IGFA Clubs & Youth Angling Education

 

IGFA Fishing Clubs have played an integral role in expanding and implementing the IGFA’s Passports to Fishing program, bringing angling education to various communities around the world.

Early in 2023, IGFA Passports to Fishing events occurred at IGFA Fishing Clubs in Africa, Central America & Caribbean, and Europe, with the Fédération Mauritanienne de Pêche Sportive in Mauritania, Club Nautico de Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, Cayman Islands Angling Club in Grand Cayman, APS Tomic Club in Romania, and the Big Game Fishing Club of France. Through these four events, more than 400 youth were taught how to fish and be responsible stewards of the environment through the IGFA Passports to Fishing program.

Passports to Fishing events continued to expand as the year progressed, specifically in Asia, Central America, and the Europe & Mediterranean region. Leading the way were the Bluefin: Fishing Academy in Egypt, the Milkfish Lady Club in Malaysia, Club de Pesca del Caribe in Honduras, and the Fédération Monégasque de Pêche Sportif in Monaco. Through the efforts of these clubs and others, nearly 500 youth were taught to fish during the months of March – July.

Earlier this month, IGFA staff members Zack Bellapigna and Nick DeGennaro, traveled to Guatemala where they worked alongside Club Nautico de Guatemala to host another Passports to Fishing event. The event was a resounding success, with over 40 children and their accompanying family members completing the Passports to Fishing stations and enjoying great fishing from the docks at Marina Pez Vala and on board the charter fleet that fishes out of the marina. Members of the local fishing community turned out to help, including members of Club Nautico de Guatemala, representatives from Pacific Fins Resort and Casa Vieja Lodge, employees from the National Sport Fishing Association, and local charter captains and mates. In addition to the youth angling education event, Zack also gave a presentation on IGFA Angling Rules to Club Nautico de Guatemala members and local captains and mates, rounding out a very fishy and educational trip in this beautiful country.

 

IGFA Fishing Clubs are not finished for 2023 as more events are scheduled throughout the remainder of 2023. Looking ahead, the Coastal Bend Guides Association and Captain Rod Spivey will be assisting the IGFA Education team with a surf fishing clinic at Padre Island National Seashore for National Public Lands Day on the Gulf Coast of Texas, US.

The IGFA is very grateful to have an engaged international network of members, representatives, captains, and fishing clubs who are dedicated to carrying out the mission and vision of the IGFA, and supporting us in our global effort of educating future generations of ethical and conservation-minded anglers.

Lastly, thank you to the following program supporters: