Equipment Regulations
A. Line
Monofilament, multifilament and lead core multifilament lines may be used. Wire lines are prohibited. For line classes see 'Records Awards & Trophies' section of this handbook - or in the case of World or NZ Fishing Records contact the National Secretary.
B. Line Backing
Line backing is line that is wound onto the spool to increase its diameter. Backing not attached to the fishing line is permissible with no restrictions as to size or material. If the fishing line is attached to the backing, the catch shall be classified under the heavier of the two lines. The backing must be of a type of line approved for use in these Rules.
C. Leader
The use of a leader is not required. If one is used it must meet the following specifications: The length of the leader is the overall length including any lure, hook arrangement or other device. The leader must be connected to the line with a snap, knot, splice, swivel or other device. In all classes of line up to and including 10 kg the leader shall be limited to 4.5 metres. The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 6 metres. The leader on all classes of tackle over 10 kg shall be limited to 9 metres. The combined length of the double line and leader shall be limited to 12 metres. For surfcasting there is no regulation regarding the strength of the leader but it shall not exceed 9 metres in length. While a leader and double line may be used together their combined length must not exceed 9 metres. (Illustration 1)
D. Double Line
The use of a double line is not required. If one is used it must meet the following specifications: A double line must consist of the actual line used to catch the fish. Double lines are measured from the start of the knot, braid, roll or splice, snap, swivel or other devices used for securing the trace, leader, lure or hook to the double line. In all line classes up to and including 10 kg the double line shall be limited to 4.5 metres. The combined length of the double line on all classes of tackle over 10 kg shall be limited to 9 metres. The combined length of double line and leader shall not exceed 12 metres. (Illustration 2.)
E. Trace
The use of a trace is not required. If one is used it must meet the following specifications: In all classes of line up to and including 10 kg the leader shall be limited to 4.5 metres. The combined length of the double line or leader and trace shall not exceed 6 metres. The trace on all classes of tackle above 10 kg shall be limited to 9 metres. The combined length of double line, leader and trace shall be limited to 12 metres. The trace must be connected to the line with a knot, splice, snap, swivel or other device. For surfcasting the double line, leader and trace shall not exceed 12 metres. (Illustrations 1 & 2)
F. Rod
Rods must comply with sporting ethics and customs. Considerable latitude is allowed in the choice of a rod, but rods giving the angler an unfair advantage will be disqualified. This rule is intended to eliminate the use of unconventional rods.
G. Reel
Reels must comply with sporting ethics and customs. Power driven reels of any kind are prohibited. This includes motor, hydraulic or electrically driven reels or any device which gives the angler an unfair advantage. Ratchet handle reels are prohibited.
Reels designed to be cranked by both hands at the same time are prohibited.
H. Hooks for Bait Fishing
For live or dead bait fishing no more than two single hooks may be used. Both must be firmly embedded in, or securely attached to, the bait. The eyes of the hooks must be no less than a hook's length (the length of the largest hook used) apart and no more than 45 cm apart. The only exception is that the point of one hook may be passed through the eye of the other. A small keeper hook may be used for surfcasting provided it is smaller than the main hook, is firmly embedded in the bait and is used solely for the purpose of preventing the bait from moving down the main hook during casting. (Illustration 3).
The use of a dangling, swinging, double or treble hook is prohibited. A hook rig for bottom fishing is acceptable if it consists of two single hooks on separate leaders or drops. Both hooks must be embedded in the respective baits and separated sufficiently so that a fish caught on one hook cannot be foul-hooked by the other. (Illustration 4). All record applications made for fish caught on two hook tackle must be accompanied by a photograph or a sketch of the hook arrangement.
J. Hooks and Lures
When using an artificial lure with a skirt of trailing material, no more than two single hooks may be attached to the line, leader or trace. The hooks need not be attached separately. The eyes of the hooks must be no less than an overall hook's length (the overall length of the largest hook used) apart. The only exception is that the point of one hook may be passed through the eye of the other hook. The trailing hook may not extend more than a hook's length beyond the skirt of the lure. A photograph or sketch showing the hook arrangement must accompany a record application.
Gang hooks are permitted when attached to plugs and other artificial lures specifically designed for this use. Gang hooks must be free swinging and shall be limited to a maximum of two hooks (either single or double) and directly attached to the lure. A photograph or sketch must be submitted with record applications. If not satisfactory the plug or lure itself may be requested.
Other Equipment
Fighting chairs may not have any mechanically propelled devices which aid the angler in fighting a fish. Gimbals must be free swinging, which includes gimbals that swing in a vertical plane only. Any gimbal that allows the angler to reduce the strain or to rest while fighting the fish is prohibited.
Gaffs and nets used to boat or land fish must not exceed 2.4 metres in overall length. (When fishing from a bridge, pier or other high platform or structure, this length limitation does not apply.) In using a flying or detachable gaff the rope may not exceed 9 metres. The gaff rope must be measured from the point where it is secured to the detachable head to the other end. Only the effective length will be considered. If a fixed head gaff is used, the same limitations shall apply and the gaff rope shall be measured from the same location on the gaff hook. Only a single hook is permitted on any gaff. Harpoon or lance attachments are prohibited.
Floats are prohibited with the exception of any small flotation device attached to the line or leader for the sole purpose of regulating the depth of the bait. The flotation device must not in any way hamper the fighting ability of the fish. Entangling devices, either with or without a hook, are prohibited and may not be used for any purpose including baiting, hooking, fighting or landing the fish.
Outriggers, downriggers and kites are permitted to be used providing that the actual fishing line is attached to the snap or other release device, either directly or with some other material. The leader or double line may not be connected to the release mechanism either directly or with the use of a connecting device.
A safety line may be attached to the rod provided that it does not in any way assist the angler in fighting the fish.
Angling regulations
From the time that a fish strikes or takes the bait or lure, the angler must hook, fight and land or boat the fish without the aid of any other person, except as provided in these regulations.
If a rod holder is used and a fish strikes or takes the bait or lure, the angler must remove the rod from the holder as quickly as possible. the intent of this rule is that the angler shall strike and hook the fish with the rod in hand.
In the event of a multiple strike on separate lines being fished by a single angler, only the first fish fought by the angler will be considered for a record.
If a double line is used, the intent of the regulations is that the fish will be fought on the single line most of the time that it takes to land the fish. A harness may be attached to the reel or rod, but not to the fighting chair. The harness may be replaced or adjusted by a person other than the angler. Use of a rod belt or waist gimbal is permitted.
When angling from a boat, once the leader is brought within the grasp of the mate, or the end of the leader is wound to the rod tip, more than one person is permitted to hold the leader. One or more gaffers may be used in addition to persons holding the leader. The gaff handle must be in hand when the fish is gaffed. The angling and equipment regulations shall apply until the fish is weighed. When surfcasting from rocks the leader may be held while the fish is gaffed or lifted from the water providing the leader has been wound at least one full turn onto the reel.
The Following Acts Will Disqualify a Catch
Failure to comply with equipment or angling regulations.
The act of persons other than the angler in touching any part or the rod, reel or line (including the double line) either bodily or with any device during the play of the fish, or in giving any aid other than that allowed in the rules and regulations. If an obstacle to the passage of the line thought the rod guides has to be removed from the line, then the obstacle (whether chum, floatline, rubber band or other material) shall be held and cut free. Under no circumstances should the line be held or touched by anyone other than the angler during this process.
Resting the rod holder on the gunwale of the boat or any other object while playing the fish.
Handling or using a handline or rope attached in any manner on the angler's line or leader for the purpose of holding or lifting the fish.
Shooting, harpooning or lancing the fish being played (including sharks) prior to landing or boating the catch.
Chumming with, or using as bait, the flesh, blood, skin or any part of mammals other than the hair or pork rind used in lures designed for trolling or casting.
Using a boat or device to beach or drive a fish into shallow water in order to deprive the fish of its normal ability to swim.
Changing the rod or reel while the fish is being played.
Intentionally foul-hooking a fish.
Catching a fish in a manner that the double line or leader never leaves the rod tip.
Using a size or kind of bait that is illegal to possess.
Attaching the angle's line or leader to part of a boat or other object for the purpose of holding or lifting the fish.
If a fish escapes before gaffing or netting and is recaptured by any method other than as outlined in the angling rules.
The Following Situations Will Disqualify a Catch
When a rod breaks (while the fish is being played) in a manner that reduces the length of the tip below the minimum dimensions or severely impairs its angling characteristics.
Mutilation to the fish, prior to landing or boating the catch, caused by sharks, other fish, mammals or propellers that remove or penetrate the flesh. (Injuries caused by leader or line, scratches, old healed scars or regeneration deformities are not considered disqualifying injuries). Any mutilation on the fish must be shown in a photograph and fully explained in a separate report accompanying the record application.
When a fish is hooked or entangled on more than one line.
