I know, I know the chances are slim, but we all have dreamed of it.

Do I read the rules correctly that to qualify for the world record black bass the line must be 20lb test or less?

I was reading the rules at www.igfa.org

I've never heard that.  It would stink to catch a 25 lbr. on 50 lb. Power Pro braid and then have some IGFA official tell you that your bass was nice but it wouldn't qualify for the world record because of your line.  The IGFA might not recognize your fish as the world record, but the fishing community would.  And I bet you could get a little sponsorship deal worked out with the folks at Power Pro

That has to do with the class you are aspiring to. The only thing you know for shure is: the fish has to be at least 2 ounces heavier than the previous record to be considered a IGFA recognized record, 22 lbs 6 oz or more, anything else does not qualifya as IGFA recognized WR.

Line has nothing to do with it unless you are fishing for a "line" record. To be officially recognized by the IGFA, the fish must be caught on rod & reel tackle and weigh 2 oz. more than the previous recognized World Record.

Current World Record Smallmouth:  11 lbs 15 oz

Current World Record Largemouth:   22 lbs  4 oz

Thanks, I hoped that was the case

Do I read the rules correctly that to qualify for the world record black bass the line must be 20lb test or less?

That's the way I read it. See page 6 of the .pdf document.

http://www.igfa.org/BookRule2004.pdf

"Maximum line size" for each species listed. including largemouth bass limits the number of "line size" World Records that will be certified. So, there is not World Record designation for a 15 lb bass caught on 25 lb line, but that same fish caught on 2 lb or 20 lb test  might be.

The "line classes" refer to individual records for line size as opposed to just being the largest , period.

In other words, there are "line class" records also. I have the "6lb-no leader" line class record for northern Pike. This fish is nowhere near the world, or even state,record but it is the largest recorded under that "line class". Now that means there is also a 4 lb opening, a 2 lb opening, 8lb , 10 lb, etc.

I can understand the confusion.  It states "maximum line class" = 20Lb.  What that means is the highest line class record is 20 lb test.  The "all tackle" record can use line or backing up to 130 lb test.

Thanks for clearing that up.