IGFA MAY HOT NEWS

IGFA HOT News HOT Catches – May 2010
By Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications – IGFA PR Counsel

IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame announces 12th induction class (w/photos)
 
Five men, from the U.S., Japan and Britain, all who have made significant contributions to the sport of recreational fishing, will be inducted as the 12th class into the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame this fall. The announcement of the class of 2010 includes Yoshiro Hattori, Capt. Steve Huff, George G. Mathews, John Wilson and Forrest Wood.
   
The 12th annual star-studded enshrinement ceremony and dinner will be held Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 6 p.m. at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Fla. The public is invited.
   
The honorees are selected each year for the significant contributions through achievements in angling, literature, the arts, science, education, invention, communication or administration of fishery resources.
    
The five inductees and their contributions are:

Yoshiro Hattori is an honorary member of the Japan Game Fish Association since its inception.  A natural communicator, he is widely known for his television shows “Fishing in Japan” and “11 PM” where he introduced various fishing reports in Japan and overseas.

Capt. Steve Huff, whose innovations include shallow-water boat building, light-tackle and fly-rod fish fighting techniques, has guided clients to some of the most coveted inshore world records since 1968.  Huff revolutionized flats fishing in saltwater and is celebrated in the Bahamas, Mexico, the Florida Keys and the Seychelles.

George G. Mathews is a big-game fisherman who participated in many of the Bahamas tournaments during the 1960-1970s.  A member of the IGFA Board of Trustees since 1971, Mathews has served as Board Chairman and is a former member of the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission.

John Wilson, a British angler has been a TV personality for 20 years covering big game and deep sea fishing.  Voted “The Greatest Angler of All Time” in a 2004 poll by readers of Angling Times, Wilson has published nearly 20 books and authored a column for the newspaper the Sunday Express until 2009.

Forrest Wood began as a fishing guide on the fabled Arkansas White River, USA.  Wood started a small boat repair business on the side and developed his business into what became Ranger Boats.  Wood and his family went out to set the modern standard for bass boats, including the first built-in livewell system.  Wood validated his early “built by fishermen for fishermen” ad slogan by fishing the B.A.S.S. tour for nearly two decades.
   
There are currently 80 Hall of Fame members enshrined including Zane Grey, Ernest Hemingway, Curt Gowdy, Ted Williams, Lee and Joan Wulff, Michael and Helen Lerner, Philip Wylie, Bill Dance, Roland Martin, Johnny Morris, Don Tyson and Stu Apte.

Tickets are $200 and include the cocktail reception beginning at 6 p.m.; silent auction, dinner and the induction ceremony in the Greats Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m. Special sponsorships and sponsor tables are available.  For reservation information contact Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or via e-mail: larico@igfa.org. 


IGFA Honors U.S. President George H. W. Bush

While Theodore Roosevelt is widely regarded as the conservation president, few people realize that President George H. W. Bush surpassed Roosevelt’s protection of America’s natural spaces by establishing 56 new wildlife refuges, restoring and protecting 3,000,000 acres of wetlands, and actively championing environmental concerns during his tenure. A new exhibit at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, The Sports & Outdoors President, highlights President Bush’s love of the great outdoors and his long-term commitment to the environment.
   
At its opening ceremony on April 20th, International Game Fish Association President Rob Kramer joined some of President Bush’s fishing buddies – Andy Mill, a Gold Cup tarpon angler, Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, Paul Dixon, representing the Anglers Club of New York, and Robert Rich, Jr., author, angler, and Vice Chairman of the IGFA.  More than 500 guests were on hand to share an evening rich with fishing stories and camaraderie.     Following a panel discussion, Kramer presented the former president with a special contribution to commemorate Bush’s love of and deep commitment to fishing: Kent Ullberg’s Silver King stainless steel tarpon statue.
   
“The International Game Fish Association appreciates President Bush’s many contributions to the world of angling,” Kramer shared with the gathering. “By making fishing and the environment personal priorities, President Bush inspires fellow politicians to consider the vast economical and environmental contributes of our sport.”
   
The new exhibit is comprised of environmental and outdoor artifacts from George H. W. Bush’s days in Congress and as vice president and president, including 26 pieces of environmental legislation, such as the Clean Air Act, passed while he was president. The Sports & Outdoors President is located at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum on the campus of Texas A&M University. For more information, visit http://bushlibrary.tamu.edu/.


IGFA School of Sportfishing classes underway

The 15th session of the highly popular IGFA School of Sportfishing series presented by Mercury Marine is now underway with weekly classes into early-June.
   
Topics of the remaining five classes from May and into June include new and returning favorite topics such as Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs, Basics of Rigging and Trolling Artificials, Targeting Nearshore Gamefish: Dolphin, Kings, & Blackfins, Understanding Your Onboard Electronics, and Successful Swordfishing.
   
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.
   
Check the IGFA website at www.igfa.org/education/school-of-sportfishing.aspx for updated information on the classes.
   
The IGFA School of Sportfishing classes are held on Tuesday nights from 7 – 10 p.m. at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida.
   
For more information please contact Jeff Mackin at 954-924-4340. Online sign ups are also available at www.igfa.org/education/school-of-sportfishing-registration.aspx. Classes are limited to the first 24 anglers to sign up.


11th IGFA Offshore World Championship underway in Cabo

The 11th annual IGFA Offshore World Championship, which brings together the largest contingent of international teams to compete in a single catch-and-release billfish tournament worldwide, is now underway during the week of May 9-14, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
   
Forty winning teams, representing over 120 qualifying tournaments in more than 30 countries and 11 U.S. states, are competing for the title of IGFA offshore world champion with the hot spring striped marlin bite in Cabo as the main quarry.
   
The reigning champions from Mexico are back to compete including Oscar Daccarett, Rafael Garcia, Hernando Gonzalez, Jobe Villavicencio, Javier Villavicencio and Drew Andrews.
   
The IGFA OWC 2008 championship team from the USA is also competing and includes team members Robert and Chrisse Collins and Matt McLean from the Florida Keys and Ken Longaker of Seattle, Wash.
   
The world can tune into what is happening on the water by going to the championship website, www.igfaowc.com and clicking on the real-time scorekeeper. Friends, family and fellow anglers can see how each team is doing as the scorekeeper displays the hook-ups, releases, teams and boats.
   
For more on the tournament or to register as a 2011 tournament qualifier, call Lynda Wilson at 407-571-4517 or visit igfaoffshorechampionship.com.


IGFA’s Expedition Series is returning to Panama August 30th
   
If you missed the IGFA’s recent Expedition to Guatemala and are looking for a great fishing trip to “billfish nirvana,” you still have a chance for another grand adventure to the Tropic Star Lodge on Piñas Bay, Panama, August 30 to September 5.
   
The waters of Piñas Bay, surrounding legendary Zane Grey Reef, have yielded more than 70 blue marlins in the six days of the IGFA’s previous Panama Expeditions. Combined with the plentiful black marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, and other top game fish in this tropical paradise, the species count alone makes for a fishing trip that’s sure to satisfy any true sportsman’s quest for adventure.
   
“This expedition follows in the footsteps of the early game fish pioneers exploring the abundant waters of Piñas Bay for the world’s greatest game fish,” said IGFA Development Director Eric Combast. “Adding the expertise of our Expedition Leaders to the trips makes each day on the water feel like we’re continuing the tradition of truly excellent game fishing.”
   
This year’s Panama Expedition Leaders include outdoor writer and offshore expert Capt. Karl Anderson, light-tackle marlin expert Capt. Thomas “Bark” Garnsey, IGFA President Rob Kramer, and world record holder and Piñas Bay expert Raleigh Werking. These experienced and exceptional anglers will provide an action-packed excursion with valuable fishing tips and guidance.
   
For more information on this all-inclusive expedition and exciting opportunity, please call Eric Combast at 954-924-4325 or email ecombast@igfa.org.

IGFA Education Department News:
IGFA Junior Angler Summer Camps begins June 14
   
If you’re looking for one of the coolest youth camps around for hands-on fun and activities, nothing beats the IGFA’s annual Junior Angler Summer Camps with 10 weekly sessions beginning June 14.
    
Now in its 11th year the camps are held at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Fla., offering weeklong summer adventures for children ages 8 – 13, from June 14 through August 20th. 
   
Campers spend time in the museum where they learn about fishing techniques, conservation, marine biology, the ins-and-outs of fish anatomy through dissections, biological adaptations, tying flies & jigs, fish habitats and participate in simulated fishing tournaments.
   
Field trips include snorkeling, water parks and pier fishing with every Friday spent deep sea fishing from a 70’ party boat off the coast of Miami.
   
Camp registration includes a free rod and reel combo, T-shirt, tackle box and camp goody bag. For more information about the IGFA Summer Camp, please contact Veronica Woods at vwoods@igfa.org or visit http://www.igfa.org/Education/Youth-Camps.aspx.

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IGFA Outreach Program to Visit New Smyrna Beach, Florida
   
The IGFA Education Outreach Program has once again been invited to be a part of FishStock held annually in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., to host kids’ fishing clinics over Memorial Day Weekend at Riverside Park.
   
IGFA Education Director David Matagiese said the IGFA kid’s clinics start at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, May 29th, and run throughout the weekend.
   
“The clinics are free and open to kids ages 6-16,” said Matagiese. “We teach participants about fishing tackle, casting, baits and lures, as well as knot tying.”
   
“After successfully completing the clinic, children will be given a free rod and reel combo compliments of Fish Florida to take home and continue practicing their newly acquired skills. Bait will also be provided so that all clinic participants can immediately begin using their newly acquired fishing knowledge by trying their luck fishing along the pier at Riverside Park.”
   
Registration takes place on site at Riverside Park and all children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information about the IGFA Outreach Program, contact IGFA Education Director David Matagiese at dmatagiese@igfa.org.


---At the IGFA Museum--- 

New at the Art Gallery, the Funky Fish Art of David Roehm (with photo)
   
The IGFA Art Gallery is featuring the whimsical works of artist David Roehm, who is inspired by his fishing and snorkeling adventures off his hometown of Fort Lauderdale, along with Chokoloskee Island, and the flats of Islamorada. Many of the quaint old bars, hangouts and fishing spots now gone are depicted in Dave's artistry, but they are not all done on the usual canvas. He specializes in decorating unusual items such as fire hydrants and wood sculptures.
   
Roehm’s colorful and humorous FunkyFishArt will be on display till October
   
For a preview visit www.funkyfishart.com
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Guy Harvey’s early art works extended in IGFA’s Changing Gallery until July 5th   
   
As a young boy, Guy Harvey was entranced by Ernest Hemingway’s story The Old Man and the Sea.  In the early 1970’s, with no formal art training but with a scientist’s eye for detail, Guy began sketching his favorite parts.  These rarely-viewed series of 59 pen-and-ink sketches from the private collection of Cheryl and Dave Copham comprised Guy’s first art show in 1985.     

These highly acclaimed early marine artworks of Dr. Guy Harvey are now being shown at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum presented in its Changing Gallery exhibition room.
     
They are on display through July 5, 2010.  Also featured are the photos of Bill Boyce and sculptures of Kent Ullberg.     

June is BAMM month
   
BAMM is back this June and if you have an IGFA membership you can benefit in a big way…. in fact 20 ways.
   
Your current IGFA membership will allow you into more than 20 participating museums and attractions throughout Broward County during the month of June.
   
The theme for the month is “Join one, experience them all.” 
IGFA members can use their cards for reciprocal benefits in all of the BAMM (Broward Attractions and Museum Month) participating institutions.     Each institution will define exactly what benefits will be eligible but at the very least it will be free admission at the same member level. The IGFA will honor admission as well as 10% off in the gift shop. For more information please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at JTomlin@igfa.org.      Additional information can be found on the BAMM web site at www.bamminfo.org


IGFA’s Observer Training Class in Newport Beach, Calif., May 15

The Newport Dunes Marina Clubhouse on Newport Beach, Calif., is the site of the next IGFA Observer Training class (OTC) as the International Game Fish Association goes on the road with its popular instructional program Saturday, May 15, at 9 a.m.
   
Hosted by the Balboa Angling Club, the class instructs experienced anglers, boat captains and crew members as observers for fishing tournaments held across the globe. The Newport Dunes Marina Clubhouse is located at 101 N. Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
    
“Over the years, billfish tournaments have transformed into big business enterprises,” said IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser. “Many prestigious tournaments now have enormous calcuttas and purses as well as large numbers of participating anglers. With huge purses and egos on the line, concern often arises whether all participants are adhering to the letter of the rules. This causes turmoil for tournament directors and, at its worst, prevents tournaments from adopting release formats. An obvious solution is to have observers on boats to ensure a level playing field.
   
But how do you know if observers have been properly trained and where do you go to find them? The answer is simple; IGFA.
   
“The IGFA’s Observer classes began as a conservation initiative to allow offshore billfish tournaments the option to go to a 100% release format with trained and experienced observers on board to verify catches and educate anglers about IGFA angling rules. With the decline of many billfish stocks, the importance of release formats in tournaments has increased. As release tournaments become more common and cash payouts increase, unbiased observers become vital in reporting rule infractions as well as for identifying billfish species.”
   
Schratwieser added observers can often benefit anglers by preventing inadvertent rule infractions before they even happen. Having observers that are trained to identify billfish species under frantic tournament conditions virtually eliminates the need to bring back dead fish to the dock for official scoring. Observers also raise the prestige level and credibility of tournaments while contributing to conservation efforts with the safe release of tournament billfish.
   
The IGFA OTC covers topics such as species identification, IGFA saltwater fishing rules and tackle regulations, safety at sea and boating etiquette. Space is limited to 40 people. IGFA OTC applications are available online at http://www.igfa.org/PDF/COP_Application2008.pdf. 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 Schratwieser at 954-924-4320 or email: jschratwieser@igfa.org for additional information.


“Did You Know?” – Interesting facts from the IGFA

•    Only 15% of multicellular species occur in the world’s oceans.
•    A single hectare in a tropical forest may contain 475 tree species and more than 25,000 insect species.
•    A hectare of coral reef might have 300 species of coral, 600 species of fish and about 200 species of algae. 
•    The speckled peacock bass (Cichla temensis) has two distinct color forms; the acu and paca.


Calendar of upcoming IGFA events for 2010

May 9 - 14, 2010 --  IGFA Offshore World Championship, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico -- This 11th annual event is considered international fishing’s most prestigious billfish tournament hosting winning teams from countries on six continents who have been invited after winning one of over 120 qualifying tournament events held in 2009. 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 to register a tournament as a 2011 championship 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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May 11, 2010 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing –  Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs --  IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 – 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 locating snapper and grouper are just some of what you will learn. Presented by Mercury Marine this popular series of six weekly classes is now in its 15th session.  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 information, please contact Jeff Mackin at 954.924.4340 or visit www.igfa.org/education/school-of-sportfishing.aspx.  You may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/education/school-of-sportfishing-registration.aspx. Classes are limited to the first 24 anglers to sign up.
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May 15, 2010 --  IGFA Observer Training Class, Newport Dunes Marina Clubhouse 101 N. Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 USA  9 a.m. –  Hosted by the Balboa Angling Club 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 and 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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May 18, 2010 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing – The Basics of Rigging and Trolling Artificial Lures – IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 – 10 p.m.  Find out why lure making is considered an art form and how and why lures work plus be proficient in re-skirting your own lures and building hook sets. Taught by Capt. Josh Brown this class is presented by Mercury Marine and is part of the popular series of six weekly classes now in its 15th session. 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 information, please contact Jeff Mackin at 954.924.4340 or visit www.igfa.org/education/school-of-sportfishing.aspx.  You may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/education/school-of-sportfishing-registration.aspx. Classes are limited to the first 24 anglers to sign up.
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May 25, 2010 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing –  Targeting Nearshore Gamefish: Dolphin, Kings, & Blackfins – --  IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 – 10 p.m. This class is designed for the anglers looking to fill their coolers. Did you know the majority of prime table fare species occur along the near shore, inside 800 feet of water? You’ll be taught the most effective strategies for dolphin, kingfish, blackfin tuna, cobia, and more. Taught by Capt. Bouncer Smith this class is presented by Mercury Marine and is part of a popular series of six weekly classes now in its 15th session. 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 information, please contact Jeff Mackin at 954.924.4340 or visit www.igfa.org/education/school-of-sportfishing.aspx.  You may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/education/school-of-sportfishing-registration.aspx. Classes are limited to the first 24 anglers to sign up.
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June 1 – 30, 2010 -- BAMM (Broward Attractions and Museum Month) is Back -- During the month of June anyone with a membership in the IGFA or one of more than 20 participating museums and attractions in Broward County will be able to use that for reciprocal benefits in all.  The theme for the month is “Join one, experience them all.”  Each institution defines what benefits will be eligible but at the very least it will be free admission at same member level. The IGFA will honor admission as well as 10% off in the gift shop. For more information please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at JTomlin@igfa.org,  visit www.igfa.org or www.bamminfo.org for the variety of participating institutions.
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June 1, 2010 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing – Understanding Your Onboard Electronics  --  IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 – 10 p.m. 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 this class is presented by Mercury Marine and is a part of a popular series of six weekly classes now in its 15th session. 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 information, please contact Jeff Mackin at 954.924.4340 or visit www.igfa.org/education/school-of-sportfishing.aspx.  You may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/education/school-of-sportfishing-registration.aspx. Classes are limited to the first 24 anglers to sign up.
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June 8, 2010 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing – Successful Swordfishing --  IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 – 10 p.m.  – From tackle to location, find out everything you need to know to make your next swordfish trip a huge success. Anglers will get hands-on squid rigging and inside information from Capt. Bouncer Smith one of South Florida’s best swordfishermen. Presented by Mercury Marine this popular series of six weekly classes is now in its 15th session. 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 information, please contact Jeff Mackin at 954.924.4340 or visit www.igfa.org/education/school-of-sportfishing.aspx.  You may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/education/school-of-sportfishing-registration.aspx. Classes are limited to the first 24 anglers to sign up.
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June 14 -- Aug 20, 2010 -- IGFA’s ten weekly Summer Camps, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA – Now in its 11th year the IGFA’s popular weekly camps are 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.  Pre-registration is required.  Camp registration includes a free rod and reel combo, T-shirt, tackle box and camp goody bag. For more information about the IGFA Summer Camp, please contact Veronica Woods at vwoods@igfa.org or visit http://www.igfa.org/Education/Youth-Camps.aspx.
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July 13 - 15, 2010 – 10th annual Florida Keys Outfitters/IGFA Inshore World Championship, Islamorada, Fla., USA – Described by anglers and the media as the “super bowl” of fly and light tackle fishing, invitations are sent to the winners of nearly 40 qualifying tournaments around the world held in 2009 to compete in this three day all-release championship. From a drawing the qualifiers are paired with a premier Keys guide to team for three days of fishing for tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook and redfish in fly and light tackle divisions with the grand champion crowned in each. For more information on the FKO/IGFA Inshore World Championship and qualifying tournaments contact Sandy Moret 305-664-5423 or flkeyout@bellsouth.net or visit inshoreworldchampionships.com.
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October 26, 2010 -- The 12th Annual IGFA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA -- This year’s event will celebrate all 80 members and the five newest inductees of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame who include Yoshiro Hattori, Capt. Steve Huff,  George G. Mathews, John Wilson and Forrest Wood. 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 2010 class and dinner. Tickets are $200. For reservation information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org.