Coming in January: Fishing’s most valued reference book
It’s been described as “the most comprehensive piece of fishing information available anywhere,” a statement made often by serious fishermen and fishing writers alike.
The IGFA’s 2010 World Record Game Fishes annual — the reference book that’s a mainstay in recreational fishing — continues its legacy as the most reliable and complete resource book of worldwide fishing records and a wide range of fishing-related reference materials. Plus it includes in-depth and entertaining features by top writers.
IGFA members will begin receiving their 408 page edition in mid-January as one of the many benefits of joining the IGFA.
The popular annual is the official guide to saltwater and freshwater catches for over 1100 species around the world in the all-tackle category and nearly 400 species in line class, fly, and junior angler record categories.
To receive your copy of 2010 World Record Game Fishes, go to www.igfa.org and sign up to become a member of the IGFA today.
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No decision yet on possible record bass caught in Japan
The IGFA is still waiting additional information before making a decision for world record recognition on a 22 lb 4 oz largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), caught by Manabu Kurita, 32, of Aichi, Japan, from that country’s largest lake July 2.
IGFA conservation director Jason Schratwieser said the World All-Tackle application is still under review after it was received in mid-September through the Japan Game Fish Association (JGFA).
“We’ve been corresponding with the angler via our sister organization, the JGFA,” said Schratwieser.
Besides being a non-profit fisheries, education and conservation organization, the 70- year old IGFA has long been the world’s recognized record-keeping body for over 1100 salt and fresh water recreational fish species.
Schratwieser said the bass weighing 10.12 kg (22 lb 4 oz) was pulled from Lake Biwa an ancient reservoir northeast of Kyoto. Photos and video were also submitted with Kurita’s written documentation.
If approved Kurita’s fish would tie the current record held for over 77 years by George Perry caught on Georgia’s Montgomery Lake, June 2, 1932, near Jacksonville, Georgia.
In North America the largemouth bass, and especially the All-Tackle record, is considered by millions of anglers as the “holy grail” of freshwater fish because of its popularity and the longevity of Perry’s record.
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Brisk online bidding continues as part of IGFA annual fundraiser
The bidding has been vigorous for nearly 200 items in the IGFA’s popular online auction at www.igfa.org running in conjunction with the 26th Annual IGFA International Auction & Banquet Friday, January 29, 2010.
The online portion of the auction began Nov. 5th and ends at 9 a.m. EST on January 25. Lesley Arico of the IGFA said all bids are in U.S. dollars. Bid raises must be at least $5 increments.
“The highest bid on each item will be the starting bid at our silent auction the night of the event at The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida on January 29,” said Arico. “Typically 20 to 25% of the online bids have been the winning bids for the past five years.”
She said bids will not be accepted without a valid credit card number, expiration date, name, address, email and contact number. All online winners will be notified by 5 p.m. on February 1, 2010 and are responsible for shipping charges. The IGFA reserves the right to amend the description of an item or withdraw any item from the online auction prior to the end of the auction. Bids may be withdrawn on any item where the description or offering has been changed by IGFA.
For additional details on a particular item please contact Arico at 954-924-4222 or email: larico@igfa.org
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More great items highlighted for 26th IGFA Auction & Banquet
More exciting auction items are up for bid in the 26th Annual IGFA Auction & Banquet, slated for Friday, January 29, 2010.
The event is the non-profit IGFA’s biggest fundraising event of the year.
“We’ll have an array of nearly 200 silent and live auction items in all price ranges up for bid as the evening unfolds at 6 p.m. at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla.,” said the IGFA’s Lesley Arico.
She highlighted a few of the most recent items added:
ONE VERSATILE FISHING MACHINE, THE MAKO 18 LTS is designed for fishing freshwater lakes or saltwater flats, providing a smooth, dry ride, rugged versatility and an extremely stable fishing platform usually unavailable on boats of this size. With this one-of-a-kind skiff, anglers have plenty of options while fishing. For sight casting, generous bow and stern platforms make great vantage points. And for those who prefer to stalk their fish through extremely shallow water, you can get the optional poling platform, push pole and holders. This light tackle, multi-species 18’ 6” skiff offers plenty of versatility and room for all the gear needed. There are four storage compartments, stainless steel rod holders for as many as 10 rods and an 18-gallon console live well which can also be used as a bait well. It was the 2009 Winner of the Outstanding Fishing Craft up to 24’ at the Miami International Boat Show and the 2009 Outstanding Design in Saltwater Fishboats Design Award from Trailer Boats Magazine. This package has an Ice Blue hull and is complete with a Mercury ELPTO two-stroke motor, hydraulic steering, hydraulic jack plate and Pro Air recirculation. Donated by Bass Pro Shops and Mako Boats, courtesy of Johnny Morris. www.mako-boats.com
FISHING VACATION ON ISLA PARIDA IN PANAMA! A four-night/three-day fishing vacation for two at Propiedad de Paradise in Panama with Pacific Ocean view, a private beach, AC, washer/dryer, flat screen TV, gourmet meals, and pickup at the David Airport, transfer to the boat and 1-2 hour trip to the island of Isla Parida. Also includes one day of world-class offshore fishing for your choice of marlin, tuna or wahoo with Coast Guard-certified captains at the famous Hannibal Bank and Isla Montuosa and then one day of inshore fishing for roosterfish, cubera and snapper. Donated by Propiedad de Paradise, courtesy of Nancy Reagan. www.fishpanamatoday.com
A HANDCRAFTED AND WELDED ALUMINUM BROADBILL AND WELDED ALUMINUM BROADBILL SWORDFISH SCULPTURE created by Australian metal sculptor, Nic Jooste. This piece is approximately 44” long by 26” tall and is a head and shoulder mount. Nic uses basic metal forming techniques and this piece is an absolute unique one-of-a-kind item. Donated by Nic Jooste. www.metalfish.com.au
TEAM ENTRIES TO THE LA SFIDA TROFEO M. DE NARDIS TOURNAMENT IN ITALY! — Two team entries to fish in the La Sfida Trofeo M. de Nardis tournament September 10 – 12 in San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy. It’s one of the most prestigious bluefin tuna tournament held in Italy and is a qualifying event for the IGFA Offshore World Championship. This package includes registration fee for two teams (four anglers per team), two boats for the two days of tournament fishing and social events. Donated by Tournament Director Giacomo Forti and IGFA Representative Massimo Brogna.
Arico said, “Other global adventures include fly fishing trips such as seven days in Argentina and another for six days in the Himalayas. There’s a Tahitian cruise, a French Polynesia cruise, a photo safari at Zulu Nyala Game Lodge in South Africa, fishing trips to the Bahamas, to Los Suenos and the Zancudo Lodge both in Costa Rica, to the Tropic Star Lodge in Panama, along with more cruises, guided fishing trips, artwork and sculptures and more.
“And we have world-renowned Australian sculptor, Bodo Muche as the featured artist who will be creating a special sculpture for the auction.
For more details on all of the items please go to the IGFA home page at www.igfa.org. Tickets are $200 per person and include the silent auction, Conservation Awards, dinner and live auction and free valet parking. Corporate tables for 10 are also available for $5000 which includes VIP placement, table favors, an ad in the auction program and more.
For reservations, additional information or to make a donation to the auction please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org
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December Hot Catches
International Game Fish Association World Records Coordinator Rebecca Wright updates us with several recreational fish catches and photographs made from across the globe in Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the United States now before the world records committee:
Tauranga, New Zealand angler Katherine Randup, guided by Trent Boult, landed a Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) on August 21, weighing 281kg (619 lb 7 oz) on 60 kg (130 lb) class line. It took her 33 minutes to wrestle it to the boat while fishing in New Zealand’s legendary Hokitika Trench, located west of the South Island. Randup was using hoki for bait a popular and abundant deep water fish for which the Hokitaka Trench is named. She could be the first woman to achieve the IGFA women’s line class record species which was added to the IGFA World Record Game Fishes book this past spring. (Photo: Pacific bluefin tuna – 34120)
Fly fishing Canada’s Coppermine River, on August 11, Australian angler Frank Bluch, of Corio Victoria, landed an Arctic char, (Salvelinus alpinus) weighing 3.52 kg (7 lb 12 oz) on 1 kg (2 lb) tippet. He used an orange sparkle bugger as his fly and took 18 minutes to gently land the fish. The current IGFA record is 6 lb 12 oz caught in Basset Brook, Labrador Canada in 1983. Bluch released the fish after documenting and photographing. (Photo: Arctic char – 34127)
Angler James B. Wise M.D., of Oklahoma City, Okla., USA, guided by Javier Santoro, landed a sorubim (Pseudoplatystoma spp.) on October 10, weighing 44.03 kg (97 lb 1 oz) on 37 kg (80 lb) class line after a 32 minute fight. He was fishing the Rio Parana in Itati, Argentina using a Cucu trolling lure. The current IGFA line class record is an 18 lb specie caught in 2007 on the Kabalebo River in Suriname. Wise released the fish after photographing and documenting. (Photo: sorubim – 34419)
Angler Masakazu Taniwaki, Sanbu-Gun, Chiba, Japan, may wallop the current IGFA All-Tackle record for an Asian yellowtail (Seriola lalandi aureovitta) he caught while fishing near Ohara, Japan. Guided by Toru Yamaguchi, Taniwaki landed the fish on October 24, weighing 49.5 kg (109 lb 2 oz) in 12 minutes using original pencil bait. The current IGFA record is 61 lb 8 oz caught in 2000 along the Japan’s Gun-kan Bank. (Photo: Asian yellowtail – 34436)
Maureen Klause, of Ocean City, NJ, USA, guided by Richard D. Wheeler, landed a striped bass (Morone saxatilis) on November 17 weighing 10.66 kg (23 lb 8 oz) on 1 kg (2 lb) class line, while fishing New Jersey’s Delaware Bay, USA. Using bunker chunk for bait she finessed the fish for 45 minutes with the ultra thin line before landing it. The current IGFA women’s 2 lb line class record is 17 lb 8 oz caught this summer in Shinnecock, New York. (Photo: striped bass – 34445)
Junior Australian angler Nicole Lund, of Springfield, Queensland, guided by Darryl Lund, landed a king threadfin (Polydactylus macrochir) on November 7, weighing 8.76 kg (19 lb 4 oz). She was fishing Australia’s Brisbane River, using a live gar fish for bait and took eight minutes to land the fish. The IGFA female junior record is currently vacant. (Photo: king threadin – 34447)
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IGFA is site of next Observer Training Class in February
The IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum will be the site of the next IGFA Observer Training class to be presented on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 9 a.m.
The class instructs experienced anglers, boat captains and crew members as observers for fishing tournaments held across the globe.
The course includes species identification, IGFA saltwater fishing rules and tackle regulations, safety at sea and boating etiquette. The IGFA OTC applications are available at the IGFA website http://www.igfa.org/PDF/COP_Application2008.pdf.
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. Please contact IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser at 954-924-4320 email: jschratwieser@igfa.org for additional information.
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Guy Harvey’s early works now showing at the IGFA
The highly acclaimed early marine artworks of Dr. Guy Harvey are now being shown at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum presented in its Changing Gallery exhibition room.
In over three decades of professional painting and marine photography Guy Harvey has made a name for himself as not only an internationally renowned marine and sports fishing artist but also as a marine biologist, conservationist, explorer, diver, scientist, videographer, author, philanthropist, TV host, merchandiser, restaurateur and angler.
As a young boy, Guy Harvey was entranced by Ernest Hemingway’s story The Old Man and the Sea. In the early 1970’s, with no formal art training but with a scientist’s eye for detail, Guy began sketching his favorite parts. These sketches comprised Guy’s first art show in 1985. This rarely-viewed complete series of 59 pen-and-ink drawings, from the private collection of Cheryl and Dave Copham, is on display through March, 2010. Also featured are the photos of Bill Boyce and sculptures of Kent Ullberg.
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—Also now at the IGFA Museum—
Exciting sport fishing photo exhibit extended through March
The works of some of today’s hottest marine photographers are featured in an exhibit in the Art Gallery of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum,
The popular exhibit features more than 70 images — from Pat Ford, Adrian Gray, Scott Kerrigan, Charlie Levine, Dave McCleaf, Al McGlashan, Ron Modra and Sam Root – and is now on display through March 2010.
Museum visitors can 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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Holiday Sale at the IGFA; Closed on Christmas
The IGFA is hosting a Holiday Sale for members from now through Thursday, Dec. 31. Members receive 20% off at the Museum Store or online at http://store.igfa.org/.
The IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum will be closed on Christmas Day Dec. 25, Please check museum website for additional information or please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at JTomlin@igfa.org.
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Dates set for 2010 FKO/IGFA Inshore World Championship
They’re among the “best of the best,” as nearly 40 top men and women fly and light tackle “sight-casting” fishing champions from across the world are being invited to compete in the 10th annual Florida Keys Outfitters / IGFA Inshore World Championship set for July 13 – 15 at Islamorada in the Florida Keys.
Invitations for 2010 have been sent to the winners of 42 qualifying fishing tournaments held in 2009 in the U.S., Trinidad & Tobago, Sweden, Belize, the Bahamas and Australia.
Anglers and the media have described the three day all-release championship event as the “super bowl of inshore fishing.” All five of the targeted species — bonefish, tarpon, permit, redfish and snook — can be readily found in the unique Florida Bay fishery centrally located in Islamorada near mile marker 82 in the Florida Keys. Fishing and scoring takes place from the World Wide Sportsman’s Bayside Marina. The Islander Resort is the event’s headquarters.
In 2009 Sandy Moret, owner of Florida Keys Outfitters, began managing the event which was founded in 2001 by the International Game Fish Association. The partnership has allowed the IGFA to focus on its core mission of conservation, angler education, rules and record keeping.
Recognizing the different skills, techniques and expertise required to being a master of either light tackle angling or fly fishing, the FKO/IGFA Inshore World Championship awards equally coveted titles to the Inshore Light Tackle World Champion and the Inshore Fly Fishing World Champion. Anglers are invited to fish light tackle or fly based on the type of tournament which they have qualified.
At the 2009 tournament this past summer Jared Raskob, of Key Largo, Fla., guided by Capt. Dave Borras won the inshore fly title while Mike Gallops, Naples, Fla. guided by Capt. Larry Sydnor won the light tackle crown.
Reviewing the 2009 championship, tournament director Sandy Moret said, “The anglers and guides wholeheartedly embraced our new light tackle/fly tackle concept and the new format of competitors drawing to pair with a premier Keys guide all three days. This allowed the anglers and guides to develop a rhythm and work together more effectively as a team. We’ve already heard from many of the invitees who are looking ahead to next summer and being involved in one of the major competitions of the year.”
The IGFA remains the inshore championships’ sole nonprofit benefactor. A fundraiser and auction for the IGFA will be held at the event.
In 2009 the championship partnered with ESPN Outdoors and its televised Saltwater Series and is being made into a show. The fishing exploits of Raskob, Gallops and the other tournament contenders will air on ESPN’s Outdoors’ Saltwater Series kicking off the second quarter of televised programming in April. Moret said discussions are in progress to continue with ESPN in 2010 and future tournaments as well.
Tournament sponsors, supporters and products for 2010 include Bacardi, The Islander Resort, King Sailfish Mounts, Stiffy Push Poles, World Wide Sportsman, Islamorada Fish Co., Bayside Marina, Rich Products Corp, Vineyard Vines, Mercury, Tibor Reels, Kaenon Sunglasses, Sage Rods, Patagonia, Green Turtle Inn, Cortland Line Company, and Nautilus Reels.
For more information on the FKO/IGFA Inshore World Championship and qualifying tournaments for the years 2010 and 2011 please contact Moret at 305-664-5423 or via e-mail at info@floridakeysoutfitters.com or visit inshoreworldchampionships.com.
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IGFA to honor 2009’s top anglers and manufacturers in April
The IGFA’s seventh annual World Record Achievement Awards (WRAA) celebration, presented by Mercury Marine is set for April 10, 2010, recognizing men, women and junior anglers and professional captains for the most world records in 2009.
The records were compiled from the Top 10 list in the IGFA’s 2010 World Record Game Fishes book coming out in January.
Along with the anglers and guides, 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 2009.
The ceremony will be held at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida. For reservations and tickets for the ceremony please call Ms. Lesley Arico 954-924-4222 or email: larico@igfa.org .
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IGFA accepting grant requests from schools for lab programs
Do you know of a school that’s interested in the marine sciences?
If so the IGFA has some great news. The IGFA’s Education and Outreach Program is currently accepting grant requests for school groups in grades K-12 to participate in their hands-on lab programs.
Funds are available for groups to participate in the lab programs in two ways. Either on-site at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida or the IGFA Education Team can come to your classroom to host many of the educational lab programs at your school. Priority for funding is given to Title-I schools. Programs are available from Monday – Friday during school hours and require a minimum of 20 participants.
For more information on how your school group can participate in these IGFA marine science programs for free, please contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4309 or email her at vwoods@igfa.org .
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Calendar of upcoming IGFA events
Now through January 25, 2010 – On line auction leading up to 26th Annual IGFA Auction & Banquet at The Breakers, Jan. 29, in Palm Beach, Fla., USA, This always popular feature of the IGFA’s biggest fundraising event is now active on the IGFA website www.igfa.org. Bidding began on November 5th and ends at 9 a.m. EST on January 25, 2010 for nearly 200 silent and live auction items. The highest bid on each online item will be the starting bid at the silent auction January 29th the night of the event. Typically 20 – 25% of the online bidding have been the winning bids for the past five years. Auction donations include a special bronze sculpture from this year’s featured artist, world-renowned Australian sculptor, Bodo Muche. There are also fishing trips to Los Suenos Costa Rica, Tropic Star Lodge in Panama, the Bahamas, cruises, artwork and more. Tickets for the Jan. 29th gala are $200 per person and include the silent auction, Conservation Awards, dinner and live auction and free valet parking. Corporate tables for 10 are also available for $5000 which includes VIP placement, table favors, an ad in the auction program and more. To make a donation to the auction or for reservations and additional information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org.
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January 29, 2010 — 26th Annual IGFA Auction & Banquet at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla., USA, beginning at 6 p.m. — It’s the IGFA’s biggest fundraising event of the year with more than 200 silent and live auction items up for bid. Donations are already arriving, including the special bronze sculpture from this year’s featured artist, world-renowned Australian sculptor, Bodo Muche. There are also trips to Los Suenos, Tropic Star Lodge, the Bahamas, cruises, artwork and more. The auction will be featured on the IGFA website www.igfa.org beginning the first week of November. Tickets are $200 per person and included the silent auction, Conservation Awards, dinner and live auction and free valet parking. Corporate tables for 10 are also available for $5000 which includes VIP placement, table favors, an ad in the auction program and more. To make a donation to the auction or for reservations and additional information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org.
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February 13, 2010 — IGFA Observer Training Class, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA — 9 a.m. – The class trains experienced anglers, boat captains and crew members as observers for fishing tournaments held around the world. The course includes species identification, IGFA saltwater fishing rules & regulations, safety at sea and boating etiquette. Pre-registration is required. The IGFA OTC applications are available at the IGFA website http://www.igfa.org/PDF/COP_Application2008.pdf . 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 email: jschratwieser@igfa.org.
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April 10, 2010 — Seventh Annual IGFA World Record Achievements Awards and Banquet, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. — This celebration dinner and awards ceremony highlights the 2009 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 9 – 14, 2010 — IGFA Offshore World Championship, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – This 11th annual event is considered international fishing’s most prestigious billfish tournament hosting winning teams from countries on six continents who have been invited after winning one of over 120 qualifying events held in 2009. It’s also the largest contingent of international teams to compete in a single catch-and-release fishing tournament world wide. For more on the tournament or about registering a tournament as a qualifier, contact Lynda Wilson at Lynda.Wilson@Bonniercorp.com or via phone at 407-571-4517, or contact Dan Jacobs, Tournament Director at Dan.Jacobs@Bonniercorp.com or call 407-571-4680.
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July 13 – 15, 2010 – 10th 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 nearly 40 qualifying tournaments around the world held in 2009 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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