IGFA Names Arthur "Art" Weston as Third Recipient of Prestigious Master Angler Award

Light tackle specialist recognized for remarkable angling achievements across five
IGFA World Record and Trophy Fish Club categories

June 11, 2026

Dania Beach, Fla. –  The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) today announced Arthur “Art” Weston 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. Weston is the third angler to earn the Master Angler Award, following Dr. Martin Arostegui and Roberta G. Arostegui, who were named the program's first recipients in May 2026.

"Art Weston is one of the most accomplished light tackle anglers in the sport," said IGFA President Jason Schratwieser. "Consistently setting light tackle records and fishing by IGFA Angling Rules takes real skill and patience, and Art has been doing it for more than a decade. We’re proud to recognize his dedication to the sport with the IGFA Master Angler Award.”

 

Art Weston's interest in fishing took root during his childhood in Illinois, USA, where he learned the sport alongside his family. His path crossed with the IGFA in 2012 during a trip to Uruguay with IGFA Representative Patrick Brown, where he landed a golden dorado for his first IGFA World Record. That catch began a focused pursuit of light tackle angling that has resulted in 93 IGFA World Records, including the All-Tackle World Record alligator gar, a 128.37-kilogram (283-pound) fish landed on 6-pound test in 2023, which stands among the most memorable light tackle catches in IGFA history. In 2024, he was recognized with the IGFA Bob Herder Light Tackle Award in recognition of his remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport.

Art Weston 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. Since 2012, he has set 93 IGFA World Records, including 13 All-Tackle World Records, 16 All-Tackle Length World Records, 55 Line Class World Records, and nine Tippet Class World Records. He has also completed nine IGFA Trophy Fish Clubs, fulfilling the Gold Tier standard in that category. For these accomplishments, the IGFA is proud to name Art Weston 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.

Additional Master Angler Award recipients will be announced as qualifying anglers are confirmed.

For more information about the IGFA Master Angler Program, including full tier requirements and category details, visit this webpage.

Media Contact: IGFA Marketing Manager, Shelby Stephenson  |   [email protected]  |  (954) 414-9952