While the IGFA keeps All-Tackle records for just about any species that swims, only certain species are eligible for the line class, fly rod, Junior Angler, and All-Tackle Length record categories.

These species typically have a large range and are generally considered popular game fish in the eyes of the international angling community.

The IGFA’s Records Department keeps a running list of species that have received requests to be added to this group. When sufficient demand is received for a certain species, it is considered for addition to the list of species eligible for the additional record categories mentioned above.

The European perch (Perca fluviatilis) and the Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) have received a considerable number of requests.

Geographically, the European perch occurs throughout Eurasia and is extremely popular among the freshwater angling community. The Florida pompano has long been a favorite of both boat and shore bound anglers fishing in the Atlantic Ocean – from central Brazil to the eastern seaboard of the USA, throughout the Gulf of Mexico and in scattered locations in the Caribbean Sea.

Record categories for these two species will also open on April 1, 2014, and just like the new women’s freshwater categories, catches made prior to this date will not be eligible for record consideration.

For questions about the new changes, contact IGFA World Records Coordinator Jack Vitek at jvitek@igfa.org or 954-927-2628.