By Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications – IGFA PR Counsel
One of fishing’s most celebrated evenings of the year will take place on Saturday, October 25, as five legends of the sport are inducted into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame.
The annual event recognizes honorees from around the world 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.
This year they include: the late Henry Chee, a renowned Hawaii guide and innovator of offshore lures; the late Dr. Roy Dean, founder of the Intl. Light Tackle Tournament Assoc., and early promoter of catch-and-release and researcher of billfish migration; Jimmy Houston, professional bass fisherman and TV show host; Kay Rybovich, co-founder of the Intl. Women’s Fishing Assoc., conservationist and one of the grand ladies of sport fishing, and Karl Wickstrom, 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.
The class of 2008 represents the 10th year of inductions and takes place at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Fla., USA.
The evening’s activities begin at 6 p.m. and include a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner and the induction ceremony.
Tickets for the evening are still available at $200 per person. The public is invited.
Seventy IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame members are currently enshrined and include Ernest Hemingway, Zane Grey, Curt Gowdy, Ted Williams, Michael and Helen Lerner, Philip Wylie and John Rybovich.
For reservations, sponsorships or further information, contact Lesley Arico at the International Game Fish Association, 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, Florida, 33004. Email: larico@igfa.org, by phone 954-924-4222, or fax 954-924-4299.
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IGFA conservation efforts increase with coalition partnerships
Two recent partnerships the IGFA has made with other national marine conservation organizations is helping to build awareness for recreational fishing and access to more fishing waters for anglers.
Most recently through the efforts of the Center for Coastal Conservation (CCC), a coalition that the IGFA became a part of this past summer, President George W. Bush signed a historic Executive Order to ensure recreational fishing on federal lands and waters.
The CCC is a non-partisan national organization dedicated to enacting sensible marine conservation laws through education and political action.
The amendment to Executive Order 12962 which President Bush signed allows for the most significant extension of recreational fishing on federal lands and waters in the last 30 years. This revised order originally signed by Bill Clinton in 1995, ensures that recreational fisherman will have a place to pursue their pastime now and into the future.
The Executive Order declares “that recreational fishing shall be managed as a sustainable activity in national wildlife refuges, national parks, national monuments, national marine sanctuaries, marine protected areas, or any other relevant conservation or management areas or
activities under any Federal authority, consistent with applicable law.”
“We commend President Bush on his commitment to recreational fishing and the significant role it plays in the successful management of our country’s resources,” said IGFA president Rob Kramer. “Each year millions of dollars are generated from recreational fishing activities that go directly to support our nation’s fisheries and conservation efforts.”
Along with the IGFA, the other sustaining members of the CCC include the American Sportfishing Assoc. (ASA), the Coastal Conservation Assoc. (CCA), the National Marine Manufacturers Assoc. (NMMA) and The Billfish Foundation (TBF).
Since its formation the IGFA and the partners in the CCC have been working together on a unified front to strengthen access to recreational boating and fishing in federal waters. Its work with the White House and President Bush’s recent amendment is a direct result of those actions of the coalition. Though the groups hold a wide range of interests the new coalition is focusing on federal policy and the November elections of responsible representatives and senators.
In second alliance IGFA joins PSO on California fishing issues
Earlier in mid-September the IGFA joined with the Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO), in its commitment to protecting the health of California’s ocean environment without unnecessary closures of California coastal waters to recreational fishing. The groups are working closely with state officials to help maintain access to California’s marine waters and prevent permanent closures to recreational fishing.
“The issues that anglers are currently facing in California are important and relevant to all our members around the world,” said Kramer.
He pointed out that the establishment of Marine Protected Areas is increasingly leading to the creation of no-fishing zones which result in significant permanent closures for recreational fishing. For example, through its Marine Life Protection Act, California has recently closed 85 square miles of its central coast to sportfishing. The National Park Service was also proposing fishing closures in North Carolina and Florida parks.
“We look forward to working with the PSO to ensure that sound science and proper management processes are used to protect our resources,” added Kramer.
Besides the IGFA, members of the PSO also include the ASA, NMMA, Coastside Fishing Club, Kayak Fishing Association of California, Northern California Kayak Anglers, Southern California Marine Association and the Sportfishing Association of California.
For updates about the Partnership’s advocacy on behalf of recreational fishermen within the MLPA process please visit www.keepamericafishing.org.
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World Recreational Fishing Conference just a month away
Twenty-one countries will be represented in the Fifth World Recreational Fishing Conference (WRFC) Nov. 10 – 13, an event devoted to better understanding of international recreational fisheries.
“With 153 oral papers and posters being presented by representatives from across the globe,” said IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser, “this WRFC promises to be the premier event discussing international fisheries issues.”
Hosted by the IGFA the conference will be held at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida, U.S.A.
Registration for the entire conference is $600 per person.
The purpose of the WRFC is to provide an international forum for the recreational fishing community. The WRFC series was spawned by the First World Angling Conference held in Cap d’Agde, France in 1984. The first WRFC was held in Ireland in 1996, with successive conferences in Canada, Australia and Norway.
This is the first time it’s been held in the United States.
Schratwieser said the list of attendees, limited to 280, is a very diverse gathering which will include fisheries scientists and managers, non-governmental organizations, representatives from the tackle industry and recreational anglers interested in the current state and future of recreational fisheries worldwide.
“The seminar program includes something for almost anyone interested in the management and policy of recreational fisheries,” added Schratwieser.
Among the many discussion topics are: direct implications of climate change for anglers, sport fishing industry and fisheries managers; inland and marine protected areas: successes, failures, processes and impacts on recreational fisheries; global partnerships in recreational fisheries; sustainable development of recreational fisheries and recreational fishing’s role in society
For more information on the conference, the schedule of programs and registration deadlines visit the conference website at www.worldrecfish.org or contact Schratwieser directly at 954-924-4320 or jschratwieser@igfa.org.
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Donations continue to grow for 25th IGFA Intl. Auction & Banquet
Many unique and interesting donation items continue to arrive each week for the “Silver Anniversary” of the IGFA’s premier fundraising event, the 25th Annual International Auction & Banquet. The gala event is set for Friday, January 23 at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla. USA. “We just received one of the most exclusive trips I can ever recall,” said IGFA Corporate Relations Manager Ms. Lesley Arico. “It’s seven days for two donated by Pearl Sea Coastal Cruises on the Kimberley Quest II, cruising the 1800 million year old Kimberley coastline of northwest Australia. This is one of the world’s last unique wilderness areas featuring rugged escarpments, dramatic ranges, spectacular gorges and majestic waterfalls. It includes guided fishing trips for barramundi, trevally and queenfish along with buffet style gourmet meals, a light aircraft and helicopter flight to or from the vessel as well as daily excursions.
“That donation is among many other great once-in-a-lifetime trips including a week for two at the fantastic Tropic Star Lodge in Panama, a safari for two to Zulu Nyala in South Africa, a seven-day wels catfishing trip for two to Europe and a great three-day/three-night bass fishing trip in Mexico on either Lake Comendeo or Lake El Salto sent to us by Ron Speed’s Adventures.”
To commemorate the milestone evening, renowned marine artist, conservationist and marine biologist, Dr. Guy Harvey is preparing a special auction piece. Each guest will receive a signed and numbered print of Harvey’s original artwork.”
Other impressive works of art include an original bronze sculpture by Bodo Muche of Australia and an original sculpture by past featured artist, David Wirth of Hawaii.
“Every fishing yacht owner needs a top-of-the-line teak fighting chair and we have the ultimate one donated by Murray Products with five position fighting gimbal, cast solid stainless steel parts, thru-bolt seat construction and polished stainless steel hardware.”
Arico said more beautiful works of art along with fishing charters, guided back country trips, rods and reels, tackle, jewelry, resorts, and much more will be apart of the auction.
“We’ll have additional news to announce in November plus more on the much anticipated and very popular online portion of the auction which begins in 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 $3000 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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Lefty Kreh to give all-day fishing seminar
IGFA Fishing Hall of Famer Lefty Kreh, one of the nation’s best angling teache
rs who is also noted for the humor in his presentations, will give a special all-day seminar on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum.
The event will be hosted by fishing editor and columnist Steve Kantner. Seminar hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the IGFA events hall
Kantner said unlike previous gatherings where the emphasis was primarily on fly casting, Lefty will address a multiplicity of topics that run the gamut from tackle selection to accessing various fisheries.
“We want to make this more of a discussion, where everyone interacts with Lefty,” said Kantner. “We’ve tried to make the surroundings as conducive as possible, while limiting the size of the audience. Lefty draws from a lifetime of personal experience and he also plans to do some casting, although on a limited basis due to his recent knee injury and surgery.”
The cost of the seminar is $350 per person and includes a catered lunch, refreshments, and study materials. Attendees can also expect to find plenty of raffle prizes and give-a-ways.
“It promises to be the ultimate experience for anyone who wants to learn the whys and wherefores of fly fishing… and more,” said Kantner
Advance registration is required. For more information or to sign-up contact Kantner at steve@landcaptain.com.
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IGFA School of Sportfishing adding six more classes for 2008
There’s just one class left in October in the eighth session of the IGFA’s popular School of Sportfishing program but six more classes are being added, beginning in November for the remainder of 2008.
“The current session of classes has been well received,” said Jeff Mackin of the IGFA.
“The last class of the current session on Oct. 14 is a new offering that should attract many freshwater anglers.”
“The class is called ‘Targeting Largemouth and Peacock Bass,’ and it’s being taught by Capt. Alan Zaremba the preeminent South Florida guide who is noted for some spectacular catches. Zaremba will teach participants where and how to consistently find these extraordinary fish.
“And beginning Nov. 11, and for the following five Tuesdays through December 16, we’ll be offering six more popular topics for sportsmen.”
Mackin outlined four of the six subjects anglers can look forward to this fall:
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Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs
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Learning to Kite Fish
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Fishing for Wintertime Wahoo
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Fishing Biscayne Bay
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.
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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October Hot Catches
Each month world records coordinator Rebecca Wright of the International Game Fish Association provides highlights of selected documented fish catches made across the globe submitted for world records. Here are nine recent submissions which are now before the world records committee.
A nearly 32-year old IGFA world record for a tiger trout (Salmo trutta x Salvelinus fontinalis) may be broken on a catch made by Evan Roda, of Spokane Valley, Wash., USA. On May 27 Roda was on Washington’s appropriately named Fish Lake using a Lucky Craft Pointer lure tied on 4 kg (8 lb) class line when the 6.24 kg (13 lb 12 oz) fish hit for a 15 minute fight. The current IGFA record for the species is 11 lb 9 oz ( 5.25 kg.) caught July 16, 1976. (Photo: tiger trout – 28496)
On August 3, smallfry angler Hailey Rowan Meinhardt, guided by Rob Meinhardt, landed a California corbina (Minticirrhus undulatus) weighing 1.36 kg (3 lb 0 oz) while fishing off her hometown of Newport Beach, California, USA. She may be the first young angler to fill-in the IGFA’s currently vacant junior division’s female smallfry record for the species. (Photo: California corbina – 28490)
Another young angler Anthony "Paul" Mendoza, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif, USA, may make a significant jump in the junior male division of the IGFA world record book after landing a California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) on June 22. Guided by Ernest Prieto while fishing Coronado Islands, Mexico, Mendoza used a live anchovy and outlasted the fish which weighed 22.62 kg (49 lb 14 oz) in the 15 minute fight. The current junior boy’s IGFA record is 36 lb. 0 oz (16.32 kg) caught on April 2, 2005. (Photo: California halibut – 28499)
Escaping the summer heat and humidity of Tampa, Fla., for the cool climes of Icy Bay, Alaska, USA, junior angler James C. Seegraves, guided by George Davis, landed a Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) on July 10. It took Seegraves 20 minutes to subdue the fish, weighing in at 56.25 kg (124 lb 0 oz). He’s hoping to beat the current junior male IGFA record which is 104 lb 0 oz (47.17 kg.), caught September 3, 2006. (Photo: Pacific halibut – 28500)
Using an eel fly tied to thin 2 kg (4 lb) tippet while fly-fishing the nearby James River, William L. Nicar, of Richmond, Va., USA, landed a flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) on July 27, weighing in at 13.38 kg (29 lb 8 oz). It took Nicar 24 minutes to pull the fish to shore and he now has hopes of beating the current IGFA record of 21 lb. 8 oz ( 9.75 kg.) caught on January 13, 2004. (Photo: flathead catfish – 28507)
Fishing the Gulf of Mexico off the Florida, USA coast, Burtchville, Michigan angler Bill McClarty III, guided by Chris Galati, landed a black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci) on July 22, weighing 23.84 kg (52 lb 9 oz). It took him 10 minutes to land the fish on 37 kg (80 lb) class line and may also land his name as the first in the men’s line class of the soon to be printed 2009 IGFA World Record Game Fishes book for the newly added species. (Photo: black grouper – 28512)
Guided by Patrick Waringway while fishing Whittier, Alaska, USA, young angler Bill Francois, of Paris, France, landed a Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) on July 20. The junior angler’s catch, caught in 10 minutes on a jig, weighed 4.03 kg (8 lb 14 oz). Francois has applied for a vacant male junior class division record in the IGFA book. (Photo: Pacific cod – 28529)
Fishing the Norfolk Canyon area, some 70 miles off the Virginia Beach, Va., USA coast, Ron Van Kirk, of nearby Williamsburg, Va., guided by Sean Doran, South Miles, N.C., landed a Darwin’s slimehead (Gephyroberyx Darwinii) on August 19. Van Kirk, who used cut squid for bait to lure the fish that weighed 3.4 kg (7 lb 8 oz), has applied for the vacant IGFA All-Tackle record for the species. (Photo: Darwin’s slimehead – 28532)
Italian angler Massimo Brogna, from Catania Sicily, guided by Henry Magri while fishing the waters off Dakar, Senegal, may find his name filled in the previously vacant space of the men’s line class in the IGFA World Record Game Fishes book after landing a Guinean barracuda (Sphyraena afra) on July 27. The fish weighing in at 8.85 kg (19 lb 8 oz) was easily caught on 60 kg (130 lb) class line and landed in three minutes using a live yaboy for bait. (Photo: Guinean barracuda – 28545)
–At the IGFA Museum—
Catch & Release Fishing showcased in late October
In late October the Changing Gallery at the IGFA Hall of Fame & Museum will feature a special exhibit on the background and progression of “catch and release” fishing.
Fort Lauderdale in the 1950’ 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, 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 from IGFA Hall of Famer Mark Sosin is part of the special new exhibit which also features start-to-finish mounts, taxidermy facts, and spectacular release photos.
Also presently at the museum’s Art Gallery through February, Polynesian Soul: The Art of Tinomana Vachot is being featured. The Tahitian artist combines the traditional art of the Marquesas, Society, Tuamotu, and Hawaiian Islands creating intricate designs that capture the beauty, spirit, and culture of the Polynesian Triangle Paradise.
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From the IGFA — Did You Know?
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47 species of sharks live in the Mediterranean Sea
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There are currently no catch limits for commercially-fished shark species in the Mediterranean
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Sharks are vulnerable to over fishing because they are slow to mature, produce very small numbers of young, have long reproductive cycles and have long life spans
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Hammerhead, blue, mako, porbeagle and thresher sharks have declined by more than 97% in abundance and catch weight over the last 150-200 years in the Mediterranean
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The size of sharks caught in the Mediterranean is among the lowest in the world
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In the North Atlantic, shark declines have corresponded with an increase of the sharks’ prey species, cownose rays and a decrease of bay scallops, which is the prey of cownose rays
References
Ferretti, F., Myers, R.A., Serena, F., and Lotze, H.K. 2008. Loss of large predatory sharks from the Mediterranean Sea. Conservation Biology.
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Calendar of upcoming IGFA events
October 14, 2008 — IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Targeting Largemouth and Peacock Bass” IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Find out what it takes to successfully target these freshwater species. From finding the fish to knowing what to throw at them, this class will teach you all you need to know in order to consistently land these highly sought after species. Capt. Alan Zaremba is the instructor of the class. 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. 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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October 25, 2008 — The 10th Annual IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA — This year’s celebration honors all 70 members and the newest five inductees of the IGFA 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 1, 2008 — IGFA Observer Training Class – Balboa Angling Club, Newport Beach, Calif. 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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November 8, 2008 — 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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November 10 – 13, 2008 – The Fifth World Recreational Fishing Conference, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, 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. (Please note: The IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum will be closed to the public Monday November 10 – Thursday November 13 in order to host the conference)
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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 $3000 which includes VIP placement, 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 Spearfishing Seminar and Expo IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA – The IGFA hosts Sheri Daye for a weekend-long event featuring spearfishing, lobstering, freediving, scuba, survival at sea, videography, diver safety, bluewater, wreck exploration, underwater photography and videography, marine artwork, cooking fish, cleaning catch, equipment, fitness, conservation, world records 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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May 16, 2009 — Boaters Safety Course, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. – 8:00 a.m. &ndash
; 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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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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