How do you register a fishing record?

Fishing record? © Antonin Perrotte-Duclos

To have a fishing record approved in France, a strict procedure must be followed, governed mainly by the Fédération Française des Pêches Sportives (FFPS) or the Fédération Française des Pêches en Mer (FFPM), and mainly by the IGFA if you're aiming for a world record. Here are the main stages and conditions.

Capture and identification

The species of fish caught must be well established, with clear photos (preferably color, all fins extended, date if possible).

Also take photos of the angler with the catch, the equipment used, the scale and the weight displayed.

Keep the fish (or freeze it) if identification is in doubt, until it has been checked by a specialist.

Une photo claire
A clear photo

Official weigh-in

Weighing must be carried out on an accurate balance with an official verification certificate; this certificate must be attached to the file.

Weighing cannot be carried out on board a boat and must be carried out by a third party (neither angler nor captain) with witnesses (their names and addresses must be included in the application).

The signature of the weigher and witnesses is required.

File and deadline

Fill in the registration form available from the federations (FFPS, FFPM), to be sent within 30 days of capture.

Enclose a sample of at least 10 metres of the line used for the catch, to check the strength and class of the record.

Include all evidence, sworn statements, photos and information about the equipment.

Rules and special features

Follow the established sporting rules (no assistance, no protected species, identical line to the catch...).

Wait for validation: applications are examined, then the national commission validates them in assembly and issues a diploma if approved.

For international or world records, it is necessary to consult the IGFA rules: international form, signature of the angler before a notary, line, photos, any tests, declaration and specific control.

Toujours un plaisir d'approcher un record
Always a pleasure to approach a record

Where to submit your application

To the Federation or Commission Nationale des Homologations (address on the form or on the official website) :

FFPS Mer âeuros National Certification Manager

FFPM âeuros Approvals Manager (name, address on form)

For IGFA, international application sent to the association's head office (see their website and official portal).

To remember

Administrative rigor, quality of evidence (balance sheet, witnesses, photos) and respect for deadlines are essential.

No protected species can be registered.

The form, precise details and address are countersigned and verified by the commission.

This procedure can be lengthy, but it is essential if the catch is to be recognized and included in the official list of French or world records.

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