IGFA April Hot News

IGFA HOT News – April 2010
By Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications – IGFA PR Counsel
 
IGFA thanks congresswoman for bluefin tuna CITES support

Although the efforts to secure a protective CITES (Convention on International Trade
in Endangered Species) listing for Atlantic bluefin tuna failed this past March in Qatar, the International Game Fish Association showed its appreciation for one congresswoman who encouraged the United States to support the proposal and stand up for conservation.

On April 5, 2010, IGFA President Rob Kramer welcomed Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz in the Greats Hall of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Fla., thanking her for her commitment to ocean issues.
“The decline of this majestic and signature species cannot be allowed to continue,” Congresswoman Wasserman Shultz said to the assembly, “and I share your deep disappointment that the member nations to CITES missed this important opportunity to protect the bluefin.”
     
The congresswoman went on to highlight actions that could be addressed domestically to aid bluefin tuna, including the National Marine Fisheries Service taking additional steps to better protect the species’ only known Western Atlantic spawning ground – the Gulf of Mexico. IGFA’s Kramer echoed her sentiments, adding that wasteful longlining practices in the Gulf of Mexico harm more than just bluefin with blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, and sharks – also apex predators in the ocean’s food chain – being threatened by surface longlining as well.
     
Kramer closed by looking forward, “Despite the bad news that came out of the CITES meeting, we have an opportunity in front of us to protect these valuable game fish and raise the public’s awareness of their importance to the overall health of our ocean ecosystems.”
   
With support from concerned members of Congress, conservation groups, and international partners, the IGFA looks forward to doing just that.

Benefit dinner & auction for IGFA and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust
    
Hell's Bay Boatworks, The Fly Shop of Miami and ESPN Outdoors will be hosting a dinner viewing of the Fly Fishing Film Tour at the IGFA, Friday, April 23. 
   
The evening is a benefit for the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust and the IGFA.  All proceeds from the dinner ticket sales and the silent auction will be split with the two conservation organizations.
   
Fishing celebrities Flip Pallot, Chico Fernandez and Jose Wejebe are scheduled to attend. 
   
Will Benson and Dave Teper, the producers of "High in the Lowlands" will also be there. Clips from "Pirates of the Flats" and slides by Pat Ford will be shown in the IGFA Theater. 
   
Kicking off at 6 p.m. the evening includes cocktails and appetizers during the silent auction followed by a dinner of Guy Harvey approved sustainable seafood
   
Now in just its fourth year, The Fly Fishing Film Tour has become a major fishing entertainment event playing in 80 cites this year.
   
The film tour showcases some of the best independent outdoor film makers. The goal of the Fly Fishing Film Tour is to energize the industry and inspire film makers to create new cutting edge films to both entertain and educate outdoor enthusiasts. For more information on the film tour please visit: http://www.flyfishingfilmtour.com/
   
Tickets for the evening are $150, or a table of 10 for $1,500.  Seating is limited. Reserve your ticket by calling Hell's Bay Boatwork’s main office at 321-383-8223 or The Fly Shop of Miami at 305-669-5851.


Coming Next Month in Hot News:

Announcing the newest inductees to the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame  
   
In May’s edition of Hot News we’ll announce the newest class of five inductees into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame.
   
The 12th annual induction ceremony will be held Tuesday evening, October 26, at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, in Dania Beach, Fla., USA.  
   
This year’s event will celebrate all 80 current members and the five inductees.
   
Each year 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, dinner and the induction ceremony for the 2010 class. Tickets are $200. For reservation information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org.
 

IGFA School of Sportfishing classes begins again May 4

The 15th session of the highly popular IGFA School of Sportfishing series is set to begin on Tuesday, May 4, when instructor Capt. Tony DiGiulian will present “Fundamentals of Sportfishing” as the first course offering.
     
This class is especially hands-on with participants learning knots, rigs, and skills crucial for successful offshore fishing. 
   
The remaining five  classes through May and into June along with the captains to lead them are still to be determined but look for returning favorite topics such as “Basics of Rigging and Trolling Artificials,” “Successful Swordfishing,” and “Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs.’”
   
Check the IGFA website for updated information.
   
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 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.

IGFA’s Expedition series returns to Panama August 30th
   
Looking for a great fishing adventure to “billfish nirvana?”
   
If you missed the IGFA’s recent Expedition Trip to Guatemala you still have a chance later this year for another great adventure to the Tropic Star Lodge on Piñas Bay, Panama, August 30 to September 5.
   
It’s an event described as the ultimate once-in-a lifetime sport fishing experience.
   
“This adventure 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.
   
“The targeted fish include blue marlin, black marlin, tuna and other top game species found in the waters surrounding the world famous Tropic Star Lodge.”
   
The trip will be led by five experienced and exceptional anglers providing an action-packed excursion with valuable fishing tips and guidance.
   
For more information on this all-inclusive expedition and exciting opportunity, please call Combast at 954-924-4325 or email ecombast@igfa.org.

Education Department Hot News:

Ten weekly IGFA Junior Angler Summer Camps return June 14

It’s one of the coolest youth camps around and for hands-on activities nothing beats the IGFA’s annual Junior Angler Summer Camps with 10 weekly sessions beginning in June.
     
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 - 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.


Over 1,000 participate at Mercury/IGFA Free Family Fishing Clinic 

Over 1,000 youngsters and adults from South Fla., joined in recently as long time partner Mercury Marine, the IGFA, and 99.9 KISS Country hosted a day of

fishing and fun activities for the whole family at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach.
IGFA Education Director David Matagiese said the quarterly event gives an opportunity for families to stop by the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum for a completely free day of fishing instruction, prizes, seminars taught by professional fishermen, food and drinks, face painting and knot tying.
   
With a variety of fishing boats on display with Mercury outboards. Mercury’s Pro Team from the Florida Keys, Capts. Larry Sydnor, Mark Johnson and Chris Jones were all on hand to answer questions from the crowd and discuss the finer points of fishing the flats.
   
Mercury Marine’s own Scott Beattie was also on hand to serve as the event emcee and fielded questions from participants about repowering their boats with Mercury outboards, how to perform basic engine maintenance and handed out prizes throughout the event including rods and reels, shirts, posters and fishing lures.
   
The Florida Wildlife and Conservation Commission had a team of officers to display a beautiful airboat and not only answer questions about fishing regulations but also to provide explanations as to why regulations are put into place.
   
The Coast Guard Auxiliary provided an excellent booth on boater safety and had plenty of free giveaways as did 99.9 KISS Country who held a remote broadcast and brought their Prize Wheel which provided the crowd with a steady stream of free concert tickets, hats, cds and shirts.
   
For more information on the next Mercury family day this summer, please contact Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or via email at dmatagiese@igfa.org. 


---At the IGFA Museum--- 

Coming soon: The Funky Fish Art of David Roehm

The IGFA Art Gallery will be 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 from late April to October in the Art Gallery at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum.  
   
For a preview of what's to come visit www.funkyfishart.com.
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New! In the Catch Gallery: Your fishing stories
   
Got a good fishing story? WFN-TV is listening at the World Fishing Network “Loud Mouth Booth.”  WFN and the IGFA are teaming up to give museum visitors the chance to share their fishing stories.  This new attraction, located in the Catch Gallery, is equipped with a video camera.  WFN personality and IGFA rep Mark Melnyk asks guests to share their feelings about fishing.  Guests have two minutes to tell why they love to fish and what fishing means to them on camera!  Many of these recordings will be posted in a special section on the WFN website:  www.wfn.tv 
 
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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 sketches comprised Guy’s first art show in 1985.  The 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.
   
This complete rarely-viewed series, of 59 pen-and-ink drawings from the private collection of Cheryl and Dave Copham, is on display through July 5, 2010.  Also featured are the photos of Bill Boyce and sculptures of Kent Ullberg.     
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Now on Display: Lou Marron's All Tackle record swordfish (with photo)
   
Lou Marron's All Tackle record swordfish (1,182 pounds caught in 1953 off Iquique, Chile) is on display in its new home, the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum. Restored to its orginal splendor by King Sailfish Mounts (www.kingsailfishmounts.com), this magnificent piece of sportfishing history is on permanent display in the museum lobby.

Also featured in the IGFA lobby:  a new hogfish from Helter Skeletons!


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.


BAMM is back again this June
   
BAMM is coming back this June and IGFA members can benefit in a big way.
   
If you have a membership to the IGFA, you’ve also got membership to more than 20 participating museums and attractions throughout Broward County during the month of June. IGFA members can use their cards for reciprocal benefits in all of the BAMM (Broward Attractions and Museum Month) participating institutions.  The theme for the month is “Join one, experience them all.” 
   
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

“Did You Know?” – Interesting facts from the IGFA
•    Total annual commercial blue shark catch in the North Atlantic: 84,000 tons
-Amount of blue sharks released: 57,000 tons
-Amount of dead discards: 20,000 tons

•    Chondrichthyan fishes (sharks, rays and chimaeras) have a perceived higher intrinsic risk of extinction compared to other fish.
-Around 52% of chondrichthyans have been IUCN Red-Listed compared to only 8% of all marine teleosts

•    Small pelagic forage fish species (anchovies, herring, mackerel, sardines, etc.) represent the largest landed species group in commercial fisheries (27.3 million t or 29.7% of total capture fisheries landings in 2006).

•    Between 1996 and 2006 Hawaiian longline catch rates for apex predators such as blue shark, bigeye tuna and albacore tuna, shortbill spearfish, and striped marlin  declined by 3% to 9% per year.

•    The scalloped hammerhead shark population in the western North Atlantic Ocean is estimated to be 17% of what it had been in 1981, that is, it has been depleted by about 83% from the virgin stock size.


Calendar of upcoming IGFA events for 2010

April 23, 2010 – Fly Fishing Film Tour benefit dinner & auction for IGFA and BTT --  IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 6 p.m. The evening is presented by Hell's Bay Boatworks, The Fly Shop of Miami and ESPN Outdoors and includes a dinner viewing of the Fly Fishing Film Tour. The evening is a benefit for the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust and the IGFA. Fishing celebrities Flip Pallot, Chico Fernandez and Jose Wejebe are scheduled to attend as are Will Benson and Dave Teper, the producers of "High in the Lowlands.” Clips from "Pirates of the Flats" and slides by Pat Ford will be shown in the IGFA Theater. The evening includes cocktails and appetizers during the silent auction followed by a dinner of Guy Harvey approved sustainable seafood The film tour showcases some of the best independent outdoor film makers. For more information on the film tour please visit: http://www.flyfishingfilmtour.com/. Tickets for the evening are $150 or a table of 10 for $1,500.  Seating is limited. Reserve your ticket by calling Hell's Bay Boatwork’s main office at 321-383-8223 or The Fly Shop of Miami at 305-669-5851
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May 4, 2010 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing – ‘Fundamentals of Sportfishing’ --  IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 – 10 p.m. Presented by Mercury Marine this class is taught by Capt. Tony DiGiulian and is especially hands-on with participants learning knots, rigs, and skills crucial for successful offshore fishing.  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 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 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 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 –  Class topic and instructor TBA --  IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 – 10 p.m.  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 & 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 –  Class topic and instructor TBA --  IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 – 10 p.m.  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 25, 2010 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing –  Class topic and instructor TBA --  IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 – 10 p.m. 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 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 – Class topic and instructor TBA  --  IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 – 10 p.m. 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 8, 2010 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing –  Class topic and instructor TBA --  IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 – 10 p.m.  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 newest five inductees of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame (to be announced in May). 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