Casting a Wide Net

Writing "Living Legends of Big Game Fishing"

By Patrick Mansell

Patrick Mansell is the author of two volumes of “Living Legends of Big Game Fishing”, seven books in “The Bimini Twist Adventures” series, and five books in “The Bouncer Smith Chronicles” series. He is a fishing enthusiast and conservation advocate based in South Florida. In writing “Living Legends of Big Game Fishing,” Mansell says that it was never just about collecting big fish stories; rather, it has always been about honoring lifetimes spent on the water and preserving the legacy of the men and women who helped shape the past, present, and future of sportfishing. He tells the stories of pioneers, record breakers, conservationists, tournament legends, and unsung heroes — people who have made sportfishing a way of life and a force for good.

"The journey to capture their voices, experiences and values was part research expedition, part oral history project, and part tribute. Along the way, I encountered logistical challenges, emotional conversations and moments of awe. What emerged was a tapestry of character, courage, innovation, and stewardship."

Below, explore excerpts of Patrick's book that feature those who have etched their names in history through IGFA World Records, induction into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, honored with the Tommy Gifford Award and the Chester H. Wolfe Outstanding Sportsmanship Award.

IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Honorees: Legends Among Legends

To be inducted into the IGFA Hall of Fame is the highest honor in our sport and this book features five of these extraordinary individuals. Each one has left an indelible mark on sportfishing’s global story.

Dr. Martin Arostegui – The Quiet Record Breaker

There is only one person who has caught more than 400 IGFA world records, but Dr. Marty Arostegui isn’t one to brag. A retired physician and soft-spoken gentleman, Marty embodies the spirit of strategic, ethical angling. He has fished all over the world, quite often with fly, pursuing many of the common species, but also species that many anglers would not know about and would not know how to catch. Marty’s contribution to the book is not just about numbers; it’s about dedication. Marty teaches that the pursuit of records can coexist beautifully with the pursuit of conservation.

Deborah Dunaway – Extraordinary Record Holder

Deborah Dunaway’s story includes adventures aboard the legendary Madam & Hooker mothership operation, numerous IGFA billfish records, and a pioneering role in proving that women could not only compete but could dominate in offshore sportfishing. She proved that passion and precision know no gender. Her Royal Billfish Slam of world records has never been and may never be matched. She held world records in nine species of billfish, all at the same time, and is considered by many to be the greatest female offshore angler in history. 

Joan Vernon – The Trailblazing Diplomat of Conservation

Joan’s influence reaches far beyond the cockpit. As founder of the Presidential Challenge Conservation Series and officer or director of numerous sportfishing organizations, Joan has combined international sportfishing tourism with ocean advocacy in ways no others could. She pioneered the use of circle hooks in Central America, helped shape conservation policy across borders, and is a past Chair of The Billfish Foundation. She is unique in her ability to balance diplomacy with determination, all while being the consummate lady of the sea.

Tim Choate – Architect of Influence

A titan of conservation advocacy, Tim Choate has left an enduring mark through vision and action. As a founding board member of The Billfish Foundation, his leadership helped shape the organization’s mission of responsible sportfishing and scientific collaboration. Tim joined the board of Wild Oceans in the 1980s and served as Chairman from 2011 to 2022. Under his leadership, that organization became a national voice advocating for ecosystem-based fisheries management, focusing on the protection of apex predators such as billfish, tunas, swordfish, and sharks, along with their critical marine habitats.

Nick Smith - Precision. Passion. Perfection.

Few anglers have influenced saltwater fly fishing as profoundly as Nick Smith surpassing over 12,000 lifetime billfish catches. Over six decades, the South Florida native has pursued billfish around the globe, surpassing 10,000 lifetime catches — including more than 6,000 billfish on fly under IGFA rules, with totals exceeding 3,200 sailfish, 3,100 striped marlin, and over 500 blue marlin.

A passionate conservationist, Nick releases every fish he catches. His use of barbless hooks and slider rigs minimizes injury and sets the standard for ethical big-game angling. His records include 38 sailfish, 18 blue marlin (twice), and over 50 (five times) striped marlin on fly in single days. Known for his pursuit of blue marlin, the ultimate fly-rod challenge, he once raised 103 in a day aboard Old Reliable, releasing 18. His innovation and mastery earned him the IGFA Bob Herder Light Tackle Award and induction into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame.