All applications for line class records, Merit Certificates, 5 to 1 and 10 to 1 Pins must be accompanied by the 15.24metres (50ft) of main line closest to the double line, leader or hook. Applications using fly fishing methods must be accompanied by the entire class tippet; no fly line is required. When making any record claim the angler must indicate the specified strength of the main line or tippet used to catch the fish. This will place the claim in a line class. Line samples will be tested by the Association to verify the specified strength of the line or tippet. If the line or tippet overtests its class, the application will be considered in the next highest class, if it undertests into a lower class, the application will not be considered for the lower line class.
For Merit Certificates, 5 to 1 Pins and 10 to 1 Pins the Association's tested strength will be taken as the actual strength of the line.
Any grade of breaking strain of line may be used. The line sample must be submitted in such a way that it can be unwound without damage to the line. One recommended method is to neatly wrap the line around a rectangular piece of cardboard with only the loose ends secured.
IGFA Rated Lines
(The following is reproduced from the IGFA "International Angler).
From time to time, IGFA is asked to spell out its policy on manufacturers designating certain of their lines as "IGFA" class. The answer is simple: IGFA does not guarantee, recommend, or endorse any particular manufacturer's products for any reason, including to ensure that their lines will not overtest the IGFA line class limitations. IGFA tests only fishing lines that are submitted with world record applications, contests, or club entries, and does not pretest lines for any manufacturer or angler. IGFA does establish breaking parameters for each line class for which records are kept. IGFA cannot keep manufacturers from stating that their product meets IGFA line class specifications, Whether it does or not is the manufacturers responsibility. "IGFA is not in a position to constantly survey all of the fishing lines manufactured," explained IGFA President Allowed K. Harry. "We have a problem with manufacturers and advertising agencies who overstep their bounds in trying to indicate that their fishing line is approved by IGFA. In such instances, we bring this to the attention of the respective parties and request their advertising be corrected."
This also applies when manufacturers put "IGFA" on the label without any accompanying statement. The term `Tournament Line' has been developed by manufacturers without a general description of what it means. The inference is that it is of a higher grade line and more expensive than regular grade, and that `tournament' line will break near but not exceed specified strength. IGFA does condone use of the statement "meets IGFA line class limitations". However, it is up to the manufacturer to ensure that the product is as advertised. Questions about particular lines should be addressed to the manufacturer.
