HOT News from the IGFA

April 2008

By Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications – IGFA PR Counsel

IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame
announces 10th induction class
International event honors contributions of five to the sport of fishing

Four men and a lady, all who have made significant contributions to the sport of recreational fishing, will be inducted as the 10th class into the International Game Fish Association International Fishing Hall of Fame this fall. The announcement of the class of 2008 includes Henry Chee, Dr. Roy Dean, Jimmy Houston, Kay Rybovich and Karl Wickstrom.
The 10th annual star-studded enshrinement ceremony and dinner will be held Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 6 p.m. at the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Fla. The public is invited.
Each year the honorees are selected for the significant contributions through angling achievements, literature, the arts, science, education, invention, communication or administration of fishery resources.
The five inductees and their contributions are:
Henry Chee was one of the original two charter skippers in Kona, Hawaii. In the 1940s he was responsible for the advent of trolling lures, making his first "tube" lure out of fiberglass resin, using a drinking glass as a mold, and went on to perfect the use of brass for leader tubes and strips of pearl shell for inserts. Chee died in 1965.
Dr. Roy Dean dedicated his life to light-tackle fishing. Recognized for his extensive exploration of the coastlines of Mexico and Costa Rica, research on billfish migration, and promotion of catch-and-release, he is best known as the founder of the International Light Tackle Tournament Association (ILTTA) more than 60 years ago. Dean died in 1990.
Jimmy Houston won his first professional bass tournament in 1966, his first B.A.S.S. "Angler of the Year" title in 1976, and has produced and hosted the popular TV show Jimmy Houston Outdoors for more than 30 years. He was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame in 2002. Houston lives in Cookson, Okla.
One of three founders of the International Women's Fishing Association (IWFA) in 1955, Kay Rybovich remains one of the grand ladies of sport fishing. An early proponent of catch-and-release fishing, she is a long-time supporter of fisheries research programs and numerous conservation organizations. Kay was married to the late John Rybovich Jr. who was inducted into the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame’s first class in 1998.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Florida Sportsman magazine, Karl Wickstrom initiated and chaired the Save Our Sealife constitutional amendment campaign that banned gill nets in 1994 and revitalized Florida's inshore waters. He was also instrumental in the founding of the state's Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) chapter more than 20 years ago. Wickstrom lives in Stuart, Fla.
There are currently 70 Hall of Fame members enshrined including Zane Grey, Ernest Hemingway, Curt Gowdy, Ted Williams, Lee Wulff, Michael and Helen Lerner, Philip Wylie, Bill Dance, Roland Martin, Johnny Morris, Don Tyson and Stu Apte.
Tickets are $200 and include the cocktail reception beginning at 6 p.m., silent auction, dinner and the induction ceremony beginning at 7:30 p.m. Special sponsorships and sponsor tables are available. For reservation information please call 954-924-4222.
The IGFA is a nonprofit, membership-supported, conservation and record-keeping organization founded in 1939 with members in over 120 countries. The association welcomes visitors to the 60,000 square foot IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Florida. For further information, contact Lesley Arico at the International Game Fish Association, 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, Florida 33004 Email: HYPERLINK "mailto:larico@igfa.org" larico@igfa.org or by phone (954) 927-2628 Fax (954) 924-4299.

(EDITOR: To schedule an interview with any of the three honorees you may contact Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or HYPERLINK "mailto:lirwin@igfa.org" larico@igfa.org, or Pete Johnson, IGFA PR counsel at 480-951-3654 or HYPERLINK "mailto:johnsoncom@aol.com" johnsoncom@aol.com. Head shot photos of each of the five inductees are available upon request.)
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Manufacturers among those to be honored at IGFA’s Fifth Annual World Record Achievement Awards

Last month in the IGFA Hot News for March, we highlighted the top anglers from around the world who will be honored April 12 at the IGFA’s Fifth Annual World Record Achievement Awards (WRAA) celebration (please see HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/News.asp?qs=203" http://www.igfa.org/News.asp?qs=203).
This month we feature the manufacturers based on the number of computer printouts of the 495 anglers using their products in setting the new records in 2007. The awards ceremony also recognizes the men, women, juniors, and professional captains for the most world records compiled from the Top 10 list recently published in the IGFA’s 2008 World Record Game Fishes book. The ceremony will be held at the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Florida.
Shimano, Ande and Rapala are among the top tackle, line and lure manufacturers to be honored.
Shimano picked up firsts in saltwater rods and reels along with freshwater reels for a combined 240 records. Ande also scored triple firsts in fly tippet, saltwater and freshwater lines totaling 219 records. Rapala had two first both in the use of their freshwater and saltwater lures for records.
Also scoring first were Shakespeare for freshwater rods, Tibor for fly reels, Sage for fly rods, and Boga Grip for scales.

Lifetime Achievement Awards; top anglers to be honored
Guides/educators Captain Jay Wright Jr., Hollywood, Fla., USA, and Jean-Francois Helias, also an IGFA Representative from Bangkok, Thailand will be presented with IGFA Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Each man will receive a David Wirth limited edition bronze “Lava” Hawaiian circle hook sculpture.
Also to be honored will be Ms. Jodie L. Johnson, Peterborough, N.H. USA, as the Overall Female Angler of the year recording the most records, 28 all on fly. In addition Dr. Martin Arostegui Coral Gables, Fla., USA, will receive the Overall Male Angler of the year with 22 records, 18 of them on fly. The retired physician was the first angler to reach the 200 world records plateau two years ago.
All first place winners will receive King Sailfish Mounts.
Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m. with dinner and awards program at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the WRAA are $50.00 and include a barbecue dinner.
For more information or to reserve a ticket, contact Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or HYPERLINK "mailto:pgaube@igfa.org" larico@igfa.org .


From the 2008 WRAA Top 10 list –
Tackle manufacturers/guides – # records achieved
Top 3 SW Guides
Andrew Parsons: 16
Capt. Jay Wright: 12
Capt. Greg Eklund: 11
Top 3 FW Guides
Capt. Jay Wright: 20
Jean Francois Helias: 12
Karel Dawson: 8
Fly Rods
Sage: 42
Gloomis: 37
Thomas & Thomas: 12
Fly Reels
Tibor/Billy Pate: 53
Abel: 34
Lamson: 8
Fly Tippet
Ande: 77
Rio: 31
Maxima: 6
3t. Momoi: 6
SW Rod
Shimano: 25
Penn: 17
Daiwa: 11
SW Reel
Shimano: 117
Penn: 46
Daiwa: 32
SW Line
Ande: 62
Momoi: 27
Power Pro: 22
FW Rod
Shakespeare: 25
Pro Kik: 23
Shimano: 18
FW Reel
Shimano: 98
Daiwa: 22
Abu Garcia: 13
3t. Penn: 13
FW Line
Ande: 80
Power Pro: 28
Berkley: 25
Scales
Boga Grip: 170
Chatillion: 70
Berkley: 32
Top 3 FW Lure:
Rapala: 11
Zoom: 7
Mepps: 4
Top 3 SW Lure:
Rapala 4
Storm 3
6 tied with 2
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Anglers prepare for Ninth Annual Offshore World Championship

It’s the final month of preparation as 63 teams from nearly 30 countries on five continents practice for the 2008 IGFA Offshore World Championship May 11 – 16, at one of the world’s top fishing locations Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Considered the most prestigious catch-and-release billfishing tournament across the globe, the event also draws the single largest contingent of international teams ever to compete in a fishing competition.
The teams were invited after winning one of 137 IGFA qualifying events held in 38 countries and territories plus 14 states in the U.S. It’s the seventh straight year Cabo San Lucas has been chosen as the championship location.
This years’ sponsors are Secretaria de Turismo de Baja California Sur, Costa Del Mar, Hotel Finisterra, Guy Harvey Inc., Shimano, Minerva’s Baja Tackle, Picante Sport Fishing and Yacht Sales, Cabo Yachts, K D & G Sea Life Masterpieces, Hook & Tackle, Momoi Hi-Catch, Murray Products, AFTCO BlueWater, Bodo Muche, Señor Greenberg’s, IWS Scales, King Sailfish Mounts, Pompanette, Pisces Sportfishing, Corona and Modelo S.A DE C.V. Mexico, Trans Cabo, Eagle Claw, MoldCraft Products, Inc., Don Tyson and API Dock.
In 2009 the Bonnier Marine Group will join the IGFA to manage the 10th anniversary of the world championship which began in 2000.
Updated information and a list of the registered teams can be found on the IGFA web site at HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org" www.igfa.org under the fishing tab on the home page by clicking “tournaments.” Questions regarding the 2008 IGFA OWC should be directed to Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or via e-mail at HYPERLINK "mailto:LArico@igfa.org" LArico@igfa.org.
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IGFA partners with Florida Keys Outfitters for 2009 Inshore World Championship

Hailed for nearly a decade as the “Super Bowl” of fly and light-tackle inshore fishing, the International Game Fish Association’s Inshore World Championship stands to grow even more prestigious thanks to a recently announced partnership with the Florida Keys Flyfishing School & Outfitters, Inc., dba Florida Keys Outfitters.
This championship, which began in 2001, has grown into the sport’s premiere inshore fishing series. To be invited to this prestigious all-release event, anglers must win one of the many qualifying tournaments located around the world.
“The Inshore World Championship has anglers representing more countries than any other inshore fishing tournament in the world,” says IGFA Corporate Relations Director Mike Myatt. “We have over 50 qualifying tournaments from seven different countries this year including 12 states here in the USA.”
Florida Keys Outfitters will manage operations of the championship starting with the 2009 event. The IGFA will remain the championship’s sole non-profit benefactor with a fundraiser and auction for the IGFA to be held at the championship. The championship will continue to use the first-class amenities and guides of Islamorada, Fla., its host location. The Florida Keys Outfitters/IGFA Inshore World Championship is scheduled for July 7-9, 2009.
In 1989 Sandy Moret founded The Florida Keys Fly Fishing School and began holding fly fishing seminars with a list of now legendary instructors. Just to name a few, Flip Pallot, Chico Fernandez, Steve Rajeff, Steve Huff, Rick Ruoff and Moret provide extensive hands-on instruction five times a year at the Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada. Now in its 20th year, it is unparalleled as the place to learn or improve fly fishing skills, whether on the flats or in blue water. Sandy progressed from the school to opening Florida Keys Outfitters, a specialty salt water fly fishing shop in Islamorada, in 1992.
Since then Florida Keys Outfitters has become recognized as one of the premiere salt water fly fishing shops in the world, specializing in providing premium fly fishing equipment and flies along with expert rigging and experienced advice. The shop also offers an excellent selection of men and women’s sportswear, weather gear, gifts and accessories. Anglers are also able to book some of the finest, professional fishing guides in the Keys through the shop.
(For the complete news release please go to the IGFA web site’s home page at
http://igfa.org/inshore_partnership_flkeysout.asp)
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IGFA School of Sportfishing adds seventh session this spring

Due to its popularity, the variety of appealing curriculums for local waters, the limited class sizes and expert instructors, the IGFA School of Sportfishing has added more classes to begin its seventh session in mid-April.
Held on Tuesday nights from 7 - 10 p.m., at the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame headquarters in Dania Beach, Fla., the classes feature many of the most popular subjects previously offered plus two new topics that participants have expressed strong interest in having added.
“We’ve always strived to give the customer the best experience possible so we took their suggestions and brought back the favorite classes,” said IGFA Adult Education Coordinator David Matagiese. “After going through these evaluations with program School of Sportfishing cofounder, Capt. Tony DiGiulian of Saltwater Professional Consulting, it was pretty clear that the customers were looking for a class to help them utilize their onboard electronics to become more efficient anglers. With today’s technology, marine electronics are capable of giving anglers a huge advantage but many people can’t access the full potential of what they paid for. This class will serve to teach customers how to easily manage their electronics and let their tools do the work for them.”
Matagiese said the second new class debuting in this session is the “Tarpon, Redfish and Trout Tactics.”
“This class will be a great supplement to the “Fishing for Trophy Snook” class and will provide each attendee with a whole new set of tactics for targeting these inshore species. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a weekend warrior, these classes offer something for everyone.”
Along with DiGiulian other popular captains instructing the classes are Mark Zaskey, Bouncer Smith and Drew Kettelhut
The dates, subjects and instructors for the eight classes will include:
April 15 -- Four Fundamentals Every Sportfisherman Should Know-- Capt. Tony DiGiulian
April 22 -- Fishing for Trophy Snook --Capt. Mark Zaskey
April 29 -- Fishing Bimini and Cat Cay --Capt. Bouncer Smith
May 6 -- Dolphin and Wahoo Secrets --Capt. Tony DiGiulian
May 13 -- Successful Swordfishing--Capt. Drew Kettelhut
May 20 -- Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs--Capt. Bouncer Smith
May 27 -- Understanding Your Onboard Electronics --Instructor TBA
June 3 -- Tarpon, Redfish and Trout Tactics--Instructor TBA

The cost is $100 for IGFA members and $150 for non-members per class and limited to the first 24 anglers to sign up.
For more details go to the IGFA web site at HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp" www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954.924.4247 or e-mail him at HYPERLINK "mailto:dmatagiese@igfa.org" dmatagiese@igfa.org. Registration is also available online at HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/sosform.asp" www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.
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--Coming to the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame—
Free IGFA Family Fishing Clinic this month; Sharkwater included

The popular IGFA Family Fishing Clinic at the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Fla., returns on Saturday, April 19, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. IGFA staff members will be available for the free event to provide instruction on casting, knot tying, regulations, angling techniques and conservation practices.
As an added bonus admission to the museum, which offers many family activities including the popular Sharkwater feature length movie, will be also free for children and ½ off for adults.
Reservations are not required.
For more information please call the IGFA at 954-927-2628.
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IGFA and FFWCC hosting free Boaters Safety Course in May

Are you new to boating or would like for you and members of your family to be safer boaters?
Next month the IGFA and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission will team together to host its next free Boaters Safety Courses beginning on Saturday, May 10, at the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla.
Two other additional classes for 2008 will be offered August 2 and November 8.
The all day class will begin at 8 a.m. and last till 4 p.m.
This course, taught by the law enforcement division of the FFWCC meets the mandatory boating safety education requirements for the State of Florida.
The class is comprised of a six chapter review and a final exam and is limited to 16 people with advance registration.
For more information and to register, please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at HYPERLINK "mailto:jtomlin@igfa.org" JTomlin@igfa.org.
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IGFA Junior Angler Summer Camp starts in June; Open house in May

For hands-on activities for youngsters nothing beats the IGFA Junior Angler annual Summer Camps beginning in June.
Now in its ninth year at the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Fla., the association will be offering nine weeklong summer camp adventures for children ages 8 – 13 running from June 9 - August 15th.
Campers spend time in the museum where they learn about fishing techniques, conservation, marine biology, tying flies & jigs, and participate in simulated fishing tournaments. Field trips take the campers on a variety of fresh and salt water adventures: drift boat, pier and shore fishing, wetlands exploration and much more. These camps give children the opportunity to have fun while being educated on local habitats and ethical practices. During each week-long experience, campers will discover the importance of the different fresh and salt water habitats for sport fishing.
For a chance to experience the exciting activities in store, parents and their youngsters can come to the IGFA on Saturday, May 17th from 10 a.m. to noon for a Summer Camp Open House. For much more information, please call 954-924-4309, email HYPERLINK "mailto:reservations@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org, or visit HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/camps.asp" www.igfa.org/camps.asp.
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April Hot Catches from the IGFA World Records Department

Each month the International Game Fish Association’s highlights selected documented fish catches made from across the globe and submitted for world records. IGFA world records coordinator Rebecca Wright provided the following information on these 14 recent submissions now before the world records review committee:

An IGFA world fly fishing record that has been held for over 27 years by Cory Wells, the leader of the internationally famous hit recording rock group Three Dog Night, may be on the verge of being broken. While fly fishing Beaver Creek, on Bull Shoals Lake in Missouri, USA, Michael Bryan Kyle of nearby Springfield, landed a white bass (Morone chysops) on March 26 weighing 1.7 kg (3 lb 12 oz) using a Duane Doty clouser minnow on 4 kg (8 lb) class tippet. Wells caught his 3 lb 8 oz white bass fly fishing Lake Nacimiento, Calif in 1981. Ironically veteran fishing writer Wayne Shaw of the San Luis Obispo (Calif) Tribune was in the midst of writing a feature on Wells and the long standing world record from the local lake. Wells has been a member of the IGFA for over 30 years and held other fly records. (Photo: white bass -- 08040000)

A number of ladies have been tackling IGFA world records. On holiday fishing Barra do Kwanza, Angola, young angler Lydia Nicolson of Brombrough Wirra, United Kingdom, guided by Cam Nicolson, and using a live sardine for bait, took 20 minutes to land a 46.6 kg (102 lb 11 oz) tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) on Dec. 28, 2007. She has sent her documentation to the IGFA in the female smallfry class category to potentially beat the current record of 86 lb caught in Laguan, San Jose, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Nov. 2005. (Photo: tarpon – 08030051)

Fly fishing for heavier game than the fish found in her home waters of Bozeman, Mont., USA, Dotty Ballantyne, landed a California yellowtail (Seriola lalandi dorslis) off Loreto, Mexico while being guided by Abel Davis. The fish weighed 11.34 kg (25 lb 0 oz) on 8 kg (16 lb) class tippet and took 28 minutes to land. The current women’s tippet class record is 8 lb 6 oz recorded in the IGFA records books from the waters of Uncle Sam Band, Baja California in January 2005. (Photo: California yellowtail – 08030053)

DeSoto, Kan. USA angler Joan Vandergriff, guided by Betsy Bullard, while fishing Golfito, Costa Rica, landed a Pacific snook (Centropomus spp.) in 25 minutes on February 13, 2008, weighing 14.23 kg (31 lb 6 oz) on 4 kg (8 lb) class line. The current IGFA women’s line class record is 8 lb 8 oz, caught in Isla Coiba, Panama in June 2005. (Photo: Pacific snook – 08030027)

A month later also at Golfito, Costa Rica, Betsy Bullard, now the angler and guided by Abraham Concepcion, landed a Pacific snook (Centropomus spp.) on March 14 weighing 16.98 kg (37 lb 7 oz) on 6 kg (12 lb) class line. She used live threadfin for bait and took 10 minutes to land the fish. The IGFA women’s line class record currently stands at 7 lb 9 oz caught in the Galapagos of Ecuador in January 2004. (Photo: Pacific snook – 08030054)

Hoping to beat here own 110 lb whaler shark (Carcharhinidae family) IGFA line class world record set last year on the aptly named Shark River of Flamingo in the Everglades of Florida, USA, Rebecca Wright, Hollywood, Fla., may have more than doubled it. Using a live blue runner for bait she hooked up for a 35 minute fight on 60 kg (130 lb) class line finally bringing her quarry in to weigh-in at 109.34 kg (241 lb 1 oz). Guided by Capt. Jay Wright Jr. she now has over 100 records. (Photo: whaler shark – 08020059)

Using her guide Capt. Tim Klein’s TK Special fly, Islamorada, Fla., USA angler Diana A. Rudolph, landed a bonefish (Albula spp.) from her hometown waters January 15, weighing 5.24 kg (11 lb 9 oz). It took the multi-record holder 10 minutes to bring in the trophy fish on 10 kg (20 lb) tippet class. She’s hoping to break the current IGFA women’s record of 11 lb 2 oz from March, 2002 caught in the same area. (Photo: bonefish – 08030042)

Ms. Jodie L. Johnson, Peterborough, N.H., USA, fly fishing the warm waters of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, this past December 13, landed an almaco jack, (Atlantic) (Seriola rivoliana) weighing 2.04 kg (4 lb 8 oz). Guided by Andrew Parsons she fought the fish for eight minutes using a Clouser fly tied on 3 kg (6 lb) class tippet. She’s hoping to beat her own current IGFA women’s 2 lb record for the specie, caught last year in the Bahamas. (Photo: almaco jack – 08030001)

Fishing his home waters of Key West, Fla., USA, Tim Coleman, guided by Capt. Al Golinski, landed a gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus) on Feb. 23, which weighed 4.99 kg (11 lb 0 oz). He used 6 kg (12 lb) class line and a jig with cut herring for bait. The IGFA men’s line class record for the newly added species is vacant. (Photo: gray snapper – 08030010)

Fly fishing the warmer waters of the Seychelles’ Cosmoledo Atoll, where he holds several other records, Washington USA’s Rockwell Hammond Jr., of Fall City, landed a bluefin trevally (Caranx melampygus) on Feb. 18, weighing 2.83 kg (6 lb 4 oz). He hooked the fish using a Dr. Rockbottom fly tied to 2 kg (4 lb) class tippet and fought it for 15 minutes. The current IGFA men’s tippet mark for the specie is 6 lb recorded in 2001 (Photo: bluefin trevally – 08030009)

In Tanzania this past Dec. 7, fishing his home waters of Dar es Salaam and using a rainbow runner for bait, Benward Twalibu, landed a dogtooth tuna, (Gymnosarda unicolor), weighing 100.5 kg (221 lb 8 oz) for a pending IGFA men’s 37 kg (80 lb) line class record . Guided by Maddalena Martinengo, it took him 45 minutes to land the long running and tough fighting fish. He has hopes of beating the current IGFA men’s line class mark of 194 lbs. caught in Kwan-Tall Islands, Kwantall-Do, Korea. (Photo: dogtooth tuna – 08030044)

Escaping the cold weather of Wilton, Conn. USA, for the warmer Atlantic waters off Jupiter, Fla., junior angler Cody Lapnow, guided by Jeff Warshaw, landed an African pompano (Alectis ciliaris) this past February 23. Using goggle-eye for bait and after a 10 minute fight he landed the fish that weighed 19.96 kg (44 lb 0 oz). The current IGFA male junior record is 39 lb 4 oz caught nearly five years ago just north of Jupiter in Port Canaveral, Fla. (Photo: African pompano – 08030035)

Fly fishing the waters of Key West, Florida, USA, Dave Chermanski, of Merritt Island, Fla., guided by Willie Chermanski, landed a cero mackerel (Scomberomorus regalis) on Feb. 26. On his 4 kg (8 lb) class tippet he used his own hand-tied DC Simulator to entice the bite of the fish which weighed 3.8 3kg (8 lb 7 oz). It took him 10 minutes to land. With his documentation he hopes to beat the current IGFA mark of 7 lb 4 oz recorded in 2004 in the same Key West vicinity. (Photo: cero mackerel – 08030022)

Fishing his hometown of Newport, Oregon, USA, angler Todd Pietsch, landed a grass rockfish (Sebastes rastrelliger) on March 30, 2007, weighing 2.89 kg (6 lb 6 oz) to possibly tie the all-tackle record. The current IGFA record fish was caught in the same area earlier that same month. (Photo: grass rockfish - 08030042a)
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Sharkwater extended: film and exhibition drawing big crowds

Sharkwater, the award-winning feature length film and exhibition which premiered in the fall of 2007 at the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., continues to draw big crowds and has been extended through September.
The much acclaimed 90-minute documentary film, winner of 19 international awards, is being shown four times daily on Saturdays at 10:15 a.m., noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. and Sundays at noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. On weekdays the film is shown at 3:30 p.m.
An interactive and educational exhibition based around shark conservation is also featured in the Museum's Changing Gallery.
The IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame is located at 300 Gulf Stream Way, off I-95 in Dania Beach next to Bass Pro Shops. The hall is open daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is free to IGFA members. Guest fees are $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and children ages 3 - 16.
For more information phone the IGFA at 954-924-4370.
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From the IGFA -- Did You Know?

• Recreational fishing in Europe is responsible for:
• 2900 companies
• 60,000 jobs
• 5 billion Euros, annually
• Europe has 25 million recreational anglers that spend an estimated 25 billion Euros each year.
• New Zealand anglers spend an average of $900 per year.
• Australian anglers spend an average of $100 per year.
• Nearly 40 million Americans fish.
That's more than the number of people that play golf or tennis combined.
• Recreational fishing in the US supports more than one million jobs.
• Recreational fishing in the US supports more than $45 billion in annual retail sales.
• The total economic output of recreational fishing in the US is over $125 billion annually.
• US anglers and boaters spend over $600 million annually on excise taxes that go towards fisheries conservation and enhancement.
• US anglers directly invest $1.2 billion annually to preserve, protect and enhance the sport of recreational fishing.

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Calendar of future IGFA events

Now through September 2008 – Sharkwater, award-winning feature length film and exhibition, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA – Extended through September due to popular demand, the much acclaimed 90-minute documentary film, winner of 19 international awards, is being shown four times daily on Saturdays at 10:15 a.m., noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. and Sunday’s at noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. On weekdays it’s shown at 3:30 p.m. An interactive and educational exhibition based around shark conservation is also featured in the Museum's Changing Gallery. Monthly lectures featuring local and national shark experts are also scheduled. The IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame is located at 300 Gulf Stream Way, off I-95 in Dania Beach next to Bass Pro Shops. The hall is open daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free to IGFA members. Guest fees are $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and children ages 3 - 16. For more information phone the IGFA at 954-924-4370.
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April 12, 2008 -- Fifth annual IGFA World Record Achievement Awards and Banquet, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. -- This celebration dinner and awards ceremony highlights the 2007 records by men, women, juniors, professional captains and tackle manufacturers. For reservations and tickets for the ceremony please call Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or HYPERLINK "mailto:pgaube@igfa.org" larico@igfa.org.
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April 15, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Four Fundamentals Every Sportfisherman Should Know,” -- IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. If you're new to the game or a seasoned vet to the sport, these are must-have skills every sportfisherman should know. Conducted by Capt. Tony DiGiulian this hands-on intensive class covers different types of bait rigging, how to fill your live well by properly throwing a cast net, how to tie critical knots for double line, line to line, terminal connections, and wire twists, along with proper terminal tackle prep like crimping, making leaders and hook sharpening. The class is limited to only 24 anglers, letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. 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 HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp" www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or HYPERLINK "mailto:dmatagiese@igfa.org" dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or HYPERLINK "mailto:pgaube@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org
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April 19, 2008 -- Free Family Fishing Clinic, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. IGFA staff members will be available to provide instruction on casting, knot tying, regulations, angling techniques and conservation practices. Museum admission will be free for children and ½ off for adults. Reservations are not required.
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April 22, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Fishing for Trophy Snook,” -- IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Conducted by Capt. Mark Zaskey this class will teach you how to successfully target and find monster snook by working underwater structure using proven techniques including how to consistently provoke huge strikes. Learn from one of the innovators what it takes to land that lunker snook. The class is limited to only 24 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. 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 HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp" www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or HYPERLINK "mailto:dmatagiese@igfa.org" dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or HYPERLINK "mailto:pgaube@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org
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April 25 - 27, 2008 -- 28th Annual Week of the Ocean School Marine Fair, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. Free event showcasing award-winning marine projects
of K-12th grade students from the arts to sciences. Museum hours 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday noon to 6 p.m. (Projects down at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday). For more information please go to HYPERLINK "http://www.national-week-of-the-ocean.org" \o "http://www.national-week-of-the-ocean.org/" www.national-week-of-the-ocean.org or contact Cynthia Hancock at 954-462-5573.
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April 29, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Fishing Bimini and Cat Cay” -- IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Discover this world just 50 miles away. 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 enjoyable as possible. This class conducted by Capt. Bouncer Smith is limited to only 24 anglers, and features hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. 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 HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp" www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or HYPERLINK "mailto:dmatagiese@igfa.org" dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or HYPERLINK "mailto:pgaube@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org
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May 6, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sport Fishing – “Dolphin and Wahoo Secrets” -- IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. -- 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. – Learn how to increase the size and quantity of the dolphin and wahoo you catch. Gain inside knowledge on the best strategies and techniques and learn to make the best rigs to catch more fish. This class, limited to 24 students, is taught by Capt. Tony DiGiulian, owner of Saltwater Professional Consulting. 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 HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp" www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or HYPERLINK "mailto:dmatagiese@igfa.org" dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or HYPERLINK "mailto:pgaube@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org
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May 10, 2008 -- Boaters Safety Course, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. – 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This free all day course is taught by the Law Enforcement division of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and meets the mandatory boating safety education requirements for the State of Florida. It’s comprised of a six chapter review and a final exam. The class is limited to 16 people with advance registration. For more information and to register, please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at HYPERLINK "mailto:jtomlin@igfa.org" JTomlin@igfa.org.
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May 11 - 16, 2008 – 2008 IGFA Offshore World Championship, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – It’s international fishing’s most prestigious billfish tournament hosting over 60 winning teams from 27 countries on five continents who have been invited after winning one of over 130 IGFA qualifying events held in 2007. This ninth annual tournament hosts the largest contingent of international teams to compete in a single catch-and-release fishing tournament world wide. Contact IGFA tournament coordinator Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or HYPERLINK "mailto:larico@igfa.org" LArico@igfa.org or for media informationIGFA PR counsel Pete Johnson at 480-951-3654 or HYPERLINK "mailto:johnsoncom@aol.com" johnsoncom@aol.com .
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May 13, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Successful Swordfishing,” IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. From tackle to location, find out everything you need to know to make your next swordfish trip a huge success with hands-on squid rigging and inside information from Capt. Drew Kettelhut one of Fort Lauderdale's best swordfishermen. This class is limited to only 24 anglers, letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. 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 HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp" www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or HYPERLINK "mailto:dmatagiese@igfa.org" dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or HYPERLINK "mailto:pgaube@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org
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May 17, 2008 – IGFA Summer Camp Open House, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. 10 a.m. – noon. This event gives parents and their youngsters ages 8 to 13 a chance to experience exciting activities during the IGFA’s nine weekly Summer Camps which begin June 9 to Aug 15, 2008. For more information, please call 954-924-4309, email HYPERLINK "mailto:reservations@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org, or visit HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/camps.asp" www.igfa.org/camps.asp.
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May 20, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs,” IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. If you have ever had a slow day trolling and wished for some serious rod bending action, then this is the class for you. Techniques for snapper and grouper are just some of what you will learn from Capt. Bouncer Smith, one of the greatest fishermen of our generation. Limited to 24 anglers, the class features hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. 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 HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp" www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or HYPERLINK "mailto:dmatagiese@igfa.org" dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or HYPERLINK "mailto:pgaube@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org
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May 27, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Understanding your Onboard Electronics” -- IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. With the advent of today’s technology, marine electronics are capable of giving anglers a huge advantage while on the water but many people can’t access the full potential of what they paid for. Limited to 24 anglers, this new class features hands-on instruction letting students learn how to easily manage their electronics and let their tools do the work for them. 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 HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp" www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or HYPERLINK "mailto:dmatagiese@igfa.org" dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or HYPERLINK "mailto:pgaube@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org
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June 1 – 30, 2008 -- BAMM (Broward Attractions and Museum Month) During the month of June anyone with a membership in the IGFA or one the 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 will define exactly 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 HYPERLINK "mailto:jtomlin@igfa.org" JTomlin@igfa.org
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June 3, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Tarpon, Redfish and Trout Tactics” -- IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Find out what it takes to successfully target these highly sought after inshore species. Limited to only 24 anglers, this new class features hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. 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 HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp" www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or HYPERLINK "mailto:dmatagiese@igfa.org" dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or HYPERLINK "mailto:pgaube@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org
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June 9 -- Aug 15, 2008 -- IGFA’s nine weekly Summer Camps begin, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA – This is the ninth year of the IGFA’s popular nine weekly camps held during the summer break for children ages 8 to 13. Campers will explore the aquatic environment and participate in many fishing adventures and exciting marine life activities. Each week-long camp session is held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Before and after-care is available from 8 - 9 a.m. and 4 - 6 p.m. Pre-registration is required. For more information, go to the IGFA summer camp website at HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/springcamp.asp" www.igfa.org/summercamp.asp. There’s a maximum of 45 children per week, so parents are encouraged to reserve early. Registration is available by calling the IGFA education department at 954-924-4309 or via email at HYPERLINK "mailto:reservations@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org.
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June 29 – July 2, 2008 -- Eighth annual IGFA Inshore World Championship, Islamorada, Fla., USA – Called by anglers and the media the “super bowl” of light tackle and fly fishing, invitations are sent to the winners of over 50 IGFA qualifying tournaments held on four continents in 2007 to compete in this three day all-release championship. From a drawing the qualifiers are paired with a different premier Keys guide each day fishing for tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook and redfish using fly or light tackle equipment. The five major award categories will include: Grand Champion (the angler who accumulates the most points for all five targeted species); runner-up grand champion and first places in the fly, artificial lure and bait casting divisions. There are also trophies and merchandise for second and third place divisional winners in the three categories as well as the top three guides. Contact: IGFA IWC tournament coordinator Denise Hartman 954-924-4243 or HYPERLINK "mailto:dhartman@igfa.org" \o "mailto:dhartman@igfa.org" DHartman@igfa.org or for media information Pete Johnson, IGFA PR counsel at 480-951-3654 or HYPERLINK "mailto:johnsoncom@aol.com" \o "mailto:johnsoncom@aol.com" johnsoncom@aol.com
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July 17, 2008 -- Second Annual Fish N Chips Casino party, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. This event benefits the Florida Marlins Community Foundation. For more information please go to HYPERLINK "http://www.florida.marlins.mlb.com/" \o "http://www.florida.marlins.mlb.com/" www.Florida.marlins.mlb.com.
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August 2, 2008 -- Boaters Safety Course, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. – 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This free all day course is taught by the Law Enforcement division of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and meets the mandatory boating safety education requirements for the State of Florida. It’s comprised of a six chapter review and a final exam. The class is limited to 16 people with advance registration. For more information and to register, please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at HYPERLINK "mailto:jtomlin@igfa.org" JTomlin@igfa.org.
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October 25, 2008 -- The 10th Annual IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA -- This year’s event will be the highlight of a weekend-long (Friday, Oct. 24 – Sunday, Oct. 26) celebration in honor of all 70 members and the newest five inductees of the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees include Henry Chee, Dr. Roy Dean, Jimmy Houston, Kay Rybovich and Karl Wickstrom. They were 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 2008 class and dinner. Tickets are $200. For reservation information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or HYPERLINK "mailto:LArico@igfa.org" LArico@igfa.org
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November 8, 2008 -- Boaters Safety Course, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. – 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This free all day course is taught by the Law Enforcement division of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and meets the mandatory boating safety education requirements for the State of Florida. It’s comprised of a six chapter review and a final exam. The class is limited to 16 people with advance registration. For more information and to register, please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at HYPERLINK "mailto:jtomlin@igfa.org" JTomlin@igfa.org.
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November 10 – 13, 2008 – The Fifth World Recreational Fishing Conference, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA --Representatives from around the globe will be hosted by the IGFA at an international forum for the recreational fishing community. The conference will target the tackle industry, angling tourism and include representatives from non governmental organizations and fisheries science and management. Topics will include historical and recent trends in participation, emerging fisheries, recreational fisheries science and management, socioeconomics, and catch and release. For information on the conference or sponsorship opportunities, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.worldrecfish.org" www.worldrecfish.org or contact IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser at 954-924-4320 or HYPERLINK "mailto:jschratwieser@igfa.org" jschratwieser@igfa.org
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