Minimum Weights

Minimum weights

The Association shall determine, and publish from time to time, mandatory minimum weights of game fish species captured that may be recognised for any tournament, competition or trophy.

1. Yellowfin Tuna: 15kg on line classes up to and including 15kg line, equal to line class for over 15kg line, and for junior anglers equal to the line class in all cases.
2. Southern Bluefin tuna: 15kg on line classes up to and including 15kg line, equal to line class for over 15kg line, and for junior anglers equal to the line class in all cases.
3. Marlin: a minimum of 70kg on line classes to 4kg to 10kg and a minimum of 90kg on 15kg line class and over.
4. Sharks:  Excluding Tiger Sharks and Blue Sharks - a minimum of 70kg on line classes 6kg to 10kg, a minimum of 90kg on line classes 15kg to 37kg, and 130kg on 60kg line class.

Tiger Sharks. New Min. Weights - Effective 1st September 2022

Line Classes 6 – 10kg    min. 120kg which is an increase of 50kg, current is 70kg

Line Classes 15 – 24kg  min. 200kg which is an increase of 110kg, current is 90kg

Line Classes 37 – 60kg  min. 250kg which is an increase of 160kg on 37kg and 130kg on 60kg, current is 90kg on 37kg and 120kg on 60kg

Blue Sharks. New Min. Weights - Effective 1st September 2022

Line Classes 6 – 10kg   min. 100kg which is an increase of 30kg, current is 70kg

Line Classes 15 – 24kg min. 125kg which is an increase of 35kg, current is 90kg

Line Classes 37 – 60kg min.  150kg which is an increase of 30kg, current on 120kg on 60kg.

Noting that Blue Sharks do not grow bigger than 200kg.

Both Tiger and Blue Sharks minimum weights will have a 3 year Sunset period.

Minimum Weights for Junior and Small Fry Anglers

1. Yellowfin Tuna: 15kg on line classes up to and including 15kg line, equal to line class for over 15kg line, and for junior anglers equal to the line class in all cases.
2. Southern Bluefin tuna: 15kg on line classes up to and including 15kg line, equal to line class for over 15kg line, and for junior anglers equal to the line class in all cases.
3. Marlin: a minimum of 60kg on line classes to 4kg to 10kg and a minimum of 80kg on 15kg line class and over.
4. Sharks: a minimum of 60kg on line classes 6kg to 10kg, a minimum of 80kg on line classes 15kg to 37kg, and 120kg on 60kg line class.
5. Other Game fish and broadbill: minimum weight to be equal to line class.

Please Note: Putting higher minimum weights on a prize during a tournament – clubs need to send at the time of their application for sanctioning,

Clubs MUST show THREE (3) years of consistent proof of Capture History . (if not supplied previously) the Minimum Weight must be Winnable & Attainable. Please read the entire rule below

Notwithstanding the minimum weights specified in paragraph (d) above, a club may, with the approval of the Association given, at the time of sanctioning in accordance with paragraph (f), specify a higher minimum weight for marlin, shark or tuna to qualify for a trophy for the heaviest marlin, shark or tuna only, provided that the weight specified is reasonable and obtainable in the circumstances. Clubs applying for sanction under this rule will supply a capture history for at least three (3) years. The tournament will be conducted under the highest minimum weight(s) if approval is granted with the exception; if a fish does not qualify for a tournament fish, it is still allowable for other competitions under NSWGFA rules. Nothing in this clause will affect the minimum weight of marlin, shark or tuna to qualify for capture points in accordance with 4(b) – 2.