HOT News from the IGFA January 2008

By Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications – IGFA PR Counsel

 

Going, going, gone; online bidding ends soon for gala IGFA Auction         

 

The online bidding has been fast and furious for some great bargains in one of the most popular and anticipated events preceding the IGFA’s 24th Annual International Auction and Banquet at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, January 25.

But the online auction now underway on the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org for over 250 live and silent auction items in all price ranges will end on January 21.

            Now in its sixth year, the active global-wide online bidding builds awareness for the IGFA, its conservation programs, its worldwide representatives and sponsors.

            Over the past three years on-line bidders have had winning bids 25% of the time an IGFA spokeswoman reported

“Since the new year we’ve had some spirited bidding on the IGFA web site,” added Lesley Arico, IGFA corporate relations manager. “New donations have been added on a weekly basis making it more fun to go back often and discover some new items to bid on. Check it often before the online portion of the auction ends at 9 a.m. ET on January 21.”

             The highest bid on each item will be the starting bid at the silent auction on the 25th. All online winners will be notified by 5 p.m. on January 28.

Beginning with the evening’s silent auction, which starts at 6 p.m., is a cocktail party, followed by an exquisite dinner and the highly anticipated “live” auction conducted by Ed Phillips of Houston, Texas. 

            The highlight of this year’s live auction is a 2008 Mako 284 Express powered with twin 250 Mercury Verado super charged four-stroke engines.  

            “It’s a perfect boat for a fishing trip that turns into an overnighter, or even a full weekend excursion with a large, comfortable cabin that easily sleeps four adults, spacious decks for casting and all the offshore fishing features you could imagine,” said Arico.  

            The event also features renowned marine artist Dave Baroncelli whose fine art has graced the walls of famous sportfishing institutions and the covers of prestigious tournament publications for over 20 years. His original artwork and #1 limited edition “Walk the Line” of a tail-walking black marlin is one of the highlights at the auction and all guests will receive a signed and numbered limited edition of Dave’s featured piece. 

            Among the more than 40 items featured in the live auction are:

• the ultimate fishing vacation at the home of Don Tyson in Cabo San Lucas,
• an original 34”  David Wirth swordfish sculpture cut from navel orange wood
• an original 52” x 36” Guy Harvey acrylic on canvas of a majestic marlin,
• a limited edition bronze sculpture of a tarpon by Kent Ullberg,
• a fishing and quail hunting package at Hacienda Las Palmas in Mexico,
• fishing trips to Guinea Bissau, Guatemala, Australia and the Canary Islands,
• an original bronze sculpture by Bill McGlaun,
• a week for two at the fantastic Tropic Star Lodge,
• a top of the line teak Murray Fighting Chair,
• a float fishing trip in the Indian Himalayas,
• rods and reels, tackle, jewelry, international resorts, fishing charters galore and more. 

            “The list of items is simply amazing,” said Arico.  “We have something for everyone.”

            The night will also feature the presentation of the IGFA Conservation Awards.

            Tickets are $175 per person.

            For reservations, for further information or if you would like to donate to the 24th Annual International Auction & Banquet, please contact Ms. Arico at (954) 924-4222 or email LArico@igfa.org. (For more details on the upcoming IGFA auction please see the IGFA web site www.igfa.org - home page: “Latest News” or directly link to it and the auction items at  http://www.igfa.org/24thauction.asp)

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Fishing’s most valued reference book is now here

 

            The annual book, described by serious recreational fishermen and the world’s fishing writers alike as “the most comprehensive piece of fishing information available anywhere,” is now available.

            The IGFA’s 2008 World Record Game Fishes, the largest ever at 424 pages, is the mainstay reference book in recreational fishing and continues its legacy as one of the most reliable and complete sources of worldwide fishing records and fishing-related reference materials.

            In early January IGFA members received their copies as just one of the many benefits of joining the IGFA.

                The popular guide includes 167 updated pages of saltwater and freshwater catches – for nearly 400 species around the world -- in all-tackle, line class, fly, men’s, women’s, junior angler and U.S. state records.

            Anglers will be pleased to see they have more chances to claim a world record since the addition of more new fish species by the IGFA World Records department.

The eight new species added to the line-class, fly rod and junior record categories include: the barbel (Barbus barbus), blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus); black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci), buri also known as a Japanese amberjack (Seriola quinqueradiata), gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus), hickory shad (Alosa mediocris), and the Orinoco peacock (Cichla orinocensis).

            The book also features entertaining and in-depth articles that include:

·         Richard Stone and National Geographic researcher Zeb Hogan examining the plight of some of the world largest freshwater fish, in Megafishes.

·         Outdoor writer/editor Charlie Levine exploring the magnificent diversity of offshore big game and interior freshwater fishing in New Zealand: An Angler’s Paradise.

·         Northeast U. S. Captain Al Ristori’s review of a fish that has gone through bad times but has recovered through proper fisheries management in Metropolitan Striped Bass.

·         With amazing photography, Patrick Ford, in No Rules in the Seychelles gives us a taste for fly fishing for one of the world's hardest fighting inshore game fish, the trevally.   

·         In Marlin and Sailfish: It’s What’s Not for Dinner, IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser analyses the billfish trade and how the IGFA is working with other conservation groups to reduce the landings and sale of commercially caught billfish.

·          In E.K. Harry Library of Fishes: A Library Unlike Any Other, author Mike Rivkin explores the IGFA's historical materials and artifacts in its one-of-a-kind library.

      The pages also contain listings of IGFA Certified Captains, Weigh Stations, and IGFA Member Discount Program all useful when planning fishing travels. 

            To receive your copy of 2008 World Record Game Fishes, go to www.igfa.org and sign up to become a member of the IGFA today.

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Limited edition of IGFA WRGF cover art is now available

 

            A very small number of signed, limited editions of this year’s cover art on the IGFA’s 2008 World Record Game Fishes book titled “On the Rocks” by marine artist Adrian E. Gray are now available.   

            The original oil on canvas depicts two striped bass feeding in a rocky inter-tidal setting.     While living in New York, Gray said the striped bass was a fish that filled his early years with countless happy memories when fishing Long Island Sound, the Hudson River and Montauk.

            Helping to add to the inspiration needed to make the painting a reality Gray also credits the writings on striped bass by captains like Al Ristori and Bill Magglione that furthered his knowledge on pursuing the species.

            To find out how you can own a limited edition print contact the International Hall of Fame gift shop at mstore@igfa.org or call 954-924-4370.  To see more of Gray’s artwork visit www.adrianegray.com or for inquiries about his artwork please email adrianegray@aol.com or call 305-773-6912.

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IGFA School of Sportfishing adds classes for February and March

 

          With its appealing curriculums, limited class sizes, expert instructors listening to the needs of the attending anglers -- all in the conducive setting of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum Learning Center – the IGFA School of Sportfishing has added more classes to begin its sixth session in February.   

            The nightly three-hour sessions from 7 to 10 p.m., will feature many of the most popular classes previously offered along with two new classes that participants have expressed strong interest in adding. 

            “One of the keys to the School of Sportfishing’s success is that we really take into account what our attendees have to say,” said IGFA Adult Education Coordinator David Matagiese. “The class participants rate everything from the instructors to the program content and educational value. They’ve provided suggestions that have made the program better with input for new topics they’d like to see offered.  Based on what they tell us, we go to the drawing board for the next session to provide the best classes and program possible.” 

Matagiese said the session will begin with two new classes:

·         “Four Fundamentals Every Sportfisherman Should Know” taught by Capt. Tony DiGiulian on February 5

·         “Fishing Bridges and Beaches” with Capt. Mark Zasky, on February 19

      Back by popular demand will be the following four classes:

·         “Successful Swordfishing,” with Capt. Josh Brown , February 26

·         “Learning to Kitefish,” taught by Capt. Bouncer Smith, March 4

·         “Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs,” Capt. Bouncer Smith,  on March 18

·         “Back Country Fishing: Mangroves and Flats,” with Capt. Mark Zasky, March 25

      The IGFA will soon announce the schedule for the School of Sportfishing into the

national spotlight with stops in California, Texas, New Jersey and Minnesota. 

“We’re working with IGFA reps and local captains in those states who are not only knowledgeable about the surrounding waters but who also have a knack for teaching others what their years on the water have taught them,” said Matagiese. “This outreach School of Sportfishing program will allow interested anglers in different parts of the country to experience what has become so popular here in South Florida.”

             For more details go to the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.aspor contact Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or reservations@igfa.org

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--At the Museum--

IGFA and Fla. Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission host four free Boaters Safety Courses in 2008

 

            The IGFA and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission will host four free Boaters Safety Courses beginning on Saturday, January 19, at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla.

            Additional classes in 2008 will be offered on May 10, August 2 and November 8.

            The all day class will begin at 8 a.m. and last till 4 p.m.

            This course, taught by the law enforcement division of the FFWCC meets the mandatory boating safety education requirements for the State of Florida. 

            The class is comprised of a six chapter review and a final exam and is limited to 16 people with advance registration.    

            For more information and to register, please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at JTomlin@igfa.org.  

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From the IGFA -- Did You Know? 

ü      The top 5 marine fisheries in 2004:

• Anchoveta—10.7 million tons
• Alaska pollock—2.7 million tons
• Blue whiting—2.4 million tons
• Skipjack tuna—2.1 million tons
• Atlantic herring—2.0 million tons

ü      The United States consumed a total of 4.9 billion pounds of seafood in 2006,

• 16.5 lb per person per year
• The U.S. imports roughly 83% and is the world’s third largest global consumer of seafood behind China and Japan

·         Believe it or not the U. S. is the number one importer of commercially caught billfish

ü      Overfishing is defined as a harvest rate above a targeted management objective

ü      Overfished is defined as a stock size below a targeted management objective

ü      The US National Marine Fisheries Service reviewed 530 individual stocks and stock complexes in 2006

• Only 242 stocks have enough information to determine if overfishing is occurring

o        48 (20%) are experiencing overfishing

• Only 187 have enough information to determine if the stock is overfished

o        47 (25%) are currently overfished

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January Hot Catches

 

Each month the world records department of the International Game Fish Association provides highlights of selected documented fish catches made across the globe submitted for world records. IGFA world records coordinator Rebecca Wright provided the following information on these 11 recent submissions now before the world records committee.

 

Fishing the Zambezi River and using ultra thin line angler Bradley Kidd, Nelspruit, South Africa, landed a nembwe (Serranochromis robustus) on Sept. 25, weighing 2.81 kg (6 lb 3 oz).  Kidd took five minutes to land the fish using1 kg (2 lb) class line for the vacant record. Kidd currently holds a year-old record for the same species in the 2 kg (4 lb) line class. (Photo: nembwe – 07120008)

 

Fly fishing Raritan Bay, New York, USA while using 10 kg (20 lb) class tippet, Joan Sharrott of Staten Island, N.Y., landed a striped bass, (Moronesaxatilis) this past November 17.  Enticed by a Cowen’s Magnum baitfish patern the fish weighed 12.45 kg (27 lb 7 oz) and took her 15 minutes to land. She was guided by Dale Beacham for the potential women’s tippet record that is currently 1 lb 2 oz, caught June 18, 2006 off Catalina Island, Calif. (Photo: striped bass – 07120016)

 

Using a Rapala CD14 for bait while fishing Uruguay River, Argentina,George Bogen, of Los Angeles, CA, USA, landed a 6.8 kg (15 lb  0 oz) dorado (Salminusbrasiliensis). Guided by Hector Bradanini, Bogen made the catch on Nov. 19, using 3  kg (6 lb) class line and taking 12 minutes to land.  The current record for the freshwater specie is 11 lb 7 oz recorded in October 2004 from the Rio Parana also in Argentina. (Photo: dorado – 07120020)

 

Light line fishing nearby Port Canaveral, Scott Lehrmann of West Melbourne, Fla., USA, used a Spro 4 oz jig to land a red grouper (Epinephelusmorio).  The Nov. 29 catch of the 11.57 kg (25 lb 8 oz) fish on 2 kg (4 lb) class line, took him four minutes to land. Lehrmann is going for a men’s line class record and is hoping to see his name on what is now a vacant record. (Photo: red grouper -- 07120021)

 

With 60 kg (130 lb) class line and a sea cock jig for bait, Mercier Christian, St Marie, on the French Island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean, guided by Colas Yann, landed a dogtooth tuna (Gymnosarda unicolor) on October 25 while fishing Rodrigues Island, Mauritius. The fish weighed 104.5 kg (230 lb 6 oz) and took him 30 minutes to wrestle to the boat. Christian is hoping to break the men’s current line class record of 230 lb caught off La Morne, Mauritius, January 18, 1993. (Photo: dogtooth tuna – 07120025)

 

Two new potential species additions to the World Record Game Fishes book may soon be decided by the IGFA committee after recent fish catches, both in Japan. Fishing Toshima, and using a kneading baitTakashi Nishino, of Kanagawa-Ken, Japan, landed a brassy chub (Isuzumi) (Kyphosus vaigiensis) on November 24, weighing 1.3 kg (2 lb 13 oz).  He’s sent in his documentation for a newAll-Tackle class record.  (Photo: brassy chub - 07120042)

 

The second new potential specie was caught by Chiba, Japan angler Takashi Odagiri, guided by Kazushi Kinjo while fishing Yonaguni Island, Japan, when he landed a frame snapper, (Hamadai) (Etelis coruscans) on Nov. 16. He was using cut tuna for bait to attract the potential All-Tackle class fish that weighed 7.6 kg (16 lb 12 oz).   (Photo: frame snapper – 07120044)

 

With the Rio Emoni in Venezuela as the backdrop for his quarry, Scott SwansonFor the best books, DVD's and videos on the subject above, please click here.

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