I recently read some definitive explanations in the Aussie magazine, Bluewater Boats and Sportfishing, penned by Jason Schratwieser, the IGFA's Conservation Director who also, I understand, administers World Record claims.
So, his salient points:
- The line breaks lower than the maufacturer's stated breaking strain. No, the catch will not be considered in any lower line class category just the category represented by the manufacturer's stated BS.
- The line over-tests the manufacturer's stated BS. Then it will be considered in the (greater) line-class category representative of its tested BS.
- Now the tricky one. If a fish fails to break the record for the line class within which it falls BUT the record for a greater line class is smaller you can't submit a claim within that higher category.
But, and here I quote verbatim, there has been a recent amendment to IGFA record application requirements.
Due to the increased prevalence of super-strength monofilament and multifilament lines, IGFA is now requiring that all non-fly rod record applications must include 50 feet of line still attached to the double line and leader if one is used. This includes All-Tackle and Junior record applications as well.
