Register now for World Recreational Fishing Conference
If you’re planning to attend the Fifth World Recreational Fishing Conference (WRFC) Nov. 10 – 13, now is the time to signup. Early registration for the conference, devoted to international recreational fisheries, ends on September 30, and increases from $400 to $600 per person after that date.
Hosted by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) the conference will be held at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida, U.S.A.
This is the first time it’s been held in the United States.
According to IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser, the purpose of the WRFC is to provide an international forum for the recreational fishing community. An increasing number of representatives from around the globe are registering to attend.
“The list of attendees, participants and presenters, which is limited to 280, is very diverse and includes fisheries scientists and managers, non-governmental organizations, representatives from the tackle industry and recreational anglers interested in the current state and future of recreational fisheries worldwide,” said Schratwieser.
The WRFC series was spawned by the First World Angling Conference held in Cap d’Agde, France in 1984. That conference, sponsored by the IGFA attracted 251 registrants from 48 countries. The first WRFC was held in Ireland in 1996, with successive conferences in Canada, Australia and Norway.
Schratwieser, who is also chairing the conference, said the schedule of presentations for the conference is fairly complete.
“We have assembled a program that includes something for almost anyone interested in the management and policy of recreational fisheries. After last month’s submission deadline we now have 111 oral presentations to be given by authors hailing from 17 different countries.”
He outlined a number of the discussion topics:
- Climate change: direct implications for anglers, sport fishing industry, and fisheries managers
- Inland and marine protected areas: successes, failures, processes and impacts on recreational fisheries
- Sustainable development of recreational fisheries
- Community expectations and perceptions: recreational fishing’s role in society
- Global partnerships in recreational fisheries
- Ecosystem based approach to recreational fisheries management
- Economic contribution of recreational fisheries to society
“This is truly the only conference of its kind dedicated to international recreational fisheries.”
For more information on the conference, the schedule of programs, registration deadlines for hotel rooms, visit the conference website at www.worldrecfish.org or contact Schratwieser directly at 954-924-4320 or jschratwieser@igfa.org.
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10th IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame induction coming up next month
Tickets continue to sell steadily for next month’s gala induction ceremony for the tenth class into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame.
The October 25 event which takes place at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Fla., USA, is one of the association’s most celebrated evenings of the year focusing on the five member class of 2008. The annual event recognizes the honorees for the important contributions they made to the sport of fishing through angling achievements, the arts, literature, science, education, communication, invention or administration of fishery resources.
They include: the late Henry Chee a renowned Hawaii guide and innovator of offshore lures; the late Dr. Roy Dean, founder of the Intl. Light Tackle Tournament Assoc., early promoter of catch-and-release and researcher of billfish migration; Jimmy Houston, professional bass fisherman and TV show host; Kay Rybovich co-founder of the Intl. Women’s Fishing Assoc., conservationist and one of the grand ladies of sport fishing, and Karl Wickstrom founder and Editor-in-Chief of Florida Sportsman magazine, who initiated and chaired the Save Our Sealife campaign that banned gill nets and revitalized Florida’s inshore waters
The evening’s activities which begin at 6 p.m. include a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner and the induction ceremony.
Tickets for the evening are $200 per person and the public is invited.
There are 70 Hall of Fame members currently enshrined and include Ernest Hemingway, Zane Grey, Curt Gowdy, Ted Williams, Michael and Helen Lerner, Philip Wylie and John Rybovich.
Special sponsorships and sponsor tables are available. For reservation, sponsorship or further information, contact Lesley Arico at the International Game Fish Association, 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, Florida, 33004. Email: larico@igfa.org, by phone 954-924-4222, or fax 954-924-4299.
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More great donations arrive for 25th IGFA Intl. Auction and Banquet
Many unique and interesting donation items continue to arrive each week for the “Silver Anniversary” of the IGFA’s premier fundraising event, the 25th Annual International Auction & Banquet set for January.
The event will take place at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla., Friday, January 23, 2009.
“We just received a three day three night bass fishing trip in Mexico sent to us by Ron Speed’s Adventures,” said IGFA Corporate Relations Manager Ms. Lesley Arico. “In fact the angler can choose between two great bass fishing locations on either Lake Comendeo or Lake El Salto. Interested bidders will want to read more about this great adventure being offered.
“Add to that donation are other great once-in-a-lifetime trips including a week for two at the fantastic Tropic Star Lodge in Panama, a safari for two to Zulu Nyala in South Africa and a seven-day wels catfishing trip for two to Europe.
The IGFA will feature renowned marine artist, conservationist and marine biologist, Dr. Guy Harvey. Harvey, an IGFA Trustee and long time auction supporter, has promised a special auction piece to commemorate the milestone.
“A signed and numbered print of his original artwork will be given to each guest.”
Arico said other impressive art donations include an original sculpture by past featured artist, David Wirth, and an original bronze sculpture by Bodo Muche of Australia.
“We’re expecting more beautiful works of art along with fishing charters, rods and reels, tackle, jewelry, resorts, and much more. We’ll have more to announce in the coming months plus news on the much anticipated and very popular online portion of the auction which begins in December on the IGFA website at www.igfa.org.”
Tickets are $175 per person or a corporate table for 10 people can be purchased for $3000 that includes preferred table placement, a full-page ad in the auction program, table signage and table favors. To make reservations, an auction donation or if you need further information please contact Ms. Arico at 954-924-4222 or email larico@igfa.org.
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It’s coming in January: Fishing’s most valued global reference book
There are over 30 great reasons to be a member of the IGFA and one of them is the World Record Game Fishes book which is published each January.
The editorial and advertising staffs at the IGFA are working on the 2009 edition, a reference book that has been described by recreational fishermen and outdoors/fishing writers alike as “the most comprehensive piece of fishing information available anywhere.”
“It continues its legacy as one of the most reliable and complete source books of worldwide fishing records and fishing-related reference materials,” said the IGFA’s Denise Hartman. “It’s a mainstay of recreational fishing.”
She said the 2009 edition to be released in mid-January is expected to be over 400 pages. The popular annual is the official guide to saltwater and freshwater catches – for nearly 400 species around the world — in all-tackle, line class, fly, junior angler and U.S. state records.
“It’s sent to IGFA members in over 120 countries. Besides the huge compilation of saltwater and freshwater world records, it also lists angling rules, detailed fish descriptions, a multitude of special programs, informative and entertaining articles by leading outdoor editors, plus much more.”
She said the complete IGFA member benefits also include a subscription to the bi-monthly magazine the International Angler, decals, a tape measure, a membership card with yearlong entry to the 60,000 sq. ft. IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, access to world records on the IGFA web site, and special promotions and discount at the IGFA store.
To learn more about the IGFA and its many programs dedicated to conservation and education, visit the IGFA website at www.igfa.org or call 800-442-4665.
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Six classes left in IGFA School of Sportfishing fall season
The IGFA School of Sportfishing classes are underway with six more classes left in the fall season.
“We’ve had two classes to begin the eighth session and both were well received,” said Jeff Mackin of the IGFA. “In his ‘Understanding Your Onboard Electronics’ class Capt. Karl Anderson taught participants how to effectively use their electronics so that they can make the most out of their time on the water. He discussed using VHF radio to determine where other anglers were finding the most bites and how to use GPS systems to locate and mark large schools of bait and the predatory fish that follow them. He explained that by properly logging this type of information, participants could easily find these fish again on their next fishing trip. Other topics covered included echo sounders and depth finders, transducers and radar systems.
“The students in the ‘Fishing for Trophy Snook’ class benefited greatly from some amazing tips from Capt. Mark Zaskey to land lunker snook, techniques they wouldn’t hear in seminars.”
The Tuesday night classes run from 7 – 10 p.m., and are taught at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & 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.
Each course includes printed materials along with the equipment and hands-on instruction where anglers have a chance to interact and learn from professional fishermen who they would usually only read about in fishing magazines or see on television.
Mackin gave the course topics, teachers and dates for the remaining six classes:
- “Four Fundamentals Every Sportfisherman Should Know” taught by Capt. Tony DiGiulian, Sept. 9
- “The Basics of Rigging and Trolling Artificial Lures” with instructor Capt. Josh Brown, Sept. 16.
- “All About Live Bait” taught by Capt. Shawn Fairbanks, Sept. 23.
- “Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs” instructed by Capt. Bouncer Smith, Sept. 30
- “Conquering Sailfish” with teacher Capt. Bouncer Smith, Oct. 7
- “Targeting Largemouth and Peacock Bass” with Capt Alan Zaremba, Oct. 14
The cost is $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 each for non-members.
For more details visit the IGFA website at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp to assess which courses are appropriate for specific skill levels. Sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp or contact Mackin at 954-924-4340 with any questions you might have.
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September Hot Catches
Each month the International Game Fish Association’s world records department provides highlights of selected documented fish catches made across the globe submitted for world records. Several young anglers lead off the nine recent submissions that IGFA world records coordinator Rebecca Wright provided which are now before the world records committee.
Armed with a Rapala Magnum lure while fishing Canada’s East Bay, Christian LeVatte, of Sydney Forks, Nova Scotia, landed a striped bass (Morone saxatilis) on May 25, weighing 26.25 kg (57 lb 14 oz). It took the young man 30 minutes to land the fish for a possible boy’s junior class record. The current boy’s junior record is 57 lb 0 oz caught off Isabella Beach, NY 10 years ago. (Photo: striped bass – 28391)
Junior angler Weston Cordell Hardin, of Farmers Branch, Texas, USA, landed a smallmouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus) on June19. The youngster used chicken liver as bait to entice the fish that weighed 2.38 kg (5 lb 4 oz) while he was fishing Catfish Creek, in the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area at Tennessee Colony, Texas. If his record is approved Weston will be the first IGFA boy’s junior class record holder for the species. (Photo: smallmouth buffalo – 08070004)
Another junior angler may be the first to capture a newly added species record. Ainsley Mignon Huizenga, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., USA, landed a gray snapper, (Lutjanus griseus) on June 17 weighing .91 kg (2 lb 0 oz) using cut tuna for bait while fishing Elbow Cay, Bahamas. She’ll be the first species record holder in the female smallfry division if her record is approved. (Photo: gray snapper – 08070022)
From South America multi-record holder Gilberto Fernandes of Mao, AM, Brazil may have two more records. He first landed a barred sorubim (Pseudoplatystoma faciatum) on April 26 weighing 16.17 kg (35 lb 10 oz) while fishing the Amazon River using a small catfish for bait fighting the fish for 30 minutes. He has applied for an IGFA All-Tackle class record that could replace the Sept. 2000 record for a catch of a 29 lb 12 oz specimen from the Kuluene River in Brazil. (Photo: barred sorubim – 08050073)
Almost two months later Fernandes landed a sorubim (Pseudoplatystoma spp.) on June 23 that may almost double the current line class record. The fish caught on 3 kg (6 lb) class line off Parana do Cambixe, Brazil weighed 13 kg (28 lb 10 oz). The current IGFA record is 15 lb 11 oz caught in Ratchaburi, Thailand last year. (Photo: sorubim – 28343)
Guided by Ricky Turner while fly fishing Bayou DuLarge, Louisiana, USA, on July 14, Stephan Robert of Houma, La., landed a sizable black drum (Pogonias cromis). Using a custom crab for a fly tied to 1 kg (2 lb) tippet, he landed the 8.33 kg (18 lb 6 oz) fish. The current men’s 2 lb tippet record is 12 lb 4 oz caught in 1994 from the Banana River off Cocoa Beach, Fla. USA. (Photo: black drum – 28341)
On July 10, Maureen Klause, of Ocean City, N.J., USA, brought in a bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) weighing 36.57 kg (80 lb 10 oz) on 8 kg (16 lb) class line. She was guided by Robert J. Ogden using a butterfish for bait in the 32 minute fight while fishing 19 Fathom Lump off the Delaware coast. Ocean City’s Twin Wrecks off Maryland’s coast is the location for the current women’s 16 lb line class record of 65 lb caught in 2000. (Photo: bluefin tuna – 28385)
Fishing Papua New Guinea’s Pandy River, Kazuhiro Uyama, of Toyko, Japan, guided by Jacob Kankia, landed a Papuan black snapper, (Lutjanus goldiei) on June 4. Caught on a Rapala Skeeter Popper the fish weighed 10.05 kg (22 lb 2 oz) on 24 kg (50 lb) class line. The current IGFA record for the species is 12 lb 8 oz caught on the Fly River of West Province Papua New Guinea two years ago. (Photo – Papuan black snapper – 08060041)
Fishing Heguyajima Island, Japan, Ryushiro Omote, of Ishikawa-Ken, Japan, took 15 minutes to land a madai (Pagrus major) on June 7, weighing 7.54 kg (16 lb 9 oz) on 8 kg (16 lb) class line. He was using a shrimp for bait. The current IGFA men’s line class record is 13 lb 13 oz recorded in Nakadomari, Aomori, Japan in 2005. (Photo: madai – 28344)
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–At the IGFA Museum—
Sharkwater ending
September is the last month for showings of Sharkwater, an award-winning feature length film and exhibition at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum.
Due to popular demand the much acclaimed 90-minute documentary film, winner of 19 international awards, has been extended several times over the year since its debut last fall. Winner of 19 international awards, the film is being shown four times daily on Saturdays at 10:15 a.m., noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. and Sunday’s at noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. On weekdays it’s shown at 3:30 p.m.
An interactive and educational exhibition based around shark conservation is also featured in the museum’s Changing Gallery.
Catch & Release Special Exhibit coming in October
Coming to the museum’s Changing Gallery in October the IGFA will present a special exhibit on the background of “Catch and Release” fishing.
In the 1950’ and 60’s, Fort Lauderdale gained the reputation as the ‘sportfishing capital of the world’ and tourists mounted thousands of fish each year. Thousands of other fish, particularly sailfish, were also taken and not mounted as captains could earn big commissions only after killing the catch.
This trend was unsustainable and led to the concept we all know now as ‘Catch and Release.’ The majority of all sailfish caught today are released alive and mounts are produced without the need for the actual fish. Sailfish populations have rebounded and the fishing has improved dramatically. ‘Catch and Release’ is here to stay.
This new special exhibit will feature start-to-finish mounts, taxidermy facts, an exclusive video from IGFA Hall of Famer Mark Sosin and spectacular release photos.
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From the IGFA — Did You Know?
- Scientists fear that increasing levels of dissolved carbon dioxide in the world’s oceans may make the water too acidic for corals to survive and grow
- One terawatt of energy equals 1 trillion watts
- The annual amount of chemical energy stored by phytoplankton is roughly 63 terawatts
- By 2050, 91% of the world’s coastlines will have been impacted by development
- Nearly 80% of ocean pollutio
n originates from land-based activities - Outside of Europe and North America, over 80% of sewage enters the coastal ocean untreated
- 40% of people live within 50 km of a coastline
References
Sale, P.F., M.J. Butler IV, A.J. Hooten, J.P. Kritzer, K.C. Lindeman, Y.J. Sadovy de Mircheson, R.S. Steneck, and H. van Lavieren, 2008. Stemming Decline of the Coastal Ocean: Rethinking Environmental Management, UNU-INWEH, Hamilton, Canada
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Calendar of upcoming IGFA events
Now through September, 30 2008 – Sharkwater, award-winning feature length film and exhibition, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA – Due to popular demand the much-acclaimed 90-minute documentary film, winner of 19 international awards, is at the IGFA until the end of September. It’s being shown four times daily on Saturdays at 10:15 a.m., noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. and three times on Sunday at noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. On weekdays it’s shown at 3:30 p.m. An interactive and educational exhibition based around shark conservation is also featured in the Museum’s Changing Gallery. The IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum 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. Monday – Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free to IGFA members. Guest fees are $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and children ages 3 – 16. For more information phone the IGFA at 954-924-4370.
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September 9, 2008 — IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Four Fundamentals Every Sportfisherman Should Know” IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. If you’re new to the game or a seasoned vet to the sport, these are must have skills every sportfisherman should know. This intensive hands-on class will cover different types of bait rigging, how to fill your live well by properly throwing a cast net, how to tie critical knots for double line, line-to-line, terminal connections, and wire twists, and also proper terminal tackle prep like crimping, making leaders and hook sharpening. Conducted by Capt. Tony DiGiulian, this is not your regular fishing seminar series. 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. You may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.
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September 16, 2008 — IGFA School of Sportfishing; “The Basics of Rigging and Trolling Artificial Lures” IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Find out why lure making is considered an art form. All about how and why lures work; be proficient in re-skirting your own lures and building hook sets. Conducted by Capt. Josh Brown, this is not your regular fishing seminar series. 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. You may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.
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September 20, 2008 — Grand Opening of Tinomana Vachot Exhibit, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum Art Gallery, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. Tahitian artist Tinomana Vachot combines the traditional art of the Marquesas, Society, Tuamotu, and Hawaiian Islands creating intricate designs that capture the beauty, spirit, and culture of the Polynesian triangle paradise. grand opening festivities include face painting from noon to 3 p.m. in the museum lobby. 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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September 23, 2008 — 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. Conducted by Capt. Shawn Fairbanks, this is not your regular fishing seminar series. 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. Go to the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp for more details or contact Jeff Mackin at 954-924-4340. Anglers may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.
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September 30, 2008 — 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 one of the greatest fishermen of our generation. Conducted by Capt. Bouncer Smith, this is not your regular fishing seminar series. 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. Anglers may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.
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October 7, 2008 — 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 game fish. Topics will include bait rigging, following fish, success with circle hooks, bridling baits and catching multiples. Learn the tricks of the trade that allow professionals to remain at the top of their game. Conducted by Capt. Bouncer Smith, this is not your regular fishing seminar series. 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. Anglers can also sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.
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October 14, 2008 — IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Targeting Largemouth and Peacock Bass” IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Find out what it takes to successfully target these freshwater species. From finding the fish to knowing what to throw at them, this class will teach you all you need to know in order to consistently land these highly sought after species. Capt. Alan Zaremba is the instructor of the class. Not your regular fishing seminar series 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. Anglers may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.
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October 25, 2008 — The 10th Annual IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA — This year’s celebration honors all 70 members and the newest five inductees of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees include Henry Chee, Dr. Roy Dean, Jimmy Houston, Kay Rybovich and Karl Wickstrom. They were 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 2008 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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November 2, 2008 — IGFA Observer Training Class – IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. — 9 a.m. – The 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, and at the IGFA headquarters. Pre-registration is required and the $150 fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. For additional information, please contact Jason Schratwieser at 954-924-4320 or via email: jschratwieser@igfa.org.
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November 8, 2008 — 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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November 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, visit www.worldrecfish.org or contact IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser at 954-924-4320 or jschratwieser@igfa.org. (Please note: The IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum will be closed to the public Monday November 10 – Thursday November 13 in order to host the conference)
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January 23, 2009 — 25th Annual IGFA Auction & Banquet at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla., USA. It’s the Silver Anniversary of the IGFA’s biggest fundraising event of the year with hundreds of silent and live auction items up for bid. Featured this year will be renowned marine artist, conservationist and marine biologist, Dr. Guy Harvey who is also an IGFA Trustee and long time auction supporter. Harvey has promised a special piece to commemorate the milestone. 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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February 6 – 8, 2009 — Third Blue Wild Spearfishing Seminar and Expo IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA – The IGFA hosts Sheri Daye for a weekend-long event featuring spearfishing, lobstering, freediving, scuba, videography, safety, bluewater, equipment, fitness, conservation, world records and more. The expo is included with regular IGFA museum admission, with separate admission charge for seminars. For more info go to www.thebluewild.com or call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at JTomlin@igfa.org.
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