World-class anglers, guides and manufacturers to be honored at IGFA's Fifth Annual World Record Achievement Awards????????????????

?????????????????????? Anglers, guides and manufacturers from around the world will be honored at the IGFA's Fifth Annual World Record Achievement Awards (WRAA) celebration, April 12.

?????????????????????? The ceremony will be held at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Florida.?? ?????????????????????? The event recognizes the 2007 records by men, women, juniors, and professional captains for the most world records compiled from the Top 10 list recently published in the IGFA's 2008 World Record Game Fishes book.??????????????????????

?????????????????????? Tackle, lure and line manufacturers will also be honored based on the number of computer printouts of the 495 anglers using their products in setting the new records in 2007.??????????????????????

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Lifetime Achievement Awards to two

?????????????????????? Highlighting this year's ceremony will be lifetime achievement award presentations to Captain Jay Wright Jr., Hollywood, Fla., USA, and Jean-Francois Helias, of Bangkok, Thailand.

?????????????????????? Wright has established over 200 world records, both as a guide and angler. The third generation Miami native specializes in light tackle angling and generously shares his extensive fishing knowledge by lecturing, guiding and teaching anglers the basics of fishing both conventional and fly.?? He's won numerous tournaments and has placed in the top three for both fresh and saltwater Captains since the inception of the WRAA in 2004. ??

?????????????????????? Helias is a guide, an IGFA Representative of Thailand and freelance fishing writer.?? He's been featured in numerous magazines promoting and educating anglers of Thai species and was also featured on National Geographic channel's Hooked, Monster Fish. Raised in France, Helias relocated to Thailand in 1986 with the goal of putting the country on the map as one of the world's premier freshwater fishing destinations plus helping to promote catch and release.

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Top Anglers to be honored

???? .Among the top anglers to be honored will be Ms. Jodie L. Johnson, Peterborough, N.H. USA, who recorded the most records among anglers with 28 for the Overall Female Angler of the year.?? All were caught on fly.

???????????????????????? In addition Dr. Martin Arostegui Coral Gables, Fla., USA, will receive the Overall Male Angler of the year with 22 records, 18 of them on fly. The retired physician gained world wide fame for being the first angler to reach the 200 world records plateau.

?????????????????????? Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m. with dinner and awards program at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the WRAA are $50.00 and include a barbecue dinner.?? Weekend seminars are free.

?????????????????????? For more information or to reserve a ticket, contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4309 or reservations@igfa.org .

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From the 2008 WRAA Top 10 list -- Top 3 angler award winners

Overall Female Angler (most records)

Jodie L. Johnson: 28 records, Peterborough, N.H. USA

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Overall Male Angler (most records)

Martin Arostegui: 22, Coral Gables, Fla., USA

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Male Saltwater

1.???? Luis Ceia: 11, Faro, Portugal

2.???? George Bogen: 4, Los Angeles, Calif., USA

3t. ??Jose "Pepe" Anton: 3, Guayquil, Ecuador

3t. ??Carlos "Charly" Casal: 3, Guayquil, Ecuador

3t. ??Cam Nicolson: 3, Houston, Texas, USA

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Female Saltwater

1.???? Rebecca Wright: 17, Hollywood, Fla., USA

2.??????Theda Little: 6, Baton Rouge, La., USA

3.?????? Dr. Julie Ball: 4, Virginia Beach, Va., USA

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Male Freshwater

1.?????? Jean-Francois Helias: 17, Bangkok, Thailand

2.????????Bill Staveley: 8, Gabarone, Boswana

3.????????Gilberto Fernandes: 7, Mao, AM Brazil

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Female Freshwater

1.????????Rebecca Wright: 2, Hollywood, Fla., USA

2t?????? Deborah S. Krick: 1, Rigby, Idaho, USA

2t.?? ??Luiza de Almeida: 1, Sao Paulo, Brazil

2t.?? ??Mimi Shimzu: 1, Nagoya, Japan

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Male Fly Rod

1.?????? Martin Arostegui: 18, Coral Gables, Fla., USA

2t..?? Bo Nelson: 5, San Francisco, Calif., USA

2t.???? Richard C. Taylor: 5, Boynton Beach, Fla., USA

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Female Fly Rod

1.???? Jodie L. Johnson: 28, Peterborough, N.H., USA

2.??????Dotty Ballantyne: 8, Bozeman, Mont., USA

3t. ??Theda C. Little: 4, Baton Rouge, La., USA

3t.?? Pamela W. Marmin: 4, ??Miami Shores, Fla., USA

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Juniors

Female Small Fry:

Jennifer Rose Wright: 4 Hollywood, Fla., USA

Female Junior:

Heather Michelle Harkavy: 10 Coral Springs, Fla., USA

Male Smallfry:

all tied with 2

Guilherme de Almeida, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Baily McIntire, Kaeo Northland, New Zealand

Jonluc Proud, Kenilworth, Warwichsh, UK

Norman B. Wood III, Key West, Fla., USA

Michael C. Wright: Hollywood, Fla., USA

Male Junior:

Martini Arostegui: 14??Coral Gables, Fla., USA

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IGFA Partners with Bonnier Marine Group to Produce Offshore World Championship

?????????????????????? Long hailed as the "Olympics" of offshore fishing, the International Game Fish Association's Offshore World Championship stands to grow even larger, thanks to a recently announced partnership with the Bonnier Marine Group.

?????????????????????? The championship, which began in 2000, has grown into the sport's premiere offshore fishing series. To be invited to this prestigious event, teams must win one of the many qualifying tournaments located around the world.

"The Offshore World Championship has representatives from more countries than any other fishing tournament in the world," says IGFA President Rob Kramer. "We have 130 qualifying tournaments from 38 different countries this year."

Bonnier will take on the management side of the championship starting with the 2009 event. The IGFA will remain the championship's sole nonprofit benefactor. A fundraiser and auction for the IGFA will be held at the championship and Bonnier will make a charitable donation to the IGFA following each year's event. The championship will continue to use the first-class amenities and boats of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, as its host location.

Bonnier, publisher of recreational boating and fishing's most respected and well-known titles such as Marlin, Sport Fishing and Salt Water Sportsman, currently produces fishing tournaments in Bermuda, Mexico and the U.S. Bonnier will support the championship by providing advertising space in its magazines, creating a dedicated World Offshore Championship website and televising the championship on its Sport Fishing Magazine TV show aired on Versus.

For the complete news release please go to the IGFA web site's home page at http://igfa.org or to ??http://igfa.org/bonnier_igfa.asp .

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Two IGFA School of Sportfishing classes through March

?????????????????????? There are two more classes left in the current session of the IGFA's School of Sportfishing through the end of March at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum Learning Center.

?????????????????????? The popular three-hour evening sessions are offered from 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday nights, ??

IGFA Adult Education Coordinator David Matagiese said the remainder of classes in March includes:????

?????????????? "Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs," Capt. Bouncer Smith, on March 18

?????????????? "Back Country Fishing: Mangroves and Flats," with Capt. Mark Zasky, March 25

?????????????????????? ??????"We had some popular classes this session that we hope to bring back in future sessions such as ???Four Fundamentals Every Sportfisherman Should Know.'" said Matagiese. ?????????????????????? "This class provided valuable hands-on training which included a variety of knots and twists commonly used in fishing applications; throwing cast nets, terminal tackle instruction, and?? bait rigging techniques that included ballyhoo and strip bait. Many of the participants who were veteran fisherman themselves yet new to the program walked away astonished at the amount of information and material covered during their first class.

?????????????????????? "We also introduced a completely new course ???Fishing Bridges and Beaches,' with Capt. Mark Zasky, introducing his incredible bridge fishing techniques that people who don't own a boat can use.?? Bridges and beaches can offer incredible fishing opportunities to anglers without having to get on a boat and pay a hefty fuel bill. With the aid of a DVD video Zasky proved just how many trophy fish are lurking around bridge structures and within casting distances of the beaches."

?????????????????????? Matagiese said additional classes for the spring will soon be introduced in April.

?????????????????????? For more on the IGFA School of Sportfishing classes go online to www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or 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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--Coming up at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame--

IGFA Junior Angler Spring Break Camp????

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?????????????????????? Once again, the IGFA is offering up to 45 youngsters from ages eight to 13, an exciting camp during spring break week at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Fla., USA. The day camps take place March 31 ??? April 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Before and after hours care is available from 8 - 9 a.m. and 4 - 6 p.m.??

?????????????????????? Several of the days will include field trips along with many different and fun aquatic activities such as daily fishing tournaments, fishing techniques, boat rides, dissections, wetlands exploration, shark ecology and more.?? Daily and weekly rates are available.

?????????????????????? Pre-registration is required.

?????????????????????? A $25 discount will be given for full week registrations if registration and payment is made by March 14^th. For more info go to the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org/springcamp.asp.

?????????????????????? Online registration is available at www.igfa.org/campform.asp, or by calling 954-924-4309 or email reservations@igfa.org.

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New hours at IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame

?????????????????????? The IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame has announced new Sunday hours. The hall will open at noon and close at 6 p.m. on Sundays beginning March 9.

?????????????????????? The hours for Monday ??? Saturday remain the same from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

?????????????????????? The IGFA is located at 300 Gulf Stream Way, off I-95 in Dania Beach next to Bass Pro Shops. Admission is free to IGFA members.?? Guest fees are $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and children ages 3 - 16. For more information phone the IGFA at 954-927-2628.

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Free Family Fishing Clinic

?????????????????????? The Family Fishing Clinic returns to the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Fla., on Saturday, April 19, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.?? Staff will be available for the free event to provide instruction on casting, knot tying, regulations, angling techniques and conservation practices.??

?????????????????????? As an added bonus admission to the museum, which offers many family activities including the popular Sharkwater feature length movie, will be also free for children and ?? off for adults.?? ??????????????????????

?????????????????????? Reservations are not required.

?????????????????????? For more information please call the IGFA at 954-927-2628.

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March Hot Catches from the IGFA World Records Department

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The International Game Fish Association's provides monthly highlights of selected documented fish catches made from across the globe and submitted for world records. IGFA world records coordinator Rebecca Wright provided the following information on these 11 recent submissions now before the world records review committee.

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Fishing Virginia USA's James River with 2 kg (4 lb) class line, Fred Cousins of Richmond, landed a blue catfish, (Ictalurus furcatus) January 15, 2008 weighing 29.03 kg (64 lb 0 oz).?? He attracted the blue using cut gizzard shad for bait and took 55 minutes to wrestle the big fish to the scale. He hopes to break the six-year-old IGFA record of 47 lb 9 oz caught on the same river. (Photo: blue catfish ??? 08010070)

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The Villacoa River, in Venezuela, was the site of William F. Craig's catch of a blackstriped peacock, (Cichla intermedia) on January 4, 2008. The Wellington, Fla., USA, angler caught the fish which weighed 3.86 kg (8 lb 8 oz) on 10 kg (20 lb) class line using a Smithwick lure. The current IGFA record is 4 lb 6 oz caught 10 years ago on the Caura River in Venezuela. (Photo: blackstriped peacock ??? 08010074)

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Capt. Jay Wright Jr., of Hollywood, Fla., USA, who is being honored with an IGFA Lifetime Achievement Award with 200 records as a guide and angler, took the role of an angler while fishing La Zona, Uruguay River, in Argentina when he landed a dorado (Salminus maxillosus) on January 16. He was guided by local Capt. Enzo Rico, for the fish that weighed 15.42 kg (34 lb 0 oz) and pulled in on 4 kg (8 lb) class line using a Strom Swim lure as bait. The current IGFA line class record is 24 lb caught on the Rio Tarija in Bolivia in 2005. (Photo: dorado ??? 08010091)

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Fly-fishing the Florida Keys USA, Martin Arostegui, Coral Gables, Fla., guided by Capt. Chris Morrison, landed a cero mackerel (Scomberomorus regalis) January 30 using 3 kg (6 lb) class tippet. Caught off Marathon, Fla. with his own hand-tied Arostegui Pilchard fly, the fish weighed 3.15 kg (6 lb 15 oz).?? Arostegui is hoping to add to his 200 plus IGFA world records with the men's fly record of the catch which currently stands at 6 lb 8 oz. (Photo: cero mackerel ??? 08020005)

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It took 25 minutes for Jorge de Aguiar, of Manaus Amazonas, Brazil, fly-fishing the country's Rio Tumbira, to land an arawana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) he caught on November 8. The fish weighed 5.43 kg (11 lb 15 oz) and was caught on 8 kg (16 lb) class tippet.?? The current IGFA line class tippet record is a 4 lb arawana recorded in 2004 on the Urabaxi River in Brazil.?? (Photo: arawana ??? 08020011)

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Russell Jensen, of Bronx, N.Y., USA used cut bait while fishing Travessoa, Brazil, to entice a jundia (Leiarius marmoratus) on January 23. He's submitted the 11.68 kg (25 lb 12 oz) for an IGFA All-Tackle class record.?? The current IGFA record set in 2004 on the Teres Pires River in Brazil is 20 lb. (Photo: jundia ??? 08020034)

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Singapore angler Bruno Binet, guided by Jean-Francois Helias (who is being honored with an IGFA Lifetime Achievement Award), landed a brownbanded bamboo shark (Shiloscyllium punctatum) on February 10, weighing 2.89 kg (6 lb 5 oz). They were fishing Kut Island, Gulf of Siam, Thailand, using squid for bait for the All-Tackle class record which presently stands in the IGFA record books at 4 lb 10 oz from the same area. (Photo: brownbanded bamboo shark - 08020038)

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The following day Bruno Binet, Singapore, again guided by Jean-Francois Helias, landed a duskytail grouper (Epinephelus bleekeri), weighing .95 kg (2 lb 1 oz) for an IGFA All-Tackle class submission. Binet used a squid for bait while fishing the Gulf of Siam's Kut Island in Thailand. The weight of the fish could tie the current IGFA record also caught on Kut Island last year. (Photo: duskytail grouper - 08020027)

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Jean-Francois Helias also guided still another angler to a possible IGFA world record earlier on January 30, in Ratchaburi, Thailand, when French fly-fisherman Frabrice Chassaing of St Brevin Les Pins, France, hooked a sorubim (Pseudoplatystoma spp.).The fish, caught with a blue floating streamer on 6 kg (12 lb) class tippet, weighed 5.52 kg (12 lb 2 oz).?? If approved it would be the first record in the currently vacant tippet class. (Photo: sorubim ??? 08020035).

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Four times the strength of her 4 kg (8 lb) class tippet was the net weight result for Dr. Randee Ward, of Coppell, Texas, USA, who was fly fishing and landed a 14.51 kg (32 lb 0 oz) red drum, (Sciaenops ocellatus). Guided by Gregg Arnold, while fishing Hopedale, Louisiana USA. on January 13, it took her 62 minutes to land the fish which is up for an IGFA women's tippet record that currently stands at 25 lb recorded two years ago on the Indian River in Florida. (Photo: red drum - 08020056)

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Brazilian angler Gilberto Fernandes, guided by Edson Alexandre, landed a redtail catfish, (pirarara) (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) on February 15, weighing 32 kg (70 lb 8 oz). Using 8 kg (16 lb) class line with cut fish for bait it took Fernandes in 45 minutes to wrestle the fish from Brazil's Rio Amazona.?? He's hoping to break his own line class record of 43 lb 10 oz caught two years ago on the same river.(Photo: redtail catfish ??? 08020057)

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A great deal for IGFA members in "BAMM" month

?????????????????????? The IGFA along with other members from the Broward Area Attractions and Museums (BAMM) are joining together in the month of June to honor reciprocal member benefits.??

?????????????????????? "Join one experience all" is the theme as members of each participating institution will be able to use their membership benefits at all 21 museums and attractions. Level of benefits will depend on the individual institution but all will include like-member free admission.??

?????????????????????? The IGFA will honor admission and 10% off at the museum gift store.?? IGFA members, in turn, will be able to use their membership card to gain free admission to a wide variety of attractions and museums in Broward County.

?????????????????????? Besides the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame the other participating institutions include: the African American Research Library, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, Boca Raton Historical Society and Museum, Boca Raton Museum of Art, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, Children's Museum, Coral Springs Museum of Art, Flamingo Gardens, Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, International Swimming Hall of Fame, Museum of Art, My Jewish Discovery Place Museum, NSU Sherman Library, Old Davie School Historical Museum, Old Dillard Museum, Palm Beach Museum of Natural History at Plantation Historical Society, Plantation Historical Museum, Stranahan House and Young At Art Children's Museum.

?????????????????????? Guests are encouraged to visit individual institution websites for further information and any restrictions that may apply.

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IGFA N. J. Reps Hosting Fund Raising Banquet and Auction

?????????????????????? The New Jersey Representatives of the International Game Fish Association will host its 11th annual banquet and auction on Friday, April 4 to benefit the IGFA's Junior Angler and Conservation Programs.??

?????????????????????? The N. J. Reps which include Pete Barrett, Bill Feinberg, Jeff Merrill and Gene Nigro, will hold the Fund Raising Banquet and Auction at 7 p.m. at Mike Doolan's in Spring Lake Heights, N. J.??????????????????????

?????????????????????? Merrill said last year's event attracted nearly 200 fishing enthusiasts and raised $15,000 for the IGFA programs.??

?????????????????????? "In 10 years this event has raised over $115,000 making it one of IGFA's most successful fund raising events," added Merrill.??

?????????????????????? "Our deluxe buffet dinner will be followed by the "Fishing Tackle Bonanza Chinese Auction" where thousands of dollars worth of rods, reels, line and lures donated by major tackle manufacturers and local tackle shops, along with jewelry, marine artwork and other fishing related items and accessories will be given away.?? Numerous fishing trips have also been donated by charter boat captains spread from Sandy Hook to Cape May".??

?????????????????????? Every attendee will also receive a goody bag stuffed with commemorative gifts from the IGFA and tackle manufacturers including a limited edition print.?? The value of each goody bag alone is over $100.??

?????????????????????? Limited to the first 225 people reservations can be made by sending a check for $75 for each person and sent to: IGFA Banquet, c/o Jeff Merrill, 918 Houston St., South Plainfield, N.J. 07080.?? For further information contact Jeff Merrill at 908-451-1110 or via e-mail at jeffmerrill@comcast.net.

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Sharkwater film and exhibition extended through September????????????????

?????????????????????? Because of popular demand Sharkwater, the award-winning feature length film and exhibition at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. has been extended through September.

?????????????????????? The much acclaimed 90-minute documentary film, winner of 19 international awards, is being shown four times daily on Saturdays at 10:15 a.m., noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. and Sundays at noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.?? On weekdays the film is shown at 3:30 p.m.??

?????????????????????? An interactive and educational exhibition based around shark conservation is also featured in the Museum's Changing Gallery.

?????????????????????? The next monthly shark series lecture is on March 22 featuring South Africa marine biologist Hannah Medd who recently returned to the U.S. after completing a Masters of Science degree at the Marine Biology Research Institute of the Zoology Department at the University of Cape Town. Medd has been a scientific advisor to the volunteer program of White Shark Projects, a shark ecotourism company that offers cage diving with white sharks and governmental projects monitoring the country's white shark population and the smaller endemic shy sharks of southern Africa.?? She'll be speaking on behalf of Shark Savers (sharksavers.org) and their mission of "dispelling myths, educating, and building the movement to save sharks."

?????????????????????? The IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame is located at 300 Gulf Stream Way, off I-95 in Dania Beach next to Bass Pro Shops.?? The hall is open daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday ??? Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is free to IGFA members.?? Guest fees are $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and children ages 3 - 16.

?????????????????????? For more information phone the IGFA at 954-924-4370.

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From the IGFA -- Did You Know?

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?????????????? Some longlines span as much as 60 miles

?????????????? Pacific leatherback sea turtles are especially susceptible to longlines and have declined by 95% since 1980

?????????????? Globally, it is estimated that governments subsidize longline fishing at a rate of 20-25 cents for every dollar earned by fishermen totaling somewhere between $14 - $20 billion

o?????????? The US Atlantic longline fleet totals $1.65 million, or $10,000-$11,000 per vessel in subsidy per year

o?????????? The European Union and member states provide their fleet with an estimated $1.5 billion in annual subsidies

o?????????? Japan provides an estimated $3 billion in annual subsidies

?????????????? Swordfish have physiological adaptations that allow them to maintain their eyes and brains at temperatures higher than that of the surrounding water

?????????????? The north Atlantic swordfish stock is almost fully rebuilt

?????????????? The billfish family (Istiophoridae) has undergone a taxonomic revision

o?????????? Black marlin now have a different genus (Istiompax) than blue marlin (Makaira)

o?????????? White marlin and striped marlin have been separated from the spearfish (Tetrapturus) and now have a different genus (Kajikia)

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Calendar of future IGFA events

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Now through September 2008 ??? Sharkwater, award-winning feature length film and exhibition, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA ??? Extended through September due to popular demand, the much acclaimed 90-minute documentary film, winner of 19 international awards, is being shown four times daily on Saturdays at 10:15 a.m., noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. and Sunday's at noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. On weekdays it's shown at 3:30 p.m.?? An interactive and educational exhibition based around shark conservation is also featured in the Museum's Changing Gallery. Monthly lectures featuring local and national shark experts are also scheduled.?? The IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame is located at 300 Gulf Stream Way, off I-95 in Dania Beach next to Bass Pro Shops.?? The hall is open daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday ??? Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free to IGFA members.?? Guest fees are $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and children ages 3 - 16. For more information phone the IGFA at 954-924-4370.

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March 15, 2008 -- IGFA Observer Training Class, Shoreline Yacht Club, Long Beach, Calif. USA -- 9 a.m. ??쬆 The class trains experienced anglers, boat captains and crew members as observers for fishing tournaments held around the world. The course includes species Identification, IGFA saltwater fishing rules & regulations, safety at sea and boating etiquette. The IGFA OTC applications are available at the IGFA website www.igfa.org. Pre-registration is required and the $150 fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. For additional information, please contact Jason Schratwieser at 954-924-4320 email: jschratwieser@igfa.org.

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March 18, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; "Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs," IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. ??? 7 p.m. ??? 10 p.m. If you've ever had a slow day trolling and wished for some serious rod bending action, then this is the class for you. Techniques for snapper and grouper are just some of what you will learn from one of the greatest fishermen of our generation. Conducted by Capt. Bouncer Smith this is not your regular fishing seminar series. Each class is limited to 24 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 per class for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials and fishing equipment relevant to each topic. For more details go to the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David 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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March 22, 2008????? Sharkwater lecture series -- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA ??? 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. This free lecture which is open to the public presents marine biologist Hannah Medd of the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Ms. Medd, working in collaboration with Shark Savers (sharksavers.org), will talk about the biodiversity and plight of sharks worldwide and "dispelling myths, educating, and building the movement to save sharks." ??The lecture is being held in conjunction with the much acclaimed 90-minute Sharkwater documentary film, winner of 19 international awards, being shown four times daily on Saturdays at 10:15 a.m., noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. and Sundays at noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. On weekdays it's shown at 3:30 p.m.?? An interactive and educational exhibition based around shark conservation is also featured in the Museum's Changing Gallery. The IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame is located at 300 Gulf Stream Way, off I-95 in Dania Beach next to Bass Pro Shops.?? The hall is open Monday ??? Saturday from 10 a.m. ??? 6 p.m. and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.?? Admission is free to IGFA members.?? Guest fees are $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and children ages 3 ??? 16 and includes the film. For more information phone the IGFA at 954-927-2628.

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March 25, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; "Back Country Fishing: Mangroves and Flats," IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. ??? 7 p.m. ??? 10 p.m.?? Learn the secrets to making your back country trip an action packed day.?? This class will focus on multiple back country species and will teach you what the pros already know including where to go, finding fish, and reading the water. Conducted by Capt. Mark Zasky this is not your regular fishing seminar series. Each class is limited to 24 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 per class for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials and fishing equipment relevant to each topic. For more details go to the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David 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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March 31 ??? April 4, 2008 -- IGFA Junior Angler Spring Break Camp, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. -- The IGFA is offering a week-long day camp adventure for youngsters from the ages of 8 to 13. Campers spend time in the museum where they learn about fishing techniques, conservation, marine biology, tying flies & jigs, and participate in simulated fishing tournaments. Field trips take the campers on a variety of fresh and salt water adventures: drift boat, pier and shore fishing, wetlands exploration and much more. Registration is available by calling the IGFA education department at 954-924-4309 or email reservations@igfa.org or by visiting the IGFA web site at http://www.igfa.org/springcamp.asp

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April 12, 2008 -- Fifth annual IGFA World Record Achievement Awards and Banquet, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. -- This celebration dinner and awards ceremony highlights the 2007 records by men, women, juniors, professional captains and tackle manufacturers.?? For reservations and tickets for the ceremony please call Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or reservations@igfa.org

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April 19, 2008 -- Free Family Fishing Clinic, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. 11 a.m. ??? 2 p.m.?? IGFA staff members will be available to provide instruction on casting, knot tying, regulations, angling techniques and conservation practices.?? Museum admission will be free for children and ?? off for adults.?? Reservations are not required.??

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April 25 - 27, 2008 -- 28th Annual Week of the Ocean School Marine Fair, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA.?? Free event showcasing award-winning marine projects
of K-12th grade students from the arts to sciences. Museum hours 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
(Projects down at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday).?? For more information please go to www.national-week-of-the-ocean.org or contact Cynthia Hancock at 954-462-5573.

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May 10, 2008 -- Boaters Safety Course, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. ??? 8:00 a.m. ??? 4:00 p.m. This free all day course is taught by the Law Enforcement division of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and meets the mandatory boating safety education requirements for the State of Florida.?? It's comprised of a six chapter review and a final exam. The class 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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May 11 - 16, 2008 ??? 2008 IGFA Offshore World Championship, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico ??? It's international fishing's most prestigious billfish tournament hosting over 60 winning teams from 27 countries on six continents who have been invited after winning one of over 130 IGFA qualifying events held in 2007. This ninth annual tournament hosts the largest contingent of international teams to compete in a single catch-and-release fishing tournament world wide. Contact IGFA tournament coordinator Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org or for media information from IGFA PR counsel Pete Johnson??at 480-951-3654 or johnsoncom@aol.com .

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May 17, 2008 ??? IGFA Summer Camp Open House, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA.?? 10 a.m. ??? noon. This event gives parents and their youngsters ages 8 to 13 a chance to experience exciting activities during the IGFA's nine weekly Summer Camps which begin June 9 to Aug 15, 2008.?? For more information, please call 954-924-4309, email reservations@igfa.org, or visit www.igfa.org/camps.asp.

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June 1 ??? 30, 2008 -- BAMM (Broward Attractions and Museum Month) During the month of June anyone with a membership in the IGFA or one the 20 participating museums and attractions in Broward County will be able to use that for reciprocal benefits in all.?? The theme for the month is "Join one, experience them all."?? Each institution will define exactly what benefits will be eligible but at the very least it will be free admission at same member level. The IGFA will honor admission as well as 10% off in the gift shop. For more information please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at JTomlin@igfa.org

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June 9 -- Aug 15, 2008 -- IGFA's nine weekly Summer Camps begin, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA ??? This is the ninth year of the IGFA's popular nine weekly camps held during the summer break for children ages 8 to 13. Campers will explore the aquatic environment and participate in many fishing adventures and exciting marine life activities. Each week-long camp session is held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Before and after-care is available from 8 - 9 a.m. and 4 - 6 p.m. Pre-registration is required. For more information, go to the IGFA summer camp website at www.igfa.org/summercamp.asp. There's a maximum of 45 children per week, so parents are encouraged to reserve early. Registration is available by calling the IGFA education department at 954-924-4309 or via email at reservations@igfa.org.

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June 29 ??? July 2, 2008 -- Eighth annual IGFA Inshore World Championship, Islamorada, Fla., USA ??? Called by anglers and the media the "super bowl" of light tackle and fly fishing, invitations are sent to the winners of over 50??IGFA qualifying tournaments held on four continents in 2007 to compete in this??three day all-release championship.??From a drawing the qualifiers are paired??with a??different premier Keys guide each day??fishing for??tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook and??redfish using fly or light tackle equipment. The five major award categories will include: Grand Champion (the angler who accumulates the most points for all five targeted species); runner-up grand champion and first places in the fly, artificial lure and bait casting divisions.?? There are also trophies and merchandise for second and third place divisional winners in the three categories as well as the top three guides.?? Contact: IGFA IWC tournament coordinator Denise Hartman 954-924-4243 or DHartman@igfa.org or for media information from Pete Johnson, IGFA PR counsel??at 480-951-3654 or??johnsoncom@aol.com

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July 17, 2008 -- Second Annual Fish N Chips Casino party, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. This event benefits the Florida Marlins Community Foundation.?? For more information please go to www.Florida.marlins.mlb.com.

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August 2, 2008 -- Boaters Safety Course, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. ??? 8:00 a.m. ??? 4:00 p.m. This free all day course is taught by the Law Enforcement division of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and meets the mandatory boating safety education requirements for the State of Florida.?? It's comprised of a six chapter review and a final exam. The class 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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October 25, 2008 -- The 10th Annual IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA -- This year's event will be the highlight of a weekend-long (Friday, Oct. 24 ??? Sunday, Oct. 26) celebration in honor of all 70 members and the newest five inductees of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame.?? Each year the inductees are selected for the important contributions they have made to the sport of fishing through angling achievements, literature, the arts, science, education, invention, communication or administration of fishery resources. The evening includes a cocktail reception, silent auction, the induction ceremony for the 2008 class and dinner. Tickets are $200. For reservation information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org

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November 8, 2008 -- Boaters Safety Course, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. ??? 8:00 a.m. ??? 4:00 p.m. This free all day course is taught by the Law Enforcement division of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and meets the mandatory boating safety education requirements for the State of Florida.?? It's comprised of a six chapter review and a final exam. The class 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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November 10 ??? 13, 2008 ??? The Fifth World Recreational Fishing Conference, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA --Representatives from around the globe will be hosted by the IGFA at an international forum for the recreational fishing community. The conference will target the tackle industry, angling tourism and include representatives from non governmental organizations and fisheries science and management. Topics will include historical and recent trends in participation, emerging fisheries, recreational fisheries science and management, socioeconomics, and catch and release.?? For information on the conference or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.worldrecfish.org or contact IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser at 954-924-4320 or jschratwieser@igfa.org

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