2024 IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Induction
September 14, 2024
Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
The 2024 IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. In recognition of their extraordinary contributions to recreational angling around the world, The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) named five angling greats to the 2024 class of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame.
This year's inductees into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame represent angling luminaries who have made significant contributions to the sport. They include James A. Henshall, a pioneer in bass fishing who revolutionized angling techniques and fish culture; Tom Pfleger, whose four-decade career is marked by 24 IGFA World Records and pioneering environmental research; Nick Smith, whose billfishing prowess and conservation efforts have set global standards; Kevin VanDam, whose professional angling career resulted in unparalleled tournament successes; and Ralph "Agie" Vicente, whose half-century commitment to marine conservation and ethical angling practices has left a lasting impact on Latin American fisheries.
For more information about this event please click here or contact IGFA Development Manager, Kim Strong at [email protected] or 954-924-4315.
The 2024 IGFA Permit Invitational
October 1-4, 2024
The IGFA Permit Invitational is a premier fly fishing tournament held annually with the goal of creating a competitive atmosphere to celebrate a world-class inshore game fish, the sport of fly fishing and to promote the ethics and programs of the IGFA.
We are excited to hold this premier event in the Lower Florida Keys, from October 1-4, 2024, out of the beautiful Ocean’s Edge Resort & Marina. All proceeds from the IGFA Permit Invitational benefit the IGFA’s conservation programs and initiatives.
The IGFA hosts an online auction to coincide with the annual IGFA Permit Invitational. Anglers from around the world can bid on world-class fly fishing trips, tackle, artwork, and more! All proceeds from the IGFA Permit Invitational and the online auction go to support the IGFA’s conservation programs. To support this fundraising effort please consider donating an item, trip or service to the IGFA Permit Invitational. For more information contact IGFA Angler Recognition Manager Zack Bellapigna at [email protected] or call 954-927-2628.
Seventh International Billfish Symposium
The Symposium will take place over three days from October 8th to October 10th, 2024.
Hubbs – SeaWorld Research Institute
2595 Ingraham St
San Diego, CA 92109
Since its inception in 1972, the International Billfish Symposium is the only conference series of its kind that focuses on issues related to billfish biology and management. The 7th IBS theme is, “Advancing Science and Management of Billfish in a Changing Ecosystem.”
The conference will highlight advances across all aspects of billfish science and management while examining evolving climate related impacts.
Conference topics will include:
• Management
• Assessment
• Movement and Habitat Utilization
• Basic Biology
• Recreational and Commercial Fisheries
This conference is not just for scientists and managers but is also open to the public and we encourage all interested billfish anglers to attend! In addition to daily sessions there will be numerous socials for networking with old friends and meeting new ones. Stay tuned for more information on registration, abstract submission, and the meeting agenda.
For more information, contact the 7th International Billfish Symposium co-chairs:
• Bruce Pohlot: [email protected] • Gerard DiNardo: [email protected]
IGFA Tommy Gifford Awards
The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
321 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33004
October 31, 2024
The IGFA Tommy Gifford Awards Ceremony celebrates the captains, guides, and crew that have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of sportfishing through innovation, outstanding catches, and other noteworthy examples of leadership 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 Bobby Buswell, a pioneer of charter boat fishing on the Florida Gulf Coast; Captain Charlie Chambers, renowned for helping put the Cairns fishery on the map; Captain Jerry Black, a pioneer in the U.S. Virgin Islands, establishing the famed Lagoon Fishing Center; Captain Steve Huff, a legendary figure in saltwater inshore fishing, known by many as the “Godfather of Guides”; Captain Arch Bracher, widely regarded as the best white marlin captain in the Mid-Atlantic; and Captain John Batterton, whose global fishing experiences and record-breaking achievements showcase a lifelong dedication to the sport.
These industry legends will be honored later this year at the IGFA Tommy Gifford Awards Ceremony, taking place Thursday, October 31, 2024 at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Additional event details will be released in the coming weeks.
To reserve your seats and to learn about event sponsorship information please click here.
For more information about the event, please or contact IGFA at [email protected] or 954-927-2628.
The 2024 IGFA SoCal Swordfish Open
November 8 – 10, 2024
San Diego, Newport Beach, and Catalina Island
This exclusive two-day tournament will take place during prime swordfish season in the famed waters off Southern California, the birthplace of big game sportfishing! The tournament is open to the public and will include three tournament weigh stations: San Diego, Newport Beach, and Catalina Island, making this truly accessible to anglers throughout Southern California.
The entry fee for the IGFA SoCal Swordfish Open is $300 per angler, when paid before September 1, 2024. After September 1, 2024, the entry fee per angler increases to $350.
Your registration fee covers your tournament angler bag, as well as food and beverages at the awards ceremony on Sunday, November 14, 2021.
Guest tickets to the awards ceremony can be purchased at a fee of $75/ticket. The deadline for purchasing guest tickets is November 6, 2024. Guest tickets will not be available at the door. To purchase guest tickets, please contact IGFA at [email protected] or 954-927-2628.
Anglers/Teams are responsible for chartering or providing their own boats for the tournament.