2018 Angling Recognition Awards

Recipients of these angling recognition awards include Sally Kurz, Jason Schall, Tom Pfleger, and Mark Davis.

Outstanding accomplishments in the field of light and heavy tackle angling, sportsmanship, and IGFA member acquisition were recently honored at the 34th Annual IGFA International Auction & Banquet.

an image of Mark Davis at the Angling Awards — *Mark Davis and IGFA President Nehl Horton*

Mark Davis Accepts the Gil Keech Heavy Tackle Award

IGFA Gil Keech Heavy-Tackle Award winner Mark Davis has achieved more Billfish Royal Slams than any other angler. He has caught all the world’s billfish species an incredible eleven times over.

In addition to this feat, Davis has released blue marlin and bluefin tuna estimated at over 1,000 pounds. Davis’ boat, the 39’ Sea Genie II, is the top tag-and-release blue marlin and spearfish boat in the Pacific.

Despite all these achievements, his most valued accomplishment has been introducing his family to the joys of big game fishing and leading each of them to accomplish their own Billfish Royal Slams.

an image of Bill Shedd at the Angling Awards — *Bill Shedd and IGFA President Nehl Horton*

Bill Shedd Accepts the Bob Herder Light Tackle Award on behalf of Tom Pfleger

IGFA Bob Herder Light-Tackle Award winner Tom Pfleger’s first IGFA world record came in 1988 when he caught a 15-pound Pacific cubera snapper on 12-pound line. Since then, Pfleger has set 19 world records on light tackle and fly gear.

His most recent record came in 2017 with a 130 pound, 1-ounce Pacific bluefin tuna on 12-pound line. Some of his other noteworthy records include a 42 pound, 13-ounce white seabass on 4-pound line, a 172 pound, 8-ounce Pacific bluefin tuna on 20-pound line, and a 22 pound, 3-ounce albacore on an 8-pound fly tippet.

an image of the 2018 Angling Recognition Awards — *Sally Kurz accepts the award for IGFA Membership Incentive.*

Sally Kurz Accepts the IGFA Membership Incentive Award

IGFA Representatives are ambassadors who promote angling, IGFA standards and recruit new IGFA members in their communities. Sally Kurz, who proudly represents California, led recruitment in 2017 by attracting 38 new IGFA members who will help the organization continue its mission of angling stewardship and conservation.

IGFA REP Jason Schall — *Jason Schall accepts his award.*

Jason Schall Accepts the Chester H. Wolfe Outstanding Sportsmanship Award

IGFA Chester H. Wolfe Outstanding Sportsmanship Award winner Jason Schall first received the honor in 2014. Since then, Schall became an IGFA Representative for South Carolina and has taken on the voluntary role of “Certified Fishing Instructor” for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

He travels the state promoting angling and conservation, hosts fishing clinics and tournaments, and shares his passion for fishing with a new generation of anglers.