HOT News from the IGFA - May 2008

Calendar of future IGFA events

Now through September 2008 – Sharkwater, award-winning feature length film and exhibition, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA – Extended through September due to popular demand, the much acclaimed 90-minute documentary film, winner of 19 international awards, is being shown four times daily on Saturdays at 10:15 a.m., noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. and Sunday's at noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. On weekdays it's shown at 3:30 p.m. An interactive and educational exhibition based around shark conservation is also featured in the Museum's Changing Gallery. Monthly lectures featuring local and national shark experts are also scheduled. The IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame is located at 300 Gulf Stream Way, off I-95 in Dania Beach next to Bass Pro Shops. The hall is open daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free to IGFA members. Guest fees are $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and children ages 3 - 16. For more information phone the IGFA at 954-924-4370.

May 10, 2008 -- Boaters Safety Course, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA.– 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. This free all day course is taught by the Law Enforcement division of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and meets the mandatory boating safety education requirements for the State of Florida. It's comprised of a six chapter review and a final exam. The class is limited to 16 people with advance registration. For more information and to register, please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at JTomlin@igfa.org.

May 10, 2008 -- Special Anglers Tournament, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA -- 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The IGFA and Make A Difference host a free fishing tournament dedicated to physically and/or mentally disabled children only.  Activities include fishing, virtual fishing tournaments, fish printing and face painting. Each participant receives many gifts including their own rod and reel, a tackle box and much more.  A light breakfast and lunch is also provided.  Reservations are required. For more information contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or email to vwoods@igfa.org.

May 11 - 16, 2008 – 2008 IGFA Offshore World Championship, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – It's international fishing's most prestigious billfish tournament hosting over 60 winning teams from 27 countries on five continents who have been invited after winning one of over 130 IGFA qualifying events held in 2007. This ninth annual tournament hosts the largest contingent of international teams to compete in a single catch-and-release fishing tournament world wide. Contact IGFA tournament coordinator Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org or for media information IGFA PR counsel Pete Johnson at 480-951-3654 or johnsoncom@aol.com .

May 13, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; "Successful Swordfishing," IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. From tackle to location, find out everything you need to know to make your next swordfish trip a huge success with hands-on squid rigging and inside information from Capt. Drew Kettelhut one of Fort Lauderdale's best swordfishermen. This class is limited to only 24 anglers, letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 per class for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials and fishing equipment relevant to each topic. For more details go to the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or reservations@igfa.org

May 17, 2008 – IGFA Summer Camp Open House, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. 10 a.m. – noon. This event gives parents and their youngsters ages 8 to 13 a chance to experience exciting activities during the IGFA's nine weekly Summer Camps which begin June 9 to Aug 15, 2008. For more information, please call 954-924-4309, email reservations@igfa.org, or visit www.igfa.org/camps.asp.

May 20, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; "Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs," IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. If you have ever had a slow day trolling and wished for some serious rod bending action, then this is the class for you. Techniques for snapper and grouper are just some of what you will learn from Capt. Bouncer Smith, one of the greatest fishermen of our generation. Limited to 24 anglers, the class features hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 per class for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials and fishing equipment relevant to each topic. For more details go to the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or reservations@igfa.org

May 27, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; "Understanding your Onboard Electronics" -- IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. With the advent of today's technology, marine electronics are capable of giving anglers a huge advantage while on the water but many people can't access the full potential of what they paid for. Limited to 24 anglers, this new class features hands-on instruction letting students learn how to easily manage their electronics and let their tools do the work for them. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 per class for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials and fishing equipment relevant to each topic. For more details go to the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or reservations@igfa.org

June 1 – 30, 2008 -- BAMM (Broward Attractions and Museum Month) During the month of June anyone with a membership in the IGFA or one the 20 participating museums and attractions in Broward County will be able to use that for reciprocal benefits in all. The theme for the month is "Join one, experience them all." Each institution will define exactly what benefits will be eligible but at the very least it will be free admission at same member level. The IGFA will honor admission as well as 10% off in the gift shop. For more information please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at JTomlin@igfa.org. Additional information can be found on the BAMM web site at www.bamminfo.com

June 3, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; "Tarpon, Redfish and Trout Tactics" -- IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Find out what it takes to successfully target these highly sought after inshore species. Limited to only 24 anglers, this new class instructed by Captain Shawn Fairbanks features hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 per class for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials and fishing equipment relevant to each topic. For more details go to the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or reservations@igfa.org

June 9 -- Aug 15, 2008 -- IGFA's nine weekly Summer Camps begin, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA – This is the ninth 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.

June 29 – July 2, 2008 -- Eighth annual IGFA Inshore World Championship, Islamorada, Fla., USA – Called by anglers and the media the "super bowl" of light tackle and fly fishing, invitations are sent to the winners of over 50 IGFA qualifying tournaments held on four continents in 2007 to compete in this three day all-release championship. From a drawing the qualifiers are paired with a different premier Keys guide each day fishing for tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook and redfish using fly or light tackle equipment. Thefive major award categories will include: Grand Champion (the angler who accumulates the most points for all five targeted species); runner-up grand champion and first places in the fly, artificial lure and bait casting divisions. There are also trophies and merchandise for second and third place divisional winners in the three categories as well as the top three guides. Contact: IGFA IWC tournament coordinator Denise Hartman 954-924-4243 or DHartman@igfa.org or for media information Pete Johnson, IGFA PR counsel at 480-951-3654 or johnsoncom@aol.com

July 17, 2008 -- Second Annual Fish N Chips Casino party, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. This event benefits the Florida Marlins Community Foundation. For more information please go to www.Florida.marlins.mlb.com.

July 19, 2008 -- IGFA Observer Training Class – IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. -- 9 a.m. – The class trains 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 OTC 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 Jason Schratwieser at 954-924-4320 or via email: jschratwieser@igfa.org.

August 2, 2008 -- Boaters Safety Course, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. – 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This free all day course is taught by the Law Enforcement division of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and meets the mandatory boating safety education requirements for the State of Florida. It's comprised of a six chapter review and a final exam. The class is limited to 16 people with advance registration. For more information and to register, please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at JTomlin@igfa.org.

October 25, 2008 -- The 10th Annual IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA -- This year's event will be the highlight of a weekend-long (Friday, Oct. 24 – Sunday, Oct. 26) celebration in honor of all 70 members and the newest five inductees of the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame. This year's inductees include Henry Chee, Dr. Roy Dean, Jimmy Houston, Kay Rybovich and Karl Wickstrom. They were 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 2008 class and dinner. Tickets are $200. For reservation information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org

November 8, 2008 -- Boaters Safety Course, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. – 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This free all day course is taught by the Law Enforcement division of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and meets the mandatory boating safety education requirements for the State of Florida. It's comprised of a six chapter review and a final exam. The class is limited to 16 people with advance registration. For more information and to register, please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at JTomlin@igfa.org.

November 10 – 13, 2008 – The Fifth World Recreational Fishing Conference, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA --Representatives from around the globe will be hosted by the IGFA at an international forum for the recreational fishing community. The conference will target the tackle industry, angling tourism and include representatives from non governmental organizations and fisheries science and management. Topics will include historical and recent trends in participation, emerging fisheries, recreational fisheries science and management, socioeconomics, and catch and release. For information on the conference or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.worldrecfish.org or contact IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser at 954-924-4320 or jschratwieser@igfa.org