Clubs are responsible for drawing up their own rules for their own competitions. Club rules must comply with relevant Fishing Regulations.
The Association will publish rules for any competition or event conducted on a national basis.

Any catch which may qualify for a World Record must be caught and landed in conformity with IGFA rules. The National Secretary will advise on these requirements but it is important to note photographs showing the full length of the fish, the rod, reel and scale used must accompany each world record application together with a picture of the angler. Other technical requirements will be advised by the Secretary.

Similarly any catch which may qualify for a NZ Fishing Record must be caught and landed in conformity with the rules set out for such records which are also based on IGFA rules.

The NZACA administers NZ Fishing Records for a great number of commonly caught species and the NZ Sport Fishing Council administer the NZ records for those species considered Big Game fish. The National Secretary will advise on requirements how to apply for such records. Record Applications received from NZACA Members will automatically be considered for both NZ Fishing and NZACA Records.

There are also both Association and NZ Fishing Records for salt water fish caught by use of a Fly. Again consult with the National Secretary for more details.

For the purpose of records and awards, a Junior is defined as being under 17 years of age at the time of the catch.

All applications for Merit Certificates, National Records, Pins and Trophies must be made on the official Application Form. Fish must be weighed on certified scales. Fish weight is to be shown in kilograms to 3 decimal places. Catches under 500 gms will not be recognised.

The minimum length for snapper is 30 cm and for kahawai 45 cm.

Fish taken by spearing, trapping, netting or long line will not be considered. The Association reserves the right to disallow any claim where it is considered the fish was caught in an un-sportsman like manner.

Fish must be caught and brought to the gaff/net unaided.

Not more than two hooks may be used.

These NZACA Fishing Rules have been adapted from the IGFA International Angling Rules and apply to all Association events and competitions unless otherwise specified. They have been formulated to promote ethical and sporting angling practices, to establish uniform regulations for the compilation of world records, and to provide basic angling guidelines for use in fishing tournaments and other group angling activities.

There are some aspects of angling that cannot be controlled through rule making. Angling regulations cannot ensure an outstanding performance from each fish and records cannot indicate the amount of difficulty in catching the fish. Captures in which the fish has not fought or has not had a chance to fight do not reflect credit on the fisherman, and only the angler can properly evaluate the degree of achievement in establishing the record.