By Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications – IGFA PR Counsel

IGFA celebrates milestone with burning of the mortgage

 

With the lighting of a flame to a piece of paper, a huge milestone in the 69-year history of the International Game Fish Association was met as the mortgage for the worldwide headquarters of the IGFA was officially burned in a ceremony in Dania Beach, Fla., USA

The October 24 “burning of the mortgage” ceremony was held as a kickoff for the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame induction weekend.

“The IGFA would like to thank all of our board of trustees, close friends and corporate sponsors that contributed to the Fishing Hall of Fame building fund, “ said IGFA President Rob Kramer before he burned the mortgage. “Their tremendous support has helped us reach this milestone in this Campaign for Game Fish Conservation. Special thanks go to Floyd Gottwald, Mike Levitt, George Matthews, Johnny Morris, Bob Rich, Jr and Don Tyson.”

"The remaining $5 million dollar building debt has officially been paid in full,” said an excited IGFA Development Director Eric Combast who was looking-on along with trustees and other IGFA executives, staff members, volunteers and sponsors.

The IGFA’s three-story, 60,000 sq. foot building was completed in 1999. Besides being the permanent home of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, and the administration of the IGFA’s world-wide programs, it also houses the extensive E.K. Harry Library, a movie theatre and 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 Fishing Hall of Fame is an international treasure,” added Kramer. “One that embodies the grandeur of our great sport, housing the most complete history of angling and one that belongs to all fishermen from all walks of life around the globe.” 

Almost two years ago Combast and a key group helped initiate the IGFA’s five-year campaign.  “With the building paid for 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.” 

“Paying off the building loan was a major step in the $15 million campaign,” added Campaign Chairman Jeff Storm Harkavy. “We have positive momentum which is now allowing us continued progress in four key areas of the campaign including education and outreach, conservation, the Fishing Hall of Fame and a permanent endowment.”
            “We’re focusing 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.
           For more information 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.or for more information about the International Fishing Hall of Fame.

 

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Five enter IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame 

 

With hundreds of colorful fish mounts overhead it was the perfect setting for the multitude of fish stories being shared as five legends of the fishing world were inducted into the 10th annual IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Fla., USA.

The banquet in the IGFA’s Great’s Hall, brought smiles and laughs to hundreds in attendance as presenters, inductees and their family members shared countless memories.

The annual event recognizes inductees for the important contributions they have made to fishing through angling achievements, the arts, literature, science, education, communication, an invention or administration of fishery resources.

The five inductees included the late Henry Chee, a renowned Kona, Hawaii guide and innovator of offshore lures; the late Dr. Roy Dean, Mexico City, Mexico, founder of the Intl. Light Tackle Tournament Assoc., and early promoter of catch-and-release and researcher of billfish migration; Jimmy Houston, a professional bass fisherman and TV show host from Cookson, Okla.; Kay Rybovich, Palm Beach, Fla., co-founder of the Intl. Women’s Fishing Assoc., conservationist and one of the grand ladies of sport fishing, and Karl Wickstrom, of Stuart, Fla., founder and editor-in-chief of Florida Sportsman magazine, who initiated and chaired the Save Our Sealife campaign that banned gill nets and revitalized Florida’s inshore waters.

There are now 75 IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame members enshrined including Ernest Hemingway, Zane Grey, Curt Gowdy, Ted Williams, Michael and Helen Lerner, Philip Wylie and John Rybovich.

Houston was also presented with an award from Cody Herman, marketing manager for Shimano who said, "We were pleased to present Jimmy Houston with a Crystal Cup and limited edition Reactor timepiece for decades of support for not only Shimano, but the entire fishing community.  We could not be prouder of Jimmy’s induction into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame."

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Two new boats donated to 25th IGFA Intl. Auction & Banquet (w/photos)

 

Two new fully rigged boats from Hell’s Bay Boatworks and Mako Marine are the latest donations to arrive for January’s “Silver Anniversary” of the IGFA’s premier fundraising event, the 25th Annual International Auction & Banquet.

The gala black tie optional evening is set for Friday, January 23 at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla. USA.

“We just received these two great fishing boats from two of the leaders in the marine industry along with another exclusive sportfishing trip complete with a corporate jet to get you there,” said IGFA Corporate Relations Manager Ms. Lesley Arico.

“The Hell’s Bay Marquesa 18’ flats skiff was donated by Chris Peterson. “This shallow-water boat with a draft of just over 8” (with motor and full fuel) is a favorite of guides, tournament and bay anglers who demand greater speeds and a boat that can handle rougher water conditions without getting anglers wet.”

She said the Hell’s Bay boat package, which has an all Kevlar seafoam green colored hull and cream colored decking, comes equipped with a 90 hp electric-start Mercury Outboard, solid aluminum custom trailer, Odyssey battery, fully carpeted sides and rod racks with fly rod tubes for eight rods, anodized poling platform, Lenco electric trim tabs and many more attributes.

The Mako 204 center console offshore fishing package was donated by Johnny Morris of Bass Pro Shops and Mako Boats, a brand that performs beyond expectations and is known to be built tougher than it has to be,” said Arico. “Its uncompromising fishing ability is everywhere you look with a long list of features that includes a Mercury 200 OptiMax and an aluminum trailer with tandem axle and tandem axle brakes.” 

Also included is an acrylic windscreen, heavy-duty electrical switching system, analog gauges, 37-gallon front seat baitwell, plenty of rod racks including a four-rod rocket launcher on the T-top, forward V-shaped bow seating providing easy anchor access, two above deck fishboxes with overboard drain, a flip-flop helm seat with 72 quart cooler and a swim platform.

“We’ll have full descriptions of both boats on our web site next month as well as in the handout book of auction items.

“We have another great sportfishing trip to the Bahamas on Hadenuff Charters, courtesy of Robbie Robertson plus executive air travel donated by Sky Limos, courtesy of Tom Conlan. The package includes the Sky Limos flight from Fort Lauderdale to San Salvador to fish aboard the Hadenuff a custom 71 ft. first-class boat with a first-class crew.  Four anglers will fish three days for wahoo, tuna, blue marlin and more and stay at the Riding Rock Inn on the beach.

Arico said more beautiful works of art along with fishing charters, guided back country trips, rods and reels, tackle, jewelry, resorts, sportfishing fighting chairs and much more will be a part of the auction.

“The very popular and much anticipated online portion of the auction will begin in early December on the IGFA website at www.igfa.org.” 

Tickets are $175 per person or a corporate table for 10 people can be purchased for $5000 that includes preferred table placement, a full-page ad in the auction program, table signage and table favors. For reservations, to make an auction donation or for further information contact Ms. Arico at 954-924-4222 or email larico@igfa.org.

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Fall session of IGFA School of Sportfishing now underway (w/banner art)

 

The IGFA’s newest School of Sportfishing classes are underway for the fall season with five classes left through 2008.

Jeff Mackin of the IGFA’s education department said three of the classes are newly added topics to the curriculum.

“The first is ‘Daytime Swordfishing,’ taught by Capt. Josh Brown,” said Mackin. “Fishing for swordfish during the day, while technically and physically challenging, is becoming more popular. This class will make targeting these fish by day, while still complying with IGFA regulations, much more accessible to the average angler.

“‘Wintertime Wahoo,’ is a class designed to teach anglers where and how to consistently catch wahoo, especially during the winter. Lastly, Capt. Tony DiGiulian will be teaching ‘South Florida Blue Marlin Tactics.’ To most Florida anglers, catching a blue marlin is an incidental and highly memorable occurrence. Blue marlins are much more abundant than commonly thought and anglers will learn in this class what
they need to do to maximize their chances of finding and raising these billfish.”

Mackin outlined the five remaining dates:

  • Nov. 18, Daytime Swordfishing with Capt. Josh Brown

  • Nov. 25, Fishing for Trophy Snook with Capt. Mark Zaskey

  • Dec. 9, Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs, with Capt. Bouncer Smith.

  • Dec. 2, Wintertime Wahoo, instructor TBA

  • Dec. 16, South Florida Blue Marlin Tactics Capt. Tony DiGiulian

Limited to a class size of 24 anglers the IGFA School of Sportfishing offers a unique experience for anglers who want to obtain the skills, information and techniques necessary to maximize their overall success on the water. The Tuesday night classes run from 7 – 10 p.m., and are taught at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum.

Mackin said each course includes printed materials along with the equipment and hands-on instruction where anglers have a chance to interact and learn from professional fishermen they’d normally only see on television or read about in fishing magazines. Each participant will receive up to $220 in free tackle and will be automatically entered to win one of several door prizes given away including rod and reel combos, tackle bags and much more.

The cost is $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 each for non-members.

For more details and updates on classes and instructors please visit the IGFA website at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp to assess which courses are appropriate for specific skill levels. Sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp or contact Mackin at 954-924-4340 with any questions you might have.

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November Hot Catches

World records coordinator Rebecca Wright of the International Game Fish Association provides highlights of selected documented fish catches made across the globe recently submitted for IGFA world records. Here are 13 recent submissions which are now before the world records committee:

Young Toronto, Ontario, Canada angler Landon Watchorn, got a thrill and possibly her first world record when she landed a lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) while fishing Wellesley Lake, Canada on July 29. It took her five minutes to reel up as the sizable fish weighed in at 10.43 kg (23 lb 0 oz). She’s submitted documentation in the female smallfry division hoping to beat the current IGFA record of 20 lb 10 oz (9.35 kg), recorded three years ago in Lake Superior, Michigan. (Photo: lake trout &n
dash; 28578)

Fishing a flashtail whistler fly tied to 4 kg (8 lb) tippet while fishing New Mexico’s Bluewater Lake, Doug Cavin, of Wildorado, Texas, USA, landed a tiger muskellunge (Esox masquinongy x Esox lucius) on August 21, weighing 5.02 kg (11 lb 1 oz). The current IGFA 8 lb tippet record for the tiger musky is 10 lb 10 oz (4.81 kg), caught in 1997 from Horseshoe Lake near Walsenburg, Colorado USA. (Photo: tiger muskellunge – 28580)

Fishing her hometown’s Kenai River, in Alaska, USA, Ms. Jackie L. Johnson, of Kenai wrestled to shore a Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) on July 31, weighing in at 32.74 kg (72 lb 3 oz). She used a Spin-N-Glow lure on 60 kg (130 lb) class line taking 25 minutes to land the fish. The current IGFA record is 71 lb 1 oz (32.66 kg), caught on July 2, 2004, also from the Kenai River near Soldotna. (Photo: Chinook salmon – 28586)

Fly-fishing the Seward Peninsula, of Alaska, USA, using 3 kg (6 lb) tippet tied with a Hans van Klinken’s leadhead caddis, Peter Cockwill, of Bramley, Surrey, United Kingdom, landed an Artic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) on August 22, weighing 2.3 kg (5 lb 1 oz). The current IGFA record is 4 lb 8 oz (2.04 kg), caught on September 3, 2002, from the Alaska’s Goodnews River. (Photo: Arctic grayling – 28674)

When fishing in Kummiut, East Greenland go for Greenland halibut and that’s just what Kai Witt, of Hamburg, Germany did while possibly scoring an IGFA World All-Tackle Record in the process on his August 28 trip. Guided by Lars Anker-Moller, and after a 10 minute tug of war, Witt landed the cold water specie (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides). The fish weighed 4.5 kg (9 lb 14 oz) almost double the current mark. That IGFA record is 5 lb 7oz (2.48 kg), caught near Gamlembanken, Norway two summers ago. (Photo: Greenland halibut – 28683)

Working a Mepp’s black furry on 3 kg (6 lb) class line while fishing Finland’s Lätäsenojoki River, Ingmars Birkovs, of Riga, Latvia, landed a grayling (Thymallus thymallus) on June 29, weighing 1.8 kg (3 lb 15 oz). This is the first record application for the species to the IGFA world records, and if approved, this will be the first world record for a Latvia angler. Birkovs is applying for both all tackle as well as line class records. (Photo: Grayling – 28693)

United Kingdom junior angler Andrew Paul, of Kings Lynn, Norfolk, landed a Nile perch, (Lates niloticus) on August 4 while fishing Lake Turkana, Kenya, a catch that may more than double the current IGFA junior mark. Using a double jointed Shadrap the youngster fought the fish for two hours and 15 minutes before landing it and weighing it in at 48.53 kg (107 lb 0 oz). The current IGFA male junior record is 50 lb 0 oz (22.68 kg), caught just a month earlier on July 5, from Egypt’s Lake Nasser the same location where several other records are held including the IGFA All-Tackle record of 230 lbs. (Photo: Nile perch – 28700)

Another young United Kingdom angler Peter Brumbly, also from Kings Lynn, Norfolk, landed a European bass, (Dicentrarchus labrax) on August 23, near his Norfolk home. Using a lugworm for bait the junior fisherman took seven minutes to bring in the fish which weighed in at 2.27 kg (5 lb 0 oz). The current IGFA male junior record is vacant. (Photo: European bass 28702)

While fly fishing Værøy, Norway with a no-name fly on 10 kg (20 lb) tippet, Sweden’s Jan Nyberg, of Hagersten, guided by Jonas Lundblom, landed an Atlantic halibut, (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) on August 27. After taking 40 minutes to land, Nyberg weighed the fish in at 29.56 kg (65 lb 2 oz). He’s hoping to see his name filled in on the currently vacant IGFA fly fishing record. (Photo: Atlantic halibut 28866)

As she was fishing Barra do Kwanza, Angola on September 14, Theresa Sakko of Cape Town, South Africa, guided by C.E. Sakko, landed a giant African threadfin (Polydactylus quadrifilis). She was using 4 kg (8 lb) class line while casting a Rapala Xrap Magnum for the fish that weighed in at 17.6 kg (38lb 12oz). She’s hoping her 45 minute fight to land the fish will get her in the currently vacant women’e line class record in the IGFA World Record Game Fishes book. (Photo: giant threadfin – 28879)

While in the Gulf of Mexico off Clearwater, Florida, USA, Capt. Craig Lahr, of nearby Largo, Florida, took an opportunity to do some fly fishing using a hand tied fly on 3 kg (6 lb) tippet, to land a king mackerel, (Scomberomorus cavalla). After fighting the fish for 25 minutes Lahr weighed it in at 11.34 kg (25 lb 0 oz). If approved by the IGFA committee, the king caught on October 22, may beat the current IGFA record of 24 lb 0 oz (10.88 kg), recorded on February 5, 1997. (Photo: king mackerel – 28886)

Pruhorice, Czech Republic angler Jakub Vagner may have made a catch of a lifetime when he landed an arapaima (Arapaima gigas) on August 17, weighing 130 kg (286 lb 9 oz) for a possible IGFA All-Tackle record. It took him 30 minutes to capture the huge specie while fishing Amazonia, Brazil. The current IGFA record is vacant for the arapaima but if approved Vagner’s fish will be the seventh heaviest freshwater fish accepted for a world record. (Photo: arapaima 28893)

Angler Nigel Lofthouse, Koh Samui Suratthani, Thailand may score a new IGFA All-Tackle record after landing a ripsaw catfish (Oxydoras niger) on Sept. 17. It took Lofthouse eight minutes to land to fish which weighed in at 18.14 kg (40 lb 0 oz) using a method ball for bait while fishing near Topscats Resort in Thailand. The current IGFA record is 24 lb. 4 oz. (11 kg.), caught on October 19, 1999 on the Xingu River in Mato Grosso, Brazil. (Photo: ripsaw catfish 28894)

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—At the IGFA Museum—

Special Catch & Release Fishing exhibit and video now open

The Changing Gallery at the IGFA Hall of Fame & Museum is now featuring a special exhibit highlighting the background and progression of “catch and release” fishing.

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 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 and not mounted as captains earned big commissions only after killing the catch.

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.

An exclusive video with archival footage of the mass over-harvesting of fish during the early days of sport fishing as well as many striking, vintage photos are on display in the exhibit. In addition, IGFA Hall of Famer Mark Sosin narrates a short film which shows how release mounts are produced without killing the fish. Finally, the special new exhibit also features start-to-finish mounts, taxidermy facts and spectacular release photos.

"Finding Wild Florida" now showing in IGFA’s Journey’s Theater
  For over 30 days, filmmaker Stephen Mick, photographer Chris Ross and a cast of guides, surfers and conservation experts explored Florida’s waters and highways, trying to discover whether any part of Florida 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.

Museum’s Art Gallery features Polynesian Soul

Now featured through February in the museum’s Art Gallery is Polynesian Soul: The Art of Tinomana Vachot. The Tahitian artist combines the traditional art of the Marquesas, Tuamotu, and the Hawaiian Islands creating intricate designs that capture the beauty, spirit, and culture of the Polynesian Triangle Paradise. 

Two free Go FISH classes offered in November and December

New for youngsters from the IGFA’s education staff is two “Go FISH” classes on the Thursdays of Nov. 20 and Dec.18, from 1 – 2 p.m.

Go FISH (Fun Interactive Scientific and Hands-on) is a free event with paid admission to the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum.

Parents are encouraged to bring their children into the museum for this hour-long event.

which involves a book reading followed by a marine themed arts and crafts activity.

And the education staff reminds parents there’s plenty to see and do inside the museum before and/or after the Go FISH classes including the fun of fighting fish on the simulators in the Catch Gallery, a walk in the wetlands, or stopping in to watch the latest movie “Finding Wild Florida” in the Journey’s Theater.

For more information contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or email to vwoods@igfa.org.

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Mercury Marine’s Annual Family Fishing Clinic set for Dec. 6
               

The success and growth of two past Mercury Marine Family Fishing Clinics has set up the third annual event at the IGFA on Saturday, Dec. 6th for three hours of fun fishing techniques, prize giveaways and one-on-one time with several top pro guides and fishermen.

“This free event will be bigger and better,” said Pam Behnke, manager of Mercury’s saltwater competitive angling and guide program. “Mercury knows the importance of getting the younger generation involved with the sport of fishing and this event allows moms, dads and their children a great chance to learn from the best and interact with Mercury pro anglers and guides and much more.
Mercury’s
Scott Beattie outlined some of the many activities at the IGFA from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

  • Talks on catching and properly handling and releasing redfish, permit, bonefish and other fish, plus question and answer time with Mercury Marine pros including top South Florida and Florida Keys captains Sean O’Keefe, Larry Sydnor, Mark Johnson and Art Sapp along with local tournament director Jamie Bunn and Preferred Marine’s Kirk and Cody Beattie.

  • A cast net station, where 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.

  • Knot tying locations where novice anglers will become better skille
    d at 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.

  • A casting station will feature the importance of proper techniques while casting a lure or bait.  Beginners will gain knowledge of the overhand cast while advance anglers will learn sidearm and flip casting.  This station will also stress the importance of safety while casting.

  • Face painting station where kids get a chance to pick their favorite marine animal and have it painted on them. The IGFA’s resident artist will have a wide range of colorful fish and animals to choose from.

  • Remote radio broadcasts by air personalities from KISS Country

  • Plenty of prizes including guided trips plus product giveaways from the IGFA, KISS Country, Pepsi, Mercury, Budweiser, Australian Gold, Johnsonville Sausage and Bass Pro Shops.

Children and adults of all ages are encouraged to come and learn something new at this free event.

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! For more information go online and visit http://www.igfa.org/kidshome.asp or call the IGFA at 954-927-2628. ###

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Calendar of upcoming IGFA events

November 18, 2008 IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Daytime Swordfishing” IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. – If you’d like to catch a swordfish AND get a good night’s sleep, this new IGFA class taught by Capt. Josh Brown gives anglers the techniques and skills to catch swordfish during the day and actually see these magnificent fish when they take to the air. All techniques covered will comply with IGFA rules so that potential records can be certified. Not your regular fishing seminar series this 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. Each participant will receive up to $220 in free tackle and will be automatically entered to win one of several door prizes given away including rod and reel combos, tackle bags and much more. 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. Anglers may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.

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November 25, 2008 IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Fishing for Trophy Snook” IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. This class will show you how to work underwater structure using proven techniques including how to consistently provoke huge strikes. Learn from one of the innovators what it takes to target and land monster snook. Taught by Capt. Mark Zaskey this is not your regular fishing seminar series class. Limited to 24 anglers it 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. Each participant will receive up to $220 in free tackle and will be automatically entered to win one of several door prizes given away including rod and reel combos, tackle bags and much more. 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. Anglers may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.

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December 2, 2008 IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Wintertime Wahoo” IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Due to their somewhat nomadic and loner nature, wahoo are most often considered incidental catches. One of the new classes in the popular fall series the instructors will teach anglers how to target and consistently catch more wahoo in the cooler months of the year. Limited to 24 anglers this is not your regular fishing seminar series class. It 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. Each participant will receive up to $220 in free tackle and will be automatically entered to win one of several door prizes given away including rod and reel combos, tackle bags and much more. 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. Anglers may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.

 

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December 6, 2008 — Mercury Family Fishing Clinic; IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. This free, third annual event sponsored by Mercury Marine features clinics on: how to throw a cast net, knot tying, casting stations,
fishing talks and question and answer sessions with Mercury Marine Pros including
Captains Sean O’Keefe, Larry Sydnor and Art Sapp; face painting, a number of prize giveaways and remote broadcasts from KISS Country. 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! For more information go online and visit http://www.igfa.org/kidshome.asp or call the IGFA at 954-927-2628.

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December 9, 2008 IGFA School of Sportfishing; Bottom Fishing Wrecks and ReefsIGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, 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.  Taught by Capt. Bouncer Smith, one of the greatest fishermen of our generation, anglers will leave this class with an array of skills and techniques for snapper, grouper and more. Limited to 24 anglers this is not your regular fishing seminar series class but 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. Each participant will receive up to $220 in free tackle and will be automatically entered to win one of several door prizes given away including rod and reel combos, tackle bags and much more. 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. Anglers may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.

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December 16, 2008 IGFA School of Sportfishing; South Florida Blue Marlin TacticsIGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Anglers don’t need to travel to Panama, Cabo San Lucas, or even the Bahamas to catch a blue marlin.  This new fall series class, taught by Capt. Tony DiGiulian one of the nation’s top marlin pros, gives anglers the techniques needed to maximize their chances of finding and catching these billfish from West Palm to Key West. Not your regular fishing seminar series 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. Each participant will receive up to $220 in free tackle and will be automatically entered to win one of several door prizes given away including rod and reel combos, tackle bags and much more. 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. Anglers may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.

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January 23, 2009 — 25th Annual IGFA Auction & Banquet at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla., USA. It’s the Silver Anniversary of the IGFA’s biggest fundraising event of the year with hundreds of silent and live auction items up for bid. Featured this year will be renowned marine artist, conservationist and marine biologist, Dr. Guy Harvey who is also an IGFA Trustee and long time auction supporter. Harvey has promised a special piece to commemorate the milestone. Tickets are $175 per person. Corporate tables for 10 are also available for $5000 which includes VIP placem
ent, table favors, an ad in the auction program and more.
For reservations and additional information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org

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February 6 – 8, 2009 — Third Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Seminar and Expo at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA – The IGFA hosts Sheri Daye for a weekend-long event featuring fishing, spearfishing, lobstering, freediving, scuba, survival at sea, sailing, diver safety, bluewater, wreck exploration, underwater photography and videography, marine artwork, cooking fish, cleaning catch, equipment, fitness, conservation, world records, product demonstrations and more. The expo is included with regular IGFA museum admission, with separate admission charge for seminars. For more info go to www.thebluewild.com or call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at JTomlin@igfa.org.

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March 14, 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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April 18, 2009 — Sixth Annual World Record Achievements Awards and Banquet, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. This celebration dinner and awards ceremony highlights the 2008 records by men, women, juniors, professional captains and tackle manufacturers.  For reservations and tickets for the ceremony please call Lesley Arico 954-924-4222 or larico@igfa.org.

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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 informat
ion 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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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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