IGFA Representative Franklin Thompson

Much of Franklin Thompson’s childhood was spent in and on the water. Born and raised on the island of Grand Cayman as a 5th generation Caymanian, Thompson comes from a family with a strong maritime heritage and he has a lifelong connection to the sea. 

His introduction to fishing came at a young age and his love for the sport has only grown through the years. Many of his early days as an angler were spent fishing from shore with family and friends, but his most memorable days were spent offshore fishing with his father, grandfather and uncles, always eager to sharpen his skills and learn new fishing techniques. 

Thompson grew up in the Cayman Islands Angling Club and he began competing in tournaments at the age of 10, primarily focusing on wahoo, tuna, dolphinfish and marlin.  In 2007, he was elected Vice President of the Cayman Islands Angling Club, and in 2009, he was elected as the club Chairman of the Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament. During his tenure, Thompson has focused the club’s efforts on the promotion of conservation and responsible ethical angling practices. For his efforts in the field of conservation both marine and terrestrial, Thompson was appointed by the Cayman Islands Government to The National Conservation Council in 2018. 

 

Thompson is a strong advocate for sustainable and ethical fishing in the Cayman Islands, he has been featured in multiple television shows such as  Sport Fishing Magazine TV, Extreme Fishing Adventures, Livin The Dream with Capt Jimmy Nelson and Hookin Up with Mariko Izumi, promoting the destination and its various fishing opportunities.  Thompson also works closely with the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism to promote the Cayman Islands as a World Class Sport Fishing destination.

Franklin is a lifetime member of the International Game Fish Association and was appointed as a Cayman Islands Representative for the IGFA in 2017. In 2018, Thompson coordinated the first IGFA Kids Fishing Clinic held outside of the continental US, and held a subsequent event in 2019.

The IGFA thanks Franklin Thompson for his service as an IGFA Representative and his continued work to promote game fish conservation and responsible angling practices in Grand Cayman and beyond.