HOT News from the IGFA

October 2006

By Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications – IGFA PR Counsel

One is called “Kid’s Catches,” a photo page just for young anglers who want to share their fishing pictures and stories with the rest of the Junior Anglers around the world.

            The photos don’t have to be of a world record fish, just clear and sharp with a short piece of information on the youngster and his or her catch. The IGFA will pick some favorite pictures for the web page and some of them will also be included in upcoming issues of the International Junior Angler.

            To see what’s already been posted of some kids and their catches please go to http://www.igfa.org/kidscatches.asp

            If you have a photo you’d like to submit simply e-mail your pictures and stories to Peter Gaube at pgaube@igfa.org  in the Junior Angler Department.

Fish forum also now on IGFA web site            

            The IGFA has also introduced a new fish forum to its web site.  Also known as a forum board, the brand new IGFA “talk fish forum” offers technology that’s user friendly with contributors sharing pictures, questions and comments.

            The new web site features four main areas of forum topics.

• “General discussion” is open for everyone who is interested in fishing, conservation, and the many activities in which the IGFA is involved.
• “Certified Observers Program” is open for discussions by Certified Observers only. You must login as a COP member to proceed.
• “Ask Finny!” is dedicated to Junior Anglers!
• “International Representatives” gives an arena for discussions by the IGFA’s International Representatives only. You must login as a Rep to proceed.

            “It’s a great step towards creating an avid online community of fishermen related to the IGFA and fishing issues,” said Gustavo Rivera, the IGFA’s IT coordinator and webmaster.  “Please check it out and join into the discussions.”

            The site can be found at http://www.igfa.org/forum/default.asp .

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Mediterranean Sea region hosts talks on future of angling

            The challenges faced by the many stakeholders sharing the resources of the Mediterranean Sea was the motivation behind the First Mediterranean Congress of Salt Water Recreational Angling, organized by IGFA Representative Esteban Graupera in Palma de Mallorca, Spain September 20-22.

            The Mediterranean has been fished by numerous countries over several millennia, and a number of fish stocks have been over exploited.  Compelling data illustrating the dire situation of blue fin tuna stocks and what is currently being done to manage them was presented by representatives from the Mediterranean division of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and Dr. Barbara Block from the U.S. Tuna Research and Conservation Center at the Hopkins Marine Station at Stanford University in California.

            “Overall, there was a consensus that recreational fishing needs better representation in government and fisheries management,” said Emily Collins the IGFA’s International Committee Coordinator who attended the conference. “There were also universal concerns about current regulations and the lack of compliance with some commercial fisheries, which has led to the near collapse of several regional fisheries.”

            Sponsored by Graupera’s Federación Mediterránea Para Una Pesca Responsable (Mediterranean Federation for Responsible Fishing), the European Union, the Spanish Government and the Government of the Balearic Islands, the conference also featured many speakers from Mediterranean countries, as well as IGFA Representatives from Croatia, France, Italy and the US. 

            IGFA President Rob Kramer gave a presentation that highlighted threats and challenges to recreational anglers.  He also offered potential solutions in the form of better communication, cooperation and enhanced fisheries and socioeconomic data gathering through recreational fishing licensing.  IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser’s presentation focused on communication gaps that often exist between recreational anglers and fisheries managers and how involving anglers in cooperative fisheries research can lead to more effective fisheries management.

            Several of IGFA’s International Committee members gave presentations about the status of recreational fishing in their respective Mediterranean countries. 

            Pierre Affre, the IGFA’s representative from France presented a historical account of fishing offshore in France and the subsequent demise of catching large fish while Paolo Sala, of Italy, and Tomislav Segedin, of Croatia, spoke about the recreational fishing challenges in their countries. William (Bill) Boyce, an IGFA Representative for California, gave a stunning slide presentation that presented the story behind the building of Los Sueños in Costa Rica and how developing a sustainable catch-and-release recreational fishery can benefit anglers, fish and the local economy.

            “The Mediterranean currently faces a unique situation from a geographical and cultural perspective,” said Ms. Collins. “International cooperation and fisheries management is critical.  Aggressive measures may be necessary in order to curtail over fishing and rebuild depleted stocks.  These challenges are great; however this conference was a critical first step in addressing and fixing these problems.  Indeed, the fate of the Mediterranean’s recreational fisheries may rest with recreational anglers themselves.  Hopefully the insight gained from this conference will serve to help empower recreational anglers to work together and with government and fisheries management to restore some of the world’s oldest recreational and commercial fisheries.”

            For more information please contact Ms. Collins at ECollins@igfa.org or 954-924-4227.

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IGFA Launches Prestigious Donor Societies

            The International Game Fish Association has announced the inception of three prestigious annual Donor Societies.

            “Involvement in this prestigious group reflects a shared belief in the importance of the IGFA’s role in the conservation of game fish and the promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices through science, education, rule making and record keeping,” said IGFA’s Lynda Wilson.

            The three Societies are:

• Commodore’s Society ($10,000)
• Chairman’s Society ($5,000)
• President’s Society ($1,000)

            Each Society has its own benefits and privileges and they are tax deductible to the extent provided by state and federal laws.

            Contributions from the IGFA’s Donor Societies will be used to fund the IGFA’s conservation and education programs. For more information or a brochure please call Lynda Wilson at 800-442-4665 or visit www.igfa.org and view the story on the IGFA’s Donor Societies on the home page of the web site.

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Houston IGFA Fundraiser a Rousing Success

            With the help of some devoted Houston, Texas area IGFA anglers and conservationists, more youngsters will learn to be responsible anglers.

            At the fifth annual Texas IGFA Banquet and Auction held in late September the participants raised over $20,000 for the IGFA’s Junior Angler program.

            Hosted by IGFA Trustee Pam Basco, the fundraiser featured a dinner, silent and live auctions, raffles and more throughout the evening. 

            “Houston’s fishing community really came out to support the IGFA’s Junior Angler Program and we are grateful for their generosity,” said IGFA Philanthropy Director Eric Combast.

            He noted that since 1997, the Junior Angler program has introduced more than 150,000 boys and girls to fishing and further encouraged youth participation in angling by recognizing over 700 world records in 31 countries.

            During the evening two gentlemen, both IGFA Fishing Hall of Famers were honored.  Alfred C. Glassell Jr. who is also an IGFA trustee, received special recognition for his outstanding commitment to game fish conservation. Former IGFA Trustee Walter Fondren was also honored.

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Two international sites added to COP Class schedules

            Besides the three training class dates set in the U.S. for this fall and winter, two popular fishing resort locales in Costa Rica and Mexico have been added to the IGFA’s Certified Observer Program (COP) training schedule.

            The Costa Rica class is planned for November 11 at the Los Suenos Resort while Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is the site for the January 15, 2007 seminar. The on-site location for Mexico will be announced soon.

            “The purpose of the IGFA’s COP is to provide tournaments with a pool of qualified witnesses to monitor the observance of rules and fishing practices,” said Michele Sedge, the IGFA’s COP coordinator  “Most significantly, the COP classes teach observers about billfish identification, thus reducing or eliminating the need for fish to be brought back to dock for official scoring.”

            “The idea behind the class in Mexico is to train the captains and the mates among and beyond the large number of the fleet located in Cabo that fish the Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship Tournament and many other tournaments.

            “Costa Rica is an ecological wonderland of tropical forests, national parks and abundant wildlife. Nestled on the warm Pacific waters, Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort sits on a 1,100 acre rainforest featuring magnificent colonial architecture and capturing the region’s natural splendor.

            “Costa Rica‘s waters literally teem with big game like dorado averaging 40 pounds, yellowfin tuna that push the 300-pound mark and one of the largest concentrations of big Pacific sailfish found anywhere,” she said. “In fact, Costa Rica boasts one of the healthiest billfish fisheries in the world, with 20-fish days being a common occurrence. Unusually calm waters and short rides to the fishing grounds cement the country’s place at the top of the big game fishing destinations.”

            Since its start in 2002, the IGFA’s COP has trained 862 observers and has held 24 classes in five states, two US territories and three foreign countries. 

            Sedge said the number of tournaments using Certified Observers has more than doubled from seven in 2003 to 19 scheduled for 2006. 

            “As a result, tournaments that were historically ‘kill tournaments’ are now beginning to alter their formats by switching to ‘all release’ or by instituting release categories,” said Sedge.  “For example, both the Bahamas and Bermuda leg of the Bermuda Triangle Tournament will be utilizing a release format with IGFA Certified Observers.  These will be the first tournaments in both countries to utilize Certified Observers.  Thus, it is evident that more Certified Observers need to be trained nationally and internationally to continue the spread of release format billfish tournaments.”

            For more information please contact Ms. Sedge at MSedge@igfa.org or 954-924-4317.

 Upcoming IGFA Certified Observer Program classes:

October 25, 2006 – IGFA Headquarters, Dania Beach, Fla. U.S.A.

November 11, 2006 – Los Sueños, Costa Rica

December 2, 2006 – West Palm Beach Fishing Club, West Palm Beach, Fla, U.S.A.

January 15, 2007 – (TBA), Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

February 18, 2007 – Miami Boat Show, Miami, Fla. U.S.A.

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IGFA Museum news

            October is a “spook-tacular” time and the IGFA is getting into the “spirit” by featuring a “haunted” Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum

            Beginning Saturday, Oct. 21 through Tuesday, October 31^st the museum will feature a haunting theme.

            Youngsters wearing their costumes while visiting the museum on October 28, 30 and 31 will be admitted free.

            The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. those three days.

            For more information please call the IGFA headquarters at 954-926-2728.

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Pending World Records

            Throughout the year the IGFA’s World Records Department processes hundreds of applications from across the globe for a wide range of fishing records.  Here are highlights of 10 recent catches that are now before the world records committee:

Hoping to set a personal goal of catching 20 records as a smallfry, 10 year old Heather Michelle Harkavy, of Coral Springs, Fla., U.S.A., landed a 14.96 kg (33 lb 0 oz) permit (Trachinotus falcatus) along with a 4.76 kg  (10 lb 8 oz) goliath grouper (Epinephilus itijara) in the Florida Keys to complete her goal.  The current female small fry Jr. angler record for a permit is 28 lb 8 oz caught August 15. 2000, in Bimini in the Bahamas. If the goliath grouper is approved, Miss Harkavy will fill a currently vacant category. (Photo: permit – 06090008)

Veronica Ceri, of  Prato-po, Italy, landed a dentex ( Dentex dentex) weighing 9.50 kg (20 lb 15 oz) on 10 kg (20 lb) class line fishing Porto Potondo, Sardinia, Italy and using calamar for bait. The current record she’s hoping to beat is 15 lb 3 oz recorded November 14, 1999 in the Canary Islands.  (Photo: dentex – 06090014)

Rebecca Reynolds-Wright, of Hollywood, Florida, U.S.A., landed a whaler shark (Carcharinus spp.) weighing 5.55 kg (12 lb 4 oz) in 15 minutes fishing Big Pine Key, in the Florida Keys.  She used 1 kg (2 lb) class line and is hoping to beat her own current record of 5 lb 4 oz set Feb. 22, 2004 in Flamingo, Fla. (Photo: whaler shark – 06090017)

Monica Oswald, Neptune, New Jersey, USA landed a weakfish ( Cynoscion regalis) weighing 8.19 kg (18 lb 1 oz) in 20 minutes using a mullet for bait, fishing Asbury Park, New Jersey. The current women’s 06 kg (12 lb) line class record is 14 lb 11 oz caught June 1, 1989 in Delaware Bay, New Jersey   (Photo: weakfish – 06090030)

Eight year old Jordan Tan, of Papua, New Guinea, landed a 5.4 kg (11 lb 4 oz) Papuan black snapper (Lutjanus goldei) in two minutes while trolling Galley Reach, Papua, New Guinea. The youngster is up for two potential records; a 03 kg (6 lb) line class and a male smallfry both presently vacant. (Photo: Papuan black snapper – 06090032)

Luis Ceia, Faro, Portugal, landed a meagre (Argyrosomus regius) weighing 2.94 kg (5 lb 13 oz) in ten minutes while reef fishing with a live mackerel at Vila Real, Santo Antonio, Portugal. He’s submitted an application for a 4 kg (8 lb) line class record. Luis already holds the record for a meagre caught on 8 kg (16 lb) line of 26 lb 14 oz recorded in July 2005. (Photo: meagre – 06090034)

A potential new all-tackle record is pending for Hideki Nakai, Hokkaido, Japan who landed a Bering wolffish (Anarhichas orientalis) weighing 12.3 kg (27 lb 1 oz).  It took Nakai, who was jigging near Uotoro, Hokkaiso, five minutes to land the fish. (Photo: Bering wolffish – 06090036)

South Africa’s Derrick Snyman, of Gauteng, hopes to fill a vacant fly fishing record after landing a sharptooth catfish (Clarias garienpinus) weighing 6.4 kg (14 lb 1 oz) on 2 kg (4 lb) tippet using a dees carp crawler. Fishing Hartebeespoort, South Africa, it took Synman 48 minutes to land the toothy fighter. (Photo: sharptooth catfish – 06090048)

From Australia Scott Coutts, of Karratha, landed an ox-eye tarpon (Megalops cyprinoids) weighing 1.70 kg (3 lb 11 oz) in ten minutes fishing Dam Pier Harbor, Australia. He hopes to also land the presently vacant IGFA record for the catch. (Photo: ox-eye tarpon – 06090066)

Fly-fishing for Artic char Ilya Scherbovich of Moscow, Russia, landed the species (Salvelinus alpinus) in 27 minutes weighing 3.4 kg (7 lb 7 oz) on 1 kg (2 lb) tippet while fishing Mamoth River, Taymyr, Russia. Scherbovich has the potential of breaking the 23 year old record of 6 lb 12 oz recorded Sept. 1, 1983 in Labrador, Canada. (Photo: Artic char – 06090072)

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Calendar of future IGFA events

October 24, 2006 — Eighth Annual IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies, sponsored by Rolex, at the IGFA headquarters in Dania Beach, Fla., USA,– Honorees are selected annually 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 2006 class of inductees includes John W. Anderson II, Charles Alma Baker, Bill Dance, Hidenori Onishi and Milton C. Shedd. 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 or via email LArico@igfa.org.

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October 25, 2006 — IGFA Certified Observer Program (COP) training class, 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. 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 Ms. Michele Sedge at 954-924-4317 email: MSedge@igfa.org

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November 11, 2006 — IGFA Certified Observer Program (COP) training class, Los Sueños, Costa Rica 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. 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 Ms. Michele Sedge at 954-924-4317 email: MSedge@igfa.org

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December 2, 2006 — IGFA Certified Observer Program (COP) training class at the West Palm Beach Fishing Club, on the corner of 5th Street and North Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, Fla., USA, at 9 a.m. -– The COP 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. 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 Ms. Michele Sedge at 954-924-4317 email: MSedge@igfa.org.

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January 15, 2007  – — IGFA Certified Observer Program (COP) training class, at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 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. 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 Ms. Michele Sedge at 954-924-4317 email: MSedge@igfa.org .

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January 26, 2007 — 23 rd 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.

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February 18, 2007— IGFA Certified Observer Program (COP) training class, Miami Boat Show, Miami Convention Center, Miami 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. 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 Ms. Michele Sedge at 954-924-4317 email: MSedge@igfa.org.

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April 2 – 6, 2007 — IGFA Junior Angler Spring Break Camp, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. — The IGFA is offering up to 40 youngsters from the ages of 8 to 13, a day camp during the spring break featuring exciting aquatic activities such as: daily fishing tournaments, fishing techniques, wetlands exploration, shark ecology, boat rides, and dissections. Children registered for a full week will receive a discounted rate and a Junior Angler membership. Pre-registration is required. Registration is available by calling the IGFA education department at (954) 924-4309 or email reservations@igfa.org.

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May 20 – 25, 2007 — Eighth annual Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship Tournament, Cabo San Lucas , Mexico. – International fishing’s most prestigious billfish tournament hosts more than 60 winning teams from nearly 40 countries on six continents who have qualified by winning one of 115 IGFA sanctioned events held in 2006. This tournament is the largest contingent of international teams to compete in a single catch-and-release fishing tournament world wide. Contact IGFA tournament coordinator Ms.Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or larico@igfa.org or media information from Rolex/IGFA PR counsel Pete Johnson at 480-951-3654 or johnsoncom@aol.com

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June 4 – Aug 8, 2007 — IGFA’s nine weekly Summer Camps begin, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA – This is the eighth 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 marine life 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 by calling the IGFA education department at (954) 924-4309 or via email at reservations@igfa.org.

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July 8 – 11, 2007 — Seventh annual Rolex/IGFA Inshore Championship Tournament, Islamorada , Fla. , USA – It’s the “super bowl” of light tackle and fly fishing where the winners of over 50 IGFA qualifying tournaments held on four continents in 2006 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 media information from Pete Johnson, Rolex/IGFA PR counsel at 480-951-3654 or johnsoncom@aol.com