IGFA Reschedules Tommy Gifford Awards Ceremony

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) announced today that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization would once again postpone the 2020 IGFA Tommy Gifford Awards Ceremony, which had been rescheduled for March 2021.

Originally scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2020, the event was then postposed to March 26, 2021. However, due to continued concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic, and to ensure the recipients receive the appropriate recognition, IGFA staff and the IGFA Legendary Captains & Crew Committee decided to postpone the event until October 28, 2021, during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The event is scheduled to take place at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach.

“It is certainly not ideal to have to postpone this event again, but I don’t see any other option at this time,” said IGFA President Jason Schratwieser. “We need to make sure we can give these legends of our sport the recognition and event they deserve, in a safe and fun environment.”

The 2020 IGFA Tommy Gifford Award recipients are Captain Bobby Brown, Captain Alan Card, Captain OB O’Bryan, Captain Tom Jones, and Bonefish Guide Ansil Saunders. 

“It’s still too early to have the caliber of celebration that these captains and crew deserve,” added Captain Skip Smith, IGFA Legendary Captains & Crew Chairman. “But we look forward to honoring them this coming October during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.” 

Named in honor of Captain Tommy Gifford, one of the greatest saltwater charter skippers of all time, the Tommy Gifford Award celebrates those captains, guides or crew that have provided leadership in their trade and have earned the respect of their peers, thus making a meaningful contribution to the sport of angling.

For more information, please contact IGFA Event Coordinator Michelle Andersen at [email protected] or 954-924-4315.