The IGFA has announced a change to its record categories that will go into effect April 1, 2014: Freshwater line class and fly rod records will now be separated into men’s and women’s categories.

Unlike those kept for saltwater species, IGFA line class and fly rod records kept for freshwater species have never before been separated into men’s and women’s categories.

When the new change takes place on April 1, 2014, all current freshwater line class and tippet class records will be appropriately placed in their respective categories, based on the angler’s gender. Retired records will not be reinstated when separating the records, but rather, vacancies will fill the voids created. Catches made prior to this date will not be eligible for the new record categories. 

support the new opportunities for freshwater records.“This change will make world records more equitable across the saltwater and freshwater communities,” IGFA World Records Coordinator Jack Vitek has said, “and it will be exciting to see which vacancies are filled first.”

Eager to start planning some freshwater world record pursuits of your own? Visit the IGFA world record online database to see which record opportunities might open up in your area or areas where you travel. If you have any questions about the upcoming change, please contact Jack Vitek at jvitek@igfa.org or 954-924-4246.