IGFA FISHING RULES
The GFAPNG operates under the International Game Fish Association rules to promote ethical and sporting angling practices across Papua New Guinea.
IGFA ANGLING RULES
The following angling rules have been formulated by the International Game Fish Association to promote ethical and sporting angling practices, to establish uniform regulations for the compilation of world game fish records, and to provide basic angling guidelines for use in fishing tournaments and any other group angling activities.
The word “angling” is defined as catching or attempting to catch fish with a rod, reel, line, and hook as outlined in the international angling rules. There are some aspects of angling that cannot be controlled through rule making, however. Angling regulations cannot insure an outstanding performance from each fish, and world records cannot indicate the amount of difficulty in catching the fish.
Captures in which the fish has not fought or has not had a chance to fight do not reflect credit on the fisherman, and only the angler can properly evaluate the degree of achievement in establishing the record. Only fish caught in accordance with IGFA international angling rules, and within the intent of these rules, will be considered for world records.
PNG GFA TAGGING RULES
The GFA of PNG supports and encourages the ethics underlying the tagging and release in good condition of all fish. The GFA of PNG does not support free release of fish for Game Fishing Club’s Annual Point Scores or Tournaments. The GFA recognizes that the Boroko Sports Fishing Club practices both free release and tag and release, due primarily to the small size of its target species. NSW Fisheries tags are the preferred tags and are freely available from all member clubs.
All IGFA angling rules will apply until the fish is tagged.
The tagpole or tagging device must be in hand when the tag is implanted, and every effort made to place the tag in a recognised, scientifically correct position.
Gaffs may not be used during tagging, other than a jaw gaff used to secure the fish in the jaw.
The fish must be alive when tagged, and capable of survival when released.
A fish is considered tagged and released when the tag is implanted in the live fish, and the hooks removed or the leader cut as close to the fish as possible.
Tagpoles may not exceed 8ft (2.44m) in length.
One or more persons may assist in the tagging providing all IGFA rules are followed.
KEY PRINCIPLES OF ETHICAL ANGLING
FAIR CHASE
The angler must hook, fight, and land or tag the fish using their own skill and strength. The fish must have a fair chance to fight.
TAG & RELEASE
Conservation through tagging and releasing fish in good condition is encouraged and supported by the GFA of PNG and all affiliated clubs.
LINE CLASS
Records are categorised by line class to ensure fair competition. All tackle must comply with IGFA specifications for the claimed category.
CERTIFIED WEIGHING
All record claims must be weighed on scales certified accurate within the 12 months prior to the catch, witnessed by a disinterested party.
VISIT THE IGFA
For the complete and most up-to-date rules, world records, and conservation initiatives, visit the International Game Fish Association website. If you have questions about how IGFA rules apply in PNG, contact the GFAPNG.