In Memoriam: Michael J. Levitt | Former IGFA Chairman and Fishing Hall of Famer

 

 

The International Game Fish Association mourns the passing of IGFA Trustee Emeritus and Fishing Hall of Famer Michael J. Levitt, a visionary businessman, pioneering angler, philanthropist, and one of the most influential figures in the history of recreational fishing. Throughout his remarkable life, Mike left an enduring legacy through his achievements on the water, his innovations in sportfishing, and his unwavering commitment to the conservation and advancement of the sport he loved.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mike moved with his family to Atlantic City, New Jersey, at the age of eight. A gifted athlete and scholar, he graduated second in his class from Pennsylvania Military Prep School before attending Dickinson College, where he pursued pre-law studies. An early experience working in his father's real estate business sparked an entrepreneurial drive that would shape the rest of his life. Together with business partner Jack Soble, Mike built a successful real estate development company that eventually merged with US Homes, then the nation's leading homebuilder. After helping guide that organization, Mike departed to establish The Michaels Organization, which over the next five decades grew into the largest owner of affordable housing in the United States and became one of the nation's most respected housing companies.

While building his business empire, Mike developed an equally profound passion for fishing. Long before Cairns, Australia, became recognized as one of the world's premier destinations for giant black marlin, Mike was among the pioneering anglers who helped showcase the fishery's extraordinary potential. In October 1977, he landed his first "grander" black marlin and later that same month released another estimated to weigh more than 1,200 pounds.

Mike was also one of the early champions of light-tackle angling. Drawn to the challenge of pursuing massive fish on delicate line, he pushed the boundaries of the sport and earned 15 IGFA World Records, four of which still stand today. Two of those records rank among the most impressive ever recognized by Sport Fishing magazine's "Top 100 Saltwater Records of All Time," including his legendary 737-pound, 7-ounce black marlin caught on 20-pound line class tackle—a feat that remains one of the most extraordinary demonstrations of angling skill in the sport's history.

His pursuit of excellence extended beyond the rod and reel. Recognizing the importance of exceptional boats and crews, Mike financed and led the design of a series of custom sportfishing vessels known as the Jersey Devil. These boats combined comfort, innovation, and maneuverability in ways that influenced future generations of large sportfishing yachts and helped establish new standards for offshore fishing vessels.

Mike's contributions to the sport reached far beyond his personal accomplishments. In 1996, he was elected to the IGFA Board of Trustees and, in 2000, became the organization's fourth Chairman. During a pivotal period in the IGFA's history, Mike played a leading role in transforming the organization's vision into reality. He spearheaded the "Into the 21st Century" fundraising campaign that led to the construction of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum and World Fishing Headquarters in Dania Beach, Florida. Opened in 1999, the facility served as the home of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame until 2016, when the Hall of Fame was relocated to the world-class Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. Mike's leadership and generosity helped establish a permanent home for preserving and celebrating the history of recreational fishing.

Working alongside fellow angler, friend, and Trustee Emeritus, Don Tyson, Mike co-chaired the building campaign and personally helped establish the financial foundation that made the project possible. Their leadership culminated in the opening of the 60,000-square-foot facility in 1999, creating a world-class home for the sport and its history.

Among Mike's most visible and enduring gifts to the IGFA is Sword Dance, the iconic 24-foot stainless steel swordfish sculpture that welcomes visitors to IGFA headquarters. Designed by renowned sculptor Kent Ullberg, the monument was commissioned and personally funded by Mike. Dedicated to the memories of his father, Howard Levitt, and his father-in-law, Jim Dolan, Sword Dance remains a powerful symbol of the sport and of Mike's generosity and vision.

Mike's commitment to giving back also inspired future generations. In 2012, his son Dennis established the Michael J. Levitt Scholarship Fund to provide opportunities for children to attend the IGFA Fishing Camp who otherwise might not have the means to participate. Since 2013, the fund has enabled more than 300 young anglers to experience the educational and life-changing benefits of fishing, conservation, and stewardship.

Few individuals have achieved as much on the water as Michael J. Levitt. Fewer still have contributed so profoundly to the future of the sport. Through his angling accomplishments, philanthropic leadership, innovative spirit, and dedication to the IGFA, Mike helped shape modern sportfishing and inspired generations of anglers around the world.

Michael J. Levitt's legacy lives on in the records he set, the institutions he helped build, the young anglers he inspired, and the countless lives he touched through his generosity and leadership.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.