing;
- Filling in the form;
- Insertion into world rules and parameters.
Some of these rules are the International Flyfishing Rules and the All Tackle Length Category Rules .
Both the line and the scale need to be sent to the organization in order to verify and verify the certification according to the fish that was considered a record.
In this case, some amounts need to be paid by the applicant. As a rule, it is important that the athlete also pay attention to other aspects.
It is essential to pay attention when measuring the fish and there is even a registration form that explains how the process of measuring the weight of the animal, as well as the measurement, should take place.
Another point to consider is that only an official or IGFA representative can be the professional responsible for analyzing the necessary signatures, as well as the address of the boat captain and the weigh master.
It is also necessary to identify all witnesses present at the scene.
The fisherman must also be on site in person, as his registration needs to be authenticated. It is even necessary to recognize a firm, opening a Simples Nacional company .
If this is not possible, the consulate can be contacted or a member of the International Committee should be sought to replace this procedure.
Any type of action that implies falsification of evidence or documents, disqualifies the candidate.
Other important tips for the sport fisherman
The first step for those who want to work in sport fishing is to register as an amateur fisherman, such as an environmental license . It can be obtained through the Ministry of Agriculture, taking into account state and federal actions.
In addition, it is also important to know which equipment is permitted by law for use in Brazil. Some of them are:
- Stick;
- windlass;
- Hand line.
However, such materials are considered for professional fishing. Regarding the use of pliers, this is defined from the model.
Another very interesting point for you who like the practice of fishing, is that IGFA admits members.
For this, it is essential to analyze what the values are, with some starting at USD 20 per year and gradually increasing. It is also possible to choose the individual or family plan.
It is important to make some reservations regarding the process of homologation of a fish record. This is a bureaucratic process that takes time to analyze.
Furthermore, if the discovery was made in Brazil, the investment will be greater, as international logistics are required to cover some expenses to send materials to the institution’s office, which is in Florida (USA).
It is also worth mentioning that all information is received and completed in English.
It is important to seek to integrate with an organization that is recognized worldwide for its work with sport fishing, because usually these places have the knowledge about what is and is not allowed by law.
What records should you know?
If you are passionate about sport fishing, enjoy reading this article.
There are some fishing records when it comes to this practice done in a sportive way, taking into account species such as Peacock Bass (Peacock), Sea Bass (Snook, Common), among others.
These records are due to the fact of finding fish that can be considered the largest of their species and that have been recorded so far. This action is quite interesting, as it serves as a kind of fish catalog.
We list some examples of fish that can compose records below:
- Peacock blue and butterfly;
- Peacock orinoco;
- Peacock yellow;
- Golden;
- Peacock popcorn.
These are species of fish present in records and that have varied weights of more than 4 kg. To get an idea of the size, such animals can exceed 1 meter in length.
Furthermore, they were captured in different locations, from the United States, Argentina, Venezuela to Brazil.
These fish attract attention not only for their size and weight, but also for their beauty.
If you love sport fishing and want to set a new record, as well as become more professional in the area, the first step is to seek to integrate yourself with the guidelines and knowledge that are offered by IGFA.
With this, you will practice fishing that is sustainable, responsible and within the law, and you can also consolidate your name in this type of practice through certification, in addition to earning personalized gifts and recognition.