By Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications – IGFA PR counsel
Youngsters score big in Mercury/IGFA Junior Angler World Championship
A number of young Florida anglers took the top honors in the fourth annual Mercury/IGFA Junior Angler World Championship (JAWC) among 34 tournament winners from across the country and from as far away as Papua New Guinea.
The girls and boys, ages five to16, qualified for the all-release championship held June 18 – 20, by winning one of the IGFA approved fishing tournaments held in the U.S. and several countries. Anglers ages five -10 competed in the smallfry division; those ages 11-16 in the junior division.
The overall junior division winner was Kyle Wrenn, 15, Cape Coral, Fla. with 349 points. This was his fourth straight trip to the championship after advancing from his win at the Cape Coral Tarpon Hunters tournament. He captured 125 points alone on the catch and release of five tarpon over the two days. He also released amberjacks, barracuda, dolphinfish and sharks.
In second place was Richard Black, 13, Tavernier, Fla., with 327 points. He also won the stringer division title among the juniors by catching 10 of the 24 species, the most in the tournament. He advanced to the JAWC as a winner in Red Ghost Stalk Tournament last year.
Sean Thomson, 16, of Jupiter, Fla. was third with 307 points off seven species. He had won in the Red Ghost Stalk tournament to advance to the world championship.
Of note in fourth place was Martini Arostegui, 14, Coral Gables, Fla., who had 295 points off a 10 species tie with Black. Arostegui was representing the Miami Beach Rod and Reel Club Junior Angler tournament.
In the smallfry division Tyler Smith, 8 Port St. Lucie, Fla. who won the City of Port St. Lucie Kid’s Fishing Tournament to advance, was the overall winner. He collected his 202 point total on six species released which included barracuda, jack crevalle, ladyfish, permit, shark and mutton snapper.
In second place with 186 points was Paul Pauchey, 9, Islamorada, representing his win at the Islamorada Fishing Junior Derby. He tied with Tyler “Catfish†Sage, 9, Weston, Fla. who was third.
(For the full story please see the IGFA web site www.igfa.org – home page: “Latest News†— Florida youngsters among top winners)
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San Diego area Young Anglers can qualify for 2007 Mercury/IGFA Junior Angler World Championships
Young anglers participating in the IGFA/San Diego Sportfishing Council-sponsored Young Angler Tournaments this summer will have another reason to fish hard! Overall winners of each of the three tournaments will receive invitations to the Mercury/IGFA Junior Angler World Championships held in the summer of 2007.
The first event is slated July 15 on the Shelter Island Pier. The two remaining tournament venues will be announced at a future date.
Each tournament features a point system that promotes catch-and-release. Winners in each age group will be determined by adding up points for various fish. Anglers may only fish one rod at a time.
IGFA representatives and volunteers will be on hand to assist young anglers and tally points. Young anglers are encouraged to bring their own gear, although a limited number of fishing outfits will be available for loan on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For more information and advanced registration, contact the San Diego Sportfishing Council at 619-234-8793 or visiting www.sportfishing.org.
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Light tackle anglers ready for Rolex/IGFA Inshore Championship
Thirty-seven fly and light tackle champions are headed for the sixth annual Rolex/IGFA Inshore Championship Tournament, July 9 – 12 in Islamorada, in the Florida Keys.
“Of those champions 17 will be first timers to the tournament and are coming from as far away as Africa to compete,†said Ms. Denise Hartman, IGFA tournament coordinator. “Most of the anglers will be coming from Canada, the Bahamas and across the U.S.â€
The 31 men and six women were winners in one of over 55 light tackle IGFA sanctioned tournaments around the world in 2005 held in six countries and 12 states.
The celebrated world-class inshore event dubbed the “super bowl of inshore fishingâ€, features anglers stalking bonefish, tarpon, permit, snook and redfish on Florida Bay guided by different captains over the three-day catch-and-release competition while vying for engraved Rolex timepieces, a long list of prizes and the prestigious grand champion title.
Since its inception the tournament has been held in Islamorada, hailed as the “sportfishing capital of the world,†located in the middle of the Keys.
The daily action takes place from the World Wide Sportsman and the Islander Resort.
(For the full story please see the IGFA web site www.igfa.org – home page: “Latest News†– Rolex/IGFA Inshore Championship attracting 37 fly and light tackle champions)
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New Book: THE FISHING CLUB by Bob Rich is a fun summer’s read; proceeds benefit IGFA and other non-profits
“Fishermen are categorically the most positive and optimistic people in the world,†says Bob Rich. It’s no wonder then that Rich, author of FISH FIGHTS: A Hall of Fame Quest (now in paperback from Lyons Press), who pursues his passion near his home in Islamorada in the Florida Keys, has a lot of friends who fish. From President George H. W. Bush’s fish savvy to baseball Hall-of-Famer Ted Williams’ best fishing day ever, Rich has gathered compelling and enthusiastic fishing stories from several notable anglers; a group as diverse as they are insightful to the ways of the world.
In THE FISHING CLUB: Brothers and Sisters of the Angle Rich’s quest is to discover what besides a sunny attitude draws his extra-ordinary group of friends to the water and to the endless pursuit of fish. Is it patience, perseverance, hope? A combination of all three or something else altogether? What life lessons has the pursuit of their passion for angling – season after season — taught them?
Rich’s excursions explore the humble beginnings of Don Tyson, former president of Tyson Foods, who now fishes for 1,000-pound black marlins in the tradition of Zane Grey and Ernest Hemingway. He learns how outdoor legend Bill Dance first realized the importance of proper fly presentation. You’ll meet English adventurer John Bailey, with 30 books on fishing to his name; Andy Mill, champion ski racer, and star of the Outdoor Life Network’s award-winning Sportsman’s Journal; and Sandy Moret, saltwater fly fishing guru and founder of the Florida Keys Fly Fishing School.
THE FISHING CLUB is a charming, intriguing and candid look at the world of fishing through the eyes of some of the most patient, persistent, hopeful and passionate anglers Rich has ever met. It’s a must-read for fishing fanatics, or anyone inspired by what makes anglers do what they do.
A man who doesn’t have to depend on writing for a living, the proceeds from Bob’s book is being donated to the 13 favorite charities of the 14 avid anglers Bob wrote about, among them the IGFA, The Jimmy Fund, The Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, St. Jude’s Hospital, CF Foundation, Bonefish and Tarpon Unlimited and the SIFE. (For the full story please see the IGFA web site www.igfa.org – home page: “Latest News†— Bob Rich hooks readers with The Fishing Club)
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New feature: IGFA web site highlights new approved records
The IGFA has added something new to the home page of its website.
Throughout the year the IGFA’s World Records Department processes hundreds of applications for world records and now each month the latest approved records will be highlighted on the IGFA web site.
Checkout the new added feature at www.igfa.org.
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New Pending World Records
Each month the IGFA highlights documented fish catches from across the globe. A number of applications, among them all-tackle records, have been submitted and are included in the June Hot News provided by IGFA world records coordinator Rebecca Reynolds. Here are 12 new potential records before the committee
Fly fishing Abaco, Bahamas with 2kg (4 lb) tippet, Jodie L. Johnson, Peterborough, New Hampshire, U.S.A., landed a dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) weighing 32 lb 8 oz (14.74 kg) for a possible women’s record. The current record was set two years ago (5-25-04) at 18 lb 8 oz. (Photo: Dolphinfish – 06040077)
With 4 kg (8 lb) tippet Stacey G. Parkerson, Coral Springs, Fla., U.S.A., landed a 88 lb 8 oz (40.15 Kg) Pacific Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) in 38 minutes. The current record is 75 lb 0 oz caught April 22, 2000. (Photo: Pacific Sailfish – 06040091)
Michael R. Eubanks of Nashville, Tenn., U.S.A., landed a bigmouth buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus) weighing 45 lb 8 oz (20.63 kg) on 3 kg (6 lb) line class. He made the catch while jig fishing Percy Priest Lake. The huge fish could beat the current 31 lb 12 oz record set Nov. 9, 1998. (Photo: bigmouth buffalo – 06040083)
Fishing Dos Bijagos, Guinea Bissau, Michel Rumin, of Lombez, France, landed a 125 lb 10 oz (57 kg) spotted guitarfish (Rhynchobatus lubberti) battling the fish in just under two hours. He’s hoping for a potential new all tackle record with his name appearing in the 2007 World Record Game Fishes book. (Photo: spotted guitarfish – 06040085)
His and her line class records may be forthcoming for Mr. and Mrs. William B. DuVal, Richmond, Va., U.S.A. The couple were bottom fishing off Key West Fla., U.S.A. and each landed a red grouper (Epinephelus morio) .Bill has applied for a men’s 4 kg (8 lb) line class for his fish weighing 9 lb 12 oz (4.42 kg) to possibly beat the current 9 lb 2 0z caught last year (4/18/05). Gene may have a women’s 4 kg (8 lb) line class for her grouper weighing 17 lb 8 oz (7.93 kg), to beat the current 6 lb 0 oz caught earlier this year (1/19/06). (Photo: red grouper – 06050010-06050015)
Off the coast of New Zealand, Lyn Aukett, Opua (Northland), landed a mako shark (Isurus spp) weighing 137 lb 2 oz (62.2 kg). The fight took 45 minutes on 4 kg (8 lb) line class while bait fishing the Taheke Reef. The current record in the line class for a mako is 107 lb 12 oz caught February 18, 1997. (Photo: mako shark – 06050045)
While jig fishing in Zenisu, Japan. Mr. Masaki Tsuchiya, of Shizouka, landed a 16 lb 13 oz (7.65 kg) comet grouper (Epinephelus morrhua) in five minutes. The current all tackle record is 14 lb 12 oz caught January 10, 1998. (Photo: comet grouper – 06050053)
Noritaka Takeishi of Akita, Japan, landed a 39 lb10 oz (18 kg) Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) using 37 kg (80 lb) line class while fishing the Fly River, W. Province, in Papua, New Guinea. The current record is 35 lb 11 oz caught last year. (Photo: Barramundi – 06050055)
A junior angler in 7-year old Nicolas Lanari of Buenos-Aires, Argentina, landed a 7 lb 14 oz (3.57 kg) dorado (Salminus brasiliensis) in 10 minutes while bait fishing LaBrava- Corrientes, Argentina. He hopes to fill the currently vacant male smallfry record. (Photo: dorado – 06050057)
Another junior, 11-year old Hunter Gutwein, Toms River, New Jersey, U.S.A., landed a weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) in five minutes fishing Barnegat Bay, N. J. using a rubber sandworm for bait. Hunter’s catch weighed 13 lb 8 oz. The male junior record he’s hoping to beat is 10 lb 3 oz, caught May, 20, 2002. (Photo: weakfish – 06050005)
While fly fishing the Rio Ebro in Spain, Rudi Heger, of Siegsdorf, Germany landed a Wels (Silurus glanis) using 8 kg (16 lb) tippet. It took him thirty five minutes to land and after weighing the 103 lb 13 oz (47.1 kg) fish, then photographing and documenting it, he released it. Heger could fill a vacant record in next years World Record Game Fishes book. (Photo: Wels — 06050066)
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Benefits are many; next Certified Observers training class set for July 15 at IGFA
Would you like to be a part of major billfish tournaments in some exotic locations? At events in the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Turks & Caicos, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, Bermuda, Mexico, the Bahamas and coastal U.S. destinations?
Those are just some of the places that certified observers from the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) are requested to be.
The IGFA will be holding its next IGFA Certified Observer Program (COP) Saturday, July 15, 2006 at 9 a.m. at the IGFA headquarters in Dania Beach, Fla., to train and certify experienced anglers, boat captains and crew members as observers for fishing tournaments held around the world. 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.
The full day training course includes a manual along with species ID video/CD and presentations by several experienced instructors. Potential IGFA observers are required to take a written exam (30-45 minutes) at the conclusion of the course.
This program is a benefit to tournaments by eliminating or reducing rule disputes that sometimes arise. Certified observers can often prevent inadvertent rule infractions before they occur. A growing number of big money and catch & release tournaments have committed to using IGFA Certified Observers for their tournaments.
The one day training program will begin at 9 a.m. with instructors covering the following topics:
• Species identification
• IGFA saltwater fishing rules & regulations
• Safety at sea
• Boating etiquette & professional conduct
“Certified observers enjoy great camaraderie when they observe at tournaments and receive tournament shirts, are housed together, and participate at tournament social events,†said Sedge.
(For the full story please see the IGFA web site www.igfa.org – home page: “Latest News†— Benefits are many for IGFA Certified Observers)
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IGFA’s weekly summer camps continue
The youngsters who have participated in the past have called the week-long angling and marine camps one of the “coolest†South Florida has to offer.
Registration continues for the remaining weekly day camps for children ages 8 – 13, being held this summer at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Fla., U.S.A.
The week-long camp sessions take place from May 30 to July 28, 2006.
Campers will explore the aquatic environment and participate in many fishing adventures and exciting activities. Camp hours are 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, check out the IGFA website at www.igfa.org/summercamp.asp. A maximum of 45 children are accepted per week.
Register can be made online at www.igfa.org/campform.asp, or by phone at (954) 924-4309 or email reservations@igfa.org .
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Calendar of future IGFA events:
Ongoing through July 28, 2006 — IGFA’s weekly Summer Camps, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA – This is the seventh year of the IGFA’s popular nine weekly camps held during the summer break for children ages 8 to 13. Campers will explore the aquatic environment and participate in many fishing adventures and exciting 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 online at www.igfa.org/campform.asp, by calling 954-924-4309 or via email at reservations@igfa.org.
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July 9 – 12, 2006 — Sixth Annual Rolex/IGFA Inshore Championship Tournament, Islamorada, Fla., USA — The winners of more than 55 IGFA qualifying tournaments held in 2005 on four continents are invited to compete in this three day all release championship. They are paired with a different premier Keys guide each day fishing for tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook and redfish using fly or light tackle equipment while vying for Rolex timepieces, prizes and the prestigious title. Contact: tournament coordinator Ms. Denise Hartman 954-927-2628 or DHartman@igfa.org; or Pete Johnson, Rolex/IGFA PR counsel at 480-951-3654 or johnsoncom@aol.com
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July 15, 2006— IGFA Certified Observer Program (COP) training class, at the IGFA headquarters in Dania Beach, Fla., USA, at 9 a.m. — The class trains and certifies 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 COP applications are available at the IGFA website www.igfa.org, and at the IGFA headquarters. For additional information, please contact Ms. Michelle Sedge at 954-924-4317 email: MSedge@igfa.org
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September 20 – 22, 2006 — Mediterranean Congress of Sea Game Fishing, Palma de Mallorca, Spain — Esteban Graupera, the IGFA Representative for Spain and President, Federacion Mediterranea Para Una Pesca Responsible, is organizing the First Mediterranean Congress of Sea Game Fishing. Among the objectives of the Congress will be to define the recreational fishing activity in the Mediterranean and determine relative economic, social and environmental policies; evaluate the applications of recreational fishing and how to apply them to sustainable tourism; responsible fishing and self regulation; socioeconomic monitoring; along with possible alternatives for the commercial fishing sector. Preceding the conference on September 19th, the IGFA will host a workshop and meeting for IGFA staff and representatives from Europe For more information email Graupera at e.g@mediterranea-fpr.org or go to http://www.mediterranea-fpr.org/principal.html.
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October 24, 2006 — Eighth annual IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, sponsored by Rolex, at the IGFA headquarters in Dania Beach, Fla., U.S.A. — Honorees are annually selected for their 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 2006 class and dinner. For reservation information please call Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222.
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January 26, 2007 — 23rd Annual IGFA International Auction & Banquet, The Breakers, Palm Beach, Fla., USA, — A wide range of more than 250 live and silent auction items are featured in the premier fundraising event of the year for the nonprofit, worldwide membership-supported conservation and record-keeping organization. For reservation information for the auction and banquet please call Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or via email LArico@igfa.org.
