Founded in 1946 by Dr. Roy B. Dean, the International Light Tackle Tournament Association (ILTTA) was created to establish an international all-release light-tackle tournament at a time when most competitions required anglers to kill their catch. Built on IGFA Angling Rules, the tournament quickly became one of the world’s premier fishing events, with its format and rules influencing major tournaments for more than 60 years. The iconic “Big Belt” trophy is revered throughout the light-tackle community, with the original now housed at IGFA Headquarters. Traveling annually to renowned billfishing destinations such as Guatemala, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and Panama, ILTTA continues to promote light-tackle angling, sportsmanship, and conservation, including through its marine science scholarship program at the University of Miami.