By Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications – IGFA PR Counsel
The United States will be represented by 14 teams, Brazil and Mexico by five each and Italy and Angola four apiece as altogether 63 teams from 27 countries on five continents get ready to vie for the 2008 IGFA Offshore World Championship title May 11 – 16.
The ninth annual event will take place at one of the world’s premier fishing locations Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, the seventh year it’s been held there.
Considered the most prestigious catch-and-release billfishing tournament in the world, the IGFA OWC also draws the single largest contingent of international teams contending in a fishing competition.
Countries and territories from five continents represented include teams from Angola, Australia, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Grenada, Guatemala, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Spain, Sultanate of Oman, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos, the U.S., Vanuatu and Venezuela.
Teams were invited after winning one of 137 IGFA qualifying events held in 38 countries and territories plus 14 states in the U.S.
Last year a team representing Spain’s Marina Rubicon Marlin Cup 2006 made a major comeback on the final day of the tournament catching and releasing 10 striped marlin, to take home to Europe the coveted title.
Partners and sponsors for the IGFA Offshore World Championship are Secretaria de Turismo de Baja California Sur, Costa Del Mar, Hotel Finisterra, Guy Harvey Inc., Shimano, 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, Minerva’s Baja Tackle, Señor Greenberg’s, IWS Scales, King Sailfish Mounts, Pompanette, Pisces Sportfishing, Corona and Modelo S.A DE C.V. Mexico, Don Tyson, Trans Cabo, Eagle Claw, MoldCraft Products, Inc. and API Dock.
Next year, to begin the event’s 10th anniversary, the tournament welcomes the Bonnier Marine Group which will join the IGFA to manage 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 www.igfa.org under the fishing tab on the home page by clicking “tournaments.”
Daily updates will be posted on the IGFA web site over the weeklong event.
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International Fishing Hall of Fame completes building fund
A major milestone in the history of the International Game Fish Association has been reached as the mortgage for the worldwide headquarters of the 69-year old conservation and record-keeping body has been paid off.
”The remaining building debt of $5 million has been paid in full,” said IGFA Development Director Eric Combast, who 18 months ago helped initiate the IGFA’s five-year Campaign for Game Fish Conservation. “It now launches us into a transition phase of our multi-faceted campaign which enables hard work and focused planning to translate into solid global conservation outcomes for all recreational anglers.”
The IGFA was founded in 1939. The actual 60,000 sq. foot building, which is now the permanent home of the International Fishing Hall of Fame, was completed in 1999. Besides a movie theatre and the extensive E.K. Harry Library, it holds the world’s largest collection of angling artifacts. It also features permanent and changing exhibits including historical memorabilia and interactive displays providing the hall’s visitors an excellent learning experience. The IGFA has its global headquarters in the three-story facility where it administers its world-wide programs.
“The IGFA would like to thank all of our trustees, close friends and corporate sponsors that contributed to the International Fishing Hall of Fame building fund, “ said IGFA President Rob Kramer. “Their tremendous support has
helped us reach this milestone in the Campaign.”
A “burning of the mortgage” ceremony will be held October 24 during the Hall of Fame induction weekend.
Campaign Chairman Jeff Storm Harkavy said the completion of the loan was a major step in the $15 million campaign adding, “This positive momentum is allowing us continued progress in the four key areas of the campaign including education and outreach, conservation, the International Fishing Hall of Fame and a permanent endowment.”
“We’re now able to focus resources and attention on youth education and game fish conservation,” said Harkavy. “This includes a public awareness campaign to ban the importation of billfish into the United States and youth education programs that teach children ethical angling practices using fishing as a tool to get them excited about the environment.”
“Of the remaining $10 million to be raised over the next three years $6 million will go to education and conservation and $4 million to endowment development,” said Combast.
Kramer added, “We believe that the International Fishing Hall of Fame is an international treasure – one that embodies the grandeur of our great sport – one that houses the most complete history of angling – and one that belongs to all fishermen from all walks of life around the globe,”
To learn more about the campaign, and the many ways you can support the IGFA’s efforts, contact Eric Combast, at 954-924-4325 or ECombast@igfa.org or Jeff Storm Harkavy at Jeff.Harkavy@raymondjames.com or 954-449-4350 Visit www.fishinghalloffame.org for more information about the International Fishing Hall of Fame.
The IGFA is a not-for-profit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices through science, education, rule making and record keeping. IGFA members are located in over 125 countries and territories. The IGFA welcomes visitors to its interactive International Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Florida. Its web site is www.igfa.org .
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News on Hall of Famers – Apte, Kreh, Wulff and Parker
From time-to-time in the IGFA Hot News we feature news on members of the International Fishing Hall of Fame. Among those highlighted in this edition are Joan Wulff, Stu Apte, Lefty Kreh and Capt. George Parker.
Wulff featured in Field & Stream
The first lady of fly fishing Joan Wulff, is featured in the May issue of Field & Stream Magazine. The publication’s deputy editor Jay Cassell conducted the fascinating interview with photography by Jeffery Salter who visited Joan at her home and on the water in the Florida Keys.
One of the many quotes that stands out “I’m an ordinary woman who has had an extraordinary life, though the magic of sportfishing.” Pick up a copy.
Apte memoirs now in print
After over two years of writing and editing his memoirs, saltwater fly-fishing legend Stu Apte has self-published Of Wind and Tides, a first-class, hardbound limited first edition of 300 copies.
The book is approximately 500 pages and is expected by the first of June. The exceptionally well-done project features 62 pages of color photographs and 22 pages of black-and-white photographs.
Each numbered and personally autographed copy is $300.
His loves for flying and for tarpon fishing are captured on the hardcover. The title is embossed in silver with a line drawing of a Pan Am 747 climbing out and a silver king jumping alongside of it also embossed in silver.
In the fal
l Apte said he expects to produce the same size in a paperback version.
Kreh is on the mend
Despite a freak accident expect to see Lefty Kreh conducting the masses with his fly rod later this year.
It was over three months ago during a fly-casting demo in Tampa, Fla., that Kreh fell three feet from a platform and contacted all his weight on his knee, tearing the kneecap completely free. Two days later he said doctors surgically reattached the cap and sutured the tendons and muscles.
Since early March he says he has had gentle therapy three times a week and is now starting to strengthen the leg. Kreh’s best prediction is that about mid-June he’ll be able to discard the Velcro splint he’s wearing and expects more therapy into autumn.
The always affable and popular fly-fishing educator and writer said, “The fly-fishing community and friends from all over the planet have been wonderful with tons of e-mails and cards and offers of help in getting me around.”
Hawaii’s Parker dies at 96
A pioneer of Hawaii’s charter boat fishing industry and the first to land a grander, Captain George Stevens Parker died on April 4 at the age of 96, at his residence of Bali Hai in Holualoa, Hawaii overlooking the Kona coast.
Born in 1911 in San Diego, California, Parker moved to Hawaii in 1935. He was the first person to land a Pacific blue marlin weighing more than 1,000 pounds, a world record fish caught in 1954.
He was awarded a Silver Medal of Honor for a heroic rescue at Kiholo Bay in 1965, lead in the creation of the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor and was a strong advocate for Hawaii’s sport fishing industry. Parker was also a big supporter of fishing tournaments in Hawaii, including the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament which he fished from 1960 until he retired from charter fishing at the age of 85.
Parker was inducted into the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame in 2005.
Services were held May 3 with a burial at sea on May 4. Donations can be made in the memory of Capt. George Parker to the IGFA, Hospice of Kona or the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament.
For additional information, contact: Jillyn Parker, 808 896-7094
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IGFA’s Mike Myatt Promoted to COO
The International Game Fish Association has named long-time Corporate Relations Director Mike Myatt as its new Chief Operating Officer.
Myatt has been with the IGFA for nearly eight years in such capacities as marketing, publications and membership. In addition to his success in building the IGFA’s corporate partnerships, Mike grew the IGFA’s nearly decade old Inshore and Offshore World Championship tournaments into the most prestigious international fishing events in the world.
In his new role as COO, Myatt will work with IGFA President
Rob Kramer in developing company business strategies and overseeing the functions of the International Fishing Hall of Fame. He will also continue to be IGFA’s lead executive on all corporate relations matters.
For additional information, contact the IGFA at 954-927-2628.
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Fifth World Recreational Fishing Conference catching major interest
The Fifth World Recreational Fishing Conference (WRFC) which will be held and hosted at the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame in the late fall has already attracted over 300 people from 36 countries and territories who have signed on to receive more conference materials.
In addition, according to Emily Collins, the IGFA International Projects Coordinator, 120 abstracts have also been submitted from 22 countries and territories.
The WRFC is scheduled for Nov. 10-13, at the Dania Beach, Florida site. Registration is open and limited to 280 attendees. The event is expected to attract highly motivated anglers involved with management of sport fisheries, industry representatives, companies who depend on sport fishing for their business and recreational fisheries managers from all across the globe.
Attendees are encouraged to register early.
The conference theme is “The Angler in the Environment” and will focus on the importance of environmental issues as they relate to recreational fishing.
Abstracts are being accepted until June 1st. Guidelines and submission information is also available online, and as the steering committee continues to develop the agenda, interested persons are encouraged to submit papers of relevance to the following session topics:
- Climate Change: Direct Implications for Anglers, Sportfishing Industry and Fisheries Managers
- Aquatic Protected Areas: Successes, Failures, Processes and Impacts on Recreational Fisheries
- Sustainable Development of Recreational Fisheries
- Community Expectations And Perceptions: Recreational Fishing’s Role in Society
- Global Partnerships in Recreational Fisheries
- Ecosystem Based Approach to Recreational Fisheries Management
Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting WRFC Chair Jason Schratwieser at wrfc@igfa.org or 954-924-4320.
More information is available on www.worldrecfish.org .
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Junior Angler working on second 100 world records
Martini Arostegui is just 15 years of age, but he has already recorded over 100 IGFA world records, the first junior angler ever to achieve the impressive world class mark.
And he’s working on more.
Following in the footsteps of his physician father Dr. Martin Arostegui, who himself was the first person to attain 200 world records, Martini’s achievements have extended well beyond small fry and junior records to include men’s fresh and saltwater line class, fly and all-tackle records.
The Coral Gables, Fla., teenager’s first record catch was as a “smallfry” in Sept. 1998 landing a 3 lb Florida gar caught in a south Fla. canal. Since then he’s made record catches on fishing trips with his parents at destinations near and far including Bimini, the Dry Tortugas, Alaska, Costa Rica, Kenya, Thailand, Malaysia and Suriname.
Like his father Martini delves into the IGFA World Record Game Fishes book and on the computer as standard preparations for a trip, searching for potential fish species in his destinations and the fly or line class specifications he needs to achieve it with.
Earlier this year Martini received certification of his 100th world record fish, and like his first it was caught close to home in nearby Flamingo, a line class record for a gray snapper.
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May Hot Catches from the IGFA World Records Department
From across the globe the International Game Fish Association’s world records department receives nearly a hundred submissions each month. Here are highlights of selected documented fish catches from IGFA world records coordinator Rebecca Wright who provided the following information on these 10 recent submissions now before the world records review committee:
Two years ago Dr. Martin Arostegui of Coral Gables, Fla., USA, set a new record off Key West, Fla., by catching and releasing a lemon shark, the heaviest fish documented on a fly rod. That heaviest-fish-on-fly-record might be broken by Rick Gunion, Village of Palmetto Bay, Fla., USA, who also landed a shark, a tiger (Galeocerdo cuvier), on March 28, weighing 222.26 kg (490 lb 0 oz) on 8 kg (16 lb) tippet. Gunion was guided by Brett Dudas while fishing Mantinilla Shoal, Bahamas. He used an orange streamer for bait and took 40 minutes to bring the shark under control. Gunion, like Arostegui, has numerous world records for various shark species on fly. If his documentation is approved, it would also break the men’s tippet record for a 196 lb 6 oz, tiger caught near Flamingo, Fla., by Pat Ford in March 1999. (Photo: tiger shark – 08040008)
Judith E. White, of Grand Haven, Mich., USA, guided by Capt. Chris Morrison, landed a blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) on March 30, weighing 3.18 kg (7 lb 0 oz) using cut bait on 6 kg (12 lb) class line. Taking four minutes to land she made the catch while fishing Marathon, Florida, USA, and now may be among the first to fill the women’s line class record section for the recently added new species to the IGFA World Record Game Fishes book. (Photo: blacktip shark – 08040009)
Another new species added this year to the World Record Game Fishes book is the hickory shad (Alosa mediocris) and young angler John William Winstead, of Kill Devil Hills, N.C. USA is one of the first to catch one for a pending IGFA record. His catch was made on March 28 using a Nungesser shad spoon for bait, while fishing the Roanoke River in N.C., The fish weighed .62 kg (1 lb 6 oz) and the young man is waiting to hear if he’s the first to make his mark for a new male junior class record. (Photo: hickory shad – 08040023)
A new all-tackle species for the IGFA record book was caught by Ayaka Kosuge, of Miura-Shi, Kanagawa, Japan, who guided by Katsu Yonamine, landed a coastal trevally, (Carangoides caetuleopinnatus) on March 5, weighing 1.05 kg (2 lb 5 oz). Fishing off Ginanzaki, Japan, Kosuge used a VR speed jig for bait taking just five minutes to bring the fish in. (Photo: coastal trevally – 08040028)
Fishing the Rio Negro, in Colombia, Medellin angler Alejandro Linares, landed a sardinata (Brycon whitei) on March 22, weighing 4.08 kg (9 lb 0 oz) for a pending IGFA All-Tackle class record. It took him 15 minutes to land the fish using an in-line spinner for bait. The old record caught in Venezuela last year is 4 lb 4 oz in. (Photo: sardinata – 08040030)
George Bogen of Los Angeles, Calif., USA, guided by Modesto Miranda, landed a gulf coney (Epinephalus acanthistius) on March 15 while fishing Mexico’s San Jose Del Cabo. The fish, a member of the grouper family, weighed 5.78 kg (12 lb 12 oz) and was submitted for an IGFA All-Tackle class record. Bogen was using frozen squid for bait and it took him six minutes to land. The current record is 11 lb 12 oz caught two years ago in the same waters of Mexico. (Photo: gulf coney – 08040036)
Escaping the still frigid weather of her home in Bozeman, Mont. USA, fly angler Dotty Ballantyne, chose Andros Island, Bahamas to chase her next potential IGFA world record. Guided by Steven Adderly, she landed a whaler shark (Carcharhinidae family) on April 4, weighing 11.11 kg (24 lb 8 oz) on 4 kg (8 lb) class tippet. She used a red/white baitfish fly to entice the fish which followed with a 20 minute fight. The current women’s record for the species is 16 lb 8 oz caught off Strangers Cay, Bahamas last June. (Photo: whaler shark – 08040043)
Junior angler Heather Michell Harkavy, Coral Springs, Fla., USA fishing off Flamingo, Fla., and using cut bait, landed a cobia (Rachycentron canadum) weighing 29.94 kg (66 lb 0 oz). Guided by Capt. Jay Wright Jr., she’s hoping the April 20 catch breaks the current female junior class record of 65 lb 4 oz, caught on Chesapeake Bay, Va., USA in 2002. (Photo: cobia -08040053).
A new IGFA All-Tackle species submission was made by Mauro Sergio Preuss, Curitiba-Pr, Brazil, who landed a chicote surubim (Sorubimichthys) August 20, 2007. The fish weighed 6.28 kg (13 lb 13 oz) and was caught while Preuss was fishing the Araguia River, Brazil. (Photo: chicote surubim – 08040051)
Fly-fishing Uraima Falls in Venezuela, Miami, Florida USA’s Eduardo Aristeguieta, guided by Guerrero Marino, landed a payara (Hydrolicus scomberoides) on April 19, weighing 7.71 kg (17 lb 0 oz). He was using a FPF blue mackerel fly on 10 kg (20 lb) class tippet and took 15 minutes to reel the payara in. He’s hoping to beat the old record of 14 lb 0 oz, recorded Feb. 2001 also at the same falls. (Photo: payara – 08040072)
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From the IGFA — Did You Know?
- Age at which sandbar sharks (Carcharhinus plumbeus) become reproductively mature.
- Males at 14 years
- Females at 16 years
- Temperature of a recently discovered hydrothermal vent– 400º C
- Size of the Greenland ice sheet—1.7 million km2 and 3 km thick
- If it melted it would raise global sea level 7 m
- World’s smallest fish—Paedocypris progenetica is 7.9 millimeters at maturity
- World’s largest fish—Whale shark, Rhincodon typus, can grow to 20 meters
- Scientists believe that sharks are restricted to 30% of the world’s oceans
- Cruise ships can produce 30,000 gallons of sewage and 19 tons of garbage each day
- The Atlantic bluefin tuna population has declined by more than 80% since the 1970s
Fishy Quote—and we do mean fishy
“With existing methods of fishing, it is inconceivable that the great sea fisheries, such as those for cod, herring and mackerel, could ever be exhausted”
Thomas Henry Huxley, UK Royal Commission on the Sea Fisheries, 1866
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Lifetime Achievement Award winners honored
A permanent recognition will be added to and on display at the International Fishing Hall of Fame, honoring all of the recipients of Lifetime Achievement Awards presented over the past five years at the World Record Achievement Award ceremonies.
The announcement was made by IGFA President Rob Kramer.
The latest presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards for 2007 were made in April to guides/educators Captain Jay Wright Jr., Hollywood, Fla., USA, and Jean-Francois Helias, also an IGFA Representative from Bangkok, Thailand
The annual WRAA ceremony also recognizes the men, women, juniors, and professional captains along with manufacturers for the most world records based on the number of computer printouts of anglers using their products in setting the new records each year.
Other IGFA Lifetime Achievement Award winners include Mrs. William B. DuVal and Herbert G. Ratner Jr. in 2003; Capt. Jim Anson, Dr. Martin Arostegui, Capt. Ralph Delph, and Capt. R T. Trosset in 2004, Jerry and Deborah Dunaway in 2005 and the Shimano American Corporation in 2006.
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Four classes left in current IGFA School of Sportfishing session
The IGFA’s School of Sportfishing has just four more classes left through May into June before the completion of the seventh session since the popular program started in 2006.
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 new topics that participants have expressed strong interest in having added.
One of the new classes we’re offering is to help anglers utilize their onboard electronics to become more efficient fishermen,” said IGFA Adult Education Coordinator David Matagiese. “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 serves to teach customers how to easily manage their electronics and let their tools do the work for them.”
Matagiese said the other new class this session is the “Tarpon, Redfish and Trout Tactics.”
“It’s a great supplement to the ‘Fishing for Trophy Snook’ class providing each attendee with a whole new set of strategies for targeting these inshore species. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a weekend warrior, these classes offer something for everyone.”
The popular South Florida captains instructing the classes are Bouncer Smith, Drew Kettelhut and Shawn Fairbanks.
The remaining dates, subjects and instructors for the four classes will include:
· 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—Capt. Shawn Fairbanks
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 www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954.924.4247 or e-mail him at dmatagiese@igfa.org. Registration is also available online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.
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IGFA to host Special Anglers Tournament
The IGFA and Make A Difference will be hosting a free Special Anglers Tournament on Saturday May 10th from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the International Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Fla.
The fun, exciting and memorable event is dedicated to physically and/or mentally disabled children only. Activities include fishing, virtual fishing tournaments, fish printing and face painting.
Each participant takes home many gifts including their own rod and reel, a tackle box and much more. A light breakfast and lunch is also provided.
Reservations are required For more information contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or email to vwoods@igfa.org.
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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?
The IGFA and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission are teaming together to host the next free Boaters Safety Courses beginning on Saturday, May 10, at the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla.
&nbs
p; Two other additional classes for 2008 will be offered August 2 and November 8.
The all day class begins at 8 a.m. and lasts 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 JTomlin@igfa.org.
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IGFA to hold Open House in May for Junior Angler Summer Camps
For hands-on activities for youngsters, nothing beats the IGFA annual Junior Angler Summer Camps presented weekly beginning in June.
The IGFA is giving parents and their youngsters a chance to experience the exciting activities in store for them at a Summer Camp Open House, Saturday, May 17th from 10 a.m. to noon.
Now in its ninth year and held 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 much more information, please call 954-924-4309, email reservations@igfa.org, or visit www.igfa.org/camps.asp.
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Sharkwater film and exhibition continues to draw big crowds at IGFA
Premiered last fall at the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Sharkwater, the award-winning feature length film and exhibition continues to draw steady crowds.
Both have 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 < span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial">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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IGFA members can get more “bang” with BAMM
If you have a membership to the IGFA, you’ve also got a membership during the month of June, to 20 participating museums and attractions throughout Broward County.
IGFA members can use their cards for reciprocal benefits in all of the BAMM (Broward Attractions and Museum Month) member sites. 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 JTomlin@igfa.org. Additional information can be found on the BAMM web site at www.bamminfo.com
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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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May 10, 2008 — Boaters Safety Course, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA.– 8 a.m. – 4 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 regis
tration. For more information and to register, please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at JTomlin@igfa.org.
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May 10, 2008 — Special Anglers Tournament, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA — 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The IGFA and Make A Difference host a free fishing tournament dedicated to physically and/or mentally disabled children only. Activities include fishing, virtual fishing tournaments, fish printing and face painting. Each participant receives many gifts including their own rod and reel, a tackle box and much more. A light breakfast and lunch is also provided. Reservations are required. For more information contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or email to vwoods@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 LArico@igfa.org or for media information IGFA PR counsel Pete Johnson at 480-951-3654 or 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 www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or 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 reservations@igfa.org, or visit 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 www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or 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 www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or 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 JTomlin@igfa.org. Additional information can be found on the BAMM web site at www.bamminfo.com
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June 3, 2008 — IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Tarpon, Redfish and Trout Tactics” — I
GFA 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 instructed by Captain Shawn Fairbanks 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 www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or 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 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 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 DHartman@igfa.org or for media information Pete Johnson, IGFA PR counsel at 480-951-3654 or 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 www.Florida.marlins.mlb.com.
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July 19, 2008 — IGFA Observer Training Class – IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, 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. The IGFA OTC applications are available at the IGFA website www.igfa.org, and at the IGFA headquarters. Pre-registration is required and the $150 fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. For additional information, please contact Jason Schratwieser at 954-924-4320 or via email: jschratwieser@igfa.org.
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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 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 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 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 www.worldrecfish.org or contact IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser at 954-924-4320 or jschratwieser@igfa.org
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