IGFA March Hot News

IGFA HOT News HOT Catches – March 2010
By Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications – IGFA PR Counsel
 
IGFA/coalition rallies for better federal fisheries management 
   
The International Game Fish Association has joined a coalition of marine recreational fishing, boating, and conservation organizations calling on the Obama administration to take immediate action to address a crisis within the federal fisheries management system.
   
In the Feb. 23 letter to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), The Billfish Foundation (TBF), the Center for Coastal Conservation (CCC), the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) laid out an initial framework to immediately address serious and escalating problems resulting from inadequate implementation of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the chronic problems that exist within the federal marine fisheries management system.
   
The coalition emphasizes that there are available administrative actions that can be taken right away to address the concerns of the sportfishing and boating industries and the nation’s 13 million saltwater anglers who depend on well-managed, healthy marine fisheries.
   
NOAA’s recent ban on recreational fishing for red snapper from North Carolina through Florida and the potential for additional bans on key recreational saltwater fisheries has fueled overwhelming concern in the recreational fishing community.
   
IGFA Conservation Director, Jason Schratwieser said, “Current language in Magnuson-Stevens demands that overfishing end immediately and specifies strict rebuilding timelines.  These provisions are necessary to hold fisheries managers accountable for keeping our recreational fisheries healthy.  In cases like southeast red snapper, the problem lies in that NOAA has not been conducting quality stock assessments in a timely enough fashion to prevent gross overfishing and eliminate the need for draconian management measures such as extensive closures.  This is further exacerbated by the poor quality of recreational fisheries dependent catch data.”
   
With its letter, the coalition called upon the administration to:
•    Take decisive, immediate action to improve recreational fisheries data by redirecting existing funds and personnel to focus on real-time management data.
•    Collect socio-economic data on recreational fishing in the communities most likely to be impacted by near-term or expected fisheries closures.
•    Provide federal level direction to the fishery management councils to use common-sense in their management approaches while the administration collects the requisite data to make sound management decisions.
•    Develop a recreational fishing program and staff within NMFS commensurate with the national economic contribution of recreational saltwater fishing.
   
IGFA President, Rob Kramer said, “We do not believe that removing key conservation provisions within Magnuson-Stevens will solve the problem.  We need to work with NOAA, the administration and the regional fishery management councils to address the lack of quality data and the inadequate funding being committed to the US recreational fisheries.”
   
Kramer added the coalition’s groups look forward to working closely with the Obama administration and NOAA to implement solutions to effectively deal with our nation’s marine fisheries resources.

IGFA World Record Achievement Awards set for April 10      
   
Award winning anglers from as far away as Australia and Costa Rica are expected April 10, for the IGFA’s seventh annual World Record Achievement Awards (WRAA) celebration, presented by Mercury Marine.
   
Tickets are now available for the ceremony which recognizes men, women, junior anglers and professional captains for the most world records in 2009. The records were compiled from the Top 10 list in the IGFA’s 2010 World Record Game Fishes book published in January.
   
Also to honored with the anglers and guides, will be tackle, scale, lure and line manufacturers based on the number of computer printouts of the anglers using their products in setting the new records in 2009.
   
Two IGFA Lifetime Achievement Awards will also be presented; to Rapala and Captain Andrew Parsons.  
   
Rapala Lures:
Rapala lures are responsible for more IGFA World Records than any other lure manufacturer in history. 
   
"Created by a fisherman, Rapala lures have been a mainstay of our sport for more than 70 years," said Mike Myatt, Chief Operating Officer of IGFA. "We are excited to showcase this historic company and its products."
   
The company was officially founded in 1936 when Lauri Rapala invented the Rapala fishing lure.  Rapala has grown from humble beginnings to a market leader in the fishing tackle industry.  The Rapala brand’s functionality and high quality are known by fishermen around the world.  Rapala maintains its strict standards of craftsmanship while delivering its fishing products to anglers in more than 130 countries.
    
"We are extremely honored by this recognition from the IGFA," said Tom Mackin, President of Rapala USA. "We are always excited when our lures land a record and it's a privilege to be a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award."
   
Captain Andrew Parsons:
   
Andrew Parsons has 100 records as a guide and nine as an angler.  A native of South Africa, Andrew has fished all over the world.  Although fly fishing is his specialty, he’s equally adept at inshore and offshore fishing with both heavy and light tackle. 
   
Andrew has fished all his life and was chosen to represent Natal in surf fishing competitions at the age of 23 and began guiding full time in 1995 in Benguerra, Mozambique.    Most recently Andrew has been traveling the world with, and guiding fellow Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Jodie Johnson.  Andrew enjoys fishing for virtually all species of fish, but claims that sharks are his favorite.  His most notable shark catch was a 550 lb bull shark that he caught surf fishing on the beach.  His favorite record experience is Johnson’s 60 lb barracuda on 16 lb tippet because, not only is it the heaviest barracuda ever caught on fly, but because they had to tease the fish for close to an hour before it would bite the fly.
   
The ceremony will be held at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida. For reservations and tickets for the ceremony please call Ms. Lesley Arico 954-924-4222 or email: larico@igfa.org .

Inaugural IGFA Fishing Expo, April 10th weekend
   
If you’re anywhere near the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida area the weekend of April 10th and 11th, mark your calendar for the IGFA’s inaugural Fishing Expo presented by (WFN) the World Fishing Network.
   
The special event will be held at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in nearby Dania Beach, from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. each day showcasing fishing lodges, artwork, electronics, tournaments, unique tackle and more.
    
The Expo is free and open to the public. There will be free giveaways and demonstrations from the pros.
   
The Fishing Expo is a prelude to the seventh annual World Record Achievement Awards celebration, on Saturday April 10, at 6 p.m. The museum will close at 3 p.m. on that Saturday but the Expo will remain open until 6 p.m. A two-hour KISS Country Road show will have food and prizes on site.
   
For more information please call Joanie Tomlin at 954-924-4312 or e-mail at jtomlin@igfa.org.

IGFA’s Expedition Guatemala, April 14 – 18; one more in August
   
The next IGFA Expedition Series trip is set to trek the Pacific Ocean side of Guatemala, an event described as the ultimate once-in-a lifetime sailfishing experience.
   
The April 14 – 18 journey features five days and four nights at the Casa Vieja Lodge as the “base camp.” 
  
“This adventure to this beautiful Central America country to fish the famous Guatemala sailfish grounds follows in the footsteps of the early game fish pioneers exploring the abundant waters for the world’s greatest game fish,” said IGFA Development Director Eric Combast.
   
“It’s three days of fishing with our Expedition Series leaders which may include other top game species such as marlin and dorado found in the surrounding waters.”
   
The six expedition team leaders includes TV host and IGFA Fishing Hall of Famer Mark Sosin, IGFA President Rob Kramer, light tackle expert Gary Carter, tag and release expert Capt. Ron Hamlin, and Pacific sailfishing expert Jim Turner.
   
“This group of experienced and exceptional anglers will provide an action-packed excursion with valuable fishing tips and guidance,” said Combast. “Since 1994, the fleet at Casa Vieja has averaged 20 sailfish a day per boat. In 2006, Turner, fishing aboard the flagship Release, caught an amazing 57 sailfish, all on fly and all on the same day.”
   
The cost of this all-inclusive expedition is $7,500 for anglers USD and $2,500 for non- anglers and includes all in-country transfers, lodging, meals and cocktails. Fees do not include airfare to/from Guatemala City and any incidental purchases. All guests have a private room and fish two anglers per boat. Space is limited to 12 anglers per trip.
   
A portion of the cost will be tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law.
   
One more Expedition Series event will be offered later this year to the Tropic Star Lodge on Pinas Bay, Panama, August 30 to September 4.
   
For more information on these exciting opportunities, please call Combast at 954-924-4325 or email ecombast@igfa.org.


Baja's baddest bill collector
IGFA International Committee representative Gary Graham who monitors Baja Sur, Mexico, filed the following feature highlighting the recent accomplishment of Martha Macnab of East Cape, Mexico, who became the IGFA’s newest member of the Royal Billfish Slam Club.

On February 11, an outstanding angler Martha Macnab, received official notification that she had qualified to become a member of one of the International Game Fish Association's most prestigious clubs, the Royal Billfish Slam Club.
   
The species required to catch to become a member are Atlantic blue marlin, Pacific blue marlin, Atlantic sail fish, Pacific sail fish, white marlin, striped marlin, black marlin, swordfish and spearfish.  Of the previous 89 members of the club who have managed to accomplish the catches, only six are women; Martha is now the seventh. 
    
She literally traveled thousands of miles and fished two oceans to accomplish what many would consider an impossible feat…landing the nine different species of billfish. Rebecca Wright, IGFA Records Coordinator, acknowledged receipt of the catches and assured Martha that she would be receiving a certificate attesting to her achievement shortly.
   
Martha, a friend and a resident of Buena Vista in Baja Sur, Mexico, began her journey many years ago with her first catch in the series, a striped marlin.  She has released well over 400 of them with her best single day's catch of 23 on the Finger Bank above Cabo San Lucas.
In 2007, she traveled all the way to Isla Mujeres to fish in one of the International Women Fishing Association’s Tournaments. Fishing on the yacht, Havin' a Ball, she landed several Atlantic sailfish.
   
Her white marlin was landed aboard her 58' boat, the Retriever, between Aruba and Cartagena, Columbia, on a voyage from Florida to the West Coast.
   
The Pacific sails she landed were in three different countries; Panama (Tropic Star), Guatemala (Fins 'N Feathers and Casa Viejo) and her home waters of Mexico.  Her skipper in Guatemala was Mike Sheeder, younger brother of Captain Chris Sheeder, with whom she had fished in Midway Islands.
   
The waters off of Baja continued to live up to Martha's expectations as she landed a 645-pound black marlin on the Gordo Bank, and two more of the nine bills needed, a 530-pound Pacific blue marlin and a swordfish weighing in at a respectable 260 pounds near the Cabrillo Seamount. These were also taken aboard her own boat, the Retriever.
   
Ironically the smallest of the billfish is considered the rarest, and it was the most difficult for her to add to the list. Last year she travelled to Kona, Hawaii, to catch a short billed spearfish (Tetrapturus angustirostiris). Locals call them 'chuckers'.   Six days on the water at the height of season produced six blue marlin and eight striped marlin, but disappointingly, Martha lost a chucker at the last moment right at the boat.
   
This year she returned to Hawaii to fish once again on the Northern Lights with Captain Kevin Nakamaru and crew Tracey Epstein. Hoping to get that ninth notch in her rod, she suffered five days through what could only be described as slow fishing.  Until the last ten minutes of the trip, all that had occurred was a blue bite that broke off and one ahi (yellowfin tuna) which she caught.
   
Before the fat lady could sing, however, a pair of chuckers appeared in the wake both violently striking the lures. Only one was hooked, but with that short-billed spearfish, Martha achieved the goal that had eluded her for a number of years.
   
Martha and her husband, Larry Warlaumont, who also maintain a home on Balboa Island, are well-known world-wide for their sport fishing exploits. 
   
"I am pretty excited and proud to become the 90th member of IGFA's Royal Grand Slam Club and the seventh woman to achieve this goal and I am very thankful to Kevin Nakamaru and the other great Captains and crew members who found the fish." Martha Macnab.
 

Four IGFA School of Sportfishing classes left

The IGFA School of Sportfishing, presented by Mercury Marine is well into its 14th session with just four classes left.
           
“Several of these popular classes are already near capacity. Our partnership with Mercury Marine has really helped us get the word out about the program,” said Jeff Mackin of the IGFA’s education department as he gave brief highlights of the topics:
•    March 16th features Capt. Josh Brown’s “Trophy Snook and Tarpon.”  Despite the temporary restrictions on snook and tarpon, anglers will learn where and how to catch these trophy fish. 
•    March 23rd is “All About Live Bait,” one of the school’s most popular classes taught by Capt. Shawn Fairbanks.  In addition to learning the species-specific secrets to catching baitfish, attendees will leave the class knowing how to throw a cast net.
•    March 30th is “Offshore Secrets of the Keys,” a much-requested topic with participants learning the ins and outs of fishing the Keys offshore from Capt. Jack Callion. 
•    April 6th ends the 14th session with the timely “Fishing Bimini and Cat Cay” as Capt. Bouncer Smith helps anglers maximize their fishing trips to the nearby islands.

Mackin added that the IGFA School of Sportfishing benefits from its partnership with Yo-Zuri, receiving free Crystal Minnow lures and spools of fluorocarbon in addition to the customary rod, lure, and tackle giveaways.  
   
The 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 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 so sign up today!

Mercury Marine Free Family Fishing Clinic at IGFA March 27

The popular Family Fishing Clinic is back.

Mercury Marine, along with the IGFA, and radio station 99.9 KISS Country, will again be hosting a free family fishing clinic at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Saturday, March 27, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. It will include educational activities such as knot tying, casting, face painting, a question and answer session with professional fisherman, free giveaways and plenty of free food and drinks.
   
This fun and educational clinic is designed for the entire family with members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary on site along with the KISS Country Fishing Team and the informative “How To” session with Mercury’s pros teaching engine basics like how to change a propeller and proper maintenance of an outboard motor. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will also be there with airboats on display

“This clinic is a great outlet for families to bond and spend time together in the enjoyment of the outdoors,” stated Dave Matagiese, the IGFA’s Education Director. “Many parents we talk to are trying to pull their kids away from the seclusions of their computers, video games and cell phones. The clinic is free so we hope it will serve as a convenient way to introduce families to an outdoor activity they will enjoy for years to come.”

Mercury Fishing Clinic loaded with free giveaways and great learning tools

Each person who stops by the fishing clinic will have a chance to win free prizes, interact with the pros, fish in the front ponds and also take part in the different learning stations that will be set up. Included in the free prizes are rod and reel combos, lures, CDs, t-shirts, hats, IGFA memberships and a few big ticket items from sponsors to be given away throughout the day.
   
There’s also a “Q-and-A” session with Mercury Marine Fishing Team Captains Larry Sydnor, Chris Jones and Mark Johnson who will be giving special inshore seminars on flats fishing techniques including finding fish, rigs and tackle and handling multiple hookups.
   
The IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum is located at 300 Gulf Stream Way, next to the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, off I-95 in Dania Beach.     
   
Registration is not required but all children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information please contact Matagiese at dmatagiese@igfa.org.

 ---At the IGFA Museum--- 

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 works extended in IGFA’s Changing Gallery till July   
   
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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Last chance: exciting sport fishing photo exhibit ends March 31 
   
The works of some of today’s hottest marine photographers are featured in an exhibit in the Art Gallery of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum. The popular exhibit features more than 70 images -- from Pat Ford, Adrian Gray, Scott Kerrigan, Charlie Levine, Dave McCleaf, Al McGlashan, Ron Modra and Sam Root – and is now on display through March. Museum visitors can have the opportunity to experience the excitement, emotion, energy and beauty of sport fishing as seen through the lenses of these masters. 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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Coming in April: The Funky Fish Art of David Roehm

In April, the IGFA Art Gallery will be featuring the work 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 whimsical FunkyFishArt will be on display from 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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Also Coming Soon: Lou Marron's All Tackle record swordfish (with photo)
   
It’s arrived and soon the mount of Lou Marron's All Tackle record swordfish (1,182 pounds caught in 1953 off Iquique, Chile) will be on display in its new permanent home, the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum.
   
King Sailfish Mounts (www.kingsailfishmounts.com), recently restored Marron’s mount to its original splendor. This magnificent piece of sportfishing history will be on display above the store in the museum lobby.

IGFA’s Observer Training Class in Virginia Beach, March 20

Virginia Beach’s Ocean’s East II tackle shop is the site of the next IGFA Observer Training class (OTC) on Saturday, March 20, at 9 a.m.  The class instructs experienced anglers, boat captains and crew members as observers for fishing tournaments held across the globe.
    
“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 International Game Fish Association’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.


N. J. IGFA Reps hosting banquet and auction March 26

The New Jersey IGFA representatives will be hosting their 13th annual IGFA Banquet & Auction on Friday, March 26 in Mike Doolan’s Restaurant, Spring Lake Heights.
   
That event has raised about $170,000 over the course of 12 years for the IGFA’s Junior Angler and Conservation programs.
   
For additional information call Jeff Merrill at 908-451-1110.

IGFA still accepting grant requests from schools for lab programs

Do you know of a school that’s interested in the marine sciences?
   
If so the IGFA has some great news. The IGFA’s Education and Outreach Program is currently accepting grant requests for school groups in grades K-12 to participate in their hands-on lab programs.
   
IGFA Education Director David Matagiese said, “The funding we’ve received from granting entities like Fish Florida, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and the A.D. Henderson Foundation have been incredibly helpful in allowing the IGFA to accomplish its mission of educating youth on the importance of conservation and how to be better stewards of the environment.
   
“Last year alone, through funding provided by grants and donations, we were able to reach over 30,000 children through our Outreach and Educational Programs. Many of these 30,000 children came from low-income families and would not typically have the chance to participate in these hands-on programs.”
   
He said funds are available for groups to participate in the lab programs in two ways. Either on-site at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida or the IGFA Education Team can come to your classroom to host many of the educational lab programs at your school.
   
Priority for funding is given to Title-I schools. Programs are available from Monday - Friday during school hours and require a minimum of 20 participants. The IGFA may also be able to cover the cost of your group’s transportation to and from the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum. Please call Veronica Woods at 954-924-4309 for more details.
   
For more information on how your school group can participate in these marine science programs for free, please contact Ms. Woods at 954-924-4309 or visit our grant request page at http://www.igfa.org/Education/Grant-Request.aspx.


BAMM is coming 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
   
This month the IGFA highlights more facts taken from the 2010 World Record Game Fishes book of fishing records received across the globe in 2009:
*    The heaviest IGFA record caught in 2009 was a 666 lb 14 oz (302.5 kg) Pacific bluefin tuna caught in New Zealand by Wayne Bicknell
*    Average weight of IGFA records in 2009: 28 lb (28.7 kg)
•    For saltwater species: 31.5 lb (14.3)
•    For freshwater species: 22 lb (9.9 kg)
*    Most records caught in 2009:
•    Male: Stan Nabozny with 41 records
•    Female: Dotty Ballantyne with 25 records
*    Top five most popular IGFA record species in 2009
•    Pacific barracuda: 31 records
•    Blacktip shark: 22 records
•    Redtail catfish: 16 records
•    Almaco jack: 13 records
•    Doublespotted queenfish and golden trevally tied: 12 records


Calendar of upcoming IGFA events for 2010
 
March 16, 2010 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing – “Trophy Snook and Tarpon” --  IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 – 10 p.m.   From the backcountry to the beaches, Capt. Josh Brown gives you the information on how to successfully target and find monster snook and tarpon.  Snook to 30 lbs and tarpon to 200 lbs, these are the fish that will test your gear and your nerve.  You’ll want to have a good camera to back up your catch and release stories. 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 http://www.igfa.org/education/School-Of-Sportfishing.aspx or contact Jeff Mackin at 954-924-4340. You may also sign up online at http://www.igfa.org/education/School-Of-Sportfishing-Registration.aspx.
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March 20, 2010 --  IGFA Observer Training Class, Ocean’s East II Tackle Shop, Virginia Beach, Va.,  USA  9 a.m. –  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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March 23, 2010 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing – “All About Live Bait” - IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 – 10 p.m.  Having good live bait can be the difference between catching fish or not. Capt. Shawn Fairbanks shows 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. 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 http://www.igfa.org/education/School-Of-Sportfishing.aspx or contact Jeff Mackin at 954-924-4340. You may also sign up online at http://www.igfa.org/education/School-Of-Sportfishing-Registration.aspx.
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March 27, 2010 --- Mercury Marine Free Family Fishing Clinic; IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.  This free event sponsored by Mercury Marine features clinics on: how to throw a cast net, knot tying, casting stations, fishing talks, question and answer sessions with Mercury Marine Fishing Team Pros, face painting, a number of prize giveaways, free hot dogs and remote broadcasts from KISS Country. Registration is not required but all children must be accompanied by an adult.  Bring the whole family along and enjoy a day of education and fun outdoors! For more information go online and visit http://www.igfa.org/education/youth-programs.aspx or call the IGFA at 954-927-2628.
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March 30, 2010 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing – “Offshore Secrets of the Keys” --  IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 – 10 p.m.  Whether you’re going to the Florida Keys for a day trip or an extended vacation, you’ll want to be prepared for the fantastic fishing that waits offshore.  From Key Largo to Key West, Capt. Jack Callion details the local tips and secrets that will maximize your chances for dolphin, tuna, wahoo, sailfish, and more.  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 http://www.igfa.org/education/School-Of-Sportfishing.aspx or contact Jeff Mackin at 954-924-4340. You may also sign up online at http://www.igfa.org/education/School-Of-Sportfishing-Registration.aspx.
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April 6, 2010 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing – “Fishing Bimini and Cat Cay” --  IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 – 10 p.m.  These two Bahamian islands are close to home but require special knowledge on how to make your trip across the Gulf Stream safe, legal and as enjoyable as possible. Taught by Capt. Bouncer Smith this is a great way to discover a different world just fifty miles away. 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 http://www.igfa.org/education/School-Of-Sportfishing.aspx or contact Jeff Mackin at 954-924-4340. Also sign up online at http://www.igfa.org/education/School-Of-Sportfishing-Registration.aspx.
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April 10 - 11, 2010 -- IGFA Fishing Expo Presented by World Fishing Network, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This inaugural IGFA Fishing Expo, is presented by the World Fishing Network (WFN), and showcases fishing lodges, artwork, electronics, tournaments, unique fishing tackle and more.  For more information please call Joanie Tomlin at 954-924-4312 or e-mail at jtomlin@igfa.org.
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April 10, 2010 -- Seventh Annual IGFA World Record Achievements Awards and Banquet presented by Mercury Marine, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. 6 p.m.  This celebration dinner and awards ceremony, presented by Mercury Marine highlights the 2009 records by men, women, juniors, professional captains and tackle manufacturers. IGFA Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to industry leader Rapala and Capt. Andrew Parsons who holds over 100 world records.  For reservations, tickets or for more information about this ceremony please call Lesley Arico 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org.
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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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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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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 soon). 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.