GFAA Rules
Rules and Equipment Regulations
The Angling Rules and Regulations have been formulated to promote ethical and sportsmanlike angling practices, to establish uniform regulations for the compilation of Australian Gamefish Records and to provide basic angling guidelines for use in fishing tournaments and any other group angling activity.
The word ‘angling’ is defined as catching or attempting to catch fish with a rod, reel, line and hook as outlined in the GFAA Angling Rules and Equipment Regulations. However, there are some aspects of angling that cannot be controlled through rule-making. Angling rules cannot ensure an outstanding performance from each fish and Australian records cannot indicate the amount of difficulty in catching the fish.
Captures in which the fish has not fought or has not had a chance to fight do not reflect credit on the angler, and only the angler can properly evaluate the degree of achievement in establishing the record. Only fish caught in accordance with GFAA Australian Angling Rules and within the intent of these rules will be considered for Australian records.
Line, Backing, Double, Leader
(a) Line 1. Monofilament, multifilament and lead core multifilament lines may be used. For line classes, see Australian Record Requirements.
2. Wire lines are prohibited.
(b) Line & Backing
1. The use of backing is permissible.
2. The catch shall be classified under the breaking strength of the first five meters of the line directly preceding the double, leader & hook. This section must be comprised of a single homogenous piece of line.
(c) Double line
The use of a double line is not required. If one is used, it must meet the following specifications:
1. A double line must consist of the actual line used to catch the fish.
2. Double lines are measured from the start of the knot, braid, roll or splice making the double to the furthermost end of the knot, splice, snap, swivel or other device used for securing the trace, leader, lure or hook to the double line.
Saltwater species: In all line classes up to and including 10kg (20lb) the double line shall be limited to 4.57m (15ft). The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 6.1m (20ft). The double line on all classes of tackle over 10kg (20lb) shall be limited to 9.14m (30ft). The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 12.19m (40ft).
Freshwater species: The double line on all classes of tackle shall not exceed 1.82m (6ft). The combined length of the double line and the leader shall not exceed 3.04m (10ft).
(d) Leader
The use of a leader is not required. If one is used, it must meet the following specifications: 1. The length of the leader is the overall length, including any lure, hook arrangement or other device, and is measured to the bend of the last hook.. The leader must be connected to the line with a snap, knot, splice, swivel or other device. Holding devices are prohibited. There are no regulations regarding the material or strength of the leader.
Saltwater species: In all line classes up to and including 10kg (20lb) the leader shall be limited to 4.57m (15ft). The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 6.1m (20ft). The leader on all classes of tackle over 10kg (20lb) shallbe limited to 9.14m (30ft). The combined length of the double line and leader shall be limited to 12.19m (40ft).
Freshwater species: The leader on all classes of tackle shall be limited to 1.82m (6ft). The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 3.04m (10ft).
