International Game Fish Association

IGFA provides the rulebook behind an international game-fish record rather than a casual leaderboard. Its angling rules specify eligible tackle, how the fish must be fought, prohibited assistance and the evidence required for a claim. Record categories cover all-tackle, line classes and length-based catch-and-release achievements across freshwater, saltwater and fly fishing. Annual World Record Game Fishes publications preserve accepted results, and the broader organization connects records with education and conservation work.

The database represents catches submitted under IGFA categories, not the largest member of every population, and a record does not measure ecological value or the difficulty of local conditions. Applicants need accurate species identification, calibrated equipment, measurements, photographs and sometimes witnesses or samples; missing evidence can invalidate a genuine catch. Read the current rules before fishing because reconstructing compliance afterward is difficult. Local law, protected-species requirements and humane handling always take precedence over documenting a potential record.