Keeping Our Technique IGFA Legal

[TyatCapeSanBlas]

There is a recent amendment to IGFA rules that I wanted to point out and get feedback on. I was also interested in feedback on a few other techniques that land-based shark fisherman use and whether or not they are consistent with the IGFA record submital rules.

What I believe is one of the newest proposals affecting us is this:
Distance shore-bound anglers are from “mates” when landing fish:

Current IGFA rules state: “When angling from a boat, once the leader is brought within the grasp of the mate, or the end of the leader is wound to the rod tip, more than one person is permitted to hold the leader.” However, when not fishing from a boat, there is the potential for anglers and “mates” (i.e., guides, friends, etc.) to be separated from each other by a considerable distance.
This rule has been amended to include:

"Anyone assisting a shore-bound or wading angler must be within a rod’s length of the angler before touching the leader or netting or gaffing the fish."

This rule will have an impact on how we leader a fish for record consideration.

Moving on, are hooks drops(Texas style) connected by way of a shackle, quicklink, or longliner clip acceptable? According to IGFA rules I would say yes based on this statement:
"A two hook rig for bottom fishing is acceptable if it consists of two single hooks on separate leaders or drops. Both hooks must be imbeded in the bait..." Anyone have any more information about that.

Also,
"The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 40 feet."

If we use a knot to attach a topshot or wind-on leader, are they limited to 30 feet like a double line? That's they way I've been interpreting it. This is an important question considering most of us prefer long topshots and those homemade 200 yard wind-on leaders.

Any input on the legality of these methods or are there others to consider? The tandem-hook rigs used most often in Florida have very clear guidelines.
http://www.igfa.org/PDF/InternationalAnglingRules09.pdf

[Team rebel]

this is very interesting, im glad you brought this to people attention Ty for potential world record fish