HOT News from the IGFA - March 2008

World-class anglers, guides and manufacturers to be honored at IGFA’s Fifth Annual World Record Achievement Awards

Anglers, guides and manufacturers from around the world will be honored at the IGFA’s Fifth Annual World Record Achievement Awards (WRAA) celebration, April 12.

The ceremony will be held at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Florida. The event recognizes the 2007 records by men, women, juniors, and professional captains for the most world records compiled from the Top 10 list recently published in the IGFA’s 2008 World Record Game Fishes book.

Tackle, lure and line manufacturers will also be honored based on the number of computer printouts of the 495 anglers using their products in setting the new records in 2007.

Lifetime Achievement Awards to two

Highlighting this year's ceremony will be lifetime achievement award presentations to Captain Jay Wright Jr., Hollywood, Fla., USA, and Jean-Francois Helias, of Bangkok, Thailand.

Wright has established over 200 world records, both as a guide and angler. The third generation Miami native specializes in light tackle angling and generously shares his extensive fishing knowledge by lecturing, guiding and teaching anglers the basics of fishing both conventional and fly. He’s won numerous tournaments and has placed in the top three for both fresh and saltwater Captains since the inception of the WRAA in 2004.

Helias is a guide, an IGFA Representative of Thailand and freelance fishing writer.  He’s been featured in numerous magazines promoting and educating anglers of Thai species and was also featured on National Geographic channel's Hooked, Monster Fish. Raised in France, Helias relocated to Thailand in 1986 with the goal of putting the country on the map as one of the world's premier freshwater fishing destinations plus helping to promote catch and release.

Top Anglers to be honored

Among the top anglers to be honored will be Ms. Jodie L. Johnson, Peterborough, N.H. USA, who recorded the most records among anglers with 28 for the Overall Female Angler of the year. All were caught on fly.

In addition Dr. Martin Arostegui Coral Gables, Fla., USA, will receive the Overall Male Angler of the year with 22 records, 18 of them on fly. The retired physician gained world wide fame for being the first angler to reach the 200 world records plateau.
Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m. with dinner and awards program at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the WRAA are $50.00 and include a barbecue dinner.  Weekend seminars are free.

For more information or to reserve a ticket, contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4309 or reservations@igfa.org .