Learn basic fishing techniques and ethical angling practices through the IGFA’s Passports to Fishing Program! Fun for ALL ages!
All fishing equipment will be provided. Fishing is catch and release only.
This project was made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation.
Anglers 16 years and older must have a valid TN or NC Fishing License.
Visit:
https://license.gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx .
Youth Fishing Clinics at the Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament
Morehead City, North Carolina
The IGFA will be facilitating youth fishing clinics at the Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament in Morehead City, North Carolina. Each day will work with a different youth group, and it is expected to teach more than 300 kids in 3 days! This is the third year that the IGFA has helped teach youth to fish during the Kids Tournament, and we are excited to be back this year!
Learn-to-Surf-Fish Event at Padre Island National Seashore
20420 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Learn basic fishing techniques and ethical angling practices through the IGFA’s Passports to Fishing Program! Fun for ALL ages!
All fishing equipment will be provided. Fishing is catch and release only.
This project was made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation.
To view the event flyer please click here.
IGFA Tournament Series Online Auction Fundraiser
Participate in the IGFA Online Auction. This is your opportunity to win some great tackle, gear, artwork, apparel, fishing charters, and more while showing your support for the future of recreational angling. To register and bid, please visit
The online auction begins on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at 6:00 PM EDT, and ends Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 6:00 PM EDT.
We rely on the support of businesses within the recreational fishing industry to help us continue to keep the sport alive and growing. Whether it’s tackle and gear, trips to fishing lodges, artwork, or jewelry, there is no end to the items featured in the IGFA Online Auction. Your donation will not only go to a good cause, but you may also qualify for valuable advertising space or an IGFA Membership. To learn more about the benefits of donating to the IGFA, please contact Events Manager Rachel Sylvester at [email protected]g or 954-924-4222.
The 2023 IGFA SoCal Open
September 29 – October 1, 2023
This exclusive two-day tournament will take place during prime season in the famed waters off Southern California, the birthplace of big game sportfishing!
We are excited to announce a new format to this tournament in 2023, which will now include the five most prominent offshore game fish in Southern California: bluefin tuna, swordfish, striped marlin, dorado, and yellowtail. The tournament is open to the public and will include three tournament weigh stations: San Diego, Newport Beach, and Catalina, making this truly accessible to anglers throughout Southern California.
Please join us for this exciting new tournament, and to celebrate both the historic fishery of Southern California. We will see you there!
Tournament Registration
The early bird entry fee for the IGFA SoCal Open is $300 per angler, when you register before August 1, 2023. The entry fee after August 1, 2023, is $350 per angler.
Your registration fee covers your tournament angler bag, as well as food and beverages at the awards ceremony on Sunday, October 1, 2023.
Anglers/Teams are responsible for chartering or providing their own boats for the tournament.
Please click the icon below to register online. For any questions on registration, please contact IGFA at 954-927-2628 or email [email protected].
Schedule of Events
We strongly encourage all anglers, their guests, and crew members to attend the awards ceremony out of respect for the winning anglers and teams, as well as all competitors.
Individual tickets to the awards ceremony are available for purchase at a fee of $75.
Tuesday, Septembers 26, 2023
Virtual Captain’s & Rules Meeting
6 PM- 7 PM
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Tournament Bag Pick Up
Dana Landing – San Diego, CA
Balboa Angling Club – Newport Beach, CA
(Tournament bag pick up available only during regular business hours.)
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Tournament Bag Pick Up
Dana Landing – San Diego, CA
Balboa Angling Club – Newport Beach, CA
(Tournament bag pick up available only during regular business hours.)
Friday, September 29, 2023
First Day of Fishing
Lines In
6 AM
Lines Out
5 PM
Weigh Stations Close
7 PM
Saturday, September 30, 2023
Second & Final Day of Fishing
Lines In
6 AM
Lines Out
5 PM
Weigh Stations Close
10 PM
Sunday, October 1, 2023
Awards Ceremony
12 PM – 4 PM
Location TBD
The 40th IGFA International Auction
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale
Join anglers, captains, and industry leaders from around the world as we unite to celebrate the sport of fishing at the 40th Annual IGFA International Auction.
For tickets and sponsorship information, visit https://event.gives/igfa24
ONLINE AUCTION
PREVIEW BEGINS – MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2024
AUCTION BEGINS – SUNDAY, JANUARY 21,2024
AT 6:00 PM EDT
AUCTION CLOSES – SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2024
AT 6:00 PM EDT
For more information, please contact IGFA at 954-927-2628 or [email protected].
The 2024 IGFA Light Tackle Open
Sailfish Marina, Palm Beach Shores, FL
January 31 – February 2, 20234
The International Game Fish Association invites you to the 2024 IGFA Light Tackle Open!
This exclusive two-day tournament will take place during peak sailfish season in South Florida. With a maximum line class of 12-pound and strict adherence to IGFA Angling Rules, the IGFA Light Tackle Open is a great platform for light tackle anglers from around the world to showcase their skills and sportsmanship.
We are excited to once again host this premier event out of the celebrated Sailfish Marina Resort, located in beautiful Palm Beach Shores, Florida. All proceeds from the IGFA Light Tackle Open will benefit the IGFA Great Marlin Race, the world’s most extensive billfish satellite tagging program, securing the future of billfish stocks across the globe through productive science.
The IGFA El Gouna Red Sea Championship
El Gouna, Egypt
February 14-17, 2024
Fishing Spring Camp
When: March 18-22, 2024
Where: Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension, Clayton E. Hutcheson Complex
559 N Military Trl, West Palm Beach, FL 33415
Contact: Joanna Olczyk – [email protected] – 954-924-4308
Kids’ Fishing Weekend for the Bass Pro Spring Classic
Kids can participate in catch and release fishing with Bass Pro Shops’ Outfitters.
Kids’ Fishing Weekend for the Bass Pro Spring Classic
When: March 23, 2024 and March 24, 2024
Time: 11am – 4pm
Where: Bass Pro Shops (Dania Location)
200 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, FL
Websites: https://www.facebook.com/events/238624659286471?active_tab=about; https://www.facebook.com/events/334437236244770
Port of San Diego’s Day at the Docks
San Diego Sportfishing Landings, Point Loma, April 7, 2024
A San Diego sportfishing tradition, The Port Of San Diego’s Day At The Docks is the West Coast’s largest public celebration of sportfishing. Signaling the official start of Southern California’s spring saltwater fishing season, Day At The Docks takes place on Sunday, April 7, 2024 against the colorful and dynamic backdrop of world renown sportfishing fleet on San Diego Bay.
In 2024, we are expanding our focus and invite you to discover and explore the many marine recreational opportunities on our waterfront, the restaurants and breweries in the area and the Port’s bayside walkway which makes San Diego Bay tidelands accessible. This annual event provides marine attractions for the whole family.
FISHING SEMINARS
The serious fisherman can explore the latest fishing tackle presented by the industry’s leading manufacturers. Historical displays underscore how far saltwater tackle design has come. How-to seminars by expert fishermen reveal secrets on improving both technique and results.
KIDS FISHING ADVENTURE
Sponsored by Okuma Fishing Tackle & Everingham Bros Bait Company. From 9 am-4 pm. For kids 4-12 years old. The Kid’s Fishing Adventure is made up of areas set aside and stocked with fish, providing kids with the chance wet a line and make a catch. Expert assistance is provided by members of the San Diego Rod & Reel Club and the San Diego Anglers. Don’t miss out – there just might be a tasty fish biting at the end of the line.
CATCH, PREP & COOK CENTER
Throughout the day on April 15th, our CATCH, PREP & COOK DEMOS will provide ideas and techniques to improve the enjoyment of your catch. There will be presentations on proper handling, storage and preparation of fresh fish to ensure that every fish caught and kept is fully enjoyed. Recipes and samples will be available at the seminars. Schedule to be Announced Soon!
CASTING CONTESTS
You’ve got to try your hand at this true test of an angler’s skill. If you have never cast a line in your life, don’t worry. This competition is for everyone, pro and novice alike. Competition is set for 11 am and 2 pm. Points are awarded for distance and accuracy.
IZORLINE KNOT TYING COMPETITION
Young and old alike can try their hand at tying the strongest fishing knot with assistance from the pro staff at Izorline. Knot tying demonstrations will be followed by hands-on competition in which individual knots will be tested against the Izorline Knot Gauge, a device that measures a knot’s breaking point by pressure. Competition will take place in three divisions: Small fry (up to 10 years old), Juniors (11-16 years old) and Adults. A voluntary donation of $1-5 to enter the competition will benefit the Friends of Rollo a non-profit organization that takes kids fishing. The contest runs all day at the Izorline exhibit booth. Winners in each division will be announced at the end of the day. Prizes include ½ day and full day fishing trips.
FISHING VIDEOS
Look inside the Sportfishing Landings for continuous showings of dramatic sportfishing videos. From San Diego to Baja, Clipperton Island and Costa Rica … get a glimpse of the sportfishing adventures and action that are available on the San Diego fleet.
BOAT RIDES AROUND THE BAY
Boat Rides Around BayThe whole family will want to take a boat ride around San Diego Bay and it only costs $4. Trips run continuously throughout the day from the three sportfishing landings.
GOURMET GALLEY
There is great variety to choose from… Seafood, Thai, Chinese, Mexican and more. Many local restaurants around the harbor will also be serving up DAY AT THE DOCKS specials.
HOT TACKLE
Find out what’s hot on the fish equipment market. The top manufacturers will be there to show off their latest. Some really new technology has hit the scene. Be prepared this season with the latest and greatest! You’ll find some great bargains on fishing tackle from exhibitor retailers and in the landing tackle shops.
LOTS OF BOATS
You’ll find boats of all shapes and sizes. The modern sportfishers in the San Diego fleet will be hosting a grand open house. You are welcome to climb aboard and look around. Joining the fleet for the day will be several small boat dealers.
MARINE ART
Peter J Galleries art features painting atop marine charts and Gyotaku, the traditional Japanese method of printing fish. Larry Beard Ocean Fine Art displays beautiful marine photography printed on aluminum, Marea Baja Designs will be offering beautiful sea glass mosaics. And, there are many other marine artists on display.
OPEN HOUSE ON BOATS IN THE FLEET
Step aboard and meet the captains in the San Diego fleet. Have you never been on a San Diego sportfishing boat before? Well now is you chance. You’ll see that the accommodations are quite nice, with many of the comforts of home.
ENTERTAINMENT ALL DAY ON STAGE
On the Main Stage things get going at 9:00 AM. The day will also feature three raffles benefiting The Burn Institute. Raffles will be drawn at 12:00 noon, 2:30 PM and 4:15 PM – all from the Main Stage. Great Prizes include fishing trips, tackle, tickets to area attractions and much more!
2024 IGFA Oceania Regional Meeting
The 2024 IGFA Oceania Regional Meeting has been scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. The event will be held at the clubhouse of the historic Sydney Game Fishing Club (SGFC). The current RSVP list includes IGFA Representatives from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji, IGFA President Jason Schratwieser and IGFA Chairman Roy Cronacher will also be attending the event.