U.K. Sea Fishing FAQ   -   Pysgota Mor y Deyrnas Gyfunol

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How to Claim an Irish Record

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    4.3.2 How To Claim an Irish Record
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      Irish records are claimed by submitting an Irish Specimen Claim Form.
      It should be noted that particular attention is given to the rules
      regarding weighing and identification as many claims are rejected for
      not following the correct procedure.

      RULE 3 - WEIGHING
      Fish must be weighed in the presence of independent witnesses on a
      properly certified scales e.g. a shop scales or official club scales
      which is covered by a certificate from the local Weights and Measures
      Officer. Claims cannot be accepted in respect of fish weighed on
      uncertified scales, e.g. anglers spring balances or in respect of fish
      weighed on scales inappropriate to the size of fish, e.g. fish in the
      2 to 5lb range weighed on balances weighing up to 100lbs or over and
      graduated in large divisions. Claims cannot be accepted in the case of
      fish which has been weighed on board a boat.

      RULE 4 - IDENTIFICATION
      The actual identification of a fish must be fully documented where
      there is a possibility of its confusion with any other (and
      particularly larger) species. For this reason, the Committee in
      respect of some species insists on scales from the fish; close up
      photographs or the actual body as proof of identification before it
      will consider claims.

      SCALES must be submitted in respect of claims for SALMON, SEA
      TROUT, BROWN TROUT (including SLOB TROUT). Any brown trout taken in
      tidal waters will be regarded for claim purposes as a slob trout.
      About 50 scales scraped from each shoulder should be sent with the
      claim.

      THE ACTUAL BODY must be forwarded for identification in the case of the
      following species :- DACE, RUDD, ROACH, RUDD/BREAM HYBRID, ROACH/BREAM
      HYBRID, MACKEREL, SCAD, HERRING, SHAD, FLOUNDER, DAB, BRILL, MEGRIM,
      GURNARDS, GREY MULLET, ANGLER FISH, LESSER SPOTTED DOGFISH, THREE
      BEARDED ROCKLING, SMOOTH HOUND, RAYS BREAM, CUCKOO WRASSE, TORSK,
      "RIVER" EELS taken in tidal waters, and GARFISH (head and gills only).

      CLEAR, SHARP, CLOSE-UP PHOTOGRAPHS, showing the entire fish with its
      fins and other features easily seen, and not fore-shortened or
      obscured must be provided in the case of TOPE, SHARKS, SKATE, RAYS,
      MONKFISH, POLLACK, TRIGGERFISH, COALFISH, BALLAN WRASSE. If necessary
      the fish should be hung. In the case of skates and rays, photographs
      of both back and belly surfaces should be provided and particulars of
      colouration given. Samples of teeth should be furnished in the case of
      Porbeagle and Mako sharks. In addition there should be a clear photo
      showing the jaws and teeth exposed.

Jun 9 1998, 12:00 am

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