The IGFA School of Sportfishing classes are underway with six more classes left in the fall season.

"We've had two classes to begin the eighth session and both were well received," said Jeff Mackin of the IGFA. "In his ???Understanding Your Onboard Electronics' class Capt. Karl Anderson taught participants how to effectively use their electronics so that they can make the most out of their time on the water. He discussed using VHF radio to determine where other anglers were finding the most bites and how to use GPS systems to locate and mark large schools of bait and the predatory fish that follow them. He explained that by properly logging this type of information, participants could easily find these fish again on their next fishing trip. Other topics covered included echo sounders and depth finders, transducers and radar systems.

"The students in the ???Fishing for Trophy Snook' class benefited greatly from some amazing tips from Capt. Mark Zaskey to land lunker snook, techniques they wouldn't hear in seminars."

The Tuesday night classes run from 7 ??? 10 p.m., and are taught at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum. Limited to a class size of 24 anglers the IGFA School of Sportfishing offers a unique experience for anglers who want to obtain the skills, information and techniques necessary to maximize their overall success on the water.

Each course includes printed materials along with the equipment and hands-on instruction where anglers have a chance to interact and learn from professional fishermen who they would usually only read about in fishing magazines or see on television.

Mackin gave the course topics, teachers and dates for the remaining six classes:

"Four Fundamentals Every Sportfisherman Should Know" taught by Capt. Tony DiGiulian, Sept. 9
"The Basics of Rigging and Trolling Artificial Lures" with instructor Capt. Josh Brown, Sept. 16.
"All About Live Bait" taught by Capt. Shawn Fairbanks, Sept. 23.
"Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs" instructed by Capt. Bouncer Smith, Sept. 30
"Conquering Sailfish" with teacher Capt. Bouncer Smith, Oct. 7
"Targeting Largemouth and Peacock Bass" with Capt Alan Zaremba, Oct. 14
The cost is $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 each for non-members.
For more details visit the IGFA website at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp to assess which courses are appropriate for specific skill levels. Sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp or contact Mackin at 954-924-4340 with any questions you might have.