2025 IGFA Tommy Gifford Awards Wrap-up

A Newport, Rhode Island native, Captain Billy Borer grew up fishing and hunting alongside his father. After studying in the University of Rhode Island’s commercial fishing program, Billy began his career running a 38-foot Hatteras out of Stuart, Florida. His adventurous spirit led him to join the El Zoro mothership operation, where he spent 12 years captaining the gamefish boat on expeditions across the globe. From the Red Sea and the Suez Canal to Brazil, the Canaries, and St. Thomas, Billy became known for his skill, adaptability, and dedication to his craft. He shared his knowledge freely with his crew, many of whom went on to successful careers in the fishing industry. Billy’s legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to mentorship and his ability to inspire the next generation of anglers.

Barry was born in Sydney, Australia, but grew up in Coffs Harbour. He developed a passion for fishing at a young age and was mentored by many older fishermen. He started fishing from the local pier where his dad worked, and progressed to targeting large pelagic species from the shore while casting lures. Lures then became an obsession. Barry's fishing obsession led him to Cairns in the mid-70s, where he worked at Bransford's Tackle Shop under the guidance of Jack Erskine. Whilst there, he met many famous anglers, captains, and crewmen, including George Bransford and Peter B. Wright. Peter became a good friend and skippered Barry for the capture of a black marlin on 4-lb fly tippet, one of the first marlin caught on this line size. Barry left Bransford's after eight years and became a professional guide, enabling him to pioneer topwater fishing for GTs with Japanese anglers. The Japanese dubbed him the "grand master" of GT fishing. Barry was widely featured in Japanese media and led IGFA-inspired conservation efforts for tagging and fish handling. From 1996 to 2009, Barry embarked on long-range live-aboard charters and widened his area of operation. His international adventures included Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Florida, Egypt, and Papua New Guinea. He has had the privilege of fishing with Lefty Kreh, John L. Morris, Al Lindner, Dave Csander, Billy Pate, Tony Weaver, Jody Ahearn, Charlie and Carey Owen, Rick Gaffney, Eizo Maruhashi, Shigeshi Tanaka, and Norio Tanabe, plus many others. Now 70 years old, Barry continues to share his knowledge and IGFA values with friends and inspire future generations to do the same.

For over 30 years, Captain Gene Grimes ran the Legend out of Southern California, earning a reputation as one of the foremost experts in swordfishing. Gene’s generosity and willingness to share his knowledge made him a mentor to many, helping countless anglers land their first swordfish. A skilled billfish angler, Gene also contributed to the broader angling community as both an innovator and record-setter. He and his wife, Susan, are both IGFA World Record holders, with Gene famously landing a 244-pound Pacific halibut on 8-lb line class. Gene’s dedication to the sport and his remarkable achievements were recognized by the San Diego Marlin Club, which named its prestigious Invitational Light Tackle Tournament in his honor.

A native of Kona, Hawaii, IGFA Captain Kevin Nakamaru’s fishing career began at the age of nine when he caught his first marlin. By his early twenties, Kevin was guiding for trophy trout in New Mexico and tying flies for his clients. His career eventually took him to Madeira, Portugal, where he captained the Pesca Grossa during its peak marlin seasons. While in Madeira, Kevin landed two Atlantic blue marlin weighing over 1,000 pounds, cementing his status as one of the top captains in the sport. Today, Kevin runs the legendary Northern Lights in Kona, where he continues to lead anglers to extraordinary catches. His passion for the sport and commitment to excellence have inspired anglers worldwide.