Finally the IGFA has updated their archaic rules regarding use of braid as a backing. Very good news and reflects what most of us have been doing for the past, oh, about 20 years...far better leate than never:

Backing & Top-Shot
Current IGFA International Angling Rules state: "If the fishing line is attached to backing, the catch shall be classified under the heavier of the lines."

This rule has long been contested in cases where the main line or top shot is lighter than the underlying backing, as logic dictates that the lighter line will break before the heavier backing. This is also contrary to IGFA angling rules for fly fishing where the catch is categorized based on the breaking strength of the class tippet, which must be a minimum of 15 inches.


To address this issue, IGFA will be making the following alterations to Equipment Regulation A:
• Title change from “LINE” to “LINE & BACKING”
• Adding a new subsection that reads: “3. The use of backing is permissible.”
• Adding a new subsection that reads: “4. The catch shall be classified under the breaking strength of the first 16.5 feet (5 meters) of line directly preceding the double line, leader or hook. This section must be comprised of a single, homogenous piece of line.”

This change is effective April 1, 2017.

Backing & Top-Shot
Current IGFA International Angling Rules state: "If the fishing line is attached to backing, the catch shall be classified under the heavier of the lines."

This rule has long been contested in cases where the main line or top shot is lighter than the underlying backing, as logic dictates that the lighter line will break before the heavier backing. This is also contrary to IGFA angling rules for fly fishing where the catch is categorized based on the breaking strength of the class tippet, which must be a minimum of 15 inches.


To address this issue, IGFA will be making the following alterations to Equipment Regulation A:
• Title change from “LINE” to “LINE & BACKING”
• Adding a new subsection that reads: “3. The use of backing is permissible.”
• Adding a new subsection that reads: “4. The catch shall be classified under the breaking strength of the first 16.5 feet (5 meters) of line directly preceding the double line, leader or hook. This section must be comprised of a single, homogenous piece of line.”

This change is effective April 1, 2017.

quote:

“4. The catch shall be classified under the breaking strength of the first 16.5 feet (5 meters) of line directly preceding the double line, leader or hook

[b]the breaking strength of the first 16.5 feet (5 meters) of line directly the breaking strength of the first 16.5 feet (5 meters) of line directly preceding the double line, leader or hook

Here is where it gets a bit sticky. "the first 16.5 feet of line preceding the double line, leader or hook"

As I see it, and I sure could be wrong, we are not talking about leaders but the line before the leader.

Mark, didn't you teach school? Because I sure don't know what the heck I'm talking about here. lol

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SoCalAngler,

They were trying for language that made use of heavier backing (braid) permissible given the leader is on top of the braid and should no doubt break far earlier, rigged in that manner, than their braid. Get's complicated in the language...probably because as we know there are plenty of litigious lawyers participating in tournaments just looking for an excuse to practice and apply their years of legal learning... May have to take this up to the Supreme Court.