Four classes remain for IGFA’s School of Sportfishing
Over this month and into October, the IGFA’s School of Sportfishing will be hosting four more sessions on a variety of inshore and offshore fishing topics, according to Jeff Mackin in the IGFA’s education department.
The popular classes are held each Tuesday night from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida.
“Once again we’ve been able to attract some of the finest captains from around the area to lead each class,” said Mackin. “Not only do these instructors guide clients to trophy fish day in and day out through their charter businesses, but they also have a knack for being able to teach our participants their secrets through hands-on interaction.”
The dates, topics and instructors include:
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September 22, Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs with Capt Bouncer Smith
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September 29, Secrets to Surf Fishing with Capt Steve Kantner
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October 6, Kite Fishing Techniques with Capt Bouncer Smith
Along with the printed course materials, each participant will receive tackle and products valued at over $70. Included in these giveaways is an Econoscale from Evolution Products, hook packs from VMC, and much more. As an added bonus, each person in the class will be entered to win various door prizes, such as lures, rods, and rod & reel combos, given out during each class.
For more information, interested anglers can contact Mackin at 954-924-4340 or jmackin@igfa.org, or visit www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp. You may also register online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp. Classes are limited to the first 24 anglers to sign up.
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Tickets available for IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame in October
Tickets are still available for the annual star-studded enshrinement ceremony and dinner to be held Tuesday, October 27 at 6 p.m. at the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Fla. The public is invited.
Five talented men, all who have made significant contributions to the sport of recreational fishing, will be inducted as the 11th class into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame. The class of 2009 includes Carlos Barrantes, Sr, Jack Erskine, Dr. Guy Harvey, Harlan Major and Stephen Sloan.
The honorees are selected each year for the significant contributions made through angling achievements, literature, the arts, science, education, invention, communication or administration of fishery resources.
For ticket and reservation information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org
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Bodo Muche featured artist at 26th IGFA Auction & Banquet
World-renowned Australian sculptor, Bodo Muche will be the featured artist at the 26th Annual IGFA Auction & Banquet, Friday, January 29, 2010.
The event is the non-profit IGFA’s biggest fundraising event of the year and Muche is creating a special sculpture for the auction.
“We expect to have a vast array of more than 200 silent and live auction items up for bid when the evening unfolds at 6 p.m. at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla.,” said the IGFA’s Lesley Arico. “Among them is a Tahitian cruise, a photo safari at Zulu Nyala Game Lodge in South Africa, trips to the Bahamas, to Los Suenos in Costa Rica, to the Tropic Star Lodge in Panama, along with cruises, artwork and more.”
Arico added that the highly anticipated online portion of the auction will kick off the first week of November and will be featured on the IGFA website www.igfa.org.
Tickets are $200 per person and included the silent auction, Conservation Awards, dinner and live auction and free valet parking.
Corporate tables for 10 are also available for $5000 which includes VIP placement, table favors, an ad in the auction program and more. To make a donation to the auction or for reservations and additional information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org
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September Hot Catches
For September world records coordinator Rebecca Wright of the International Game Fish Association has selected 15 recreational fish catches and photographs made from across the globe that are now before the world records committee. This month fish caught in the countries of Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Costa Rica, Brazil, Canada and across the United States are featured.
Australian angler Gary Richardson, fishing the waters off his hometown coastal city of Port Lincoln in the state of South Australia, landed a samsonfish (Seriola hippos) on June 3, weighing 24.88 kg (54 lb 13 oz) using 8 kg (16 lb) class line. His is the first application for the new men’s line class for the species which was added to the IGFA World Records, April 1. (Photo – samsonfish – 32608)
It took a 20 minute fight but fly angler Rick Gunion, Village of Palmetto Bay, FL, USA, managed to land a dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) weighing 14.71 kg (32 lb 7 oz) on 2 kg (4 lb) tippet. He was guided by Brett Dudas in the June 18th catch while fishing Andros, Bahamas. The current IGFA men’s tippet record is 23 lb 0 oz ( 10.43 kg) caught 11 years ago off Alabama in the Gulf of Mexico. (Photo – dolphinfish – 32490)
Junior angler Christopher Hampl, of Cartago, Costa Rica, guided by Edgar Montero, landed a roosterfish (Nematistius pectoralis) on June 27, weighing 30.25 kg (66 lb 11 oz). Using live moonfish for bait he battled with the strong contender for 25 minutes while fishing near Playa Blanca, Costa Rica. The current IGFA boy’s junior record is 64 lb 3 oz (29.12kg). (Photo – roosterfish – 32512)
Daron S. Muratyan, Irvine, Calif., USA, guided by Tony Rackanckas, landed a Pacific barracuda (Sphyraena argentea) on July 19, weighing 3.46 kg (7 lb 10 oz) on 3 kg (6 lb) class line. Muratyan was using an anchovie for bait, while fishing the waters of Huntington Flats, California. The current IGFA men’s line class record is presently vacant for the species added on April 1 for line, fly and junior class records. (Photo Pacific barracuda – 32590)
With a fish fight lasting just shy of three hours, Jorge Masullo de Aguiar of Manaus Amazonas, Brazil, successfully landed a huge lau-lau (piraiba) (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum). He was fishing the waters of Brazil’s Rio Solimoes on May 29 where he made the IGFA All-tackle category catch weighing 155 kg (341 lb 11 oz). The current IGFA record is 295 lb 8 oz (134.04 kg) from Brazil’s Jatapo, Amazonas. (Photo – lau-lau (piraiba) – 33215)
Using 4kg (8 lb) class line, Joachim Ochmann of Tauberbischofscheim, Germany, landed a tench (Tinca tinca) on May 8, weighing 3.3 kg (7 lb 4 oz). He used boilis for bait, while fishing Dachswaldsee Lahr, Germany. The current IGFA record is 5 lb 9 oz ( 2.52 kg) caught from the Stanwick Lakes in Northamptonshire, United Kingdom. Ochmann who holds several other records released the fish after photographing and documenting. (Photo – tench – 32485)
Angler Tom Pfleger of Newport Beach, Calif., USA, landed a white seabass (Atractoscion nobilis) on July 6, weighing 19.42 kg (42 lb 13 oz) on 2 kg (4 lb) class line while fishing La Salina, Mexico. He used squid for bait and battled the fish for 90 minutes. The current IGFA men’s record for the species is 25 lb 14 oz (11.74 kg) caught from Huntington Beach, Calif., in the summer of 2003. (Photo – white seabass – 32569)
While fly fishing nearby Catalina, California, Al Quattrocchi, of Los Angeles, Calif. USA guided by Capt. Bill Matthews, landed a kelp bass (calico) (Paralabrax clathratus) on July 25, weighing 2.49 kg (5 lb 8 oz) using 10 kg (20 lb) tippet with a Q’s Minty Mack fly. The current IGFA record is 5 lb 4 oz ( 2.38 kg) caught last year from Asunsion Bay, Calif. (Photo – kelp bass – 32618)
Using a Spro ahi swimbait to attract her quarry, Ms. Sharon Friedrich, of Babenhausen, Germany, guided by Adrian Vega Fuentes, landed an Atlantic Spearfish, (Tetrapturus spp.) on July 12, weighing 38 kg (83 lb 12 oz) on 10 kg (20 lb) class line. She was fishing the waters of Gran Canaria, Puerto Rico and took 17 minutes to fight the fish. The current IGFA women’s line class record is 54 lb 0 oz ( 24.49 kg) caught in the summer of 2001 off La Gomera in Spain’s Canary Islands. (Photo – Atlantic spearfish – 32639)
Fishing Mexico’s northern Baja coast off La Fonda on July 6, Susan Mercer of El Cajon, Calif., USA, guided by Kimber A. Reed, landed a white seabass, (Atractoscion nobilis). She used live squid on 24 kg (50 lb) class line and took 15 minutes to land the fish that weighed in at 29.03 kg (64 lb 0 oz). The current IGFA women’s line class record for the species is 59 lb 0 oz ( 26.76 kg) recorded three years ago at Puertecitos, Baja. (Photo – white seabass – 32644)
It was the scent of a dead sardine with a chunk of mackerel on 37 kg (80 lb) class line that helped Amy Sharma, Ocala, Fla., USA, attract a black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci) while fishing the Gulf of Mexico along the central Florida coastline July 25. Sharma of Ocala, Fla., guided by Capt. Anthony Manali, took 25 minutes to land the fish that weighed 42.41 kg (93 lb 8 oz). The current IGFA women’s line class record is 15 lb 4 oz (6.92 kg) caught off Miami, Fla. in 2007. (Photo – black grouper – 32679)
Junior angler Geoffrey W. Boynton of Long Beach, California, USA may be the first junior angler to record a Pacific barracuda (Sphyraena argentea) since the species was added to the IGFA World Record Game Fishes book this past Spring. Guided by Bryan M. Webb, Boynton landed the species which weighed 1.59 kg (3 lb 8 oz) using anchovy, while fishing Huntington Flats, Calif., on August 4. (Photo – Pacific barracuda – 32683)
While fishing British Columbia’s Frazer River, junior angler Cameron Elder, of Gloucestershire, United Kingdom, guided by CEJ Mussell, landed a sturgeon (Acipensieridae family) on July 30 weighing in at 49.89 kg (110 lb 0 oz).The current IGFA boy’s junior record is 37 lb 12 oz (17.12 kg) caught from the Rainy River in Minnesota, USA. (Photo – sturgeon – 32769).
Fishing the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, in Wyoming, USA, Fred Hamasaki, of Sacramento, Calif., USA, landed a kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerka) on July 15, weighing 2.24 kg (4 lb 15 oz) on 3 kg (6 lb) test line. It took him 12 minutes to land. The current IGFA record for this landlocked member of the salmon family is 4 lb 10 oz ( 2.1 kg) caught from the same reservoir in 2007. (Photo – kokanee – 32845)
New Zealand angler Eryn Jacobsen of Kaitana, guided by John Batterson, landed a blue Atlantic marlin (Makaira nigricans) on June 20, weighing 79.38 kg (175 lb 0 oz) using ballyhoo for bait on 3 kg (6 lb) class line. It took her 45 minutes to land, while fishing off Sao Vicente, Cape Verde. The current IGFA women’s line class record is 112 lb 0 oz ( 50.8 kg) recorded 11 years ago in LaGuaira, Venezuela. (Photo – blue Atlantic marlin – 32848)
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Mercury Marine Free Family Fishing Clinic at IGFA Sept. 19
The Family Fishing Clinic is back.
Based on its popularity in the past, Mercury Marine, along with the IGFA, and radio station 99.9 KISS Country, will again be hosting a free family fishing clinic at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum on Saturday, Sept. 19. The clinic will run from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and will include educational activities such as knot tying, casting, face painting, a question and answer session with professional fisherman, and free giveaways.
“There will be plenty of free hot dogs to feed the hungry crowd throughout the event,” said David Matagiese, the IGFA’s Education Director. “At our April event more than 600 adults and youngsters from South Fla., joined in for the fun.”
These educational and fun clinics are designed for the entire family with the KISS Country Fishing Team on site as well as an informative “How To” session with Mercury’s pros teaching engine basics like how to change a propeller and proper maintenance of an outboard motor.
“This clinic is a great outlet for families to bond and spend time together in the enjoyment of the outdoors,” stated Matagiese. “Many parents we talk to are trying to pull their kids away from the seclusions of their computers, video games and cell phones. By doing so, we’re hoping to educate both kids and adults not only about the importance of game fish and the need to conserve their habitat, but also to show them how easy and fun fishing can be.”
Mercury Fishing Clinic loaded with free giveaways and great learning tools
Each person who stops by the fishing clinic will have a chance to win an array of free prizes, interact with the pros and also take part in the different learning stations that will be set up. The fun and educational centers include lessons in throwing a cast net, a knot tying station, a casting station and a face painting station popular with the younger anglers.
There’s also a “Q-and-A” session with Mercury Marine Fishing Team pros answering questions about fishing or what it takes to catch big fish.
Registration is not required but all children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information please contact Matagiese at dmatagiese@igfa.org.
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Guy Harvey art exhibit coming to IGFA in October
Next month the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum will feature the highly acclaimed marine artworks of Dr. Guy Harvey.
The celebration of his works will be presented in the IGFA’s Changing Gallery.
In over three decades of professional painting and marine photography Guy Harvey has made a name for himself as not only an internationally renowned marine and sports fishing artist but also as a marine biologist, conservationist, explorer, diver, scientist, videographer, author, philanthropist, TV host, merchandiser, restaurateur and angler.
With no formal art training but with a scientist’s eye for detail, he began sketching fish during his youth. Praise for the 119 illustrations in Guy’s 1983 doctoral thesis convinced him to put on a one-man show of his work, and within three years Harvey had become a full-time artist.
Guy has long been a vocal proponent of catch-and-release and generously donates artwork, time and funds for numerous institutions and conservation groups, including the Guy Harvey Research Institute established at Nova Southeastern University in 1999.
He shares his knowledge and art in books, TV shows, and DVDs. Harvey became an IGFA Representative in 1986 and has been a member of the IGFA Board of Trustees since 1993. In 2008 Dr. Harvey created the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation.
Harvey will be inducted into the 11th class of the IGFA’s Fishing Hall of Fame October 27. He and his family live in Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands.
Look for more information on Harvey’s exhibit coming up in October’s IGFA Hot News.
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IGFA Education and Outreach Program activities coming up
The IGFA’s Outreach Program will be assisting in a couple of upcoming September events in South Florida.
On Saturday, September 19, personnel from IGFA Outreach Program will be assisting the Treasure Coast District Boy Scouts in their Annual Fish-O-Ree in Port St. Lucie.
Open to all Boy Scouts in the area, the Fish-O-Ree is expected to draw over 200 Boy Scouts, along with their families, to O.L. Peacock Sr. Park from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. This event will include educational stations such as knot tying, casting, fish handling and habitat and conservation techniques. Once a scout successfully completes all the stations, he will receive fishing tackle and can begin fishing for a variety of freshwater fish including bass, cichlids, gar and catfish. For more information about this event, please contact Gregg Beutel, Fish-O-Ree Chair, at gbeutel@bellsouth.net.
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In the Florida Keys on Sunday, September 27 the IGFA Education team will be hosting a Touch Tank demonstration at World Wide Sportman’s 12th Annual Kid’s Fishing Derby in Islamorada located near mile marker 82.
This event is set to attract over 300 anglers to take part in a great day of fishing, sportsmanship and learning. This event is completely free and in addition to the IGFA Touch Tank demonstration, will feature a casting contest, kid’s fishing seminars with Capt. Rich Tudor, free hot dogs and much more.
For more information on this great event, please contact Doug Berry, General Manager, at Manager_Islamorada_FL@basspro.com.
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IGFA accepting grant requests from schools for lab programs
Here’s some great news for schools interested in marine sciences. The IGFA Education and Outreach Program is currently accepting grant requests for school groups in grades K-12 to participate in their hands-on lab programs.
Funds are available for groups to participate in the lab programs in two ways. Either on-site at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida or the IGFA Education Team can come to your classroom to host many of the educational lab programs at your school. Priority for funding is given to Title-I schools. Programs are available from Monday – Friday during school hours and require a minimum of 20 participants.
For more information on how your school group can participate in these marine science programs for free, please contact Veronica Woods at 954.924.4309 or visit our grant request page at www.igfa.org/grants.asp.
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IGFA Observer Training Classes Oct. 31
The IGFA will be offering an Observer Training Class (OTC) session at the IGFA headquarters in South Florida, October 31. The OTC instructs experienced anglers, boat captains and crew members the proper techniques as observers for fishing tournaments held across the globe.
The IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Fla., will be the site of the class Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m.
The course includes species Identification, IGFA saltwater fishing rules & regulations, safety at sea and boating etiquette. The IGFA OTC applications are available at the IGFA website www.igfa.org.
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. Please contact IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser at 954-924-4320 or via email at jschratwieser@igfa.org for additional information.
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—At the IGFA Museum—
Exciting sport fishing photo exhibit
The works of some of today’s hottest marine photographers are featured in an exhibit in the Art Gallery of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum,
The popular exhibit features more than 70 images — from Pat Ford, Adrian Gray, Scott Kerrigan, Charlie Levine, Dave McCleaf, Al McGlashan, Ron Modra and Sam Root – and is now on display through March 2010.
Museum visitors can have the opportunity to experience the excitement, emotion, energy and beauty of sport fishing as seen through the lenses of these masters. For more information please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at JTomlin@igfa.org.
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“Ocean Today” an interactive kiosk
Check out the newest interactive exhibit of the Ocean Today kiosk which is gaining in popularity at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum.
Located in the Fish Gallery, the kiosk was originally developed as a major installation in the Sant Ocean Hall at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, said IGFA Education Director David Matagiese.
“The exhibit receives real time data directly from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) helping to educate museum guests on topics such as the current state of the world’s fisheries stocks, endangered species, marine debris and more,” he said.
The kiosk enhances ocean literacy among museum goers through an enticing multi-media experience. A dynamic interface comprised of ocean imagery and video clips, invites visitors to explore several content themes. They include Ocean Science & Technology, Ocean News, Recent Discoveries, and Ocean Life.
For more information on the kiosk, please contact Matagiese at dmatagiese@igfa.org.
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Calendar of upcoming IGFA events
September 15, 2009 — IGFA School of Sportfishing; “All About Live Bait” — IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Having good live bait can be the difference between catching fish or not. We show you where and how to catch several different species of live bait and how to keep them healthy. When you leave this class you will be able to throw a cast net. Taught by Capt. Shawn Fairbanks the class is limited to 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 Jeff Mackin at 954-924-4340. Or sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.
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September 19, 2009 — Mercury Family Fishing Clinic; IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. This free event sponsored by Mercury Marine features clinics on: how to throw a cast net, knot tying, casting stations, fishing talks, question and answer sessions with Mercury Marine Fishing Team Pros, face painting, a number of prize giveaways, free hot dogs and remote broadcasts from KISS Country. Registration is not required but all children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring the whole family along and enjoy a day of education and fun outdoors! For more information go online and visit http://www.igfa.org/kidshome.asp or call the IGFA at 954-927-2628.
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September 19, 2009 — Treasure Coast District Boy Scouts Annual Fish-O-Ree in Port St. Lucie, Fla. USA — 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The IGFA Outreach Program will be assisting the Open to all Boy Scouts in the area, the Fish-O-Ree is expected to draw over 200 Boy Scouts, along with their families, to O.L. Peacock Sr. Park. This event will include educational stations such as knot tying, casting, fish handling and habitat and conservation techniques. Once a scout successfully completes all the stations, he will receive fishing tackle and can begin fishing for a variety of freshwater fish including bass, cichlids, gar and catfish. For more information about this event, please contact Gregg Beutel, Fish-O-Ree Chair, at gbeutel@bellsouth.net.
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September 22, 2009 — 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. If you have ever had a slow day trolling and wished for some serious rod bending action, then this is the class for you. Techniques for snapper and grouper are just some of what you will learn from Capt. Bouncer Smith, one of the greatest fishermen of our generation. The class is limited to 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 Jeff Mackin at 954-924-4340. Or sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.
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September 27, 2009— World Wide Sportsman’s 12th Annual Kid’s Fishing Derby in Islamorada, Fla, USA — The IGFA Education team is hosting a Touch Tank demonstration at this Sunday event expected to attract over 300 young anglers taking part in a great day of fishing, sportsmanship and learning. In addition to the IGFA’s Touch Tank the day will feature a casting contest, kid’s fishing seminars with Capt. Rich Tudor, free hot dogs and much more. For more information on this fun event, contact Doug Berry, World Wide’s general manager, at Manager_Islamorada_FL@basspro.com.
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September 29, 2009 — IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Secrets of Surf Fishing” — IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Even anglers without boats have access to a fantastic fishery in South Florida. However, the best surf anglers understand that very particular times, microclimates, and conditions produce the greatest results. In this new comprehensive class, you’ll learn the inside tips and techniques to really take advantage of the beaches. Taught by Steve Kantner the class is limited to 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 Jeff Mackin at 954-924-4340. Or sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.
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October 6, 2009 — IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Kite Fishing Techniques” — 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. This class will touch on the basics but also introduce more advanced techniques with the kite fishing system. Learn to target several different species with this ancient method of enticing fish to bite. Taught by Capt. Bouncer Smith the class is limited to 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 Jeff Mackin at 954-924-4340. Or sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.
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October 27, 2009 — The 11th Annual IGFA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA — This year’s event will celebrate all 75 members and the newest five inductees of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees will be Carlos Barrantes, Sr., Jack Erskine, Dr. Guy Harvey, Harlan Major and Stephen Sloan. 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 2009 class and dinner. Tickets are $200. For reservation information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org
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October 31, 2009 — IGFA Observer Training Class, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA 9 a.m. – This class trains experienced anglers, boat captains and crew members as observers for fishing tournaments held around the world. The course includes species Identification, IGFA saltwater fishing rules & regulations, safety at sea and boating etiquette. The IGFA OTC applications are available at the IGFA website www.igfa.org. 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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November 8 – 13, 2009 — IGFA Offshore World Championship, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – This 10th annual event is considered international fishing’s most prestigious billfish tournament hosting nearly 50 winning teams from 19 countries on six continents who have been invited after winning one of over 130 qualifying events held in 2008. It’s also the largest contingent of international teams to compete in a single catch-and-release fishing tournament world wide. For more on the tournament or about registering a tournament as a qualifier, contact Lynda Wilson at Lynda.Wilson@Bonniercorp.com or via phone at 407-571-4517, or contact Dan Jacobs, Tournament Director at Dan.Jacobs@Bonniercorp.com or call 407-571-4680.
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January 29, 2010 — 26th Annual IGFA Auction & Banquet at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla., USA, beginning at 6 p.m. — It’s the IGFA’s biggest fundraising event of the year with more than 200 silent and live auction items up for bid. Donations are already arriving, including the special bronze sculpture from this year’s featured artist, world-renowned Australian sculptor, Bodo Muche. There are also trips to Los Suenos, Tropic Star Lodge, the Bahamas, cruises, artwork and more. The auction will be featured on the IGFA website www.igfa.org beginning the first week of November. Tickets are $200 per person and included the silent auction, Conservation Awards, dinner and live auction and free valet parking. Corporate tables for 10 are also available for $5000 which includes VIP placement, table favors, an ad in the auction program and more. To make a donation to the auction or for reservations and additional information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org.
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