Save the date! 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 the tournament for light tackle anglers from around the world to showcase their skills and sportsmanship. For more information, please contact IGFA Event Coordinator Michelle Andersen at [email protected] or 954-924-4315.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the IGFA will hold the 2021 IGFA International Auction virtually at 6:30 pm EDT on February 13, 2021. Fishing enthusiasts from around the globe are invited to join in for an evening of fun, fishing, and, of course, an exciting live auction. Details about the event, the online auction, and sponsorship opportunities will be coming in early December 2020. For more information, please contact IGFA Event Coordinator Michelle Andersen at [email protected] or 954-924-4315.
In the 10th 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 2021-2022.
Information from the IGMR 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 Manager Bruce Pohlot at [email protected].
There are many different places to go fishing. Some anglers prefer freshwater whereas others prefer fishing in saltwater. A mixture between fresh and salt is brackish water where a lot of nice game fish live as well. Campers will learn about what techniques and bait to use for fishing in all types of aquatic habitats.
The largemouth bass is the most sought after freshwater game fish whereas the peacock bass has proven to be quite the enjoyable game fish to target as well. Campers will have the opportunity to learn advanced techniques to improve their chances of hooking up on a lunker largemouth or massive peacock bass. These freshwater field trips are designed to increase the camper’s chance as well!
Fishing with natural bait can be extremely effective because you are presenting the fish with an option they are already used to eating. Campers will test out various natural baits from live worms to live shrimp and baitfish. Campers will also test out some not so common natural baits like cheese and dough balls.
Florida is known for its vast coastline so this week of camp will focus on inshore fishing. Campers will still learn the basics and go fishing in freshwater, but they will learn techniques that can help them fish near Florida’s many shores such as off seawalls and piers. Campers will also learn how to throw a cast net!
There are many different species of fish out there with different behaviors making each species unique. Campers will explore different fish behaviors such as schooling to appreciate the elaborate life of a fish! Understanding fish behavior will also help campers understand what techniques to use while fishing based on what species they are targeting.
Campers’ skills will be put to the test and improved upon to target more impressive game fish. This week will include lessons from and fishing alongside Pro Staff, Captains, and IGFA World Record Holders. IGFA camps are usually all Catch and Release but not this week! Campers who catch a legal fish on the drift boats can keep it and learn what the next steps are including how to filet and cook their catch.