World record chasing dry-dropper and double-fly rig anglers rejoice! The IGFA just announced that using dropper flies will no longer disqualify potential records. Currently, dropper flies are only allowed to be used for Salmonid species.
From IGFA:
Dropper flies are permissible only for fishing for Salmonid species (e.g., trout, grayling, salmon, etc.) under the following configuration:
- Dropper flies may consist of no more than two flies fished in tandem that are surface flies, subsurface flies or a combination of the two.
- The material connecting the two flies must be equal to or less than the breaking strength of the class tippet material connecting the lead fly to the fly leader.
- Catches will be categorized by the breaking strength of the class tippet preceding the lead fly, no matter which fly the fish is caught on.
“Dropper flies have been used by fly anglers for years and are a regularly accepted practice in the world of fly fishing for certain species,” said IGFA President Jason Schratwieser. “This rule change to allow dropper flies is a great example of how the IGFA is committed to remaining relevant to the angling community while not compromising the intent of our rules and the principles of ethical angling and sportsmanship.”
For more info, head to IGFA’s Angling Rules.
