HOT News from the IGFA - August 2008

IGFA School of Sportfishing announces fall classes

The IGFA has announced its newest School of Sportfishing fall series of classes to begin in late August and will run through mid-October.

This is the eighth session for the popular School.

Launched in 2006 by the IGFA in association with Saltwater Professional Consulting and Captain Tony DiGiulian, the Tuesday night classes run from 7 – 10 p.m., and are taught at the IGFA Intl. Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum.

Limited to a class size of 24 anglers the IGFA School of Sportfishing offers a unique experience for anglers who want to obtain the skills, information and techniques necessary to maximize their overall success on the water. Each course includes printed materials along with the equipment and hands-on instruction where anglers have a chance to interact and learn from professional fishermen who they would usually only read about in fishing magazines or see on television.

“Not only are these anglers and captains some of the best fishermen in each respective discipline, they are also willing and able to share their knowledge with you,” said IGFA Education Director David Matagiese.

Matagiese outlined the subjects and dates of the next eight classes:

• “Understanding Your Onboard Electronics” taught by Capt. Karl Anderson, August 26
• “Fishing For Trophy Snook” with Capt. Mark Zaskey, Sept. 2
• “Four Fundamentals Every Sportfisherman Should Know” taught by Capt. Tony DiGiulian, Sept. 9
• “The Basics of Rigging and Trolling Artificial Lures” with instructor Capt. Josh Brown, Sept. 16.
• “All About Live Bait” taught by Capt. Shawn Fairbanks, Sept. 23.
• “Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs” instructed by Capt. Bouncer Smith, Sept. 30
• “Conquering Sailfish” with teacher Capt. Bouncer Smith, Oct. 7
• “Targeting Largemouth and Peacock Bass” with Capt Alan Zaremba, Oct. 14

“We introduced our first “onboard electronics class” last May and the attendees got loads of information so we’re including this very informative class with electronics guru, Capt. Karl Anderson of Marlin Magazine as the instructor,” said Matagiese. “With the technological advances today’s onboard electronics go through, anglers are looking to stay on the cutting edge and make their electronics work for them. This class gives participants that ability to get hands-on instruction from an industry leader.”

For the first time the IGFA is offering a class specifically for the freshwater angler entitled “targeting largemouth and peacock bass.”

“There’s been an overwhelming response to hold a bass class and South Florida bass fishing legend Capt Alan Zaremba, who’s led anglers to many impressive catches as a professional guide over 20 years, is the ideal instructor for it. His insatiable desire to target these fish has taken him all over the world and he has been featured on numerous fishing shows.”

The six other classes offered are among the most requested by participants.

The cost is $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 each for non-members.

For more details visit the website at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp to assess which courses are appropriate for specific skill levels. You may also sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp. Or contact Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or via e-mail at dmatagiese@igfa.org, or Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or via e-mail at reservations@igfa.org .