How do you feel about IGFA Rules?

[GALAZIO]

Under Rule 19: A ball influenced by an outside agency... Under the rules, I am sure the officials would allow you to replace the ball without penalty Flat. But google and read the "rule" if you want to be confused. That is why the rule book is only a handful of pages, but the Decisions of the Rules book is 3 inches thick. Rules are designed to maintain the integrity of the game. Same thing for fishing. And they are needed and are/should be open to a challenge by a competitor.

If you are fishing a "big money" tournament and there isn't a ruling body and then a secondary "appeals" committee made up of competitors, then the issue of "local favorites" just might happen. I do know the Kingfish tour is in dire need of a rules committee and it sounds like some of these other tournaments could use a shot in the arm as well. Who won't like it? the regulars. Who will appreciate it, the organizers and all the newcomers knowing that it isn't just a good ol' boys club. It would bring more boats to a tournament...more than "Jungle Rules".

[flatbottom]

not to be a thorn in this debate, but I like rules such as ...son , see that red dot 400 yards down range. Use that weapon right there, that cartridge, and bring home the gold.

[MarlinHunter03]

But what is Tiger's hookup ratio dropping back to a White?
Just trying to get back on topic. The point I was trying to make in the post is tha some people don't care how you catch as long as there is meat on the deck and then there are those that treat it more like a sport, an art form if you will. I just believe that guys that try to fish by the rules have a greater respect for the game.

That a boy Fritz. The point isn't pounds or strictly numbers, it's how you do it. Anyone can hire a good mate, or pay a good crew. But the point is how good are you? How good is YOUR CREW. I, personally, don't care who you can hire. It's about how good YOU are. That's how a tournament should be run and I think the majority of the IGFA's rules make that happen. You need at least 5 good fishermen to have a good crew and that's just the way it is. If you can't make that happen that's your fault. Screw the economics of it. Tournaments shouldn't be about that. Well said Fritz, an art form it is.

[Fritz]

I read these every once in awhile and believe everyone should. Things happen out there and anybody on any given day can have a shot at a record fish. People want to bash the IGFA, until a potential record is involved along with all the potential endorsements and then it's a different story. If you are not following the rules you will be DQed. Wouldn't it suck to catch a world record Yellowfin or Bigeye only to be DQed cause the rod was passed or the line overtested or for some other reason? So here is the link.

http://www.igfa.org/BookRule2004.pdf

[clt_capt]

It's about how good YOU are. That's how a tournament should be run and I think the majority of the IGFA's rules make that happen. You need at least 5 good fishermen to have a good crew and that's just the way it is. If you can't make that happen that's your fault. Screw the economics of it. Tournaments shouldn't be about that. Well said Fritz, an art form it is.

Frankly - if it is about YOU, then when the fish is hooked, the boat engines should be turned off, other lines cleared, and everyone else out of the cockpit until the fish is boated or lost. The point I'm trying to make is that as it stands today, record fishing (and tournaments with IGFA rules) is really about the team - a great boat driver, a group of talented mates, and people paying attention to each line.

my $.02

[anthony]

What is interesting is all the talk of "sport" on here...heck, first I had to check the website again, thought I had mistakenly logged onto golfsnob.com. How sporting is it to try to break these light line records? Use the boat to help you out, fight the fish to exhaustion. Just throwing it out there since we are having the discussion. Personally, I don't have a whole lot of use for the IGFA. I have fished tourneys and I have won a few a lost a bunch, but to the best of my knowledge I have never knowingly broken any of the rules...I respect them, but I don't think we necessarily need the IGFA to dictate them...the tourneys can do it just fine. Day in and day out, I am trying to show my charter or buddies a good time and put meatindabox or catch a few bills...and I always feel the fish has at least a sporting chance....much more so than blasting a deer at 200 yards with a 30-06.

[Talbot29]

I really don't get the relationship between golf and fishing. I fish - I don't golf. The reason I don't golf is it just doesn't make sense to me. Why would anyone do something that pisses them off to enjoy themself. Enough of that...

I think we need rules and the IGFA seems to have stepped in to fill that void. I think it would be good if they took a close look at the rules to see if a little rationalization could be done to bring them up to date. I personally do not follow all of the rules for that reason. I only fish fun tournaments because I fish to relax and have fun. The second stress starts to enter the cockpit I'm done... Rock on.

[Fritz]

Frankly - if it is about YOU, then when the fish is hooked, the boat engines should be turned off, other lines cleared, and everyone else out of the cockpit until the fish is boated or lost. The point I'm trying to make is that as it stands today, record fishing (and tournaments with IGFA rules) is really about the team - a great boat driver, a group of talented mates, and people paying attention to each line.

my $.02

I think you need to re-read Marlin Hunter's post. He meant You collectively speaking about a tram that is why he stated you need 5 good crew members.