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IGFA Oceania Regional Council Meeting

April 27, 2024

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September 14, 2024

IGFA Permit Invitational

October 1-4, 2024

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October 8-10, 2024

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October 31, 2024

IGFA SoCal Swordfish Open

November 8-10, 2024

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IGFA Releases 2024 IGFA World Record Game Fishes Book

IGFA Releases 2024 IGFA World Record Game Fishes Book Recreational […]

The IGFA Announces Expansion to Angler Recognition Programs

The IGFA Announces Expansion to Angler Recognition Programs New programs […]

2024 El Gouna IGFA Red Sea Championship Recap

2024 El Gouna IGFA Red Sea Championship Recap The inaugural […]

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The IGFA is a nonprofit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and the promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices through science, education, rule making, record keeping and recognition of outstanding accomplishments in the field of angling.

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BIG NEWS: the 2024 IGFA World Record Game Fishes i

BIG NEWS: the 2024 IGFA World Record Game Fishes is here!
 As the world’s definitive publication of recreational angling records and the IGFA’s signature membership benefit, the 2024 edition includes comprehensive information on all freshwater, saltwater and flyfishing world records for All-Tackle, Line Class, Tippet Class, Junior & Smallfry and All-Tackle Length categories, including new world records set within the last year.
 The 2024 IGFA World Record Game Fishes is graced with an eye-catching cover by renowned marine artist @dennisfrielart depicting stealthy snook hunting in the mangroves. Known for his vibrant marine life depictions, Friel’s globally celebrated work embodies the ocean’s dynamic nature and its game fish. Through his studio, @connectedbywater, Friel’s commitment to conservation has continually influenced the marine industry, capturing the spirit of the IGFA and its historic IGFA World Record Game Fishes annual publication. 
Beyond the cover, readers will find the comprehensive listing of IGFA World Records and Slam & Trophy Clubs as well as five feature articles by industry authorities including an exploration of trophy bass from Texas’ O.H. Ivie Lake in Jurassic Bass by Matt Williams, insights on achieving the coveted IGFA Inshore Grand Slam in Grand Slam Déjà Vu by Matt Harris, game-changing Omni Sonar technology in Full Circle Imaging by Charlie Levine, the journey to find record-breaking snook in Quest for a World Record Snook by Captain George Beckwith Jr., and discovering the untouched fishing paradise of Australia’s northwest coast in Exploring Uncharted Australia by Doug Olander. 
The 2024 IGFA World Record Game Fishes book also includes an updated version of the IGFA’s International Angling Rules, valuable information on IGFA Clubs, Captains, Weigh Stations, and more. 
Learn more and secure your copy today at the link in our bio.

We are thrilled to announce that our beloved Kids

We are thrilled to announce that our beloved Kids Fishing Camp program is returning to the Bahamas in 2024!

This summer, 20 kids from North Abaco will have the incredible opportunity to join the IGFA and @friendsoftheenvironment for a week of outdoor exploration and fishing fun. This camp, a result of the IGFA's signature education initiative, Passports to Fishing, aims to create the next generation of ethical anglers while connecting kids to nature. During the camp, children will learn essential skills such as knot tying, species identification, and even reeling in their first catch. It's an experience that promises to be both educational and memorable.

Learn more about our Passports to Fishing program at the link in our bio.

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we’

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we’re celebrating the incredible legacy of Sarah Chisholm “Chisie” Farrington.

Chisie Farrington made a name for herself in big game angling partly because she was a woman, but mostly because she could catch fish. Chisie racked up 11 IGFA World Records and appeared in 11 nationally released films about big game angling. She was the first woman to catch a tuna on rod and reel, the first woman to catch two marlin in one day, and, in an astounding display of skill and stamina, she became the first woman to land two broadbill swordfish in one day - a 396-pounder, and a 659-pounder.

Along with her husband, noted outdoorsman and author Selwyn Kip Farrington Jr., Chisie traveled in a circle of big-game adventurers who included Ernest Hemingway and Alfred Glassell. In their company, Farrington was an angler among equals: the 674-pound tuna she caught off Watch Hill, R.I., in the mid-1950s was the first tuna that had ever been caught in those fishing grounds by man or woman.

Chisie was an accomplished writer for top women’s publications of the 1930s and ‘40s including Harper’s Bazaar, Mademoiselle, and Vogue, where her fishing articles helped to establish women as sporting participants in their own right. Her 1951 book, Women Can Fish, offers a rare and extensive account of women's involvement in angling during that era. Even in light of all her other accomplishments, this book has become her most enduring legacy, standing as a testament to what determination and passion can achieve - regardless of the arena.

On February 28, 2023 Lea Anne Powell took the inte

On February 28, 2023 Lea Anne Powell took the internet by storm when she landed this impressive 5.53-kilogram (12-pound, 3-ounce) largemouth bass, setting the IGFA Women’s 6-kg (12 lb) Line Class World Record for the species. @leaannep was fishing in Lake O. H. Ivie in Texas when this massive bass struck her lure. After a short fight, she was able to land the record bass and return to the ramp for a weight on a certified scale.

On October 22, 2023, NG Yam Pin was fishing in Put

On October 22, 2023, NG Yam Pin was fishing in Putussibau, Indonesia when he landed this beautiful 10.21-kilogram (22-pound, 8-ounce) giant Borneo gourami. Pin was working a crankbait when this colorful gourami struck, and after a quick fight, he was able to land the fish and record a weight on his certified scale before releasing it safely. With this fish Pin has set the IGFA All-Tackle World Record for the species, topping the previous record by 9 pounds!

Eugenie "Genie" Marron's legendary fishing career

Eugenie "Genie" Marron's legendary fishing career was launched on a night that began like many others for the New York socialite. One evening, while hosting a party at their Bay Head, New Jersey home with her husband Louis, an unexpected visitor—a skipper—burst through the door with news that would change everything. He announced that a school of giant bluefin tuna were making their way off the coast. As her husband made a dash for the door, Genie, never one to shy away from adventure, followed suit. One broken rib later, she had an unbelievable tale to tell involving a scuffle with a 430-pound tuna.

From that moment, Genie Marron wasn't just a socialite; she was a pioneer on the open sea. Alongside her husband, she traversed the globe from Nova Scotia to Hong Kong, chasing the thrill of the catch and setting records along the way. It wasn't long before she made headlines again—this time, for reeling in a 772-pound broadbill swordfish off the coast of Chile in the Humboldt Current, on June 7, 1954. This catch wasn't just a fish; it was a record-breaking moment that established Genie as a formidable force in angling history.

Reflecting on her countless battles with the giants of the deep, Genie wrote, "It is a humbling thing to consider the tenacity and the courage and the brave hearts that albacora show in mortal battle. My hands have been rubbed raw in fights against them. They are king of all the deep-sea game." Her words, found in her 1957 autobiography "Albacora: The Search for the Giant Broadbill," echo the respect and awe she held for the sea and its fiercest inhabitants.

Genie Marron's pioneering spirit did more than just fill the pages of fishing history; it blazed a trail for generations of women anglers to follow. Her courage and adventurous heart continue to inspire those who seek the thrill of the sport. In 2014, in recognition of their contributions to the angling world, Genie and her husband Lou were inducted together into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, cementing their legacy as icons of the fishing community.

Dive into the incredible journey of Genie Marron and discover more about her life and legacy at the link in our bio.

The IGFA and Wild Oceans are excited to announce w

The IGFA and Wild Oceans are excited to announce we're co-hosting the 7th International Billfish Symposium at the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute in San Diego, California, this fall. Since 1972, this historic event has united the world's leading experts on billfish to advance our understanding and conservation of these magnificent species. Join us for insightful discussions on the latest in billfish science, sustainable management practices, and the impact of environmental changes. Whether you're a researcher, an angler, or simply passionate about marine conservation, this symposium offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the global effort to ensure a thriving future for billfish and the ecosystems they inhabit. Mark your calendars for October 8-10, 2024 - registration and abstracts are now open! Visit bfsymposium.org to learn more or click the link in our bio.

It's Women's History Month and we want to celebrat

It's Women's History Month and we want to celebrate the women and girls who are making fishing history TODAY. Use the template in our stories to add your photo for a chance to be featured on our Instagram this month.

📷: IGFA Fishing Hall of Famer Eugenie "Genie" Marron

On Saturday March 9, 2024, IGFA Chairman Roy Crona

On Saturday March 9, 2024, IGFA Chairman Roy Cronacher landed this 26.90-kilogram (59-pound, 5-ounce) swordfish on fly! With this fish Roy can potentially set the IGFA Men’s 10-kg (20 lb) Tippet Class World Record for the species. Roy was fishing off South Florida aboard his boat Gladiator captained by Tim Richardson when this potential record sword struck his fly. After battling the fish through the dark, the crew of the Gladiator were able to boat the swordfish and returned to the docks for an official weight on their certified scale. This record is currently pending and under review.

“Michael may have opened the door, but Helen kic

“Michael may have opened the door, but Helen kicked it in.”

On this International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the legacy of trailblazer and IGFA co-founder Helen Lerner whose story resonates with the theme of breaking barriers and asserting one’s place in spaces traditionally dominated by men.

As a young woman in the 1940s, Helen defied societal norms by pursuing her passion for angling and quickly became a skilled and respected angler. Despite a penchant for seasickness, her talent and determination led to an impressive lineup of firsts for women, including:
- The first to catch a bluefin tuna off the European continent
- The first to catch nine tuna in one year
- The first to catch a broadbill swordfish off Nova Scotia
- The first to catch four different species of marlin

But she didn’t just leave behind records: beyond her phenomenal angling career, she left an impermeable legacy along with her husband Michael Lerner in founding the IGFA and advancing marine science.

Today, as we celebrate International Women’s Day and continue to observe Women’s History Month, we reflect on Helen’s remarkable journey. Let’s continue to support and empower women to pursue their passions, just as Helen did, with courage and determination. 💪

Learn more about the path Helen paved for future generations of female anglers in a short film produced by our friends at @rapala at the link in our bio.

On Tuesday, the Department of Commerce decided to

On Tuesday, the Department of Commerce decided to advance the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule to the Office of Management and Budget. This Rule would restrict all vessels 35ft and larger to 10knots along a majority of the US East Coast for multiple months out of the year. This rule will significantly impact our coastal economies, boating industry, and fisheries by putting more than 810,000 jobs and $230 billion in economic contributions in jeopardy. There are better, more technologically advanced options for monitoring and protecting Right Whales. For more information, click the link in our bio to read the press release from the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

Meet Francesca LaMonte, the inspiring ichthyologis

Meet Francesca LaMonte, the inspiring ichthyologist who broke barriers in the male-dominated field of sport fish biology and earned a reputation as one of the world’s leading experts on billfish and tuna. In the mid-1930s, she was one of the first scientists to study fresh, whole specimens of large saltwater game fish.

Utilizing this unprecedented field work, LaMonte published a series of definitive works on the world’s saltwater and freshwater game fish species. She played a key role in founding the IGFA and served as the organization’s first-ever secretary for 39 years. Her years of research were referenced countless times including by writer Ernest Hemingway, whom LaMonte was informally referred to as a “fish authority.”

LaMonte's pioneering marine research and literary works were crucial in advancing efforts to salvage marine habitats and preserve saltwater big game species. Without her work, our oceans might look vastly different today.

This Women's History Month, we’re celebrating Francesca LaMonte’s unforgettable legacy. Her dedication to understanding and protecting fish populations has made her a trailblazer in the field and an inspiration to women in science everywhere.
Learn more about her incredible work at the link in our bio.

In recognition of their extraordinary contribution

In recognition of their extraordinary contributions to recreational angling around the world, The International Game Fish Association named five angling greats to the 2024 class of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame.

This year's inductees into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame represent angling luminaries who have made significant contributions to the sport. They include James A. Henshall, a pioneer in bass fishing who revolutionized angling techniques and fish culture; Tom Pfleger, whose four-decade career is marked by 24 IGFA World Records and pioneering environmental research; Nick Smith, whose billfishing prowess and conservation efforts have set global standards; Kevin VanDam, whose professional angling career resulted in unparalleled tournament successes; and Ralph ‘Agie’ Vicente, whose half-century commitment to marine conservation and ethical angling practices has left a lasting impact on Latin American fisheries.

Elected unanimously by the IGFA Board of Trustees, the 2024 class will join 146 legendary anglers, scientists, conservationists, writers, and fishing industry leaders whose contributions to sport fishing are forever enshrined and celebrated in the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, located inside @wondersofwildlife National Museum and Aquarium, at a ceremony this fall.

Read the full announcement at the link in our bio.

On March 9, 1997, Del Wiseman Jr. set the IGFA All

On March 9, 1997, Del Wiseman Jr. set the IGFA All-Tackle World Record for red grouper with this 19.16-kilogram (42-pound, 4-ounce) fish. Del was fishing off St. Augustine, Florida when this impressive red struck his live bait. Del’s record has now stood for more than 25 years!

We're a few weeks away from the 21st anniversary o

We're a few weeks away from the 21st anniversary of this record-breaking catch. On March 14, 2003, Dave Huckle set the IGFA Men’s 10-kg (20 lb) Line Class World Record with this massive 67.92-kilogram (149-pound, 12-ounce) Nile perch. Dave was trolling a Mann’s 30+ Magnum off of Rubondo Island, Tanzania, when he felt a strong pull. After an epic 55-minute battle, Dave landed the record perch and brought it to Rubondo Island Camp for an official weight.

To the unfamiliar eye, Nile perch (Lates niloticus) are sometimes accused of being a largemouth bass optical illusion. While they may share some superficial similarities, it's important to note that they are distinct species with different ecological roles, behaviors, and native ranges. Learn more about the species at the link in our bio.

Brent Van Niekerk was fishing the Rio Marie in Bra

Brent Van Niekerk was fishing the Rio Marie in Brazil on September 7, 2023, when he landed this massive 94-centimeter speckled peacock to set the new IGFA All-Tackle Length World Record for the species. Brent landed the fish after a quick fight and released the fish safely after properly recording the length on his official IGFA Measuring Device. Brent’s fish tops the previous record by just two centimeters and retires a seven-way tie, which has been in place for nearly three years!

The IGFA is proud to announce the recipients of ou

The IGFA is proud to announce the recipients of our 2024 Annual Awards. Comprised of six categories, each award honors a unique component of sport fishing including conservation, heavy tackle angling, light tackle angling, sportsmanship, freshwater angling, and fly fishing.

Joe Brooks Fly Fishing Award – Andy Mill

The IGFA Joe Brooks Fly Fishing Award was established in 2023 and acknowledges anglers who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the world of fly fishing.

Andy Mill’s diverse career spans athletics, broadcasting, and angling, each marked by notable achievements. As a two-time Olympian and four-time World Championships skier, his valor at the 1976 Innsbruck Olympics earned him the “Olympic Skiing Award.” Inducted into the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame in 1993, Mill transitioned into a 20-year broadcasting career, covering esteemed events like the Olympics. However, it is in fishing where Mill finds profound fulfillment, paralleling the dedication he brought to skiing and broadcasting. Renowned for his success in fly-fishing tournaments, he has clinched numerous prestigious titles, including five Gold Cups and six Golden Flies. Beyond competition, Mill educates and advocates for the sport through media platforms like the Sportsman’s Journal with Andy Mill and his acclaimed book, A Passion for Tarpon. Co-founder of the Mill House Podcast, he shares angling insights with a wider audience. Honored with inductions into The City of Aspen Hall of Fame and awards such as the Curt Gowdy Media Award, Mill’s contributions to fly fishing are commemorated with the 2024 IGFA Joe Brooks Fly Fishing Award, acknowledging his enduring impact.

To learn more about the IGFA Annual Awards or make a nomination, visit the link in our bio.

The IGFA is proud to announce the recipients of ou

The IGFA is proud to announce the recipients of our 2024 Annual Awards. Comprised of six categories, each award honors a unique component of sport fishing including conservation, heavy tackle angling, light tackle angling, sportsmanship, freshwater angling, and fly fishing.

Johnny Morris Freshwater Angling Award – Captain Kirk Kirkland

The IGFA Johnny Morris Freshwater Angling Award was established in 2023 and acknowledges anglers who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the world of freshwater angling.

Captain Kirk Kirkland’s lifelong journey in fishing commenced beside his father near Houston, Texas, USA, where his family’s seafood markets fueled his fascination with alligator gar. In 1995, a chance encounter with a Dutch angler sparked the inception of Kirk’s fishing guide business when they effortlessly landed four colossal alligator gar. Recognizing the global interest in this formidable species, Kirk officially launched his guide service in 1996, catering to anglers from around the world. His collaboration with television shows in 2005 catapulted him into the spotlight, leading to 73 TV appearances and numerous features in magazines and news articles. Leveraging his media presence and deep-seated knowledge of the alligator gar fishery, Kirk became a staunch advocate for conservation regulations. In 2007, a pivotal partnership with IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Inductee Dr. Marty Arostegui propelled Kirk into the realm of fly fishing for gar, resulting in over 100 IGFA World Records, including numerous accolades for alligator gar alone. Notably, Kirk’s expertise guided his client Art Weston to the IGFA All-Tackle World Record in 2023 with a remarkable 283-pound catch. In recognition of his transformative contributions to freshwater angling and global promotion of gar fishing, the IGFA proudly bestows the 2024 IGFA Johnny Morris Freshwater Angling Award upon Captain Kirk Kirkland.

To learn more about the IGFA Annual Awards or make a nomination, visit the link in our bio.

The IGFA is proud to announce the recipients of ou

The IGFA is proud to announce the recipients of our 2024 Annual Awards. Comprised of six categories, each award honors a unique component of sport fishing including conservation, heavy tackle angling, light tackle angling, sportsmanship, freshwater angling, and fly fishing.

Gil Keech Heavy Tackle Award – Anthony Hsieh

The Gil Keech Award acknowledges anglers for outstanding achievements in the field of heavy-tackle angling.

Anthony Hsieh’s journey in fishing began in his early years in southern California, USA, where he frequented the piers before transitioning to work on various long-range boats, refining his skills. At 19, he acquired his first boat, setting the stage for decades of offshore fishing adventures aboard a fleet of vessels christened “Bad Company.” Under his stewardship, this offshore fishing empire flourished, boasting a fleet of sportfishing boats led by IGFA Tommy Gifford Award recipient Captain Steve Lassley that set records for tournament winnings. Embarking on a “World Tour” in 2022, Anthony and Bad Company have traversed multiple destinations, including Madeira, the Azores, and the Great Barrier Reef, while hosting seminars and producing educational videos on billfishing tactics and conservation. Anthony’s remarkable journey also encompasses his role as an entrepreneur, building successful fintech companies and founding War Heroes On Water, a charity fishing tournament benefiting combat-wounded veterans. A skilled angler, captain, and visionary leader, Anthony’s commitment to sharing his passion for fishing transcends mere sport, offering enthusiasts a chance to partake in unforgettable fishing expeditions and life-changing experiences aboard Team Bad Company. For these monumental achievements and unwavering dedication to the sport of fishing, Anthony is honored as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Gil Keech Heavy Tackle Award.

To learn more about the IGFA Annual Awards or make a nomination, visit the link in our bio.

The IGFA is proud to announce the recipients of ou

The IGFA is proud to announce the recipients of our 2024 Annual Awards. Comprised of six categories, each award honors a unique component of sport fishing including conservation, heavy tackle angling, light tackle angling, sportsmanship, freshwater angling, and fly fishing.

Bob Herder Light Tackle Award – Arthur “Art” Weston

The Bob Herder Award acknowledges anglers for outstanding achievements in the field of light-tackle angling.

Arthur “Art” Weston’s passion for fishing blossomed during his formative years in Illinois, USA, where he honed his skills alongside his family. As his angling horizons expanded, so did his adventures, leading him to exotic locales and diverse fish species. Art’s journey intersected with the IGFA in 2017 during a memorable fishing expedition in Uruguay with IGFA Representative Patrick Brown, where he clinched his inaugural IGFA World Record for golden dorado, igniting a fervent dedication to record-breaking pursuits. Since then, Art has etched his name in angling history, securing an impressive 18 IGFA Line Class World Records, including a remarkable seven on 1-kg (2-lb) test, and five IGFA Tippet Class World Records. Notably, Art garnered widespread acclaim in 2023 with his record-setting capture of a 128.37-kilogram (283-pound) alligator gar on 3-kg (6-lb) test, achieving the extraordinary “50:1” ratio, a feat unparalleled in freshwater fishing. Through his YouTube channel, Art shares insights into light tackle angling techniques, showcasing his mastery of line strength and knot integrity. With a string of historic catches underscoring his prowess, Art Weston stands as a beacon in the realm of light tackle angling, deserving of the 2024 IGFA Bob Herder Light Tackle Award in recognition of his remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport.

To learn more about the IGFA Annual Awards or make a nomination, visit the link in our bio.

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IGFA Releases 2024 IGFA World Record Game Fishes Book
The IGFA Announces Expansion to Angler Recognition Programs
2024 El Gouna IGFA Red Sea Championship Recap

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