HOT News from the IGFA - April 2008

IGFA School of Sportfishing adds seventh session this spring

Due to its popularity, the variety of appealing curriculums for local waters, the limited class sizes and expert instructors, the IGFA School of Sportfishing has added more classes to begin its seventh session in mid-April.

Held on Tuesday nights from 7 - 10 p.m., at the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame headquarters in Dania Beach, Fla., the classes feature many of the most popular subjects previously offered plus two new topics that participants have expressed strong interest in having added.

"We've always strived to give the customer the best experience possible so we took their suggestions and brought back the favorite classes," saidIGFA Adult Education Coordinator David Matagiese. "After going through these evaluations with program School of Sportfishing cofounder, Capt. Tony DiGiulian of Saltwater Professional Consulting, it was pretty clear that the customers were looking for a class to help them utilize their onboard electronics to become more efficient anglers. With today's technology, marine electronics are capable of giving anglers a huge advantage but many people can't access the full potential of what they paid for. This class will serve to teach customers how to easily manage their electronics and let their tools do the work for them."

Matagiese said the second new class debuting in this session is the "Tarpon, Redfish and Trout Tactics."

"This class will be a great supplement to the "Fishing for Trophy Snook" class and will provide each attendee with a whole new set of tactics for targeting these inshore species. Whether you're an experienced angler or a weekend warrior, these classes offer something for everyone."

Along with DiGiulian other popular captains instructing the classes are Mark Zaskey, Bouncer Smith and Drew Kettelhut

The dates, subjects and instructors for the eight classes will include:

• April 15 -- Four Fundamentals Every Sportfisherman Should Know-- Capt. Tony DiGiulian
• April 22 -- Fishing for Trophy Snook --Capt. Mark Zaskey
• April 29 -- Fishing Bimini and Cat Cay --Capt. Bouncer Smith
• May 6 -- Dolphin and Wahoo Secrets --Capt. Tony DiGiulian
• May 13 -- Successful Swordfishing--Capt. Drew Kettelhut
• May 20 -- Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs--Capt. Bouncer Smith
• May 27 -- Understanding Your Onboard Electronics --Instructor TBA
• June 3 -- Tarpon, Redfish and Trout Tactics--Instructor TBA

The cost is $100 for IGFA members and $150 for non-members per class and limited to the first 24 anglers to sign up.