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.
IGFA Education at Rocky Mountain National Park
May 13-17
Location: Estes Park, Colorado
Contact: Lisa Morse
Email: [email protected]
The IGFA Education team will be heading to Estes Park, Colorado to facilitate spin fishing clinics for the Fish & Feathers Intern Training Workshop in collaboration with Environment for the Americas. IGFA staff will also complete Level 1 teacher training for fly fishing education with the Roaring Fork Conservancy through the National Fishing in Schools curriculum. Lastly, a free, public fishing event will occur at Lake Estes with the IGFA, Environment for the Americas, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the EVICS Family Resources Center using the IGFA’s Passports to Fishing program. This trip will kick off 2024’s travels for our National Parks project, a project made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation.
IGFA Great Marlin Race Billfish Satellite Tagging – Bahamas Custom Shootout
May 15-18, 2024
In the 13th year of the IGFA Great Marlin Race (IGMR), the IGFA will be deploying satellite tags to study billfish migrations and diving behavior at major tournaments around the world. Teams sponsoring tags will be supplied with the necessary equipment to deploy their own satellite tag on marlin, sailfish, or spearfish species and will be provided a comprehensive report of the results from their tagged billfish. Each tag will also be entered into the competition to see which billfish travels the farthest in 2024-2025.
Information from the IGFA Great Marlin Race is used to better understand the ecology of marlin, sailfish, and spearfish; leading to improved conservation and management of billfish resources in our world’s oceans.
If you are interested in deploying satellite tags on billfish species in your area please contact IGFA Conservation Director Bruce Pohlot at [email protected].
Learn-to-Fish Clinic at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
June 1, 2024
Location: Astoria, Oregon
Contact: Lisa Morse
Email: [email protected]
The IGFA Education team will travel to Astoria, Oregon to facilitate a free Learn-to-Fish Clinic on Saturday, June 1st at Lewis and Clark National Historic Park through the IGFA’s Passports to Fishing program. Park staff and volunteers will be trained in the program to continue hosting events throughout the year. This event was made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation.
IGFA Great Marlin Race Billfish Tagging Event – Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
June 7-16, 2024
In the 13th year of the IGFA Great Marlin Race (IGMR), the IGFA will be deploying satellite tags to study billfish migrations and diving behavior at major tournaments around the world. Teams sponsoring tags will be supplied with the necessary equipment to deploy their own satellite tag on marlin, sailfish, or spearfish species and will be provided a comprehensive report of the results from their tagged billfish. Each tag will also be entered into the competition to see which billfish travels the farthest in 2024-2025.
Information from the IGFA Great Marlin Race is used to better understand the ecology of marlin, sailfish, and spearfish; leading to improved conservation and management of billfish resources in our world’s oceans.
If you are interested in deploying satellite tags on billfish species in your area please contact IGFA Conservation Director Bruce Pohlot at [email protected].
Learn-to-Fish Clinic at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
June 8, 2024
Location: Brandy Creek Marina, Whiskeytown, California
The IGFA Education team will travel to California to facilitate a free Learn-to- Fish Clinic on Saturday, June 8th at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area through the IGFA’s Passports to Fishing program. Park staff and volunteers will be trained in the program to continue hosting events throughout the year. This event was made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation.
Learn-to-Surf Fish Clinic at Fire Island National Seashore
June 8, 2024
Location: Ocean Beach, New York
Contact: Nick DeGennaro
Email: [email protected]
The IGFA Education team will travel to Ocean Beach, NY to facilitate a free Learn-to-Surf Fish Clinic on Saturday, June 8th at Fire Island National Seashore through the IGFA’s Passports to Fishing program. Park staff and volunteers will be trained in the program to continue hosting events throughout the year. This event was made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation.
Summer Fishing Camp in West Palm Beach, Florida
June 17-21
Location: 559 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415
Contact: Nick DeGennaro
Email: [email protected]
The IGFA is working with the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension and 4-H of Palm Beach County to bring a week-long fishing experience for youth ages 7-12 years. This is a scholarship camp thanks to a generous donation so participants will be able to join for free and learn the basics of recreational fishing, travel to various fishing destinations, and possibly reel in their very first catch!