Tommy Gifford Awards Ceremony

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) announced its 2025 Tommy Gifford Award winners, an annually bestowed accolade that recognizes captains, guides, or crew members who have made extraordinary contributions to recreational angling through innovation, leadership, or outstanding accomplishments in their trade.

Named for one of the greatest saltwater charter skippers of all time, Tommy Gifford Award recipients are selected through a rigorous nomination and vetting process conducted by the IGFA Legendary Captains and Crew Committee.

This year’s recipients include Captain John Bayliss, Captain Billy Borer, Captain Barry Cross, Captain Paul Dixon, Captain Gene Grimes, and Captain Kevin Nakamaru. 

These industry legends will be honored later this year at the IGFA Tommy Gifford Awards Ceremony, taking place Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Additional event details will be released in the coming weeks. 

For table sponsorship opportunities please click here and for more information, please contact IGFA  at [email protected] or 954-927-2628.