The very popular IGFA School of Sportfishing, brought to anglers by Mercury Marine, is preparing for its fifteenth session. The new session will start on Tuesday, May 4th. With topics ranging from bottom fishing to rigging and trolling artificial lures to using marine electronics, we have a great lineup in store for our participants. These classes maintain the level of excellence expected of the School of Sportfishing name with timely subjects taught by well-known, top-level captains. This session is shaping up to be something truly special! "We are following up another fantastic session. Session 14's new classes, new instructors, and new giveaways made for one of our most successful ever. As always, a new session will bring new opportunities so sign up soon" said the IGFA's Jeff Mackin.

With a class size limit of 24 anglers the School of Sportfishing offers a unique experience for anglers who want to obtain the skills, information and techniques necessary to maximize their overall success on the water.

The classes, all scheduled on Tuesday nights from 7 - 10 p.m., are taught at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum. Each course features printed curriculum on the session, equipment and hands-on instruction where anglers have a chance to interact and learn from fisherman who they would usually only see on television or read about in fishing magazines.

Along with the course materials, each participant will receive tackle and products. Included in these giveaways are lures from Yo-Zuri, 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.

Cost per class is $150 for nonmembers and $100 for members. The fee covers the cost of the class, course materials, and tackle handed out during each class. For more details call Jeff at 954-924-4340 or e-mail him at jmackin@igfa.org.

Fundamentals of Sportfishing – Tuesday, May 4, 2010: If you’re new to the game or a seasoned vet to the sport, these are must have skills every sportfisherman should know. This hands-on intensive class will cover different types of bait rigging, 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. Taught by Capt. Tony DiGiulian

Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs – Tuesday, May 11, 2010: 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. Instructor TBD

The Basics of Rigging and Trolling Artificial Lures – Tuesday, May 18, 2010: 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. Taught by Capt. Josh Brown

Targeting Nearshore Gamefish: Dolphin, Kings, & Blackfins– Tuesday, May 25, 2010: A class designed for the angler looking to fill their cooler. The majority of prime table fare species occur along the near shore, inside of 800 feet of water. We’ll teach you the most effective strategies for dolphin, kingfish, blackfin tuna, cobia, and more. Taught by Capt. Bouncer Smith

Understanding Your Onboard Electronics – Tuesday, June 1, 2010: Today's marine electronics are capable of some amazing things if you know how to properly utilize them. Learn some new tricks for making yourself a more efficient angler as we show you how to make your electronics work for you. Taught by Capt. Jim Jones

Successful Swordfishing – Tuesday, June 8, 2010: From tackle to location, find out everything you need to know to make your next swordfish trip a huge success. Hands on squid rigging and inside information from one of South Florida’s best swordfishermen. Taught by Capt. Bouncer Smith