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Back to 'Angling News'  Section
HOT News from the IGFA

Written By: Colin Johnson
On Date: 13/2/2007

IGFA expands education for Junior AnglersThe IGFA is expanding its Junior Angler Program with more fun and educational fishing clinics and events reaching out to more youngsters in more areas of the world.With the re-allocation of resources for expanded clinics and other outreach events, the IGFA will be phasing out its Junior Angler tournaments including the Mercury/IGFA Junior Angler World Championship after this summer’s fifth annual event.
“The Junior Angler World Championship has been a great success,” said IGFA coordinator Peter Gaube, “but in the last five years, we’ve witnessed the positive influence and potential of the IGFA Junior Angler Program through educational programs and clinics.”
During 2005 the IGFA, with Chevrolet as a title sponsor, held a series of free clinics throughout the state of Florida and found it reached more eager young anglers ages 16 and under along with their parents.
“The kid’s clinics were a great outlet for families to bond and share time together in the enjoyment of the outdoors,” said Gaube.
From those efforts the IGFA has developed a plan to allow the Junior Angler Program to reach more young anglers globally.
“Starting this year the plan includes a series of fishing clinics hosted at various events and in conjunction with adult tournaments worldwide giving us an opportunity to interact with more youngsters and families,” said Gaube.
“Depending on the event the IGFA Education staff will be teaching casting, knot tying, ethics, regulations, the right kind of equipment to use, what’s harmful to the fish, biology, catch-and-release and more.
“Along with some tremendous sponsors the focus on the positive new growth and direction will provide more opportunities for more youngsters,” added Gaube.
For additional information about the Junior Angler Program, please contact Peter Gaube at 954-924-4247 or via e-mail at pgaube@igfa.org or Dawn Walker at 954-924-4335 or dwalker@igfa.org.
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AFTCO and IGFA Conservation Awards presented
One of the highlights of the 23rd annual IGFA Auction & Banquet at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.A., was the presentation of numerous conservation awards.
The Gil Keech Heavy Tackle Award established in 1998, by the Ocean City (Md.) Light Tackle Club was presented to Captain Peter B. Wright.
The Bob Herder Light Tackle Award started in 2005 also by the OCLTC and the IGFA, was presented to Michael Levitt.
The AFTCO Tag/Flag Conservation Awards were presented to tournament angler winners and captains for tagging the most fish of each category. The anglers included Sam Jennings (blue marlin), Bob DeGabreille (white marlin), Jules Boudreau (tuna) and Susan Royal (swordfish). DeGabreille was named Angler of the Year. The top captains included Mike Lemon (blue marlin), Bubba Carter (white marlin), Ray Rosher (sailfish), Gary Cannell (tuna) and Burt Moss (swordfish). Carter was awarded Captain of the Year.
Additional IGFA Conservation Awards were presented to honor those who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the cause of conservation in the freshwater, sal****er and fly fishing communities.
They included the Coastal Conservation Association for significant multi-tier work in such areas as establishing net bans and the recovery of numerous species of fish; to Dr. John Graves, Virginia Institute of Marine Science for his research on tuna and billfish issues, and to Esteban Graupera Monar, IGFA Representative in Palma de Mallorca, Spain for bringing about the First Mediterranean Congress of Salt Water Recreational Angling, in 2006.

(photo caption): Pictured from left to right are AFTCO Tag/Flag Award winners John Jennings, Jules Boudreau, Bob DeGabrielle, Capt. Burt Moss, Capt. Gary Cannell, Capt. Bubba Carter and Capt. Ray Rosher. IGFA President Rob Kramer, and Bill Shedd, IGFA Trustee and President of AFTCO are in the background.
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California’s Paxson Offield named to IGFA Board of Trustees
Paxson H. Offield, a gentleman long known for his work in conservation on many fronts, especially along the Pacific coast, has been named to the International Game Fish Association’s (IGFA) Board of Trustees.
Offield, of Avalon, California, is chairman of the board of the Santa Catalina Island Company, a family owned corporation involved in the stewardship of developable lands in Catalina Island. He’s also a benefactor member of the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy and was its first chairman of the board.
A graduate from the University of Denver in 1975 with a degree in economics, he taught at the Catalina Island School from 1976-78, before being asked by his family to join the century old Santa Catalina Island Company. Formed in 1894 the company has been guided by the Wrigley and Offield families since 1919.
A dedicated conservationist, Offield is the past chairman and current board member of The Billfish Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of billfish populations worldwide through scientific research, education and advocacy. He is the former chairman and current board member of The Peregrine Fund, a worldwide organization dedicated to preserving birds of prey.
Last October, Offield received the Commendador Award from the President of Panama for work through the Peregrine Fund on the reintroduction of the Harpy Eagle, the national bird of Panama. He was also awarded the 2006 Conservation Medal from the Zoological Society of San Diego this past December.
Paxson is also chairman of the Catalina Seabass Fund, dedicated to the restoration of seabass and other fisheries in Southern California waters, a past president of the Avalon Tuna Club, the world’s oldest sportfishing club and board member of the Center for the Reproduction of Endangered Species of the San Diego Zoological Society. He’s also been involved in developing satellite tags for tagging billfish in Pacific waters for several years, to track migration and other data on billfish. Offield is the chairman of the Offield Center for Billfish Studies, under the auspices of the Marine Conservation Science Institute (MCSI), of which he is a founding board member. Offield is also a director of the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies at USC and has endowed the Paxson H. Offield Professor of Fishery Population Ecology now held by Dennis Hedgecock at USC.
He has three Tuna Club record fish using three thread linen and 8 lb. Dacron and has been recognized twice as the club’s angler of the year. He participates when he can at the International Masters Angling Tournament in Cancun.
“I’m thrilled and honored to be named to the IGFA’s Board of Trustees,” said Offield. “The Pacific coast, particularly California, has many fine IGFA representatives and members, many who I have known as friends for several decades from both my work and recreational fishing.”
“Paxson is a great addition to the IGFA board of trustees,” said IGFA President Rob Kramer. “His efforts along the Pacific coast as not only a conservationist and sportsman but as a steward of both land and sea are well recognized. His expertise in pelagic and billfish fisheries will be a big asset to our work at the IGFA.”
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The IGFA Inshore World Championship adds fifth continent
The number of qualifying tournaments continues to expand with the IGFA Inshore World Championship adding a fifth continent to its growing list of IGFA sanctioned fly and light tackle events for the 2008 championship.
Europe is now in the global mix as the long involved Redbone tournament series will host the newest IGFA IWC qualifier with the A.C.A. Red Dragon Redbone in Wales, United Kingdom, June 12-14 fishing for Atlantic salmon, German brown and rainbow trout.
“Besides the tournaments here in North America which includes events in the U.S., Canada, the Bahamas, Costa Rica and Mexico, we also have qualifying tournaments in Uganda, Africa; the Northern Territory of Australia and Brazil, South America,” said IGFA IWC tournament coordinator Denise Hartman. “And each week we continue to receive interest from tournament directors wanting to become an IGFA sanctioned qualifying event. It’s a prestigious element to their tournament for the winners to receive invitations to this world class competition.”
For the seventh straight year Islamorada, Florida, U.S.A., will be the location for the three-day catch-and-release championship event July 8 - 11.
Winners of over 50 IGFA qualifying tournaments held around the globe in 2006 have been invited to compete in the championship, unofficially called by many the “super bowl” of light tackle and fly fishing. From a drawing on the opening night, the qualifiers will be paired with a different premier Keys guide each day fishing for tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook and redfish.
For the latest details, go to the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org and select the fishing tab on the home page and click on “tournaments.” For questions regarding the IGFA IWC, contact tournament coordinator Ms. Hartman at 954-927-2628 or dhartman@igfa.org
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IGFA Adds Third Series to Popular Offshore Fishing Classes
The new IGFA School of Sport Fishing, launched this past fall by the IGFA in association with Sal****er Professional Consulting, has added, plus expanded with a third series of seven classes this spring.
“We not only continue to get great feedback and attendance for our original series of topics (swordfishing, wrecks & reefs, sailfish, dolphin & wahoo), but saw interest in two new subjects,” said IGFA coordinator Peter Gaube.
“And because there was so much information and interest in sailfishing we have split that course into separate classes on two nights. In addition we have added another hour to each of the classes making it four-hours from 6:30 – 10:30 p.m.”
The new spring seminar season for the IGFA School of Sportfishing includes:
· March 13 – Building Blocks of Sportfishing
· March 27 – All About Bait
· April 10 -- Successful Swordfishing
· April 17 – Taking Advantage of Wrecks and Reefs
· April 24 -- Understanding Sailfish – Part I
· May 1 – Dolphin and Wahoo Secrets
· May 8 -- Understanding Sailfish – Part II
The classes, all scheduled on Tuesday nights, are taught at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum.
With a class size limit of 20 anglers the School of Sport Fishing offers a unique experience for anglers who want to obtain the skills, information and techniques necessary to maximize their overall success on the water. Each course features 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 Gaube.
For more details and to register, go to the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org or contact Peter Gaube at 954-924-4247 or via e-mail at pgaube@igfa.org
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New Pending World Records
Each month the International Game Fish Association highlights a selection of documented fish catches made across the globe submitted for world records. IGFA world records coordinator Rebecca Reynolds provided the following information on these recent submissions of 10 potential records before the world records committee.

Off the coast of Golfito, Costa Rica, Roberta Arostegui, Coral Gables, Fla., USA, landed a Pacific sierra mackerel (Scomberomorus sierra) weighing 3.96 kg (8 lb 12 oz) in 12 minutes trolling live bait fishing with 08 kg (16 lb) line. She’s hoping to best the current women’s line class record of 6 lb 13 oz recorded March 10, 2006 in the same area. (Photo: Pacific sierra mackerel - 07010010)

Another long standing record of over 20 years may be broken by Greg Amiel, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, who landed a walleye (Sander vitreum) in five minutes weighing 11 lb 0 oz. (4.98 kg) while trolling a lure on 1 kg (2 lb) class line, in the Bay of Quiente, Picton, Ontario, Canada. The current record fish of 10 lb 6 oz was caught April 18, 1984 near Lincoln, Nebraska, USA. (Photo: walleye – 07010014)

In the junior boy’s small fry division, Kouta Miyazaki, 8, Fukuoka, Japan, landed a Japanese seabass (Suzuki) (Lateolabrax japonicus) in 20 minutes while trolling Hakata Bay, Fukuoka, Japan. The fish weighed 11 lb 7 oz (5.20 kg) and may beat the current 10 lb 6 oz recorded November 25, 2004 in the same waters. (Photo: Japanese seabass – 07010019)

In South Africa, Trevor Hansen, fishing his home waters of Jeffrey’s Bay, is hoping to fill a vacant line class record after landing a meagre (Argyrosomus hololepidotus) on 03 kg (6 lb ) line. After a 20 minute fight the fish weighed in at 6.98 kg (15 lb 6 oz). (Photo: meagre – 07010021)

A potential all-tackle record may be in store for New Zealand’s A. G. Hamilton, of Whangarei, who landed a 300 kg (660 lb 6 oz) Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) in ninety minutes while fishing Greymouth, New Zealand. The current record is 617 lb 4 oz caught September 10, 2005 at Hokitika Trench, New Zealand. (Photo: Pacific bluefin tuna – 07010024)

Also from New Zealand, six-year old Bailey McIntyre, of Kaes, landed a tope shark (Galeorhinus galeus) weighing 16.7 kg (36 lb 13 oz) in 20 minutes while fishing Whangaroa, New Zealand. The young angler has applied to fill a vacant male smallfry category. (Photo: tope shark – 07010025)

George Bogen, Los Angeles, California, USA, may see his name added to two new all-tackle records while fishing off Oahu, Hawaii, USA. He first landed a Brigham’s snapper (Pristipomoides zonatus) weighing 1.22 kg (2 lb 11 oz) while drift fishing Koko Head. In addition Bogen landed a marsh’s snapper (Etelis marsh’s) weighing 1.36 kg (3 lb 0 oz) fishing Mauna Loa Bay. (Photos: Brigham’s snapper – 07010029, and marsh’s snapper - 07010030)

Fishing on Watchauge Pond in Charlestown, R.I., USA. Douglas J. Colley of Pawcatuck, Connecticut, USA, landed a chain pickerel (Esox Niger) in eight minutes using 02 kg (4 lb) class line. The current line class record is 6 lb 8 oz caught in Milton, Del., March 1, 2004. (Photo: chain pickerel – 07010031)

While bottom fishing the waters off Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA, Cindy Meloy, of nearby Egg Harbor Township, N.J. landed a tautog (Tautoga onitis) weighing 7.31 kg (16 lb 2 oz) on 10 kg (20 lb) line class in three minutes. The current women’s 20 lb line class record is 12 lb 12 oz caught October 21, 1985. (Photo: tautog – 07010032)
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IGFA voices opposition to halibut decision for recreational fishermen
The IGFA has issued a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce in opposition to the International Halibut Commission’s (IPHC) decision to impose a one halibut bag limit on the recreational halibut charter fleet.
In a February letter sent to Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez, IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser said the IGFA is very concerned over the IPHC’s decision to impose a single halibut bag limit on the recreational halibut charter fleet.
Schratwieser said there are several reasons why we do not support the IPHC’s decision.
“First and foremost, the current allocation between the commercial and recreational sectors is far from equitable. The commercial halibut fishery, including by-catch and undersized waste, currently harvests nearly 80 million pounds of halibut annually. In contrast, the recreational harvest is approximately 9 million pounds, or roughly 40% of commercial by-catch and undersize waste alone. Furthermore, the role of regional fisheries management organizations, such as the IPHC, is to issue quotas to participating countries, not to define allocation between user groups.
“Halibut allocation issues in the United States should be under the purview of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council.”
He said there is no biological data that suggests that halibut are either over fished or undergoing over fishing, especially from the recreational charter boat fishery.
“Halibut is one of the most important recreational stocks in Alaska and also a major component to the Alaskan economy.” continued Schratwieser. “This fishery deserves better management and we urged the Department of Commerce to develop a fishery management plan for it that would make the halibut fishery pursuant to National Standards dictated in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and also provide equitable allocation between recreational and commercial fisheries.”
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“Deal or No Deal” for Hall of Famer Martin
IGFA Fishing Hall of Famer and retired bass pro Roland Martin was a surprise guest on the NBC game show Deal or No Deal recently. He was on the set of the popular prime time show trying to entice one of his fans to "take the deal," worth more than $100,000 to the contestant. It included cash, a boat and a fishing trip on Florida’s Lake Okeechobee with the legendary angler, but the contestant turned it down.
According to The Outdoor Wire, Martin said “it was a great experience. They flew me out to Hollywood to tape the show. The guy evidently had mentioned that he loved to fish and I was one of his bass-fishing heroes. He didn't know I was going to be one of the prizes. He almost took the deal, but it was still early in the game. It was cool being part of the show and then going backstage and meeting everybody."
Taped in November, Martin was under a gag order until the show aired.
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Hall of Fame and Museum featured in N. Y. City winter promotion
New Yorkers got a sample of what it’s like to fight a fish and more awareness of the IGFA as the association assisted the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau with a promotion in Union Square in downtown New York City recently.
The theme of the weeklong January promotion was “New Yorkers live in 212…and play in 954.” Inside New Yorkers were able to sample a selection of warm weather activities including a virtual fishing exhibit courtesy of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum.
“It brought a lot of great attention to the Hall of Fame and Museum,” said the IGFA’s Joanie Tomlin, “and hopefully nets us more New York visitors.”

(photo caption): Youngsters and adults got a chance to “fight a fish” at the IGFA’s virtual fishing exhibit during a promotion in downtown New York City.
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Calendar of future IGFA events

February 18, 2007 -- IGFA Certified Observer Program (COP) training class, Miami Intl. Boat Show, Miami Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Fla. USA, at 9 a.m. -- The 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 Michele Sedge at 954-924-4317 email: MSedge@igfa.org. For more information on the boat show please go to www.miamiboatshow.com
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February 20, 2007 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing – “Successful Swordfishing” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. -- 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – The second in a series of four classes, 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 20 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. The class is taught by a recognized angling expert Josh Brown of LMR Tackle with the assistance of Tony DiGiulian, owner of Sal****er Professional Consulting. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 and the fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. For more details check out the School of Sportfishing on the IGFA web site www.igfa.org - home page: “Latest News,” or contact Peter Gaube at 954-924-4247 or via email: PGaube@igfa.org.
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March 3, 2007 -- IGFA Certified Observer Appreciation Dinner, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 6 -10 p.m. For certified observers and guests. Please call and RSVP with Michele Sedge by February 16, 2007 at MSedge@igfa.org or 954-924-4317.
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March 6, 2007 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing “Understanding Sailfish” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – 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 20 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. This class is taught by popular Miami captain Ray Rosher with the assistance of Tony DiGiulian, owner of Sal****er Professional Consulting. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 per class and the fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. For more details check out the School of Sportfishing on the IGFA web site www.igfa.org - home page: “Latest News,” or contact Peter Gaube at 954-924-4247 or via email: PGaube@igfa.org.
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March 13, 2007 – IGFA School of Sportfishing “Building Blocks of Sportfishing” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. – 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 20 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. This class is taught by popular Miami captain Ray Rosher with the assistance of Tony DiGiulian, owner of Sal****er Professional Consulting. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 per class and the fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. For more details check out the School of Sportfishing on the IGFA web site www.igfa.org - home page: “Latest News,” or contact Peter Gaube at 954-924-4247 or via email: PGaube@igfa.org.
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March 17, 2007 -- IGFA Certified Observer Program (COP) training class, Shore Line Yacht Club, Long Beach, California, 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 Michele Sedge at 954-924-4317 email: MSedge@igfa.org. For more on the Shore Line Yacht Club go to their web site at www.shorelineyachtclub.com
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March 20, 2007 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing – “Taking Advantage of Wrecks and Reefs” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. -- 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. –One in a series of classes, 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 20 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing their knowledge in their respective discipline. This class is taught by popular South Florida captain Bouncer Smith with the assistance of Tony DiGiulian, owner of Sal****er Professional Consulting. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 per class and the fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. For more details check out the School of Sportfishing on the IGFA web site www.igfa.org - home page: “Latest News,” or contact Peter Gaube at 954-924-4247 or via email: PGaube@igfa.org.
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March 24, 2007 -- IGFA Volunteer Appreciation Brunch IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 10 a.m. -12 p.m. For volunteers and guests. Please call and RSVP with Jessica Arb by February 16, 2007. jarb@igfa.org or 954-924-4340.
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March 27, 2007 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing – “All About Bait” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. -- 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. – 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 20 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. The class is taught by a recognized angling expert Josh Brown of LMR Tackle with the assistance of Tony DiGiulian, owner of Sal****er Professional Consulting. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 and the fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. For more details check out the School of Sportfishing on the IGFA web site www.igfa.org - home page: “Latest News,” or contact Peter Gaube at 954-924-4247 or via email: PGaube@igfa.org.
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April 2 - 6, 2007 -- IGFA Junior Angler Spring Break Camp, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. -- The IGFA is offering up to 40 youngsters from the ages of 8 to 13, a day camp during the spring break featuring exciting aquatic activities such as: daily fishing tournaments, fishing techniques, wetlands exploration, shark ecology, boat rides, and dissections. Children registered for a full week will receive a discounted rate and a Junior Angler membership. Pre-registration is required. Registration is available by calling the IGFA education department at 954-924-4309 or email reservations@igfa.org.
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April 10, 2007 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing – “Successful Swordfishing” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. -- 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. – 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 20 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. The class is taught by a recognized angling expert Josh Brown of LMR Tackle with the assistance of Tony DiGiulian, owner of Sal****er Professional Consulting. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 and the fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. For more details check out the School of Sportfishing on the IGFA web site www.igfa.org - home page: “Latest News,” or contact Peter Gaube at 954-924-4247 or via email: PGaube@igfa.org.
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April 13, 2007 -- An Evening of Bluegrass, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania, FL. USA. -- Doors open at 7:00pm. Concert begins at 8:00pm. The IGFA will be hosting an Evening of Bluegrass featuring the Kruger Brothers and Larry Stephenson Band. Tickets are $30 ($25 to IGFA members) and all proceeds will benefit the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum. For more details check out the IGFA website at http://www.igfa.org/mue.asp or contact Jessica Arb at 954-924-4340 or via email: jarb@igfa.org.
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April 17, 2007 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing – “Taking Advantage of Wrecks and Reefs”-- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. -- 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. –One is a series of classes his unique experience is offered by the IGFA 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 20 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing their knowledge in their respective discipline. This class is taught by popular South Florida captain Bouncer Smith with the assistance of Tony DiGiulian, owner of Sal****er Professional Consulting. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 per class and the fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. For more details check out the School of Sportfishing on the IGFA web site www.igfa.org - home page: “Latest News,” or contact Peter Gaube at 954-924-4247 or via email: PGaube@igfa.org.
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April 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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April 24, 2007 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing “Understanding Sailfish – Part I” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. – This unique experience is offered by the IGFA 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 20 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. This class is taught by popular Miami captain Ray Rosher with the assistance of Tony DiGiulian, owner of Sal****er Professional Consulting. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 per class and the fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. For more details check out the School of Sportfishing on the IGFA web site www.igfa.org - home page: “Latest News,” or contact Peter Gaube at 954-924-4247 or via email: PGaube@igfa.org.
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April 28, 2007 -- Fourth annual IGFA World Record Achievement Awards, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. -- This celebration marks the 2006 records by men, women, juniors, professional captains and tackle manufacturers. For reservations and tickets for the ceremony please call Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or via email LArico@igfa.org.
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May 1, 2007 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing – “Dolphin and Wahoo Secrets” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. -- 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. – One in a series of classes, 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 20 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing their knowledge in their respective discipline. This class will be taught by recognized expert angler Tony DiGiulian, owner of Sal****er Professional Consulting. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 per class and the fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. For more details check out the School of Sportfishing on the IGFA web site www.igfa.org - home page: “Latest News,” or contact Peter Gaube at 954-924-4247 or via email: PGaube@igfa.org.
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May 8, 2007 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing “Understanding Sailfish – Part II” -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. – 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 20 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. This class is taught by popular Miami captain Ray Rosher with the assistance of Tony DiGiulian, owner of Sal****er Professional Consulting. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $150 per class and the fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. For more details check out the School of Sportfishing on the IGFA web site www.igfa.org - home page: “Latest News,” or contact Peter Gaube at 954-924-4247 or via email: PGaube@igfa.org.
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May 20 – 25, 2007 -- Eighth annual IGFA Offshore World Championship, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – International fishing’s most prestigious billfish tournament hosts more than 60 winning teams from nearly 40 countries on six continents who have qualified by winning one of 117 IGFA sanctioned events held in 2006. This tournament is 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 4 - 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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June 17 – 19, 2007 -- Fifth annual Mercury/IGFA Junior Angler World Championship Tournament, Key West, Fla., USA -- This event hosts some 40 girls and boys, ages five to 16, who have advanced to this all-release championship by winning one of over 30 qualifying fishing tournaments held in the U.S. and several countries in 2006. Anglers ages five -10 compete in the smallfry division; ages 11-16 in the junior division. The youngsters caught and released 772 fish in the 2006 championship. Accompanied by a parent and guided by local IGFA approved Florida Keys captains, the young anglers fish in pairs with another junior or small fry angler over two days for a variety of 23 eligible five-to-25 point species. Contact Peter Gaube, IGFA Junior Angler coordinator 954-927-2628 or pgaube@igfa.org.
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July 8 – 11, 2007 -- Seventh annual IGFA Inshore World Championship, Islamorada, Fla., USA – The “super bowl” of light tackle and fly fishing where the winners of over 50 IGFA qualifying tournaments held on four continents in 2006 are invited 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. Beginning in 2007 the four major award categories will include: Grand Champion (the angler who accumulates the most points for all five targeted species); 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: IWC tournament coordinator Denise Hartman 954-927-2628 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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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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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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