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 IGFA Representatives Pete Binaski, James Gowans, Paul Hoofe, Gary and Yvonne Graham, Bob and Sally Kurz, and James Gowans brought in more than 650 new memberships during the Fred Hall Fishing Tackle, Boat & Travel Shows which took place in Del Mar, California, USA and Long Beach, California, USA during the month of March. The efforts of these IGFA Representatives brought in various types of new members including Junior members, I-Members, Regular members and even two lifetime members!
We want to take this opportunity to thank you for all of the hard work and the amazing team work! The IGFA Development Department, who worked along these IGFA Representatives to support their efforts, would like to remind you that the IGFA will provide membership acquisition tools to aid you in your recruiting efforts. Some of these tools include membership brochures, labels with Rep name/membership number, additional copies of IGFA publications, IGFA PowerPoint presentation CD, new IGFA angling rules DVD, and reasonable support from headquarters as needed. |
Tagger Ken Neill sets a new record for the Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program
April 10, 2012
by Susanna Musick
Angler Ken Neill, III, is a record breaker.
Eight years ago, IGFA Virginia Representative Ken Neill tagged an 11.5 inch tautog when fishing off Cape Henry. Neill didn’t think about the fish again for a long time, until January this year, when he received his recapture report. Neill’s fish was recaptured on January 5, 2012 by Joe Stagnato, close to the very location where it was tagged. Neill’s tautog was at large for 2,826 days, only 94 days short of eight years. Ken’s tautog set a new record for days at large for the Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program (VGFTP). But Neill is no stranger to catching big “togs.” In late February he caught one of his own tagged tautog on the same wreck where he tagged it nearly seven years ago. Originally tagged at 16.75 inches, the fish had grown to two feet when he recaptured it in February.
“Ken’s recaptures are exciting because they help tell the story of these fish. Thanks to his tagging effort and the recapture reports we know that these fish haven’t moved far (or not at all in the case of the second tautog); we know how much they’ve grown and we know that we’ve had success with tag retention in a structure-oriented species. These are great data to document the long-term use and importance of these habitats for these fish. We’re very lucky to have dedicated anglers like Ken in our program,” says VIMS marine recreation specialist and co-coordinator of the VGFTP, Susanna Musick.
Since 1995, the VGFTP has tagged10 species of recreationally important finfish with the help of volunteer anglers. A cooperative effort between the Marine Advisory Program at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and Saltwater Tournament at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC), the program’s funding is from state saltwater license funds and VIMS.
And Ken Neill, III keeps breaking records. On March 25, 2012 he landed a 24 pound, 3 ounce tautog setting a new state record in Virginia!
Keep Mexico's Dorado Off the Table
The Mexican Congress has been conducting forums throughout Mexico and Baja for the past two years, seeking input from the sportfishing and commercial industry on the feasibility of removing dorado from the list of species “reserved exclusively for sportfishing” which is outlined in the Mexican Fisheries law. The passing of this initiative would allow the commercialization of dorado.
The sixth Forum was convened unexpectedly last week in Tapachula, Chiapas. Minerva Saenz, IGFA Representative in Los Cabos, along with many others, responded to the last minute call for testimony. They traveled more than two thousand miles at great personal expense to once again voice the Sportfishing Industries' opposition to any action that would allow the taking of more dorado for commercial purposes.
The ever effusive Minerva observed on her return Monday, "The meeting was the most powerful of the six that I have attended. The government officials were impressed and seemed to be very receptive to our objections and recommendations."
Presidents of various commercial fishing associations attended to encourage the passing of this initiative which would result in dorado being commercialized.
Many Mexican Sportfishing organizations were represented including the local Asociacion de Pesca Deportiva of Chiapas and were joined by International Game Fish Representatives Minerva Sáenz, Representante IGFA, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.; David Jones, Representante IGFA, La Paz, B.C.S.; Ing. Ricardo Hernández Carrasco, Representante IGFA, Oaxaca,Oaxaca; Gary Graham, Representante IGFA, Baja California Sur; and Nassim Joaquin Delbouis, Representante IGFA, Cozumel, Quintana Roo, in voicing their opposition.
The following items summarize the opposition to the submitted initiative:
· Lack of biological studies confirming whether or not the dorado population could sustain commercialization.
· The illegal exportation of dorado is a flagrant violation of our Mexican laws.
· Commercialization of dorado is not a sustainable economic solution for local fishermen.
The 'Dorado Defenders' who have made the effort to attend all of the six public forums are to be commended for their ongoing passion and commitment to Sportfishing in Mexico.
The dedicated group includes Minerva Saenz, Enrique Fernandez del Castillo, the President of the Fundacion para la Conservacion de Los Picudos, A.C., Sandra Pinos, Gllen Bercovich, Dr. Carlos Villavicencio, and the Sportfishing Union of Owners of Sportfishing Boats for Los Cabos and many, many others who have given their support with time, money and energy.
At the conclusion, the Congressional Representatives expressed their unawareness of the importance of dorado to sportfishing and tourism throughout Mexico and Baja. They gave assurances that the information provided would be considered carefully.
While the political process seems far removed from sportfishing, if it weren't for the continued coordinated dedication and effort of interested individuals representing the Sportfishing Industry, sportfishing's contribution to Mexico's economy through tourism would be overlooked entirely.
Follow the links to see the full text submitted in Spanish and English.
Article courtesy of IGFA Representative Gary Graham, Graham Communications.