January Hot News

by International Game Fish Association 19. January 2010 09:51

By Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications – IGFA PR Counsel

Hell’s Bay Boatworks Skate ( http://www.hellsbayboatworks.com/ ) among highlights of IGFA 2010 Auction & Banquet  

26th Annual IGFA Auction & Banquet, slated for Friday, January 29, 2010

The event is the non-profit IGFA’s biggest fundraising event of the year.“We’ll have an array of nearly 200 silent and live auction items in all price ranges on the bidding block as the evening unfolds at 6 p.m. at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla.,” said the IGFA’s Lesley Arico.  “One of our big ticket items that shallow water anglers will especially love is the Hell’s Bay Skate, the newest model in Hell’s Bay collection of shallow water performance boats.  “It’s 12' 9" in length and weighs only 250 pounds and has a skinny water 3 1/2" draft with the 15 hp 4-stroke Mercury tiller engine and fuel. “It was donated by Hell's Bay Boatworks owners Chris and Wendi Peterson,” she said.  “Among its many features and benefits, the Skate has an easy clean non-skid deck, carpeted rod racks for four rods under the gunnels, Stiffy push pole holders, anodized poling platform with SeaDeck top, custom  aluminum trailer with spare tire, heavy duty rub rail, quiet and dry hatches with rubber gaskets and Moonlite hatch springs and dry gutters on all hatches. “It’s a very versatile boat. Check it out on the IGFA auction web site or at www.hellsbayboatworks.com.

 More exciting auction items are up for bid:
• Two team entries into the La Sfida Trofeo M. de Nardis Tournament in Italy – for four anglers each, donated by Tournament Director Giacomo Forti and IGFA Representative Massimo Brogna.  • An original painting entitled “Marlins” by world-famous Uruguayan artist Carlos Paez Vilaró – also includes a coffee table book of his works from 1950 – 2007. Donated by Carlos Páez Vilaró.  www.carlospaezvilaro.com
• Fishing Hawaii’s Kona Coast – on the Sea Genie II for up to four anglers for blue marlin with IGFA Certified Capt. Gene Vanderhoek for two full days of marlin fishing.  The package is donated by Sea Genie, Inc.  www.seageniesportfishing.com.
• Golden Mahseer fishing in the Himalayas -- an incredible fly-fishing guided journey for two anglers for six days with four fishing days on the Western Ramganga River. Donated by The Himalayan Outback, courtesy of IGFA Representative Misty Dhillon and Mickey Sidhu.  www.himalayanoutback.com
• One Versatile Fishing Machine, the Mako 18 LTS (18’ 6” skiff) -- for fishing freshwater lakes or saltwater flats, it provides a smooth, dry ride, complete with a Mercury two-stroke motor. Donated by Bass Pro Shops and Mako Boats, courtesy of Johnny Morris.  www.mako-boats.com
• Fishing vacation on Isla Parida in Panama - A four-night/three-day fishing vacation for two at Propiedad de Paradise in Panama, includes one day of world-class offshore fishing and one day of inshore fishing  Donated by Propiedad de Paradise, courtesy of Nancy Reagan.  www.fishpanamatoday.com
• A handcrafted and welded aluminum broadbill swordfish sculpture - this head and shoulder mount is approximately 44” long by 26” tall using metal forming techniques that is an absolute unique one-of-a-kind item.  Donated by Australian sculptor Nic Jooste.  www.metalfish.com.au Arico said, “Other global adventures include fly fishing trips such as seven days in Argentina. There’s a Tahitian cruise, a photo safari at Zulu Nyala Game Lodge in South Africa, fishing the Similan Island in Thailand, trips to the Bahamas, to Los Suenos and the Zancudo Lodge both in Costa Rica, to the Tropic Star Lodge in Panama, along with more cruises, guided fishing trips, artwork and sculptures and more.
“And we have world-renowned Australian sculptor, Bodo Muche as the featured artist who will be creating a special sculpture for the auction.
For more details on all of the items please go to the IGFA home page at www.igfa.org.  Tickets are $200 per person and include the silent auction, Conservation Awards, dinner and live auction and free valet parking.

Corporate tables for 10 are also available for $5000 which includes VIP placement, table favors, an ad in the auction program and more.
For reservations, additional information or to make a donation to the auction please contact Ms. Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org

Online bidding for annual IGFA fundraiser ends January 25

Go to ( www.igfa.org/events/online-auction.aspx ) to make your bids now!

The bidding for nearly 200 items in the IGFA’s popular online auction at www.igfa.org running in conjunction with the 26th Annual IGFA International Auction & Banquet will be ending   at 9 a.m. EST on January 25.  “Each item and its highest bid will be the starting bid at our silent auction the night of the event at The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida on January 29,” said IGFA Special Events Manager Lesley Arico. “Online bids have been typically 20 to 25% of the winning bids for the past five years.”She said bids will not be accepted without a valid credit card number, expiration date, name, address, e-mail and contact number. All online winners will be notified by 5 p.m. on February 1, 2010, and are responsible for shipping charges.  For additional details on a particular item please contact Arico at 954-924-4222 or email: larico@igfa.org

Luck played a role in Kurita’s record bass catch in Japan

There was a “back story” to Manabu Kurita’s catch of the 22 lb 4 oz largemouth bass from Japan’s Lake Biwa, which led to his recognition of an IGFA All-Tackle World Record (see: the main news story at http://igfa.org/Records/World-Record-Largemouth-Bass.aspx ) He considered it luck.

On July 2nd, Kurita, 32, of Aichi, Japan, fishing on his country’s largest lake caught what is considered by millions of anglers, especially in North America, as the “holy grail” of freshwater fish because of the popularity and the longevity of George Perry’s 77 year old record.  Perry’s same sized catch was made June 2, 1932, on Georgia’s Montgomery Lake, near Jacksonville, Georgia.

IGFA conservation director Jason Schratwieser said during the record review process undertaken by the IGFA, and its sister association the Japan Game Fish Association, “We corresponded with Kurita via the JGFA. One of the interesting sidelights of his pursuit was his unusual recovery of a favored rod and reel from the lake where he would soon catch his record fish.”

In May just two months earlier Kurita was on Lake Biwa using his favorite combo, fishing a live Ayu baitfish.  After casting his bait, he laid down the rod on the deck of the boat to organize some tackle.  As luck (the bad kind) would have it, a bass inhaled his bait and, before he knew it, dragged his rod and reel overboard.  Since Lake Biwa happens to be Japan’s largest lake and can reach depths of over 300 feet, Kurita thought that he had seen the last of his favorite rod and reel. 

Fortunately for Kurita, luck (this time the good kind) would visit him again.  Several weeks later, back on Biwa, Kurita saw a large, dead bass floating on the surface.  When he motored up to the fish, he saw that it had line coming out of its mouth.  Kurita began pulling in the monofilament and, after several minutes, he was amazed to see that his lucky rod and reel was attached to it!
“It was that same rod and reel he used in early July for the world record tying catch,” said Schratwieser. “A Deps Sidewinder rod and a Shimano Antares DC7LV reel loaded with 25 lb Toray line.” 

Bill Baab’s book on Perry’s long held bass record now out 

 
The timing for the release of a new book; “Remembering George W. Perry” couldn’t have come at a better time with the recent attention to the IGFA world record tying catch of a largemouth bass by Japan’s Manabu Kurita.Written by renowned former Augusta, (Ga.) Chronicle outdoor editor Bill Baab the book is a human interest perspective devoted to the multi-talented Perry and the record fish he caught 77 years ago. As a youngster Baab became an avid fan of what became known as “the catch” and spent years of his life chasing fish in his and Perry's home state while gathering a wealth of information on Perry. As a somewhat unofficial authority and historian of Perry and the 22 lb 4 oz bass, the book summarizes Baab's many years of researching the legend of that world-record largemouth, one that launched a billion dollar industry of fishing tackle, boats, outboard engines, million dollar tournaments and more. 

Meticulously researched the book is well written in the style Chronicle readers of Baab’s columns and features have loved for over 40 years. Baab also included a generous variety of anecdotes and historical photos throughout.  “Remembering George W. Perry” is available from www.whitefishpress.com or www.amazon.com .

 Fishing’s most valued reference book now available

The IGFA’s 2010 World Record Game Fishes annual -- the reference book that’s a mainstay in recreational fishing – is now available and continues its legacy as the most reliable and complete resource book of worldwide fishing records.

The popular annual is the official guide to saltwater and freshwater catches for over 1100 species around the world in the all-tackle category and nearly 400 species in line class, fly, and junior angler record categories. It’s been described as “the most comprehensive piece of fishing information available anywhere,” a statement made often by serious fishermen and fishing writers alike.The book also contains a wide range of fishing-related reference materials including in-depth and entertaining features by top writers worldwide. The 2010 cover artwork is by world-renowned marine artist Don Ray, with his painting Whoo’s on First depicting a wahoo in a rare “going-away” perspective.  It’s Don’s ninth cover, the most of any artist, over the 34 year history of the IGFA annual.

Featured this year are:

• Wahoo as the featured subject of Tim Simpson’s Wahoo on Light Line. Simpson, the editor of Australia’s popular BlueWater magazine, technically details his quest for chasing one of the fastest fish alive on the lightest of lines in pursuit of an IGFA world record. 
• In Goliath Tigerfish, Fishing the Congo, global angler Jakub Vágner takes us into the deepest depths of the African continent, fishing for one of the most formidable-looking freshwater fish on the planet.
• Fly fisherman and fly tyer, Ted Rogowski and David Klausmeyer, editors of Fly Tyer magazine, highlight the history of a few flies that have seduced world record class fish.   
• Siberian angler and world record holder Mikhail Mogutov, takes us to his homeland in search of catching the largest of the salmonid species, the taimen in Hucho Taimen.
• In Swordfish, Deep-drop in the Daytime, “the scientist” Vic Gaspeny gives a breakdown of the technique for targeting deep-water swordfish in the daytime using IGFA compliant methods and which may help when it comes to targeting additional deep water species too. 
• In IGFA Expeditions, World Class Fishing Adventures, IGFA Development Director Eric Combast takes a look back to the time of IGFA President Michael Lerner, who set out on a series of expeditions to chart the fishing potential around the world. Fast forward 50 years and expeditions have returned with the exclusive opportunity to fish Casa Vieja Lodge, Guatemala and Tropic Star Lodge, Panama with famed Dr. Guy Harvey, Karl Anderson, Bark Garnsey, IGFA President Rob Kramer, IGFA record holders, and light-line specialists Enrico Capozzi and Gary Carter.
• IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser’s, IGFA Observer Training: Sign Up, Get Trained and Go Observe, shows how getting involved with the IGFA’s Observer Program greatly assists in all-release billfish tournaments.

Also included are pages on the IGFA Official Weigh Stations and IGFA Captains which are useful when planning your fishing travels or when looking to break a world record. And there are over 150 pages of the updated list of world record holders.

IGFA members are now receiving their 408 page edition as just one of the many benefits of joining the IGFA.  To receive your copy of 2010 World Record Game Fishes, go to www.igfa.org and sign up to become a member of the IGFA today or call 954-927-2628.

 

 

 

 January Hot Catches
 
International Game Fish Association World Records Coordinator Rebecca Wright updates us with several recreational fish catches and photographs made from across the globe in Japan, Spain, Austria, Mauritius and the United States, now before the world records committee:  

An all new potential IGFA record may be added to the list of some 1,100 species kept by the record keeping conservation association as angler Tuband Eric Bruno, Libreville, Gabon, guided by Yann Colas, landed a twospot red snapper (Lutjanus bohar) on November 12, 2009. It was pulled from the Indian Ocean while they were fishing off Mauritius’ Rodrigues Island. Bruno submitted an application affirming the fish weighed 14 kg (30 lb 13 oz) caught with a slice of bonito.

Fishing California’s Newport Harbor on October 30, Donna Narcizo, of nearby Newport Beach, USA, guided by Jon Doughty, landed a California corbina (Minticirrhus undulatus) weighing 1.3 kg (2 lb 14 oz) with 10 kg (20 lb) class line. She was using an innkeeper worm for bait. She’s hoping to claim the IGFA women’s line class record which is currently vacant.

In the IGFA’s All-Tackle category Adriano Garhantini, of Rosegg, Austria, landed a grayling (Thymallus thymallus) on November 25, weighing 2.18 kg (4 lb 12 oz) using a nimph while fishing the Steinfeld River near Ddrava, Austria. The current IGFA record recorded in June 2008 from Finland’s Latasenojoki River is 3 lb 15 oz (1.79 kg).  

Chiba, Japan, angler Emiko Ihara, landed a Japanese parrotperch (Oplegnathus fasciatus) on November 14, weighing 3.6 kg (7 lb 14 oz) on 24 kg (50 lb) class line, using a sea urchin for bait while fishing off Mikurajima, Japan.  Emiko released the fish after documenting. She could be the first to claim the IGFA women’s line class record which is currently vacant.  

On October 9th, Reinhold Schwarzwaelder, of Biblis, Germany, landed a leerfish (Garrick) (Lichia amia) weighing 22 kg (48 lb 8 oz) on 24 kg (50 lb), while fishing Spain’s Delta de Ebro. He took 30 minutes using mullet for bait. The current IGFA men’s line class record is 37 lb 7oz (17kg) caught off the Archipelago des Bijagos, Guienea-Basau in May of 2002.

Fly-fishing the Atlantic coastline of Central Florida, USA off the city of Stuart on December 22, Kate Burke, from the Florida Keys city of Tavernier, and guided by Capt. Tad Burke, landed a Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus). She used a baitfish imitation fly to catch the 2.49 kg (5 lb 8 oz) fish on 3 kg (6 lb) tippet taking five minutes to land the fish. The current IGFA women’s tippet record is 4 lb 0 oz (1.81kg) off the Florida Keys city of Marathon, Fla. 12 years ago.

Jennifer Mugrauer, of Jesup, Georgia, USA, guided by Chris Swenson, landed a black drum, (Pogonias cromis) on December 22 weighing 36.32 kg (80 lb 1 oz).  Fishing the Georgia C Reef off the Georgia coast, she used 15 kg (30 lb) class line with squid as bait and took 15 minutes to wrestle her catch to the boat. She could tie the current IGFA women’s line class record of 80 lb 0 oz (36.28 kg) caught in 1975 off Cape Charles, Virginia.

Observer Training Class February 13 at IGFA 

The IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum will be the site of the next IGFA Observer Training class to be presented on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 9 a.m.  The class instructs experienced anglers, boat captains and crew members as observers for fishing tournaments held across the globe.

The course includes species identification, IGFA saltwater fishing rules and tackle regulations, safety at sea and boating etiquette. The IGFA OTC applications are available at the IGFA website 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 IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser at 954-924-4320 email: jschratwieser@igfa.org for additional information.

Guy Harvey’s early works in IGFA’s Changing Gallery
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. In over three decades of professional painting and marine photography Harvey has made a name for himself as not only an internationally renowned marine and sports fishing artist but also as a marine biologist, conservationist, explorer, diver, scientist, videographer, author, philanthropist, TV host, merchandiser, restaurateur and angler. This complete rarely-viewed series, of 59 pen-and-ink drawings from the private collection of Cheryl and Dave Copham, is on display through March, 2010.  Also featured are the photos of Bill Boyce and sculptures of Kent Ullberg. 

---Also at the IGFA Museum---

Exciting sport fishing photo exhibit extended through March 
 
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 2010. 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.  

Coming to the Art Gallery April 2010: The funky fish art of Fort Lauderdale artist Dave Roehm

Inaugural IGFA Fishing Expo coming April 10th weekend
If you’re anywhere near Ft. Lauderdale, Florida area on the weekend of April 10th and 11th, mark your calendar for the IGFA’s inaugural Fishing Expo presented by the World Fishing Network (WFN). 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 and is expected to showcase fishing lodges, artwork, tournaments, electronics, unique tackle and more. The Fishing Expo is a prelude to the seventh annual World Record Achievement Award celebration, on Saturday April 10, at 6 p.m. For more information please call Joanie Tomlin at 954-924-4312 or e-mail at jtomlin@igfa.org.

IGFA World Record Achievement Awards set for April   
 
The IGFA’s seventh annual World Record Achievement Awards (WRAA) celebration, presented by Mercury Marine is set for April 10, 2010, recognizing men, women and 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 coming out in January.
Along with the anglers and guides, tackle, scale, lure and line manufacturers will also be honored based on the number of computer printouts of the anglers using their products in setting the new records in 2009.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 .

Billfish Expo 2010: One Day Fishing Extravaganza, Feb. 13

A rare gathering of two dozen of the world’s finest billfishing captains, anglers and marine scientists will be featured for Billfish Expo 2010, a one day fishing extravaganza, Saturday, February 13, to share some of their most highly guarded billfish secrets. The event will be held on the third floor ballroom of the Waterfront Miami Marriot Biscayne Bay, 1633 North Bayshore Drive, Miami, Florida, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Registration begins at 9 a.m. The Billfish Expo benefits two of marine conservation’s leading non-profits; the International Game Fish Association and The Billfish Foundation, to help preserve the future of billfishing.  Hosted by Capt. Skip Smith, the one day “How-To” educational fishing extravaganza features captains and anglers “who have combined in catching and releasing over 100,000 billfish, achieved over 250 world  records and,” he added with a grin, “have won way too much prize money.” He said, “These speakers belong to a special club of anglers where the members don’t talk too much, too loud or too often about themselves but when they do, anglers stop to listen. “We’re limiting the audience to just 1,000 so we can keep an informal setting for one-on-one opportunities and the speakers can share more insights on fishing topics.”  Smith noted that following the day long event The Billfish Foundation will present its 20th annual Tag and Release Awards beginning at 7 p.m. in the same room. Along with television fishing show host and IGFA Hall of Famer Mark Sosin the event’s emcee, Smith gave a run down of the scheduled topics and speakers.  They include:

• Sailfish: Trolling: Ron Hamlin & Dave Fields
• Sailfish: Live Bait: Ray Rosher & Bouncer Smith
• Circle Hooks: How They Work and How to Rig: Bouncer Smith & Skip Smith
• White Marlin: Bubba Carter & Dave Fields
• Black Marlin & Wiring Techniques: Peter Wright, Bo Jenyns & Scott Levin
• Daytime Swordfishing: Matt Tambor, Richard Stanczyk & Josh Brown
• Angling: Rob Ruwitch & Raleigh Werking
• Satellite Tagging and Other Science: Professor Arthur Mariano
• Striped Marlin: Steve Lassley & Peter Groesbeck
• Using Your Electronics: Karl Anderson, Steve Lassley, Pete Groesbeck,
• Blue Marlin: Bubba Carter, Gene Vanderhoek, Kevin Nakamura, Steve Lassley, Peter Groesbeck, Mike Lemon
• Special guest speaker Chris Fischer on his new National Geographic Television Show “Expedition Great White”  Smith said many more special guests, TV fishing personalities and speakers will be in attendance along with sponsor exhibits, merchandise marts, raffles, drawings for trips and more. 
Tickets are $125 per person, if registered before Feb. 1, at billfishexpo.com.
For additional information on Billfish Expo please call Smith or Tom Fitzpatrick at the One More Bit Production’s office at 954-531-7985

IGFA 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 Veronica Woods at 954-924-4309 or visit our grant request page at www.igfa.org/grants.asp.

Popular IGFA School of Sportfishing returns March 2

The IGFA School of Sportfishing is getting ready to kick off Session 14 on March 2.
Jeff Mackin of the IGFA’s education department said in addition to some very popular favorites, the school is planning to introduce some new classes anglers have been asking for.  
“Session 13 which wrapped up in December was highly successful,” Mackin said. “Participants enjoyed a variety of classes focusing on offshore angling taught by some of the biggest names in sport fishing.   “They also benefited from the School of Sportfishing’s partnership with Yo-Zuri, receiving free Crystal Minnow lures and spools of fluorocarbon in addition to the customary rod, lure, and tackle giveaways.  Attendees can expect us to provide and continue improving on the finest series of fishing courses available.”The IGFA School of Sportfishing classes are held on Tuesday nights from 7 – 10 p.m. at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum in Dania Beach, Florida. For more information on the class subjects 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!

Calendar of upcoming IGFA events for 2010

Now through January 25, 2010 – On line auction leading up to 26th Annual IGFA Auction & Banquet at The Breakers, Jan. 29, in Palm Beach, Fla., USA, This always popular feature of the IGFA’s biggest fundraising event is now active on the IGFA website www.igfa.org. Bidding began on November 5th and ends at 9 a.m. EST on January 25, 2010 for nearly 200 silent and live auction items.  The highest bid on each online item will be the starting bid at the silent auction January 29th the night of the event. Typically 20 - 25% of the online bidding have been the winning bids for the past five years. Auction donations include a special bronze sculpture from this year’s featured artist, world-renowned Australian sculptor, Bodo Muche.  There are items in all price ranges including fishing trips to Los Suenos Costa Rica, Tropic Star Lodge in Panama, the Bahamas, cruises, artwork and more. Tickets for the Jan. 29th gala are $200 per person and include the silent auction, Conservation Awards, dinner and live auction and free valet parking. Corporate tables for 10 are also available for $5000 which includes VIP placement, table favors, an ad in the auction program and more. To make a donation to the auction or for reservations and additional information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org.

January 29, 2010 -- 26th Annual IGFA Auction & Banquet at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla., USA, beginning at 6 p.m. -- It’s the IGFA’s biggest fundraising event of the year with more than 200 silent and live auction items up for bid. Donations are already arriving, including the special bronze sculpture from this year’s featured artist, world-renowned Australian sculptor, Bodo Muche.  There are fully rigged boats from Hell’s Bay and Mako, plus trips to Los Suenos, Tropic Star Lodge, the Bahamas, cruises, artwork and more. The auction is featured on the IGFA website www.igfa.org beginning the first week of November.  Tickets are $200 per person and included the silent auction, Conservation Awards, dinner and live auction and free valet parking. Corporate tables for 10 are also available for $5000 which includes VIP placement, table favors, an ad in the auction program and more. To make a donation to the auction or for reservations and additional information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org.

February 13, 2010 -- IGFA Observer Training Class, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA -- 9 a.m. –  The 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. Pre-registration is required. The IGFA OTC applications are available at the IGFA website http://www.igfa.org/PDF/COP_Application2008.pdf . 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.

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.

April 10, 2010 -- Seventh Annual IGFA World Record Achievements Awards and Banquet, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. 6 p.m. -- This celebration dinner and awards ceremony highlights the 2009 records by men, women, juniors, professional captains and tackle manufacturers.  For reservations and tickets for this ceremony please call Lesley Arico 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org.

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.

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 www.inshoreworldchampionships.com .