FLY FISHING RULES

1. EUROPEAN FLY FISHING RECORDS

1.1 The European Fly Fishing Records will be single All Tackle entries for fish caught using fly fishing methods. All applicable Fishing and Line Class Rules will still apply and the rules set out below should be read in conjunction with those rules. The breaking strain of the leader, excluding any shock tippet or butt or taper section, should not exceed 10kgs (22lbs 1oz).

1.2 There will be only one entry for each species irrespective of whether the fish has been caught on a boat or from the shore.

1.3 The minimum acceptable weight for any fish to be considered for a record will be 1kg (2lbs 3ozs). Claims for all existing acceptable species will be accepted together with any for a new specie where the fish weighs at least 1kg.

2.LEADER

2.1 Leaders must conform to generally accepted fly fishing customs.

2.2 A leader may incorporate a shock tippet. In addition a butt or taper section between the fly line and the leader may be used.

2.3 A leader must be made of non-metallic material and should be attached directly to the fly or shock tippet.

2.4 A shock tippet which must not exceed 30.48cm (6ins) in length may be added to the leader and tied to the lure. It can be made of any type of material and there is no limit on its breaking strength. The shock tippet is measured from the eye of the hook to the single strand of leader and includes any knots used to connect the shock tippet to the leader. In the case of a tandem hook fly, the shock tippet shall be measured from the eye of the leading hook.

2.5 The total length of the leader, including any shock tippet, butt or taper section, must not exceed 6 metres (19 feet 8ins)

3. ROD

3.1 Regardless of materials used or number of sections, rods must conform to generally accepted fly fishing customs and practices. A rod shall not measure less that 1.82 metres (6 feet) in overall length. Any rod that gives the angler an unsporting advantage will be disqualified.

3.2 Extension butts are limited to 15.24cm (6ins).

4. HOOKS

4.1 A conventional fly may be dressed on a single, double or treble hook or two single hooks in tandem. The second hook in any tandem fly must not extend beyond the wing material. The eyes of the hooks shall be no further than 15.24cm (6ins) apart.

5. LURES

5.1 The lure must be a recognised type of artificial fly, which includes streamer, bucktail, tube fly, wet fly, dry fly, nymph, popper and bug. The use of any other type of lure or natural or preserved bait, either singularly or attached to the fly, is expressly prohibited.

5.2 Only a single fly is allowed.

5.3 Dropper flies are prohibited.

5.4 The fact that a lure can be cast with a fly rod is not evidence in itself that it fits the definition of a fly.

5.5 The use of any lure designed to entangle or foul-hook a fish is prohibited.

5.6 No scent, either natural or artificial, is allowed on flies. The use of scented material in a fly is prohibited.

6. LINE TESTING

6.1 The complete length of leader, excluding any shock tippet, butt or taper section, should be sent in with the claim for testing. To be awarded the European fly record this must not test above 10kg (22lbs 1oz).

7. CLAIM PROCEDURE

7.1 The normal claim form for European, British and Light Tackle Club records should be used but it should be clearly marked FLY RECORD. Care should be taken on completing the various sections to demonstrate that the above requirements have been met. For example under the entry for Type of Lure or Bait the detailed description of the lure should be given. If necessary additional information should be attached to the claim form.

Footnote:

Whereas these requirements almost agree with those of the IGFA for the capture of World fly records, there are some differences. For example the use of a treble hook will disqualify a claim for the World Record. Anglers are advised to check on the requirements of the IGFA if they are concerned about claiming World Records.