By Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications – IGFA PR Counsel

Trio set to receive IGFA Lifetime Achievement Awards April 18

With each having 100 IGFA world records or more a trio of devoted and principled anglers will be receiving IGFA Lifetime Achievement Awards for 2008 at the IGFA’s Sixth Annual World Record Achievement Awards (WRAA) celebration, April 18, presented by Mercury Marine.

            Martini Arostegui, Jodie L. Johnson and Rebecca Wright will be honored along with many other anglers, guides and manufacturers from around the world in the ceremony at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida, USA.   

The awards ceremony will also recognize the 2008 records by men, women, juniors, and professional captains for the most world records compiled from the Top Ten list published recently in the IGFA’s 2009 World Record Game Fishes book.  

            Tackle, scale, lure and line manufacturers will also be honored based on the number of computer printouts of the anglers using their products in setting the new records in 2008.        

Previous 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 < strong>Deborah Dunaway in 2005, the Shimano American Corporation in 2006, and Capt. Jay Wright Jr. and Jean-Francois Helias for 2007.   

Joining his father Martin Arostegui in the prestigious fold will be Martini who at 16 years of age is the youngest person ever to win an IGFA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 12 years since the age of four he has amassed over 120-world records in male smallfry, male junior, line class and fly rod categories, as well as five all-tackle records. The Coral Gables, Fla., USA, high school student has traveled to four continents and numerous exotic destinations to obtain such obscure species as the sorubim, trahira, bluefin trevally and the snakehead. 

Ms. Johnson, Peterborough, New Hampshire, USA, can lay claim to having 102 records on fly rod, three of which qualified for all-tackle records. Johnson landed her first record catch in October 2004 and her 100th in July 2008. She’s also the only angler to achieve 100 records on saltwater fish while using a fly rod.  In less than four years, Johnson has also achieved the century mark in record time. A seasoned traveler, she’s presented flies to such species as the narrow barred mackerel in Mozambique, dogtooth tuna in the Seychelles, and the longtail tuna in Australia.

            With the exception of seven world records, Mrs. Wright, Hollywood Fla., has set most of her 101 light tackle world records in Florida catching her first off Marco Island in 2002. The winner of several top angling awards Wright continued to make record catches until February 2008 when she retired the dedicated pursuit. Wright obtained records in line and fly rod categories as well as three all-tackle records. She’ll be joining her husband Jay who was honored last year.

Tickets for the WRAA banquet are available at $50 and include a barbeque dinner, courtesy of Hugh’s Culinary. Numerous fishing celebrities and IGFA Hall of Fame members are expected to make special appearances at the event which begins with cocktails and a silent auction at 6 p.m. 

For reservations call Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or larico@igfa.org.

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IGFA mourns the loss of Trustee Kaye Pearson 

Kaye Pearson, IGFA Trustee and founder of Show Management, passed away on March 21, 2009 after a long, valiant battle with cancer. Kaye was 68 years old.

            Born July 22, 1940 in Terre Haute, Indiana, Pearson’s family moved to Miami, Florida when Kaye was a toddler.  An avid angler and football player in high school, Kaye attended the University of Florida and the University of Miami, where he graduated with a business degree.

            Kaye moved to Fort Lauderdale and became one of the areas most recognized entrepreneurs beginning with Pearson Potter Yacht Basin in 1971.  He helped to develop marinas internationally, partnered in local real estate and building investments and sat on several company boards including the IGFA, Facing It Together and the Bank of Florida.  His most important legacy and commitment was as founder and CEO of Show Management in 1976, his promotion company that owned and operated the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show, Palm Beach Boat Show and St. Petersburg Boat Show, in addition to a host of other special events.

Pearson sold Show Management in 2006, but remained closely tied to his successors.

            Kaye received numerous awards in recognition of his vast accomplishments, including the International Superyacht Society Leadership Award, the Ft. Lauderdale Distinguished Citizen of the Year and was recently inducted into the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame.  A true conservationist and avid fisherman and hunter, he won several fishing tournament championships aboard his vessel Showpiece. He owned the Bertram Hatteras Shootout, one of the world’s most prestigious blue marlin fishing tournaments where he implemented a strict catch and release format. Besides the IGFA, Kaye was also active in several charities and associations including the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, Fish Florida, Florida Ocean Science Institute and the Humane Society of Broward County.

Pearson is survived by his wife Cheri, daughter Jennifer Moore, granddaughter Alexandria Moore, brother Jerry and sister Janet Powell.

Rob Kram
er,
President of the IGFA said, “Kaye was a titan in the world boating and fishing communities who was always generous with his time and talents.  He will be dearly missed by all his friends at IGFA and those who knew him.”

A memorial service to celebrate and honor Pearson’s life was held April 4, at the Bahia Mar Hotel & Yachting Center in Fort Lauderdale. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County, the IGFA or the Humane Society of Broward County.

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Mercury Marine Free Family Fishing Clinic at IGFA April 25

Based on its popularity in the past, Mercury Marine, along with the IGFA, 99.9 KISS Country, Bass Pro Shops and SeaVee Boats, will again be hosting a free family fishing clinic at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum on Saturday, April 25. The clinic will run from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and will include educational activities such as knot tying, casting, face painting, a question and answer session with professional fisherman, and free giveaways.

IGFA’s Education Director David Matagiese said this educational and fun clinic is designed for the entire family with the KISS Country boat, Country Cookin’ on site as well as an informative “How To” session with Mercury teaching engine basics like how to change a propeller and proper maintenance of an outboard motor.

“This clinic will be a great outlet for families to bond and spend time together in the enjoyment of the outdoors,” stated Matagiese.  “So many parents we talk to are trying to pull their kids away from the seclusions of their computers, video games and cell phones.  The state of Florida is packed with so many ponds, lakes and shorelines to take a child fishing and teach them about the importance of their natural surroundings. 

“We’re thrilled to be working again with Mercury Marine. In these tough times, they’ve really stepped up to help out families looking for an easy way to have the whole family spend some time together during this free event. We’ll have hot dogs, drinks, face painting and tons of prize giveaways all day.”

 

Mercury Fishing Clinic loaded with free giveaways and great learning tools

            Each person who stops by the fishing clinic will have a chance to win free prizes, interact with the pros and also take part in the different learning stations that will be set up.

            The stations that will be on site are: learning to throw a cast net, knot tying, casting techniques and face painting.

·         In the cast net station, participants will learn the proper way to throw a cast net so that catching bait becomes a snap.  Tips on what types of nets best suit your needs, proper cast net care and how to catch bait will be presented to make your next fishing trip successful and productive.

·         At the knot tying location novice anglers will become better skilled at a few common knots like the Palomar to help them get started in fishing.  Advance anglers can try complicated knots like the Bimini Twist. Other knots anglers and parents can learn are: improved clinch, hangman’s, uni, blood, Albright, surgeon, double surgeon’s loop and the nail knot.

·         The casting station will feature instruction on the importance proper techniques while casting your lure or bait.  Beginners will gain knowledge of the overhand cast while advance participants will learn sidearm and flip casting.  This station will also stress the importance of safety while casting.

·         Finally, the face painting station will give kids a chance to pick their favorite marine animal and have it painted on them.  Our resident artist w
ill provide kids a wide range of colorful fish and animals from our selection board for them to choose from.

Matagiese said there will also be a “question and answer” session with Mercury’s professional fisherman where participants can ask any questions they might have about fishing or what it takes to catch big fish. To finish out the clinic, we’ll have several fishing guides from the area giving special seminars on offshore fishing techniques including finding fish, using structure to your advantage and catching multiples.

The IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum is located at 300 Gulf Stream Way, next to the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, off I-95 in Dania Beach. 

For more information, please contact Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or via email at dmatagiese@igfa.org. Registration is not required but all children must be accompanied by an adult.  Bring the whole family along and enjoy a day of education and fun outdoors.

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Fields set for IGFA Offshore and Inshore World Championships

The fields are set for two of fishing’s most heralded and competitive global events; the IGFA Offshore World Championship, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and the Florida Keys Outfitters/IGFA Inshore World Championship, in Islamorada, Fla.

Considered international fishing’s most prestigious billfish tournament, the 10th annual IGFA Offshore World Championship takes place with four days of on-the-water action for striped marlin, sailfish and other billfish species from May 10 – 15.  Nearly 50 winning teams from 19 countries on six continents have accepted invitations after winning one of over 130 qualifying events held in 2008. The prestigious event also hosts the largest contingent of international teams to compete in a single catch-and-release fishing tournament world wide.

Bonnier Marine Group, publisher of recreational boating and fishing’s most respected and well-known titles such as Marlin, Sport Fishing and Salt Water Sportsman, is in partnership with the IGFA to manage the offshore fishing event.

 For more information on the IGFA Offshore World Championship contact Lynda Wilson at Lynda.Wilson@Bonniercorp.com or call 407-571-4517, or contact Dan Jacobs, Tournament Director at Dan.Jacobs@Bonniercorp.com or call 407-571-4680.

 

Fly and light tackle champions signed for Florida Keys

Likewise in the Florida Keys over 30 top “sight-casting” champion anglers from as far away as Australia will converge on the island chain from July 7 – 9, for the ninth annual FKO/IGFA Inshore World Championship. 

It’s an event described by anglers and the media as the “super bowl” of fly and light tackle fishing.

Selected from a variety of 35 qualifying tournaments held in 2008, a field of 31 top anglers quickly responded to the invitations of managing partner Florida Keys Outfitters to compete in this three day all-release championship. From a drawing the champion qualifiers will be paired with a premier Keys guide fishing for tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook and redfish in fly and light tackle divisions.  A grand champion will be crowned in each division.

For more information on the FKO/IGFA Inshore World Championship and the event’s qualifying tournaments contact Sandy Moret 305-664-5423, via e-mail at flkeyout@bellsouth.net or visit the web site at inshoreworldchampionships.com .

The IGFA will remain the offshore and inshore championships’ sole nonprofit benefactor. A fundraiser and auction for the IGFA will be held at both events.  

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April Hot Catches

The International Game Fish Association provides monthly highlights of 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 eight recent submissions from Norway, Siberia, Australia, the Bahamas, Columbia and the United States, which are now before the world records committee.

 

While fishing off the coast of Kvalsunclet, Norway, Swedish angler Ulf Hugsen, of Malmo, landed an Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) on Nov. 8, 2008, weighing 196 kg (432 lb 1 oz) for a potential IGFA All-Tackle record. Using a Storm jig he wrestled with the huge fish for one-and-a-half hours. The current IGFA record for the species, caught in Norway’s Vannaya Troms waters, is 418 lb 13oz (190 kg) recorded on July 28, 2004. (Photo: Atlantic halibut – 30110)

From Australia, Mark Hope of Yungaburra, Queensland, landed one of the countries treasured sportfish, a barramundi (Lates calcarifer) on Feb. 8, weighing in at 23.13 kg (51 lb 0 oz) on 37 kg (80 lb) class line.  It took him 10 minutes to reel in using a fish species known as a mouth almighty (Glossamia aprion) as live bait, while fishing Australia’s Lake Tinaroo. Hope is hoping to break the current IGFA line class record of 44 lb  15 oz ( 20.4 kg), one that he had previously set on Dec. 6, 2008 on the same lake. (Photo: barramundi  – 30283)

In Western Australia, angler Sangeeta Menon of Spearwood, landed a southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyi) on Feb. 7, weighing 3.81 kg (8 lb 6 oz).  She was using 2 kg (4 lb) class line tied to a proven and popular deep running lure called a Christmas Tree.  It took her 42 minutes to land while fishing off Australia’s Rottnest Island. She’s hoping to be the first record holder in the currently vacant women’s 2 kg line class for the species. (Photo: southern bluefin tuna – 30486)

Ronnie Eidson of Watauga, Texas, USA, landed a smallmouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus) on February 26, weighing in at 9.41 kg (20 lb 12 oz) on 2 kg (4 lb) class line. He was fishing a Berkley Honey Worm while fishing Grapevine Lake, Texas, USA. The current IGFA record is 17 lb 4 oz ( 7.82 kg), caught on July 13, 1993 from Texas’ Lake Texoma. Eidson released the fish after measuring, weighing and photographing.  (Photo: smallmouth buffalo – 30285)

Another Texas angler, Stan Nabozny of The Woodlands, also landed a smallmouth buffalo while fly fishing Lake Livingston, on March 5.  Guided by Kirk Kirland, Nabozny was using a shrimp fly attached to 6 kg (12 lb) tippet, to catch the fish which weighed 4.76 kg (10 lb 8 oz). He released the fish after documenting. If approved he’ll be the first angler for that IGFA tippet record.  (Photo: smallmouth buffalo – 30451)

Fishing Russia’s River Uda near Khabarovsk Krai in the center of the far east section of Siberia, Mikhail Mogutov of Moscow, guided by Yuri Orlov, landed a taimen (Hucho taimen) on Oct. 17 weighing 31.75 kg (70 lb 0 oz).  He made the catch on 37 kg (80 lb) class line and took 20 minutes to land. Mogutov is hoping to beat the current IGFA record of 40 lb 14 oz (18.55 kg), caught June 21, 2006 from the Chuluut River in Arkhangai, Mongolia. (Photo:  taimen -30286)

Angler Alejandro Linares, Medellin, Colombia, guided by Antonio Perez, landed an orinoco peacock (Cichla orinocensis) on February 24, weighing 1.13 kg (2 lb 8 oz) on 1 kg (2 lb) class line. He made the catch from Columbia’s Rio Mataven, using a Cotton Cordell Big O lure. The current IGFA record is 1 lb 8 oz (.68  kg), caught on Jan. 22, 2008, near Santa Ana, Venezuela. (Photo: orinoco peacock – 30343)

Using one of the thinnest of tippets, world traveling fly angler Dotty Ballantyne, Bozeman, Mont., USA, guided by Clinton Scavella, landed a 34.25 kg (75 lb 8 oz) whaler shark (Carcharhinidae family) on March 9 off the flats of Crooked Island, Bahamas.  With an orange fly tied to 2 kg (4 lb) tippet, it took her 57 minutes to play the fish to the scale.  She could make a huge leap over the current IGFA women’s tippet record which is 18 lb 8 oz (8.39 kg), caught on Oct. 15, 2004 off Big Torch Key, Fla., USA. As she does with so many of her catches, she released it after weighing, measuring and photographing. (Photo: whaler shark – 30459)

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IGFA School of Sportfishing returns with six spring classes

The very serious sport fishing school for very serious sport fishermen—better known as IGFA School of Sportfishing — is back with an 11th session this spring.

“We just completed our most successful session yet, “said Jeff Mackin of the IGFA Education Department. “Class attendance was way up leading to sold out classes.  Word of the program is quickly spreading and because of the quality of the information and skills, attendees are recommending the program to fellow anglers.”

Session 11 is set to begin on Tuesday, April 28 with a hands-on class entitled  ‘Fundamentals of Sportfishing’ taught by Capt. Tony DiGiulian, in which participants learn knots, rigs, and skills crucial for successful offshore fishing. 

The IGFA School of Sportfishing classes are limited to 24 anglers and are held on Tuesday nights from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida.

Mackin outlined the six dates, classes and captains:

·         April 28 — Fundamentals of Sportfishing, Capt. Tony DiGiulian

·         May 5 — Secrets to Deep Dropping, Capt. Bouncer Smith

·         May 12 Understanding Your Onboard Electronics, TBA

·         May 19 — Conquering Dolphin, Capt. Josh Brown

·         May 26 — Successful Swordfishing, Capt. Bouncer Smith

·         June 2 — Advanced Big Game Trolling, Capt. Josh Brown

For more information, please contact Mackin at 954-924-4340 or visit www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp.  You may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.

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 Open House in May for IGFA Junior Angler Summer Camps

            For hands-on activities for youngsters, nothing beats the IGFA annual Junior Angler Summer Camps presented in 10 weekly sessions 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 16th from 10 a.m. to noon. Children who are signed up on site will also receive the early registration discount of $25

            Now in its 10
th year and held at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Fla., the association will be offering the weeklong summer camp adventures for children ages 8 – 13 running from June 8 – August 14th. 

            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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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 16, at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla.

Two other additional classes for 2009 will be offered July 18 and September 19. 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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 —At the IGFA Museum—

Exciting sport fishing photography featured in IGFA Art Gallery

The works of eight of today’s hottest marine photographers will open in April featured in an exhibit in the Art Gallery of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum.  More than 70 images — from Pat Ford, Adrian Gray, Scott Kerrigan, Charlie Levine, Dave McCleaf, Al McGlashan, Ron Modra and Sam Root — will be on display through August 2009. 

All visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to experience the excitement, emotion, energy and beauty of sport fishing as seen through the lenses of these masters. For more information please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at JTomlin@igfa.org.  

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Interactive “Ocean Today” kiosk kicks off this month

If you’re visiting the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum later this month look for the newest interactive exhibit of the Ocean Today kiosk.

The IGFA’s Education Department was recently approved to host an Ocean Today kiosk slated to be in operation by mid April.

“The kiosk was originally developed as a major installation in the Sant Ocean Hall at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History,” said IGFA Education Director David Matagiese. “It receives real time data directly from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and will help to educate museum guests on topics such as the current state of the world’s fisheries stocks, endangered species, marine debris and much more.

The kiosk will enhance ocean literacy among museum goers through an enticing multi-media experience. A dynamic interface comprised of ocean imagery and video clips, will invite visitors to explore several content areas. When a visitor touches the screen, the content areas will be revealed to show the most rec
ent information. The main content themes are Ocean Science & Technology, Ocean News, Recent Discoveries, and Ocean Life.

Matagiese said multiple groups can simultaneously interact with content on the kiosk which includes a 42-inch, independently-operated, touch-screen display, and a 50-inch plasma echo monitor above. It accommodates two specially designed sound areas that will envelop visitors. One sound area will immerse the visitors interacting with the 42-inch displays while the other sound area, at a comfortable distance behind the first, allows a group experience and easy viewing of the content mirrored on the 50-inch overhead display.

For more information on the kiosk, please contact Matagiese at dmatagiese@igfa.org.

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Special Catch & Release Fishing exhibit and video in IGFA Changing Gallery         

The Changing Gallery in the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum is featuring a special exhibit which highlights the background and progression of “catch and release” fishing.   Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in the 1950’s and ‘60’s, gained the reputation as the “sportfishing capital of the world” with tourists mounting thousands of fish as trophies to adorn their walls each year.  Thousands of other fish, particularly sailfish and marlin, were also taken but not mounted as captains earned big commissions only after killing the catches. 

            This trend was unsustainable to the South Florida fishery and led to the concept we know today as catch and release. The majority of all sailfish caught today are released alive and mounts are produced without the need for the actual fish.  Sailfish populations have rebounded and the fishing has improved dramatically as catch and release is a trend here to stay. 

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"Finding Wild Florida" now showing daily in IGFA’s Journey’s Theater
 
           Filmmaker Stephen Mick, photographer Chris Ross and a cast of guides, surfers and conservation experts spent 30 days,  exploring Florida’s waters and highways, trying to discover whether any part of the state is still truly "wild."

            Part road movie, part fishing trip, "Finding Wild Florida" is a love letter to the Sunshine State. They followed adventure from the Everglades to the remote Dry Tortugas, finding new definitions of "wild" every step of the way.

            This exciting film is shown daily at 3:30 p.m. in the IGFA’s Journey’s Theater.

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IGFA/Make a Difference host Special Anglers Tournament May 9

The IGFA and the Make a Difference Foundation are hosting a free fun-filled day of fishing, face painting, simulated fishing and much more at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum Saturday, May 9th from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

This event is open to physically and mentally handicapped children 18 years of age and under.  The Special Anglers Tournament is an opportunity to afford physically and neurological challenged children the opportunity to enjoy the experience of sport fishing and the chance to make lasting memories.

Each child may bring one chaperone and one guest.  All children go home with lots of goodies.  Each participant will take home their very own rod and reel, a tackle box, goodie bag and much more.  A light breakfast and lunch are also provided. 

Pre-registration is required and must be received by May 1st.  Please visit http://www.igfa.org/sa.asp for more information and for a printable version of the registration form.  If you have questions regarding this event, please contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4309 or email reservations@igfa.org< /span>.

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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 entire  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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From the IGFA — Did You Know?

          From the thousands of fresh and salt water records across the globe, this month we’ve taken several highlights from the IGFA’s 2009 World Record Game Fishes book.  

·         The two youngest angler(s) to hold a world record were three years of age when they made their catches, Ms. Alyssa Cleveland and Kenshi Mayazaki.

·         The heaviest catch made by a junior angler was caught by Alexander Johnston of Australia. Johnston landed a 1,093 lb 7 oz black marlin in one hour fifteen minutes at 14 years of age.

·         A lemon shark weighing 490 lb 0 oz was landed on 08 kg (16 lb) tippet by angler Rick Gunion, making his catch the heaviest on a fly rod. Angler Dr. Martin Arostegui held the record with a 385 lb 0 oz lemon shark before Gunion’s record catch.

·         The longest fish measured was a Pacific blue marlin with a length measurement of 1456.69 inches or 3700.00 cm caught by junior angler Robbie Angus, age 12. The second longest was also caught by a 12 year old junior angler, Beau Taylor, who landed a mako shark, measuring in at 1051.18 in or 2670.00 cm.

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Calendar of upcoming IGFA events

April 18, 2009 — Sixth Annual World Record Achievements Awards and Banquet, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA.    6 p.m. Compiled from the 2009 World Record Game Fishes book’s Top Ten list, this celebration dinner and awards ceremony highlights the 2008 records by men, women, juniors, professional captains as well as line, lure, rod and reel manufacturers in freshwater, saltwater, fly rod and junior categories. Also to be honored are this year’s lifetime achievement recipients Martini Arostegui, Jodie L. Johnson and Rebecca Wright Cocktails and silent auction begin at 6:00 pm with dinner and awards program at 7:00 pm.
For reservations and tickets for the ceremony please call Lesley Arico 954-924-4222 or
larico@igfa.org.

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April 28, 2009 — IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Fundamentals of Sportfishing,” IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, 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.  This popular hands-on intensive class Capt. Tony DiGiulian will cover different types of bait rigging, how to tie critical knots for double line, line to line, terminal connections, and wire twists, and also proper terminal tackle prep like crimping, making leaders and hook sharpening. The class is limited to 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 www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact Jeff Mackin at 954-924-4340. You may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.

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April 30 – May 3, 2009 —National Week of the Ocean School Marine Art Fair. IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA — National Week of the Ocean members encourage year-round ocean study from the arts to commerce, from history to foods, from endangered sea creatures to issues such as offshore drilling or ocean dumping. For more information visit the website at www.national-week-of-the-ocean.org.  The Marine Art Fair is open during normal museum hours in the Events Hall and is free to the public

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May 5, 2009 — IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Secrets of Deep Dropping,” IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Deepwater grouper and snapper fishing is consistently available to anglers in South Florida any time of the year.  In this extreme bottom fishing class lead by Capt. Bouncer Smith, we share the techniques to get you started and the insider information to improve your success. Limited to 24 anglers, this 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 Jeff Mackin at 954-924-4340. You may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.

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May 9, 2009 — Special Anglers Tournament, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA — 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The IGFA and the Make A Difference Foundation 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 954-924-4309 or email to reservations@igfa.org.

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May 10 – 15, 2009 —  IGFA Offshore World Championship, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – This 10th annual event is considered international fishing’s most prestigious billfish tournament hosting nearly 50 winning teams from 19 countries on six continents who have been invited after winning one of over 130 qualifying events held in 2008. It’s also the largest contingent of international teams to compete in a single catch-and-release fishing tournament world wide. For more information on the tournament or to find out more about registering a tournament as a qualifier, contact Lynda Wilson at Lynda.Wilson@Bonniercorp.com or call 407-571-4517, or contact Dan Jacobs, Tournament Director at Dan.Jacobs@Bonniercorp.com or call 407-571-4680.

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May 12, 2009
IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Understanding your Onboard Electronics” — IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, 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 Jeff Mackin at 954-924-4340. You may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp

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May 16, 2009 Boaters Safety Course, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, 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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May 16, 2009 – IGFA Summer Camp Open House, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA.  10 a.m.- noon. This event gives parents and their youngsters ages 8 to 13 a chance to experience some of the exciting activities in store for them during the IGFA’s ten weekly Summer Camps which begin June 8 to Aug 14, 2009.  For more information, please call 954-924-4309, email reservations@igfa.org, or visit www.igfa.org/camps.asp.

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May 19, 2009 — IGFA School of Sportfishing; Conquering Dolphin, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Conquering Dolphin: The definitive class on catching this exciting game fish.  Anglers can learn from Capt. Josh Brown how to increase the size and quantity of the dolphin you catch. Gain inside knowledge on the best strategies and techniques and learn to make the best rigs to catch more fish. The class is limited to 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 www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact Jeff Mackin at 954-924-4340. You can also sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.

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May 26, 2009 IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Successful Swordfishing,” IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, 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. Bouncer Smith one of Fort Lauderdale’s best guide and 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 additional details go to the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact Jeff Mackin at 954-924-4340. You may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.

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June 1 – 30, 2009 — BAMM (Broward Attractions and Museum Month) is Back — During the month of June anyone with a membership in the IGFA or one of 20 participating museums and attractions in Broward County will be able to use that for reciprocal benefits in all.  The theme for the month is “Join one, experience them all.”  Each institution defines what benefits will be eligible but at the very least it will be free admission at same member level. The IGFA will honor admission as well as 10% off in the gift shop. For more information please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at JTomlin@igfa.org or visit www.igfa.org for the variety of participating institutions.

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 June 2, 2009 — IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Advanced Big Game Trolling Techniques” — IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA.7 p.m. – 10 p.m.  Ever wonder why some boats catch more big game fish like blue marlin than others? This is for the serious big game fisherman to get inside knowledge on how to get the most out of your trolling time. Learn many secrets from Capt. Josh Brown that took years of trial and error to perfect. This is not your regular fishing seminar series. Each 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 www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact Jeff Mackin at 954-924-4340. You may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.

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June 6, 2009 — The Old Reel Collectors Association (ORCA) annual national convention, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA — ORCA is a voluntary non-profit organization whose membership is dedicated to preserving the history and technology of antique fishing reels and all vintage fishing tackle.  ORCA members from across the country will be in attendance bringing with them their displays of historic antique fishing reels, rods and all types of fishing memorabilia.  The event is open to the public with lots of antique fishing tackle for sale. ORCA members will be on hand to give free appraisals plus history and value of old reels, rods and lures brought to the event.  ORCA will also provide an on the spot auction service for those who wish to sell their antique tackle for the highest prices.  For more information about this upcoming event please contact Ed Pritchard at 561-748-7508.

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June 8 — Aug 14, 2009 — IGFA’s ten weekly Summer Camps, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA – Now in its 10th year the IGFA’s popular weekly camps are 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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July 7 – July 9, 2009 — Ninth annual Florida Keys Outfitters/IGFA Inshore World Championship, Islamorada, Fla., USA – Described by anglers and the media as the “super bowl” of fly and light tackle fishing, invitations are sent to the winners of over 35 qualifying tournaments held in 2008 to compete in this three day all-release championship. From a drawing the qualifiers are paired with a premier Keys guide to team for three days of fishing for tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook and redfish in fly and light tackle divisions with the grand champion crowned in each. For more information on the FKO/IGFA Inshore World Championship and qualifying tournaments contact Sandy Moret 305-664-5423 or flkeyout@bellsouth.net or visit inshoreworldchampionships.com .

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July 18, 2009 — Boaters Safety Course, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, 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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September 19, 2009 Boaters Safety Course, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, 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 27, 2009 — The 11th Annual IGFA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA — This year’s event will be the highlight of a celebration in honor of all 75 members and the newest five inductees of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees will be Carlos Barrantes, Sr, Jack Erskine, Guy Harvey, Harlan Major and Stephen Sloan. The inductees are selected for the important contributions they have made to the sport of fishing through angling achievements, literature, the arts, science, education, invention, communication or administration of fishery resources. The evening includes a cocktail reception, silent auction, the induction ceremony for the 2009 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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