IGFA Representative Scott Tindale
Born in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1963 to a family with many generations of avid anglers, IGFA Representative Scott Tindale’s love for the outdoors and the ocean began at an early age. Tindale’s father was a boat builder, giving the young angler plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. While learning to become a skipper, he was often found traversing the Manukau harbour or fishing with his family and friends. At age 11 he became passionate about scuba diving, logging thousands of hours beneath the water’s surface and eventually becoming a Dive Master. Soon after finishing school, Tindale landed his first job as an engineer, manufacturing fire doors.
Scott Tindale's passion is fishing for all species of fish both big and small.
Scott Tindale shares his love of sport fishing with his wife Sue.
While out with friends and through a chance encounter, he met who he calls “the catch of a lifetime,” his wife Sue. Together they both share their passion for fishing and participate in numerous fishing tournaments on their boat Red October, an 18’ runabout set up for offshore game fishing. By 1998, Scott Tindale and his fishing crew had travelled all through New Zealand participating in countless fishing club events and competitions. It was not long before he was appointed as Board Member and later as delegate to the New Zealand Sport Fishing council.
An IGFA Lifetime Member since 2007, Tindale’s achievements have been recognized worldwide. In 2003 he guided his wife to her first IGFA World Record. Today, she has achieved 150 IGFA World Records and he has accrued 103 IGFA World Records. Most of these catches have been released alive or data collected for scientific research from fish harvested.
Sue Tindale has achieved 150 IGFA World Records and Scott has accrued 103 IGFA World Records
Much of Tindale’s fishing career has revolved around conservation and he has been featured in several publications, television and radio shows promoting ethical fishing practices. A well-known and respected guide, he was sought out by scientists, researchers and photographers wanting to expand their knowledge about rare and elusive species native to New Zealand. Over the years Tindale has contributed to well over 150 research studies and collections and has been acknowledged in or has co-authored many scientific research papers.
Tindale has also been involved with many satellite tagging programs in New Zealand. These include catching and tagging great white sharks, mako sharks, smooth hammerhead sharks and, more recently, giant manta rays. Hooking, playing, tagging, measuring, releasing and filming a great white shark sounds daunting, but, working with researchers, Tindale’s team does it with ease, all while taking care not to harm the fish.
Much of Tindale’s free time is also spent working on his Tindale Marine Research Charitable Trust, a registered charity established with the goal of promoting and encouraging environmental education, conservation and research. Learn more at https://tindaleresearch.org.nz/.