Written By: Pete Johnson
On Date: 10/11/2007
IGFA mourns the loss of Representatives DuVal and Goadby
In October the IGFA lost two greats of the fishing world, Mrs. William B. (Gene) DuVal and Peter Goadby. Both were long time members of the International Committee of IGFA Representatives and each shared the same passion for fishing helping to devote their time and influence to strengthen and instill the value of conservation at the IGFA.
Gene DuVal, who had been an IGFA Representative for Richmond, Virginia since 2000 and a legendary angler, passed away on October 14, after a heroic, but brief illness. Gene and her husband Bill DuVal, both known for their conservation efforts, founded the Conservation Council of Angling Clubs of Virginia and funded it through its infancy in the early 1970s. The couple spent their lives fishing the world.
Named after her father, Gene was a keen light tackle angler and held 139 IGFA world records, the most for any female angler. She was also the first woman ever to receive the IGFA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. Gene joined the IGFA in 1973 and became a Representative in 2000. She and Bill were very generous to the IGFA Junior Angler Program and the Junior Angler World Championships.
Gene was membership chairman of the International Women's Fishing Association (IWFA) and was an active member since 1973. She also received the IWFA Hall of Fame Award. Gene is survived by her husband Bill: her partner, her traveling and fishing playmate, and her life. Her children and grandchildren were her joy and she lived to spend time with them. In remembrance of her please send donations to the IWFA Scholarship Fund in the name of Gene DuVal, P.O. Box 21066, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33335-1066.
Peter Goadby, of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia who was internationally known and respected for his dedication to conservation and fishing ethics, passed away on October 30, after a long battle with cancer.
A deep-sea angler from the age of 16, Goadby was one of the world’s leading big-game anglers, and was the first person to catch both a shark and a marlin weighing more than 1,000 pounds. He successfully competed in numerous tournaments, including the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament and the International Tuna Cup Match in Wedgeport, Nova Scotia.
No one was more knowledgeable about Pacific Ocean sport fishing than Peter Goadby. He wrote extensively for magazines and was the author of such popular titles as Big Fish and Blue Water, Sal****er Gamefishing, and Sal****er Game Fishes of the World. From his earliest works, Goadby shared his passion for the history, the fish, the tackle, the tournaments and the tactics, and he never failed to enlighten, entertain and encourage sal****er anglers around the world.
Long before his appointment as an IGFA Representative in 1977, Peter Goadby represented IGFA ideals, and he continued to serve as a vital link between the organization and the fishermen of the world until his death. An expert on rules and their administration in records, day-to-day fishing and tournaments, he was admired and respected for his knowledge, leadership, and integrity. For 28 years Goadby served as chief judge of the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (HIBT). And more than 30 years ago he was the initiator and driving force, together with friend John O’Brien, behind tag-and-release fishing in Australia.
In 1990 the IGFA recognized his contribution with a Conservation Award. He was inducted into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame in 2004. A tireless promoter of recreational angling, Goadby gave the greater part of his life to the sport in all its aspects – fishing, writing, conservation, judging and ethics – and will be sorely missed by the international fishing community.
24th IGFA Auction & Banquet slated for exciting evening
Each week the “buzz” continues to build at the IGFA headquarters as more donations arrive from around the globe for the 24th Annual IGFA Auction & Banquet on January 25, 2008 at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida.
The eagerness is also building for the kickoff in December of the on-line silent auction.
Both are integral parts of the IGFA’s most anticipated fundraiser with hundreds of live and silent auction items up for bid. Included in the evening which begins at 6 p.m., is a silent auction, cocktail party, exquisite dinner and the highly anticipated “live” auction conducted by Ed Phillips of Houston, Texas.
The night will also feature the presentation of the IGFA Conservation Awards.
Highlighting this year’s live auction will be a 2008 Mako 284 Express powered with twin 250 Mercury Verado super charged four-stroke engines.
The Mako 284 Express is a perfect boat for a fishing trip that turns into an overnighter, or even a full weekend excursion with a large, comfortable cabin that easily sleeps four adults, spacious decks for casting and all the offshore fishing features you could imagine. They include a large transom fishbox, 50-gallon lighted baitwell, under-gunwale rod storage, rod holders, four tackle compartments, rigging station w/sink, fresh & raw water outlets, galley w/sink, microwave fiberglass hardtop w/spreader lights, electronics boxes, and AM/FM/CD stereo w/four speakers.
The event features renowned marine artist Dave Baroncelli. For over 20 years his fine art has graced the walls of famous sportfishing institutions and the covers of prestigious tournament publications. His offshore experiences, coupled with his understanding of natural marine wildlife habitat, have propelled Dave into becoming one of the most sought after marine artists in the world. His original artwork “Walk the Line” is one of the highlights at the auction and all guests will receive a signed and numbered limited edition of Dave’s featured piece.
More and more donations continue to arrive at IGFA headquarters, including:
· an original sculpture by past featured IGFA artist and world renowned sculptor David Wirth who was a hit at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show,
· a week for two at the fantastic Tropic Star Lodge,
· a fishing trip in the Indian Himalayas,
· an original Guy Harvey painting,
· a fishing and quail hunting package at Hacienda Las Palmas in Mexico,
· a fishing trip to Guinea Bissau,
· an original bronze sculpture by Bill McGlaun,
· fishing charters galore, rods and reels, tackle, jewelry, international resorts, and more.
In addition and beginning the first week of December, the very popular online portion of the auction will begin on the IGFA website at www.igfa.org. Check it out as new last-minute donations are added after the “Write-In-Bidder’s list” has been mailed to IGFA members.
To make reservations, or for more information or if you would like to donate to the 24th Annual International Auction & Banquet, please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at (954) 924-4222 or email larico@igfa.org.
Florida Fishing Weekly and King Release Mounts
Join IGFA Game Fish Conservation Campaign
The IGFA’s new “Campaign for Game Fish Conservation” has two new reasons to celebrate for its new partnerships with Florida Fishing Weekly and King Release Mounts. Both organizations are offering great benefits to further the IGFA’s conservation and education efforts.
Florida Fishing Weekly has pledged a portion of new subscriptions to the campaign. For each subscription ordered by IGFA supporters at the regular price of $39.95, Florida Fishing Weekly will donate $20 to the campaign. Supporters must enter promo code “IGFA“ to receive the offer.
King Release Mounts in Pompano Beach, Fla., will in turn donate 5% of the sales price from every KRM mount sold through IGFA certified captains, certified weigh stations and discount program partners to the IGFA’s Campaign for Game Fish Conservation.
“With the growing threats to our fisheries and to the sport of fishing as well, the IGFA launched this campaign,” said IGFA Development Director Eric Combast. He added there are four areas the campaign will focus on -- Education and Outreach, Conservation, the International Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum and an Endowment.
“Not only do IGFA partners get rewarded by the program,” said Combast, “these gifts from King Release Mounts and Florida Fishing Weekly ensures future funds are specifically designated for conservation and education initiatives.”
For more information about how you can support the IGFA “Campaign for Game Fish Conservation,” contact Combast, at 954-924-4325 or ecombast@igfa.org.
We’ll also have more information in the December edition of IGFA Hot News.
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November Hot Catches
The world records department of the International Game Fish Association provides monthly highlights of selected documented fish catches made across the globe submitted for world records. The IGFA world records coordinator Rebecca Wright provided the following information on these 15 recent submissions now before the world records committee.
IGFA International Representative Dr. Iain Nicolson who holds numerous line class and fly fishing records for the giant African threadfin (Polydactylus quadrifilis) landed a huge specimen weighing 39.1kg (86 lb 3 oz) on 8 kg (16 lb) class tippet while fishing Barra Do Kwanza, Angola. The catch made on July 21 took Nicolson of Wirral, Merseyside, United Kingdom one hour and10 minutes to land. He was guided by Hakan Ekberg. The current record on that men’s tippet class is 15 lb 13 oz caught last year. (Photo: giant African threadfin – 07100003)
A fish many consider a common species but an obscure catch for a record was landed by Gary A. Carter, of Duluth, Ga., USA, when he hooked a Pacific needlefish agujon (Tylosurus pacificus) on August 26, weighing 7.17 kg (15 lb 13 oz). He used a goggleye for bait while fishing Panama’s Pinas Bay, and was guided to the potential IGFA All-Tackle record by Yoan Alcala. The current record for the species is 11 lb 4 oz caught in Golfito, Costa Rica in 2004. (Photo – Pacific needlefish 07100001)
Swedish angler Bjorn Olovsson, of Ensuede, landed an ocean perch (Sebasties marinus) weighing 8.8 kg (19 lb 6 oz) on August 6 using a fish filet for bait. The potential IGFA All-Tackle class record, was caught while fishing Soroya, Norway. Gamlembankien Norway was the site of the current record ocean perch of 18 lb 15 oz caught in 2004. (Photo: ocean perch – 07100015)
Fishing Everglades National Park out of Flamingo, Florida, USA, 15 year-old Martini Arostegui, Coral Gables, Fla., USA, landed a gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus) on October 6 using a live pinfish as bait. The catch weighed .91kg (2 lb 0 oz) on 10 kg (20 lb) class line. Guided by Capt. Eric Hersted he released the fish after documenting for a record that is currently vacant. (Photo: gray snapper – 07100023)
Using 6 kg (12 lb) tippet, while fly-fishing Brazil’s Iriri River, Peter A. Gibson, of Amersham, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom, landed a trahira (Hoplias spp.) on August 10. The fish took eight minutes to catch and weighed 6.35 kg (14 lb 0 oz). Gibson released the fish after documenting. The current record is 13 lbs. (Photo: trahira – 07100032)
An angler who holds numerous IGFA world fishing records, Theda C. Little, Baton Rouge, La., USA, guided by Jack Little, landed a crevalle jack (Caranx hippos) while fly fishing 8 kg (16 lb) class tippet on Sept. 1. The fish weighed 12.11 kg (26 lb 11 oz). She used a Theda Bunker fly while fishing the waters around Grand Isle, La. The current IGFA record for the tippet class is 23 lb 1 oz caught in 2002 in Mobile Bay, Alabama, USA (Photo: jack crevalle - 07100047)
Guided by Fernando Roca Barva, while fishing the Mamore River in Bolivia, Alejandro Linares, of Medellin, Columbia, landed a red piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) on Sept. 5. Caught on 6 kg (12 lb) class line using an X-Rap lure for bait, the toothy fish weighed .91 kg (2 lb 0 oz). The line class record is currently vacant. (Photo: red piranha – 07100049)
Fishing Flamingo Beach, Costa Rica, Canadian TV fishing show host Henry Waszczuk, of Campbellville Ontario, BC, guided by Luis Ruis, landed an almaco jack (Seriola rivoliana) on July 23. Using bonita for bait on 15 kg (30 lb) class line it took Waszczuk 20 minutes to land the fish which weighed 25.06 kg (55 lb 4 oz). The current IGFA men’s record is 53 lb 1 oz caught in 2003 on the Argus Bank in Bermuda. (Photo: almaco jack – 07100064)
Using a streamer fly, young angler Yukio Takata, 11, of Yonago Tottori, Japan, landed a madai (Pagrus major) on Sept. 14, weighing 3.1 kg (6 lb 13 oz) on 10 kg (20 lb) class tippet. The youngster was guided by Toru Arahiki while fly fishing Uragou Bay, Okinoshima, Japan. The current men’s tippet record is 4 lb 11 oz caught last year in Akashi, Japan (Photo: madai – 07100042)
Fishing the Norfolk Canyon along the Virginia, USA coast angler Dr. Julie Ball of Virginia Beach, Va., guided by Robin Ball, landed a blueline tilefish (Caulolatilus microps) on March 31, weighing 8.48 kg (18 lb 11 oz for an IGFA All Tackle class record. She used squid for bait and took five minutes to land. (Photo: blueline tilefish - 07100048)
Junior angler Jody Purnell, 10, of Birmingham, Al, USA, guided by Jody Purnell, landed a spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) on August 25 that weighed 1.25 kg (2 lb 12 oz). They were fishing Lewis Smith Lake, Alabama, with the youngster using a charteuse Zoom lure for his bait and released the fish for another day. He has applied for the IGFA’s male smallfry class record which is currently vacant. (Photo: spotted bass - 07100069)
Perry C. Peace of Pawleys Island, S.C. USA found himself catching and releasing a toothy predator when he hooked a tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus) on August 30 while fly fishing the Kilombero River Tributary in Africa. Guided by Ryan Wienand, Peace took six minutes to land the aptly named fish which weighed 10.21 kg (22 lb 8 oz) and was caught on 10 kg (20 lb) class tippet. The current record for that IGFA tippet class is 16 lb 5 oz at the Tiger Camp, Zambia 10 years ago. (Photo tigerfish - 07100067)
Twelve year old Christina Smith, of Park Rapids, Minn., USA, guided by Daniel Smith, landed a muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) on Sept. 8, weighing 12.93 kg (28 lb 8 oz) while fishing Big Lake, Minn. She used a Le Lure Front Thumper for bait and took 10 minutes to land the muskie for a pending female junior class record. The fish was released after documenting. The current IGFA mark is 22 lb caught in 2004 on Lake St. Clair, Michigan, USA. (Photo: muskellunge – 07100028)
Fishing Saint Gilles, France, Renaud Milliet of Notre Dame de Riez, France, guided by Fournier Jean Yves, may beat the current IGFA men’s 24 kg (50 lb) line class record by nearly three times the previous weight after landing a meagre (Argyrosomus spp.) on September 8. Using mackerel for bait and a 10 minute fight, the fish weighed 34.5 kg (76 lb 1oz). The current record is 27 lb 12 oz set in Vila Real, Santo Antonio, Portugal last year. (Photo: meagre - 07100043)
John Walters of Flin Flon Manitoba, Canada, landed a brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) while fishing Barbe Lake, Canada, October 21. He was using a steelhead for bait on 6 kg (12 lb) line and after battling the fish for 15 minutes it weighed in at 5.19 kg (11 lb 7 oz). The current mark for the IGFA line class is 7 lb 10 oz in 1993 on Saskatchewan Canada’s Round Lake. (Photo: brook trout - 07100076)
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IGFA Now Offers Catch Certificates
Have you ever caught a fish that you were proud of but it didn’t quite weigh enough for an IGFA world record?
A world record might be out of the question by a mere ounce or even a few pounds, but now anglers can commemorate that special catch with an IGFA Catch Certificate that they’ll be proud to display in any home or office.
The IGFA is now offering certificates for both fresh and sal****er species and they’re easy to apply for.
From the IGFA’s website, www.igfa.org anglers can simply download an application. All that’s needed is the angler’s name, species, date of catch, place of catch and estimated weight. Each certificate features a beautiful selection of fresh or sal****er fish species, a gold embossed IGFA logo and IGFA President Rob Kramer’s signature.
At a price of $15 each, it’s a great way to revere your catch or that of a loved one.
In addition by going to the IGFA web site and downloading the Certificate Application document non-members of the IGFA can join up and save 25 % off the annual membership fee for both adults and juniors.
For a direct link to the certificate application please go to: http://igfa.org/documents/IGFA_Catch%20_Certificate_Application.doc
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Five enter IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame
The ninth induction ceremony of five members into the International Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Fla., USA, brought smiles and laughs to hundreds in attendance in the IGFA’s Great Room, the perfect setting for fishing stories with hundreds of fish mounts overhead.
The October event was the highlight of the weekend of activities as lady fly angler and instructor Joan Salvato Wulff, the dean of outdoor writers Homer Circle, rod builder Gary Loomis, and two exceptional billfishermen Dr. Ruben Jaén and Capt. Peter B. Wright were inducted.
The honorees are selected each year for the important contributions they have made to the sport of fishing through angling achievements, literature, the arts, science, education, communications, inventions or administration of fishery resources.
Loomis, who is known for the pioneering of graphite fishing rods, revealed he just wanted to make his own fishing rods to fish for Washington State’s steelhead and salmon and never had plans to start a company. But in a lively and humerous induction speech he said angler after angler approached him after seeing him catching fish on a river, offering him big bucks for his newest modified fly rod.
Wright, a biologist by training and a journalist with hundreds of magazine features to his credit, shared his experiences of catching granders including a 1,442 marlin which still stands as the Australian record.
Dr. Jaen, a leading heart surgeon in Venezuela and a member of the IGFA for over 40 years has made over 2,000 fishing trips pioneering light tackle fishing in his country. He said 70 % of his time was spent in the operating room and 30% on the water releasing over 3,000 billfish.
Ms. Wulff was presented with a standing ovation as she took the stage for her induction speech saying she was “overwhelmed,” and describing herself as an ordinary woman who has had an extraordinary life in the sport of fly fishing which began with the help of both her father and mother at the age of five. She later went on to win a multitude of national fly casting titles.
Circle, who has written thousands of articles on angling wasn’t able to be at the induction but at age 93 still continues to fish twice a week for bass near his central Florida home.
The weekend also offered for the first time additional opportunities to the public with fishing presentations given by such IGFA Hall of Famers as Stu Apte, Mark Sosin, Roland Martin and Billy Pate
The weekend not only honored the five newest inductees but also paid homage to the 65 currently enshrined Hall of Fame members including Ernest Hemingway, Zane Grey, Curt Gowdy, Ted Williams, Michael and Helen Lerner, Lee Wulff, Philip Wylie, Johnny Morris, Don Tyson and John Rybovich.
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IGFA International Committee winners announced in
New Membership Incentive Program
One of the many ways the IGFA has increased its membership and brand recognition globally, has been through a newly instituted awards program recognizing the recruiting efforts by IGFA International Committee Representatives.
The First New Membership Incentive Program was launched on May 15, 2007, to recruit the most new members, above the yearly minimum requirement of 10. The initial trial period closed Oct. 1, and was deemed such a success it now has become an annual event through the IGFA’s 2007 – 08 fiscal year.
As the first place winner of the newly launched program Capt. Kevin D. Clark, the IGFA Representative for Traverse City, Mich., will receive round trip airfare, hotel accommodations, a day of fishing and VIP tickets for two to the IGFA Annual Auction & Banquet on Jan. 25th at The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. He’ll also receive an award to be presented at the banquet; his name engraved on a perpetual trophy that will reside at IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum and numerous other recognitions.
Capt. Enrique Laviada Cantrell, IGFA Representative for Merida, Mexico will receive the second place award of a Shimano rod and reel combo plus numerous recognitions.
Rick Gaffney, IGFA Representative for the Central Pacific Islands at large, Hawaii and Jack Innis, IGFA Representative for San Diego, California tied for third place will each receive a copy of Big-Game Fishing Headquarters: A History of the IGFA signed by IGFA President Rob Kramer.
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Five classes left in IGFA School of Sportfishing
There are just five more classes left in the IGFA’s School of Sportfishing through 2007.
Launched last year by the IGFA in association with Sal****er Professional Consulting and Captain Tony DiGiulian, the Tuesday night classes run from 7 – 10 p.m., and are taught at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum.
Limited to a class size of 24 anglers the IGFA 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 remaining fall seminars include:
· Nov. 13 -- Urban Fishing: Inshore Fort Lauderdale --Did you know there are 200-pound tarpon and 30-pound snook available to catch without ever leaving the inlet? Discover the canals and inland waters of Fort Lauderdale. You will be amazed at the number and quality of the fish you can catch right in South Florida’s back yard in this class instructed by Capt. Josh Brown.
· Nov. 20 -- Advanced Big Game Trolling Techniques -- Ever wonder why some boats catch more big game fish like blue marlin than others? This is for the serious big game fisherman to get inside knowledge on how to get the most out of your trolling time. Learn from Capt. Jason “Tiny” Walcott many secrets that took years of trial and error to perfect.
· Dec. 4 -- Conquering Sailfish -- Find out how to successfully pursue and catch one of South Florida’s premiere gamefish. Topics include bait rigging, following fish, and catching multiples. Learn what makes captains like instructor Capt. Drew Kettelhut proven winners in billfish tournaments.
· Dec. 11 -- Successful Swordfishing -- Everything you need to know to make your next swordfish trip a huge success with hands-on squid rigging and inside information from one of Fort Lauderdale’s best swordfishermen Capt. Drew Kettelhut.
· Dec. 18 -- Working with Dead Bait – Learn from Capt. Tony DiGiulian how to catch and process your own dead baits. He’ll also teach you what to look for when buying bait and get hands-on instruction on how to rig the best baits, including a swimming mackerel.
Included with each course are printed materials along with the 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 IGFA Adult Education Coordinator David Matagiese.
The cost is $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 each for non-members.
For more details visit the website at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp to assess which courses are appropriate for specific skill levels. Or contact Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or via e-mail at dmatagiese@igfa.org, or Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or via e-mail at reservations@igfa.org .
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Sharkwater now playing at IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame
The much acclaimed documentary Sharkwater; is now showcased at the IGFA’s International Fishing Hall of Fame with its award-winning feature length film and exhibition.
The 90-minute film is being shown four times daily on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:15 a.m., noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. On weekdays the feature is shown at 3:30 p.m. Sharkwater has won 19 international film awards and recently opened in movie theatres nationwide.
An interactive and educational exhibition based around shark conservation will also be featured in the Museum's Changing Gallery. A monthly lecture series featuring local and national shark experts is also scheduled. The film and exhibit at the IGFA will run through March 2008.
Sharkwater was shot in visually stunning, high definition video by Toronto, Canada-based filmmaker Rob Stewart. He takes viewers into the most shark-rich waters of the world, exposing the exploitation and corruption surrounding the world's shark populations in the Galapagos Islands off Ecuador and the marine reserves of Cocos Island, Costa Rica. Sharkwater began as an underwater adventure but turned into a beautiful and dangerous journey into the balance of life on earth. With a lifelong fascination for information on sharks, Stewart debunks historical stereotypes and media depictions of sharks as bloodthirsty, man-eating monsters, and reveals the reality of sharks as pillars in the evolution of the seas.
For more information please visit www.igfa.org or www.sharkwater.com
The IGFA’s International Fishing Hall of Fame is located at 300 Gulf Stream Way, off I-95 in Dania Beach next to Bass Pro Shops. The hall is open daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and is free to IGFA members. Guest fees are $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and children ages 3 - 16. The IGFA phone number is 954-927-2628.
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Calendar of future IGFA events
November 13, 2007-- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Urban Fishing: Inshore Fort Lauderdale” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Did you know there are 200-pound tarpon and 30-pound snook available to catch without ever leaving the inlet? Discover the canals and inland waters of Fort Lauderdale. You will be amazed at the number and quality of the fish you can catch right in South Florida’s back yard in this class instructed by Capt. Josh Brown This is 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 $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 per class for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials and fishing equipment relevant to each topic. For more details go to the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or reservations@igfa.org
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November 20, 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. Ever wonder why some boats catch more big game fish like blue marlin than others? This is for the serious big game fisherman to get inside knowledge on how to get the most out of your trolling time. Learn from Capt. Jason “Tiny” Walcott many secrets that took years of trial and error to perfect. This is 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 $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 per class for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and fishing equipment relevant to each topic. For more details go to the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or at dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or reservations@igfa.org
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December 4, 2007-- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Conquering Sailfish” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. – Find out how to successfully pursue and catch one of South Florida’s premiere gamefish. Topics include bait rigging, following fish, and catching multiples. Learn what makes captains like instructor Capt. Drew Kettelhut proven winners in billfish tournaments. This is 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 $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 per class for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials and fishing equipment relevant to each topic. For more details go to the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or at dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or at reservations@igfa.org
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December 11, 2007 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Successful Swordfishing” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Everything you need to know to make your next swordfish trip a huge success with hands-on squid rigging and inside information from one of Fort Lauderdale’s best swordfishermen Capt. Drew Kettelhut. This is 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 $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 per class for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials and fishing equipment relevant to each topic. For more details go to the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or reservations@igfa.org
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December 18, 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. Learn from Capt. Tony DiGiulian how to catch and process your own dead baits. He’ll also teach you what to look for when buying bait and get hands-on instruction on how to rig the best baits, including a swimming mackerel. This is 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 $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 per class for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and fishing equipment relevant to each topic. For more details go to the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or reservations@igfa.org
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January 25, 2008 -- 24th Annual IGFA Auction & Banquet at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla., USA. With hundreds of live and silent auction items up for bid, this is the biggest gala fundraiser of the year for the IGFA. Tickets are $175 per person. Corporate tables for 10 are also available for $3000 which includes VIP placement, table favors, an ad in the auction program and more. For reservations and additional information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org
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May 11 - 17, 2008 -- Ninth annual IGFA Offshore World Championship, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – It’s international fishing’s most prestigious billfish tournament hosting over 60 winning teams from 30 countries on six continents who have qualified by winning one of over 130 IGFA sanctioned events held in 2007. This tournament hosts the largest contingent of international teams to compete in a single catch-and-release fishing tournament world wide. Contact IGFA tournament coordinator Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org or for media information from IGFA PR counsel Pete Johnson at 480-951-3654 or johnsoncom@aol.com .
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June 29 – July 2, 2008 -- Eighth annual IGFA Inshore World Championship, Islamorada, Fla., USA – Called by anglers and the media the “super bowl” of light tackle and fly fishing, invitations are sent to the winners of over 50 IGFA qualifying tournaments held on four continents in 2007 to compete in this three day all-release championship. From a drawing the qualifiers are paired with a different premier Keys guide each day fishing for tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook and redfish using fly or light tackle equipment. The five major award categories will include: Grand Champion (the angler who accumulates the most points for all five targeted species); runner-up grand champion and first places in the fly, artificial lure and bait casting divisions. There are also trophies and merchandise for second and third place divisional winners in the three categories as well as the top three guides. Contact: IGFA IWC tournament coordinator Denise Hartman 954-924-4243 or DHartman@igfa.org or for media information from Pete Johnson, IGFA PR counsel at 480-951-3654 or johnsoncom@aol.com
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Nov.10 – 13, 2008 – The Fifth World Recreational Fishing Conference, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA --Representatives from around the globe will be hosted by the IGFA at an international forum for the recreational fishing community. The conference will target the tackle industry, angling tourism and include representatives from non governmental organizations and fisheries science and management. Topics will include historical and recent trends in participation, emerging fisheries, recreational fisheries science and management, socioeconomics, and catch and release. For information on the conference or sponsorship opportunities contact IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser at 954-924-4320 or jschratwieser@igfa.org
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