IGFA Names Dennis Triana Recipient of the Master Angler Award

South Florida angler recognized for 194 IGFA World Records &
Gold Tier achievements across five IGFA World Record and Trophy Fish Club categories

October 27, 2026

Dania Beach, Fla. – The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) today announced Dennis Triana as a recipient of the IGFA Master Angler Award, the highest distinction available within the IGFA Master Angler Program. The IGFA Master Angler Award is reserved for anglers who achieve Gold Tier status in five or more of the program's seven categories, spanning IGFA World Records, Slams, and Trophy Fish Clubs. Triana is the fourth angler to earn the Master Angler Award, joining Dr. Martin Arostegui, Roberta G. Arostegui, and Arthur “Art” Weston.

"Dennis Triana has built one of the deepest record portfolios in the IGFA database, one catch at a time and with a mastery of IGFA Angling Rules,” said IGFA President Jason Schratwieser. “Setting records for 68 species takes persistence, planning, and a lot of time on the water. We’re proud to recognize his dedication to the sport with the IGFA Master Angler Award.” 

 

A South Florida resident, Triana has been a longtime participant in IGFA Angler Recognition programs. His pursuit of IGFA World Records has taken him to 13 countries, where he has set records for 68 different species. Remarkably, the majority of his record catches have been self-guided. In 2015, the IGFA honored Triana with the IGFA Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his record-setting accomplishments.

Triana has achieved Master Angler Gold Tier status across five categories: All-Tackle World Records, All-Tackle Length World Records, Line Class World Records, Tippet Class World Records, and Trophy Fish Clubs. His 194 IGFA World Records include 43 All-Tackle World Records, 73 All-Tackle Length World Records, 60 Line Class World Records, and 18 Tippet Class World Records. He has also completed 10 IGFA Trophy Fish Clubs, fulfilling the Gold Tier standard in that category. For these accomplishments, the IGFA is proud to name Dennis Triana as a recipient of the IGFA Master Angler Award. 

Formal recognition of IGFA Master Angler Award recipients will take place at the 43rd IGFA International Auction on January 23, 2027, at the Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. Additionally, this honor will be reflected on individual angler profiles in the IGFA database, in the annual IGFA World Record Game Fishes publication, and on the dedicated Master Angler Program webpage.

The IGFA Master Angler Program, launched in May 2026, introduces a tiered recognition framework spanning seven categories: All-Tackle World Records, Line Class World Records, Tippet Class World Records, All-Tackle Length World Records, Grand Slams, Royal Slams, and Trophy Fish Clubs with Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers within each. All prior eligible achievements count toward program standing.

For more information about the IGFA Master Angler Program, including full tier requirements and category details, visit https://igfa.org/igfa-master-angler-program/