By Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications – IGFA PR Counsel
Tickets on hand for IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame induction Oct. 27
Tickets for the annual star-studded enshrinement ceremony and dinner honoring the 11th class into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame are still available. The event will be held Tuesday, October 27 at 6 p.m. at the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Fla. The public is invited.
Five talented men — Carlos Barrantes, Sr., Jack Erskine, Dr. Guy Harvey, Harlan Major and Stephen Sloan — all who have made significant contributions to the sport of recreational fishing, will be inducted as the class of 2009. The honorees are selected each year for the significant contributions made through angling achievements, literature, the arts, science, education, invention, communication or administration of fishery resources.
For ticket and reservation information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org
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IGFA School of Sportfishing kicks off again Nov. 3
The IGFA School of Sportfishing is getting ready to kick off Session 13 on November 3. The lineup of classes will be focusing on offshore species such as wahoo, marlin and sailfish with instructors to include Ronnie Hamlin, Bouncer Smith, and Karl Anderson.
The IGFA’s Jeff Mackin said updated information can be found at the school’s website at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp.
“Session 12 wrapped up in early October and was highly successful,” said Mackin. “Participants enjoyed a class lineup that covered different aspects of both inshore and offshore fishing including bottom, kite, and surf fishing. Participants also benefited from the School of Sportfishing’s partnership with Yo-Zuri, receiving free Crystal Minnow lures and spools of fluorocarbon in addition to the customary rod, lure, and tackle giveaways.
“Attendees can expect us to provide and continue improving on the finest series of fishing courses available,” he added.
The IGFA School of Sportfishing classes are held on Tuesday nights from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida and are limited to the first 24 anglers to sign up. .
For more information, please contact Mackin at 954.924.4340 or visit www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp. Anglers can also sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.
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2010 date set to honor 2009’s top anglers and manufacturers
The IGFA’s seventh annual World Record Achievement Awards (WRAA) celebration, presented by Mercury Marine has been set for April 10, 2010. The awards ceremony recognizes the men, women, juniors, and professional captains for the most world records in 2009 compiled from the Top 10 list to be published next January in the IGFA’s 2010 World Record Game Fishes book.
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 in Dania Beach, Florida.
For reservations and tickets for the ceremony please call Ms. Lesley Arico 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org.
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Exciting items continue to arrive for 26th IGFA Auction & Banquet
More exciting auction items continue to arrive each week for 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 and will feature
world-renowned Australian sculptor, Bodo Muche as the featured artist. Muche is creating a special sculpture for the auction.
“We expect to have a vast array of more than 200 silent and live auction items up for bid when 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 that will be up for bid:
SEVEN NIGHT FLY FISHING TRIP FOR TWO TO KAU TAPEN IN LODGE IN ARGENTINA! — In the heart of the Rio Grande – the best river for sea trout fly-fishing in the world includes lodging, all meals and drinks, the fishing program, license and guide. Donated by Nervous Waters, courtesy of Victoria Martorell. www.nervouswaters.com
FOUR DAY CRUISE FOR TWO IN FRENCH POLYNESIA! – Aboard the 110’ Haumana to Rangiroa, the largest atoll in French Polynesia, a ring of emerald islet, crystal-clear lagoons, secluded beaches and an unspoiled environment. Donated by Haumana Cruises, courtesy of Rani Chaves. www.tahiti-haumana-cruises.com
“MARLINS” BY WORLD-FAMOUS URUGUAYAN ARTIST, CARLOS PÁEZ VILARÓ! — This original is one of the first pieces created with billfish and is considered priceless. His colors are exquisite and the old master’s influence can be seen in his style. Also included is a coffee table book of his works from 1950 – 2007. Donated by Carlos Páez Vilaró. www.carlospaezvilaro.com
FISH ABOARD REEL BLUE IN THE SIMILAN ISLANDS! — This package is a three day/two-night full board charter on the Reel Blue, Wahoo’s Fishing Flagship and the most luxurious fishing charter vessel in Asia for up to four passengers, with three meals per day prepared by the on-board cook. Donated by Wahoo Big Game Fishing (Thailand) Co., Ltd., courtesy of James Neilson. www.wahoo.ws
LA SFIDA TROFEO M. DE NARDIS TOURNAMENT! — 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.
GOLDEN MAHSEER FISHING IN THE HIMALAYAS! — One of The Himalayan Outback’s classic sporting tours includes an incredible fly-fishing guided journey for two anglers for six days with four fishing days on the Western Ramganga River. Meals and single occupancy accommodations are included. Donated by The Himalayan Outback, courtesy of IGFA Representative Misty Dhillon and Mickey Sidhu. www.himalayanoutback.com
COSTA RICA FISHING AT THE ZANCUDO LODGE – This four-night/three-day trip for two persons includes three days of inshore and offshore fishing where over 60 IGFA World Records have been set. Located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica’s “Southern Zone”, Also included are fishing licenses, tackle, fly gear, meals at the lodge, open bar, internet access and more. Donated by The Zancudo Lodge, courtesy of Gregg Mufson. www.thezancudolodge.com
“Among other items is a Tahitian cruise, a photo safari at Zulu Nyala Game Lodge in South Africa, fishing trips to the Bahamas, to Los Suenos in Costa Rica, to the Tropic Star Lodge in Panama, along with cruises, artwork and more.”
Arico added that the highly anticipated online portion of the auction will kick off the first week of November and will be featured on the IGFA website www.igfa.org.
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. http://www.modmaker.co.uk/buy-ventolin-online/ 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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October Hot Catches
A brown trout caught in the United States and a largemouth bass caught in Japan top the list of pending world records for October as International Game Fish Association World Records Coordinator Rebecca Wright updates us with 10 recreational fish catches and photographs made from across the globe now before the world records committee. Fish caught in the countries of Italy, Norway, Columbia and the Bahamas are also featured this month.
Rockford, Michigan, USA angler, Tom Healy, guided by Tim Roller, landed a brown trout (Salmo Trutta) on Sept. 9 weighing 18.8 kg (41 lb 7 oz) for a pending IGFA All-tackle record. It took him 15 minutes to bring in using a Rapala Shad Rap while fishing the Manistee River in Michigan. The current IGFA record is 40 lb 4 oz (18.25 kg) pulled from Arkansas’ (USA) Little Red River. (Photo – brown trout – 33905)
Manabu Kurita, of Aichi, Japan, is awaiting official word regarding his possibly tying the current long-standing IGFA All-tackle record for catching a largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) on July 2, weighing 10.12 kg (22 lb 4 oz). It took Kurati three minutes to land using a bluegill for bait, while fishing Japan’s Lake Biwa. The current IGFA record established 77-years ago by Georgia’s George Perry is the same weight. (Photo – largemouth bass – 33805)
Miami, Fla., USA small fry angler Ashton Panter, Miami, Fla., USA, may be besting her previous record after landing a horse-eye jack (Caranx latus) on August 30. The fish weighed 6.35 kg (14 lb 0 oz) and was caught while fishing Bimini, Bahamas guided by Capt. Bouncer Smith. Her current IGFA female small fry record is 9 lb 8 oz (4.31 kg) The fish was released after documentation. (Photo – horse-eye jack – 33460)
Angler Maths Egonsson, of Mormm Blekinge, Sweden, guided by Der Karlson, may have walloped the current on men’s 10 kg (20 lb) tippet fly record after landing an Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) on July 22 while fishing Rost, Norway. Brought in after a 25 minute fight, the fish caught on a pike fly, weighed in at 20.45 kg (45 lb 1 oz). The current men’s IGFA tippet record is 2 lb 6 oz (1.1 kg) caught in Saltstraumen, Norway in 2003. (Photo – Atlantic cod – 33626)
Using live fish for bait, Czech Republic angler Jakub Vagner, of Pruhorice, landed a wels (Silurus glanis) on February 5, weighing 110kg (242 lb 8 oz) on All-tackle, in 40 minutes while fishing River Po, Italy. The current IGFA record is 233 lb 11 oz (106 kg) recorded from the River Mincio, Mantua Italy in 2006. Vagner released the fish after photographing and making written documentation. (Photo – wels – 33653)
On August 26 fly fisherman Bob Gaines, Irvine, Calif., USA, landed a sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in 10 minutes weighing in at 5.56 kg (12 lb 4 oz) while fishing the Kenai River, Alaska, USA. He caught it on 10 kg (20 lb) tippet, using a #6 sockeye orange fly. The current IGFA record is 12 lb 0 oz (5.44 kg). (Photo – sockeye salmon – 33806)
Angler Emiko Ihara, Chiba, Japan, landed a spotted parrotperch (Oplegnathus punctatus) August 2, weighing 2.9 kg (6 lb 6 oz) on 24 kg (50 lb) class line. She was using a sea urchin for bait while fishing Chichijima, Japan. If approved she’ll be the first to obtain the record for the recently added species to the women’s fly and line class records. Emiko released the fish after photos and written documentation. (Photo – spotted parrotperch – 33814)
Andrew Cieslik, of Homestead, Fla., USA fishing nearby North Biscayne Bay and using a pinfish for bait, landed a gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus) on Sept. 5, weighing 8.16 kg (18 lb 0 oz) with 10 kg (20 lb) class line. The current men’s IGFA line class record is 8 lb 1 oz (3.66 kg) recorded last summer in Panama City, Fla. (Photo – gray snapper – 33821).
Angler Capt. Jay Wright Jr., Hollywood, Fla., USA, landed a bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo) on September 5, weighing 10.21 kg (22 lb 8 oz) on 6 kg (12 lb) class line. Wright, an IGFA Lifetime Achievement award winner made the catch using crab for bait while fishing Sebastian, Florida, USA. It took him 10 minutes to land. The current men’s IGFA 12 lb line class record is 22 lb 0 oz (9.98 kg) caught two years ago off McClellanville,SC, USA. Jay released the shark after documenting. (Photo – bonnethead shark – 33895)
Fishing Columbia’s Rio Corcorna, Juan Marcos Tamayo, of Medellin, landed a potential IGFA All-Tackle dorada (Brycon moorei) on July 4, weighing 3.63 kg (8 lb 0 oz). Guided by Luis Eduardo Herrera he used a Booyah Spinner Bait and took 15 minutes to reel in the fish. The current IGFA All-tackle record is 6 lb 8 oz (2.94 kg) from the Rio La Miel in Columbia in 2003. (Photo – dorada – 33913)
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Guy Harvey art exhibit opens this month at IGFA
The highly acclaimed marine artworks of Dr. Guy Harvey will be featured this month at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum.
The celebration of his works will be presented in the IGFA’s Changing Gallery.
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.
With no formal art training but with a scientist’s eye for detail, he began sketching fish during his youth. Praise for the 119 illustrations in Guy’s 1983 doctoral thesis convinced him to put on a one-man show of his work, and within three years Harvey had become a full-time artist.
Guy has long been a vocal proponent of catch-and-release and generously donates artwork, time and funds for numerous institutions and conservation groups, including the Guy Harvey Research Institute established at Nova Southeastern University in 1999.
He shares his knowledge and art in books, TV shows, and DVDs. Harvey became an IGFA Representative in 1986 and has been a member of the IGFA Board of Trustees since 1993. In 2008 Dr. Harvey created the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation.
Harvey will be inducted into the 11th class of the IGFA’s Fishing Hall of Fame October 27. He and his family live in Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands.
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. —Also 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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“Ocean Today” an interactive kiosk now open in the Fish Gallery
The IGFA’s newest interactive exhibit the Ocean Today kiosk is gaining in popularity since its arrival at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum.
Located in the Fish Gallery, the kiosk was originally developed as a major installation in the Sant Ocean Hall at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, said IGFA Education Director David Matagiese.
“The exhibit receives real time data directly from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) helping to educate museum guests on topics such as the current state of the world’s fisheries stocks, endangered species, marine debris and more,” he said.
“As part of the development of the kiosk, the Smithsonian and NOAA have instituted an editorial review process to ensure content accuracy and timeliness.”
The kiosk enhances ocean literacy among museum goers through an enticing multi-media experience. A dynamic interface comprised of ocean imagery and video clips, invites visitors to explore several content themes. They include Ocean Science & Technology, Ocean News, Recent Discoveries, and Ocean Life.
For more information on the kiosk, please contact Matagiese at dmatagiese@igfa.org.
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“Oceans Five” Naples Gala set for December 10th
Looking for a break this holiday season? Then join the IGFA on Thursday, Dec. 10th in Naples, Florida, for the first of an annual “Oceans Five – Let’s Keep Them Alive” gala, an event supporting the IGFA’s Conservation and Education programs.
This new IGFA event will be hosted by International Committee Representative Roy Cronacher, along with his wife Jackie, and Kermit and Jenny Sutton. It will be held at the Port Royal Club in Naples with the cocktail hour beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Respected marine scientist, author and former IGFA Trustee Dr. Ellen Prager will be the special guest speaker presenting “Our Oceans – Our Future.” In addition, there will be dinner, dancing and a lively auction.
For more on the evening please visit www.igfa.org for a listing of nearby hotels and local IGFA Captains if your plans include plans world-class fishing.
Tickets start at $250 per person and sponsorships are available. Cocktail attire please. For more information or to RSVP (by November 30th), contact Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222, or email larico@igfa.org.
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IGFA Launches National Anglers’ Legacy Pledge Drive
The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) in Alexandria, Va., announced that the IGFA has joined a growing list of partners who support and promote the Anglers’ Legacy program. Anglers’ Legacy, a national mission from the Take Me Fishing campaign, encourages outdoor enthusiasts to introduce newcomers to boating and fishing. The IGFA is encouraging staff, members, online visitors and guests to the Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum to “Take the Pledge” and introduce at least one new person to the sport.
“The IGFA is a natural partner to spread the Anglers’ Legacy message to their network of professionals and avid boaters and anglers,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “Ambassadors generate critical funds for conservation when they buy fishing licenses, tackle and equipment. By working together, we can motivate a new generation to get outside, be active and pass on the legacy of our beloved sport.”
IGFA’s Pledge drive will be promoted through editorial coverage, Web banners on IGFA.org, and public service announcements in the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum. Visitors to the museum will also be encouraged to take the Anglers’ Legacy Pledge on-site. By engaging more than 100,000 members and visitors in this national Pledge drive, the IGFA expects to generate 20,000 Pledges over the coming year.
“Our vast network of IGFA Trustees, representatives and members have an incredibly broad reach and impact within the recreational fishing community,” said IGFA President Rob Kramer. “Accordingly, we are very excited about partnering with RBFF to perpetuate the sport, while encouraging the conservation of game fish and their habitat.”
Anglers’ Legacy has signed on more than 180,000 Ambassadors nationwide since its inception in May 2006. Based on a recent RBFF survey, Ambassadors purchase approximately $140 in fishing tackle and equipment, $153 in boating supplies and accessories, and more than three fishing licenses which support critical fish and wildlife management efforts through the Sport Fish Restoration Program.
The RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation’s aquatic natural resources. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing campaign and Anglers’ Legacy.
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“Did You Know?” – Interesting facts from the IGFA
This month the IGFA features some facts from affiliated partners in the marine and fishing communities including the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation
Boaters and anglers are significantly more satisfied with their marriages, relationships and friendships — and are more likely to have a close relationship with their children – than those who don’t boat or fish.
Boaters and anglers are more likely to recycle, carpool and donate money to environmental organizations than people who aren’t boaters and anglers.
Connecting with family is a primary reason for going fishing.
Source: RBFF online survey (2007)
The National Marine Manufacturers Association
Nearly one-third of U.S. adults went boating in 2006, up nearly two percent from the previous year.
Americans own approximately 18 million recreational boats.
Sales of new boats nationwide reached $15 billion in 2006, up from $14.7 billion in 2005 and $10.7 billion in 2004. A total of 912,300 boats were sold in 2006, a five percent increase from the number sold in 2005.
Source: 2006 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract (2007)
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
One in eight American adults – more than 30 million – fish, as do some eight million children ages six to 15. In 2006, they fished 517 million days and took 403 million trips.
Anglers pumped more than $42 billion dollars into the national economy in 2006. Of that total, nearly $18 billion was spent on travel-related expenses, with $6.3 billion going to food and lodging, and $5 billion to transportation costs.
Source: 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife-Associated Recreation (2007)
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IGFA accepting grant requests from schools for lab programs
Here’s some great news for schools interested in marine sciences. The IGFA 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 marine science programs for free, please contact Veronica Woods at 954.924.4309 or visit our grant request page at www.igfa.org/grants.asp.
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Calendar of upcoming IGFA events
October 27, 2009 — The 11th Annual IGFA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla., USA — This year’s event will celebrate all 75 members and the newest five inductees of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees will be Carlos Barrantes, Sr., Jack Erskine, Dr. Guy Harvey, Harlan Major and Stephen Sloan. The inductees are selected for the important contributions they have made to the sport of fishing through angling achievements, literature, the arts, science, education, invention, communication or administration of fishery resources. The evening includes a cocktail reception, silent auction, the induction ceremony for the 2009 class and dinner. Tickets are $200. For reservation information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org
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November 8 – 13, 2009 — IGFA Offshore World Championship, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – This 10th annual event is considered international fishing’s most prestigious billfish tournament hosting nearly 50 winning teams from 19 countries on six continents who have been invited after winning one of over 130 qualifying events held in 2008. It’s also the largest contingent of international teams to compete in a single catch-and-release fishing tournament world wide. For more 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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December 10, 2009 — “Oceans Five” Naples Gala, Port Royal Club, Naples, Fla., USA, beginning at 6:30 p.m. — The first of an annual “Oceans Five – Let’s Keep Them Alive” gala, supporting the IGFA’s conservation and education programs. Special guest speaker is respected marine scientist, author and former IGFA Trustee Dr. Ellen Prager, presenting “Our Oceans – Our Future.” In addition, there will be dinner, dancing and auction. Tickets start at $250 per person and sponsorships are available. For more information or to RSVP (by November 30th), contact Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222, or email 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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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.