Written By: Colin Johnson
On Date: 20/7/2007
Robert Collins, Naples, Fla., with his day three guide Capt. Larry Sydnor of Key Largo had a game plan for the final day of fishing in the seventh annual IGFA Inshore World Championship. And for the former title holder it worked… twice.Collins was awarded the Grand Champion title for accumulating the most points for all five targeted species beating out 27 other competitors from around the world. He had also won the International Game Fish Association tournament in 2005. Hailed as the “super bowl of inshore fishing,” the world-class catch-and-release format had the anglers stalking the surrounding waters of the Florida Keys for bonefish, tarpon, permit, snook and redfish.
A field of 22 men and six women light tackle and fly anglers from as far away as Uganda, Africa, (Mark Wals) and Darwin, Australia (Justin Jones) competed in the “tournament of champions” event. On the opening night of the contest the anglers drew for three different guide pairings.
In the final round Collins needed a snook and a redfish to complete the five fish slam to put him in the running among a dozen competitors still in contention after two days.
By 8:45 a.m. he had caught and released three snook off Flamingo and then just an hour later he also had three redfish.
“I was just one bonefish shy of a second slam,” he related. “Larry headed to the Atlantic Oceanside of the Keys and we searched for the fish and I finally caught one at 2:22… just 38 minutes from the close of the tournament.”
“This tournament had all the makings of a wild finish,” said Collins with a chuckle. Both he and his guide also credited Sydnor’s wife Sharon with getting up at 4 a.m. and driving to Dade County to buy the biggest live shrimp she could for the next day of fishing after first acclimating them to the high temperatures of the Florida Bay waters.
Troy Pruitt, Naples, Fla., also completed the five fish slam but fell short by one fish to complete a second one. He was awarded runner-up grand champion based on points over defending champion Joe “Pepe” Lopez, Coral Gables, Fla. who also collected a slam.
Richard Black, of Tavernier, a young first-time competitor to the IGFA IWC who lead in overall points through the first two days needed a tarpon and a permit to compete his first five fish slam. Black, a soft spoken 17 year old, said he and Capt. Billy Dahlberg, Islamorada, went for the two species but the only interest he got was “the bonefish and tarpon circling my bait.” Without any action he went back to a proven area in the backcountry for more redfish and snook adding points to his artificial division run to win that title.
David Collier, New York City, N.Y. won the fly division title capping off the final day with two permit and one tarpon on fly guided by Homestead Capt. Andy Thompson.
Barry Shevlin, Bay Harbor Islands, Fla., won the bait casting division with a final day rush of a permit, a bonefish, three redfish and a snook with guide Capt. John Guastavino, Key Largo. He caught six bonefish the previous two days.
Ms. Glenda Kelley, Ft. Lauderdale was the only other angler to score a slam.
The top guides based on points of their anglers were Capt. Mark Gilman, Islamorada; Capt. Chris Jones and Capt. Andy Thompson.
The tournament anglers gained entry by winning one of over 55 fly and light tackle IGFA sanctioned inshore tournaments during 2006 held in eight countries around the world.
The contestants were vying for engraved timepieces in the prestige tournament. Trophies and merchandise were awarded for second and third place divisional winners in the three categories. Point values of the fish were determined by species and the angler’s preference choice of fly fishing, artificial lure or bait.
Sponsors included Mercury Outboards, Bacardi, Costa Del Mar, G. Loomis, Hook and Tackle, Islamorada Fish Co., Islander Resort, King Sailfish Mounts, Rapala, Shimano, Stiffy Push Poles, 3M Scientific Anglers, Reel Life Art, World Wide Sportsman, Zane Grey Lounge, KD & G Sea Life Masterpieces, Redbone Gallery, Image Graphics 2000, Momoi and Daiichi.
Pasta Pantaleo is the official artist of the IWC.
The IWC is the second in a series of world wide competitive fishing events that includes the eighth annual IGFA Offshore World Championship held in May in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
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IGFA Adds Fourth Series to Popular Fishing Classes
The IGFA’s new School of Sportfishing, launched this past fall by the IGFA in association with Sal****er Professional Consulting, has added, plus expanded a fourth series of classes through the summer months.
“The popularity and variety of courses over the fall, winter and spring months has helped the School of Sportfishing grow,” said the IGFA’s Mike Myatt.
With a class size limit of 24 anglers the School of Sportfishing offers a unique experience for anglers who want to obtain the skills, information and techniques necessary to maximize their overall success on the water.
“The IGFA not only continues to get great feedback and attendance for our original series of topics but the interest was expressed for more new subjects,” said Myatt. “The IGFA Education Department has added some very topical classes.”
The new summer seminar season includes:
· July 19 -- Dolphin and Wahoo Secrets
· July 24 -- Building Blocks of Sport Fishing: Knots, Wind-ons and Wire Twists
· July 26 -- Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs
· July 31 -- Urban Fishing: Inshore Fort Lauderdale
· Aug. 2 -- Fishing Center Consoles on the Edge
· Aug. 7 --The Basics of Rigging and Trolling Artificial Lures
· Aug. 9 -- Working with Dead Bait
· Aug. 14 -- Fishing Bimini and Cat Cay
· Aug. 16 -- Learning to Kite Fish
· Aug. 21 -- Advanced Big Game Trolling Techniques
· Aug. 23 -- All About Live Bait
The classes, all scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7 – 10 p.m., are taught at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum.
Each course features printed curriculum on the session, equipment and hands-on instruction where anglers have a chance to interact and learn from fisherman who they would usually only see on television or read about in fishing magazines.
“These anglers and captains are not only some of the best fisherman in each respective discipline, but are also willing and able to share their knowledge with you,” said Myatt.
The cost is $150 per class or four classes for $100 each. The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year IGFA membership. For more details go to the IGFA web site at igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp and click on the individual class descriptions. Or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or via e-mail at reservations@igfa.org to assess which courses are appropriate for specific skill levels.
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August 1, Scouting turns 100; Founder and IGFA Fishing
Hall of Famer recognized
The date of August 1 is not only a time to reflect on the century mark of the beginning of the scouting movement but also to pay tribute to the man who introduced fishing to millions as well.
On that date at 8 a.m. millions of youngsters and adults across America will lift three fingers on their right hand skyward reciting the Scout oath as they celebrate Scouting’s Sunrise created by Lord Robert S. S. Baden-Powell in 1907.
IGFA librarian and Fishing Hall of Fame historian Gail Morchower said that while a British military officer and drawing on his favorite childhood activities, Baden-Powell had written a pamphlet in 1893 for the young soldiers of his regiment on camping, tracking, observation and survival skills. A decade later he discovered the pamphlet was being used by youth leaders to teach outdoor skills in the United Kingdom. Encouraged he rewrote it as Aids to Scouting for a younger audience and began the first scout camp with 20 British boys on Brownsea Island off the coast of Dorset, England. The book later became Scouting for Boys the official handbook of the movement that has grown to more than 38 million boys and girls worldwide.
A traveler and avid fisherman especially in fly, Baden-Powell practiced catch-and-release -- nearly 50 years before it became widely accepted
Morchower said he wrote in the Fishes and Fishing chapter of Scouting for Boys, “Every scout ought to be able to fish in order to get food for himself” … Fishing brings out a lot of the points in scouting, especially if you fish with the fly … When you catch your fish do as I do - only keep those you specially want for food or as specimens, put back the others the moment you have landed them … and they swim off quite happily to enjoy life in their water again.”
“It is no wonder that fishing has always played an integral role in scouting,” Morchower said.
Baden-Powell was inducted into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame in 2002.
The IGFA hall is also where scouts, both boys and girls, meet for Fishing merit badge classes and other related subjects such as Fish and Wildlife Management and added most recently Fly Fishing, helping to carry on the rich angling legacy of Lord Robert Baden-Powell.
For more on Baden-Powell please go to the IGFA website at igfa.org and look under the Hall of Fame. For more on Scouting’s Centenary go to eng.scouting2007.org
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July IGFA Hot Catches
In this month’s highlights from the world records department of the International Game Fish Association world records coordinator Rebecca Reynolds-Wright has selected 15 documented fish catches made across the globe and submitted for world records:
While fishing the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, on May 20, junior angler Christopher A. Deckert, 16, Ponce De Leon, Fla., USA landed a gag grouper, (Mycteroperca, microlepis) weighing 26.53 kg (58 lb 8 oz). He used cut mackerel as bait. Deckert is hoping to beat the current boy’s junior record of 30 lbs. 8 oz. caught April 24, 2004. (Photo: gag grouper - 07050052)
Brennan Michael Hovland, of Imperial Beach, Calif, USA landed a shortfin corvina, (Cynoscion, parvipinnis), May 18 using a Excalibur Super Spook while fishing San Diego Bay, Calif. The fish weighed 4.115 kg (9lb 1oz). He’s hoping to beat the current IGFA all-tackle record of 6 lb 15 oz recorded April 26, 1998 in Playa Hermosa, Mexico. (Photo: shortfin corvina – 07050053)
Canadian angler Greg Amiel, Richmond-Hill, Ontario, landed a lake whitefish (Coregonus, clupeaformis) weighing 2.94 kg (6 lb 8 oz) on 3 kg (6 lb) line, while fishing Lake Simcoe, Ontario, May 18. The current IGFA line class record is 6 lb caught March 31, 2001. (Photo: lake whitefish - 07050058).
Using ghost shrimp while fishing Mission Bay, Calif., Thomas Hilgert, Santee, Calif., USA, landed a sargo, (Anisotremus, davidsonii) weighing 1.72 kg (3 lb 13 oz). He’s hoping his pending IGFA all-tackle catch on May 19 beats the current mark of 3 lb 12 oz caught May 25 of last year. (Photo: sargo - 07060000)
Fly-fishing Fisher Island, N.Y. USA, Alan Caolo, Westerly, R.I., USA, caught a tautog, (Tautoga, onitis) weighing 1.81 kg (4 lb 0 oz) May 12. He used 2 kg (4 kb) tippet with a Skoks blind crab and after documenting it he released the fish. The IGFA record is currently vacant. (Photo: tautog - 07060001)
Another Rhode Island fly-fisherman Dr. Franklin E. Mirrer, MD, of Providence, USA, landed a tripletail (Lobotes, surinamensis) weighing 12.02kg (26 lb 8 oz) on 10 kg (20 lb) tippet. He was fishing the Belize River Lodge in Belize on May 8 using a Black Death fly. He released the fish. The current IGFA men’s tippet record is 16 lb 6 oz caught October 17, 1995. (Photo: tripletail – 07060006)
Fishing Canyons Md., USA with a clam as bait, Captain Ron Callis, Ocean City, Md., landed a great northern tilefish, (Lophalatilus, chamaeleonticeps) weighing 26.84 kg (59 lb 3 oz) on May 27. He submitted documentation that is pending to replace the current IGFA all-tackle record of 56 lb 5 oz recorded June 8, 2005. (Photo: great northern tilefish - 07060005)
Using mackerel for bait while fishing Vila Real Santo Antonio, Portugal, Luis Ceia, of Faro, landed a meagre (Argyrosomus, regius) weighing 2.78 kg (6 lb 2 oz). He used 3 kg (6 lb) class line for the possible May 16 record to fill the currently vacant space in the IGFA World Record
Game Fishes book. (Photo: meagre – 07060009)
Thailand’s Jean-Francois Helias,of Bangkok, landed a redtail catfish (pirarara), (Phractocephalus, hemioliopterus) while fishing Ratchaburi, Thailand, June 4. He used baitfish on 3 kg (6 lb) class line and after an hour fight weighed it in at 8.65 kg (19 lb 1 oz). He released the fish. The 6 lb line class record is currently vacant in the IGFA record book. (Photo: redtail catfish – 07060012)
Fly-fishing Pickwick Lake, Ala., USA, Richard C. Taylor Jr., Roanoke, Va., USA, landed a freshwater drum, (Aplodinotus, grunniens) weighing 5.21 kg (11 lb 8 oz) on April 18. He used a gummy minnow on 4 kg (8 lb) tippet. The current IGFA tippet record stands at 9 lb 12 oz recorded April 11, 1999. Taylor released the fish. (Photo: freshwater drum - 07060018).
Christophe Houareau, of Victoria Mahe, Seychelles, used a sardine to entice a doublespotted queenfish, (Scomberoides, lysan) May 28, while fishing Belombre, Mahe, Seychelles. The fish was caught on 3 kg (6 lb) class line and weighed 2.55 kg (5 lb 10 oz) and could fill a vacant line in the IGFA record book. (Photo: doublespotted queenfish – 07060025)
Using a Zonker streamer, Japan’s Toshihiko Yoshida, of Saitama, landed a nigoi, (Hemibarbus, barbus) while fishing the Tone River in Japan. Caught on May 14 the fish weighed 2.7 kg (5 lb 15 oz). Yoshida has submitted it for an all-tackle record which currently stands at 5 lb 6 oz, recorded June 23 of last year. He released the fish. (Photo: nigoi – 07060026)
Nine year old New Zealand angler Paige Ellwood, of Whitianga, New Zealand, landed a snapper (squirefish), (Pagrus, auratus) while fishing New Zealand’s Mercury Bay. The fish caught on April 24, weighed 8.91 kg (19 lb 10 oz) and has been submitted for a girl’s smallfry record potentially replacing the current 18 lb 4 oz mark set April 11, 1988. (Photo: snapper (squirefish) – 07060032)
Australia’s Dane Newman, of Warrnambool Victoria, using a paluka as bait on 4 kg (8 lb) class line, landed a southern bluefin tuna, (Thunnus, maccoyi) while fishing Port MacDonnell, South Australia on April 1. The tuna weighed 34kg (74 lb 15 oz) and took Newman 1 hr and 30 minutes to subdue. The current line class record is 53 lb 2 oz recorded Feb. 21, 1996. (Photo: southern bluefin tuna - 07060036)
Using a ladyfish as bait Rolla Cornell, Palmdale, Calif., USA caught and fought a mullet snapper (Lutjanus, aratus) for 20 minutes while fishing Cerralvo Island, Mexico on June 6.
The fish weighed 20.75kg (45 lb 12 oz) and may beat the IGFA’s current all-tackle mark of 36 lb recorded April 9, 2005. (Photo: mullet snapper - 07060037)
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Fascinating Fishing Facts on ESPN.com
We’re not certain, but we believe the IGFA’s 2007 World Record Game Fishes book in the hands of the creative writer Keith Sutton may have helped further stir the inspiration for a feature story for his column on the ESPN Web site.
Sutton pinned “Fascinating Fishing Facts” about the biggest, smallest, fastest, strangest, oldest, coolest and most expensive fishing facts.
Check out the ESPN site for the "Keith Sutton: Fascinating fishing facts" story located at http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/fishing/columns/story?columnist=sutton_keith&page=g_col_Sutton_records
On an added note about world records, IGFA Director of Conservation Jason Schratwieser penned a feature story in the June issue of Sport Fishing magazine on the 10 most common reasons anglers lose their shot at a world record. Look for an abridged 10 tips in an upcoming Hot News.
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Calendar of future IGFA events
Underway - Aug 8, 2007 -- IGFA’s nine weekly Summer Camps begin, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA – This is the eighth year of the IGFA’s popular nine weekly camps held during the summer break for children ages 8 to 13. Campers will explore the aquatic environment and participate in many fishing adventures and exciting marine life activities. Each week-long camp session is held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Before and after-care is available from 8 - 9 a.m. and 4 - 6 p.m. Pre-registration is required. For more information, go to the IGFA summer camp website at www.igfa.org/summercamp.asp. There’s a maximum of 45 children per week, so parents are encouraged to reserve early. Registration is available by calling the IGFA education department at 954-924-4309 or via email at reservations@igfa.org.
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July 19, 2007 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Dolphin and Wahoo Secrets” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Instructor Capt. Tony DiGiulian conducts this popular class on how to increase the size and quantity of the dolphin and wahoo you catch, as you also gain inside knowledge on the best strategies and techniques and learn how to make the best rigs to catch more fish. The IGFA offers this unique experience to anglers who want to obtain the skills, information and techniques necessary to maximize their overall success on the water. Not your regular fishing seminar series as each class is limited to only 24 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 per class (or four classes for $100 each). The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year IGFA membership. For more details go to the IGFA web site at igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or via e-mail at reservations@igfa.org
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July 21, 2007 -- Boaters Safety Course, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. – 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This free all day course is taught by the Law Enforcement division of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and meets the mandatory boating safety education requirements for the State of Florida. It’s comprised of a six chapter review and a final exam. The class is limited to 16 people with advance registration. For more information and to register, please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at JTomlin@igfa.org.
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July 24, 2007 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Building Blocks of Sport Fishing: Knots, Wind-ons and Wire Twists” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Taught by Capt. Tony DiGiulian this class is for anyone who wants to learn what all professionals base their success on. This very “hands-on” class will teach you how to tie all the knots you will ever need. The IGFA offers this unique experience to anglers who want to obtain the skills, information and techniques necessary to maximize their overall success on the water. Not your regular fishing seminar series, each class is limited to only 24 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 per class (or four classes for $100 each). The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. For more details go to the IGFA web site at igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or via e-mail at reservations@igfa.org
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July 26, 2007 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Popular south Florida Capt. Bouncer Smith will help teach you how to turn a slow day of trolling into some serious rod bending action with techniques for snapper, grouper and more. The IGFA offers this unique experience to anglers who want to obtain the skills, information and techniques necessary to maximize their overall success on the water. Not your regular fishing seminar series, each class is limited to only 24 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 per class (or four classes for $100 each). It covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year IGFA membership. More details are on the IGFA web site at igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or via e-mail at reservations@igfa.org
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July 28, 2007-- IGFA Certified Observer Program (COP) training class -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. -- 9 a.m. - The COP class trains and certifies experienced anglers, boat captains and crew members as observers for fishing tournaments held around the world. The course includes species Identification, IGFA sal****er fishing rules & regulations, safety at sea and boating etiquette. The IGFA COP applications are available at the IGFA website www.igfa.org, and at the IGFA headquarters. Pre-registration is required and the $150 fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. For additional information, please contact Jason Schratwieser at 954-924-4320 email: jschratwieser@igfa.org.
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July 31, 2007 -- School of Sportfishing “Urban Fishing: Inshore Fort Lauderdale ” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. There are 200 pound tarpon and 30 pound snook available to catch without ever leaving the inlet. Capt. Josh Brown helps anglers discover the canals and inland waters of Fort Lauderdale plus the quality and quantity of the fish you can catch right in your south Florida “back yard.” The IGFA offers this unique experience to anglers who want to obtain the skills, information and techniques necessary to maximize their overall success on the water. Not your regular fishing seminar series each class is limited to only 24 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 per class (or four classes for $100 each). The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year IGFA membership. For more details go to the IGFA web site at igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or via e-mail at reservations@igfa.org
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August 2, 2007-- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Fishing Center Consoles on the Edge” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. -
Created by Capt. Bouncer Smith, one of the best center console fishermen in the world, this class is all about outfitting and fishing a small boat in blue water. The IGFA offers this unique experience to anglers who want to obtain the skills, information and techniques necessary to maximize their overall success on the water. Not your regular fishing seminars, each class is limited to only 24 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 per class (or four classes for $100 each). The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. For more details go to the IGFA web site at igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or via e-mail at reservations@igfa.org
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August 7, 2007-- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “The Basics of Rigging and Trolling Artificial Lures” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. - Find out why lure making is considered an art form. Capt. Josh Brown.shows how and why lures work and how to be proficient in re-skirting your own lures and building hook sets. The IGFA offers this unique experience to anglers who want to obtain the skills, information and techniques necessary to maximize their overall success on the water. Not your regular fishing seminars, each class is limited to only 24 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 per class (or four classes for $100 each). The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year IGFA membership. For more details go to the IGFA web site at igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or via e-mail at reservations@igfa.org
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August 9, 2007-- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Working with Dead Bait” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Capt. Tony DiGiulian
teaches you how to catch and process your own dead baits. Learn what to look for when buying bait and get hands-on instruction on how to rig the best baits, including a swimming mackerel. The IGFA offers this unique experience to anglers who want to obtain the skills, information and techniques necessary to maximize their overall success on the water. Not your regular fishing seminar series, each class is limited to only 24 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 per class (or four classes for $100 each). The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. For more details go to the IGFA web site at igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or via e-mail at reservations@igfa.org
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August 14, 2007-- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Fishing Bimini and Cat Cay” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. They’re close ---just 50 miles away – but the Bahamian islands of Bimini and Cat Cay require special knowledge on how to make your fishing trip across the Gulf Stream safe, legal and as enjoyable as possible. This class gives you that insight. The IGFA offers this unique experience to anglers who want to obtain the skills, information and techniques necessary to maximize their overall success on the water. Not your regular fishing seminar series, each class is limited to only 24 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 per class (or four classes for $100 each). The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. For more details go to the IGFA web site at igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or via e-mail at reservations@igfa.org
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August 16, 2007-- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Learning to Kite Fish” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. One of the easiest ways to catch more fish is with a kite and Capt. Bouncer Smith gives you all the basics on how to use the kite fishing system. The class targets several different species with this ancient method of enticing fish to bite. The IGFA offers this unique experience to anglers who want to obtain the skills, information and techniques necessary to maximize their overall success on the water. Not your regular fishing seminar series, each class is limited to only 24 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 per class (or four classes for $100 each). The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. For more details go to the IGFA web site at igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or via e-mail at reservations@igfa.org
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August 21, 2007 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Advanced Big Game Trolling Techniques” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. - This class is for the serious big game fisherman who wants the inside knowledge on how to get the most out of trolling time while learning many secrets that took years of trial and error to perfect. The IGFA offers this unique experience to anglers who want to obtain the skills, information and techniques necessary to maximize their overall success on the water. Not your regular fishing seminars, each class is limited to only 24 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 per class (or four classes for $100 each). The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year IGFA membership. For more details go to the IGFA web site at igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or via e-mail at reservations@igfa.org
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August 23, 2007-- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “All About Live Bait” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Capt. Josh Brown emphasizes that having good live bait can be the difference between catching fish or not. He’ll show you where and how to catch several different species of live bait and how to keep them healthy. And when you leave this class you’ll be able to throw a cast net. The IGFA offers this unique experience to anglers who want to obtain the skills, information and techniques necessary to maximize their overall success on the water. Not your regular fishing seminars, each class is limited to only 24 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 per class (or four classes for $100 each). The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year IGFA membership. For more details go to the IGFA web site at igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or via e-mail at reservations@igfa.org
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September 8, 2007 -- IGFA Volunteer Recruitment Coffee -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum Library, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 10 am – 12 p.m. If you love fishing and the outdoors the IGFA needs people like you. Learn more about the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum and our volunteer opportunities. Tour the museum, enjoy coffee and bagels, and talk to other volunteers to see where you fit in to our fishing family. For more information, please contact: Jessica Arb at 954-924-4340 or email: jarb@igfa.org
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October 20, 2007 -- Boaters Safety Course, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA – 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This free all day course is taught by the Law Enforcement division of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and meets the mandatory boating safety education requirements for the State of Florida. It’s comprised of a six chapter review and a final exam. The class size is limited to 16 people with advance registration. For more information and to register, please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at JTomlin@igfa.org.
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October 20, 2007 -- The Ninth Annual IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA -- This year’s event will be the highlight of a weekend-long (Friday, October 19 – Sunday, October 21) celebration in honor of all 65 members and the newest five inductees of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame. The 2007 class includes Homer Circle, Ruben Jaen C., Gary Loomis, Peter B. Wright, and Joan Salvato Wulff. Each year the inductees are selected for the important contributions they have made to the sport of fishing through angling achievements, literature, the arts, science, education, invention, communication or administration of fishery resources. The evening includes a cocktail reception, silent auction, the induction ceremony for the 2007 class and dinner. Tickets are $200. For reservation information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org
Collins recaptures IGFA Inshore World Championship