World Record Pacific Bonefish from Honolulu, Hawaii

Triana holds seven all tackle and line class records for Pacific bones, including one 10-pounder.

“Pacific bonefish on ultra light tackle in Hawaii has been the most challenging record to break,” notes Triana. “It’s difficult to find a Pacific bonefish large enough to eclipse an existing record, because those
larger specimens are few and far between, and spook so easily.”  

World Record Yelloweye Rockfish from Seward, Alaska

Triana has captured 19 IGFA records in this small town two and a half hours south of Anchorage. Among the record-breaking species: yelloweye rockfish and Pacific cod.

“These species are some of the oldest fish on the planet, reaching 80 to 100 years old,” says Triana. “Having the opportunity to fish for large specimens gives you multiple chances to encounter that perfect fish.”

World Record Grass Carp in Miami, Florida

Triana’s hometown has provided him access to myriad oddball species including hornet tilapia, Orinoco sailfin catfish, Oscar, and a record-breaking 48-pound, 12-ounce grass carp caught in the suburb of Palmetto Bay.

“Grass carp were introduced into the South Florida canal systems decades ago to control the rapid growth of hydrilla weed that completely choked the waterways,” Triana explains. “They are the largest member of the minnow family, and grow to massive proportions.”

World Record Andalusian Barbel from Portugal

As Triana does for all his travels, including family trips, he researches species that are unique to the area. The Andalusian barbel record came in the summer of 2022 during a family vacation to Portugal, where they spent a good chunk of their time in the southern region of Algarve.

“The barbel is a common and popular freshwater game fish in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe,” Triana says. “They belong to the carp family, and can be found in river systems and reservoirs.”  

World Record Talang Queenfish from Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Before it was the megalopolis of today, Dubai was a fishing village, and Triana’s research revealed that Talang queenfish is a popular game fish in the Persian Gulf. Triana made the trip with his family in March 2022.

“I rigged a Clouser fly with 6-pound tippet, and waited for the chance to cast,” he says. “Like a light switch, schools of talang queenfish appeared all around the boat chasing small minnows. A queenfish attacked the fly. It fights down and dirty like a jack crevalle, but jumps like a tarpon. After multiple loops around the boat, I landed the fish.”

World Record Black Durgon from Varadero, Cuba

Triana wanted to explore the untapped reef fishery, but Cuba only allowed government-run fishing vessels that troll outside the reef line.

“We anchored in the clearest water I’ve ever seen, and I break out my light spinning rods with 6-pound-test line, and diced-up lobster for bait,” Triana recalls. “I can see the school of black durgon on the bottom.” He caught a 2-pound fish, topping the existing record of 1 pound, 14 ounces.

World Record Tiger Trout in Salt River, Wyoming

Call it world record by bycatch. While fly fishing along the banks of the Salt River in search of brown trout, Triana caught a baby tiger trout. He quickly made his way back to his car to reference the IGFA yearbook he always travels with to check the tiger trout records.

“I saw there was only a 2-pound fish as the existing record on 6-pound-test line class. I quickly put together my 6-pound spinning outfit and began casting a fly. It wasn’t too long before caught another tiger trout in the same exact area.” Except this time, it was a much larger specimen.

World Record Collared Large-Eye Bream from the Great Barrier Reef

Triana traveled to Australia in 2001 hoping to catch a black marlin. After the liveaboard anchored up one evening, “I rigged up one of my light tackle rods and began bottom fishing, catching a multitude of species,” Triana recalls. “One of them was a very big collared large-eye bream. I kept it on ice until I had a chance to do some research the next day.” It turned out he had caught an IGFA world record.

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Whether you’ve heard them called red drum, redfish, channel bass, or spot tail bass, you’ll be hard pressed to find an angler who doesn’t call it a premier game fish. These magnificent fish can be targeted in several inches of water with fly or lure, or caught in deep inlets with heavy tackle and natural bait. Their hard-fights, willingness to take a variety of natural and artificial baits, and beautiful coloration make the red drum one of the most highly sought after game fish species in the world.

A scroll through the IGFA World Records reaffirms the redfish’s popularity amongst the angling elite, with prominent names like Ballantyne, Hogan, and Werking listed alongside their respective records. But much like the largemouth bass, part of what makes the redfish popular is its availability to the masses. Million dollar boats and high-tech tackle are not required, which is evident by the fact that the largest redfish ever recorded by the IGFA were caught from shore or from piers, using basic tackle and a chunk of bait.

This compilation of red drum world records highlights a handful of records set for this species, and clearly illustrates just how diverse fishing for redfish can be.

All-Tackle World Record — 94 Pounds, 2 Ounces

• Weight: 42.69 kg (94 lb 2 oz)
• Angler: David Deuel
• Place: Hatteras, North Carolina
• Date: Nov. 7, 1984

It’s only appropriate, and no surprise, that the All-Tackle world record red drum was caught in the waters off Hatteras, North Carolina. After all, every redfish to hold the All-Tackle title has come from this area, not to mention the countless other monsters that these waters have produced over the years. David Deuel’s massive 42.69 kg (94 lb 2 oz) red drum was caught from shore, just as every other All-Tackle submittal for redfish. Deuel was rigged up the same way as many other surf-casters were on the morning of Nov. 7, 1984 as he hit the beaches of Avon, North Carolina. However it was his chunk of mullet that was picked up by the heaviest redfish ever recorded. Nearly an hour after hooking up, Deuel pulled the huge drum ashore and immediately knew it was a special fish. The fish measured 57 inches in length (to the fork), and sported an incredible girth of 38 inches. Deuel’s monster redfish replaced the previous record by more than 10 pounds, and also earned him the 24 kg (50 lb) line class world record.

Men’s 3 kg (6 lb) Tippet Class — 41 Pounds

• Weight: 18.59 kg (41 lb)
• Angler: Jim Seegraves
• Place: Houma, Louisiana
• Date: April 2, 2004

Arguably one of the more impressive redfish world records was caught by angler Jim Seegraves on April 2, 2004 while fly fishing out of Houma, Louisiana, USA. Seegraves battled this beautiful bronzed red drum for nearly two hours after the fish crushed the crab pattern fly he was casting from Capt. Dawny Ayo’s custom skiff. Why such a long fight? Seegraves was fishing with only 3 kg (6 lb) class tippet, and his record redfish tipped the scales at an impressive 18.59 kg (41 lb).

Women’s 3 kg (6 lb) Line Class — 44 Pounds

• Weight: 19.96 kg (44 lb)
• Angler: Maureen Klause
• Place: Ocracoke, North Carolina
• Date: Nov. 11, 2008

Angler Maureen Klause, a recipient of IGFA’s Bob Herder Light Tackle Award, set the women’s 3 kg (6 lb) line class world record for red drum on Nov. 11, 2008 with this gorgeous 19.96 kg (44 lb) specimen. Klause was fishing out of Ocracoke, North Carolina aboard the Drum Runner with local Captain Ernest Doshier when the fish ate the dead menhaden she was fishing on the bottom, right outside of the surf. Klause skillfully played the fish for approximately 45 minutes, before it could be landed. Once secured, the fish was quickly run to shore where it was properly documented and released alive.

Women’s Smallfry — 50 Pounds, 4 Ounces

Battle at the Bay

• Weight: 22.79 kg (50 lb 4 oz)
• Angler: Kristen Dize
• Place: Chesapeake Bay, Virginia
• Date: Sep. 15, 2001

Kristen Dize holds IGFA’s female smallfry record after landing this 50-pound, 4-ounce redfish in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay. Dize was bait fishing with a croaker when the fish hit, taking her 20 minutes to land. The catch happened in September of 2001, making this record more than 20 years old.

Men’s 15 kg (30 lb) Line Class — 90 Pounds

• Weight: 40.8 kg (90 lb)
• Angler: Elvin Hooper
• Place: Rodanthe, North Carolina
• Date: Nov. 7, 1973

At approximately 3 am on Nov. 7, 1973, angler Elvin Hooper hooked into an enormous red drum while fishing with a chunk of mullet from the Hatteras Island Pier in Rodanthe, North Carolina. After battling the stubborn fish for over an hour, Hooper had the fish alongside the pier, where it was eventually landed with a pier net. Tipping the scales at a whopping 40.8 kg (90 lb), Hooper’s fish became the biggest redfish specimen ever recorded by the IGFA at that time. Although the All-Tackle title has since been eclipsed, Hooper’s incredible catch still holds the men’s 15 kg (30 lb) line class record, and is the second largest red drum on record with the IGFA.

Women’s 6 kg (12 lb) Line Class — 51 Pounds, 8 Ounces

• Weight: 23.4 kg (51 lb 8 oz)
• Angler: Joan S. Dull
• Place: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
• Date: Nov. 19, 1958

One of the longest standing world records for redfish is also one of the most impressive. Angler Joan S. Dull of Wayne, Ohio, USA set the women’s 6 kg (12 lb) line class world record with this 23.4 kg (51 lb, 8 oz) drum she caught on Nov. 19, 1958 while soaking a chunk of cut mullet in the surf off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, USA. Despite the large size of the fish and her light surf casting gear, Dull bested her record redfish in just 20 minutes — all done without the assistance of a boat and with only 15 inches of leader!

Men’s 2 kg (4 lb) Line Class — 52 Pounds, 5 Ounces

• Weight: 23.74 kg (52 lb 5 oz)
• Angler: George Hogan, Jr.
• Place: Indian River Lagoon, Florida
• Date: Feb. 24, 1996

Light tackle expert George Hogan, Jr. has spent years pursuing IGFA world records for prestigious saltwater and freshwater game fish. However as Hogan describes in the testimony for his 2 kg (4 lb) line class record, “the day was planned to be a fun trip fishing with my sons.” But Hogan goes on to explain that “when the chance is there for another record catch, I’m always willing and prepared.” That was certainly the case on Feb. 24, 1996 when he caught and released this 23.74 kg (52 lb 5 oz) redfish while fishing Florida’s Indian River Lagoon. Hogan needed only 21 minutes to land the record fish after it ate the crab he was using for bait.

Women’s 10 kg (20 lb) Line Class — 65 Pounds

• Weight: 29.48 kg (65 lb 0 oz)
• Angler: Lyn Gottert
• Place: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
• Date: Nov. 11, 1983

North Carolina is renowned for its monster red drum, especially in areas such as Cape Hatteras and Ocracoke. It’s no surprise then that Lyn Gottert’s record 20-pound-class redfish came from these exact waters. Gottert was surf fishing in November 1983 when the 65-pound fish hit a mullet.

Men’s 3 kg (6 lb) Line Class — 51 Pounds, 8 Ounces

• Weight: 23.36 kg (51 lb 8 oz)
• Angler: Raleigh Werking
• Place: Oriental, North Carolina
• Date: Aug. 24, 1999

Light tackle extraordinaire and past recipient of the IGFA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Raleigh Werking has set more than 50 world records over his incredible angling career, but few are as impressive as the 23.36 kg (51 lb 8 oz) redfish he caught on just 3 kg (6 lb) line. Werking was fishing with local guide George H. Beckwith, Jr. out of Oriental, North Carolina, USA on Aug. 24, 1999 when he caught this record redfish. Werking skillfully played the fish for just 20 minutes on his light tackle set-up, before the fish was landed, documented, and then released alive.

Women’s 6 kg (12 lb) Tippet Class — 40 Pounds

• Weight: 18.14 kg (40 lb)
• Angler: Dotty Ballantyne
• Place: Venice, Louisiana
• Date: Nov. 19, 2014

On Nov. 19, 2014 while fishing out of Venice, Louisiana with guide David Mangum, Dotty Ballantyne caught and released this 18.14 kg (40 lb) redfish. Ballantyne set the women’s 6 kg (12 lb) tippet class record after skillfully playing the fish for approximately 30 minutes. Not only a world record, Ballantyne’s fish is also one of the heaviest fly-caught redfish ever recorded by the IGFA.

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Researchers and scientists know surprisingly little about the migrations of many offshore sportfish. But with determined efforts by anglers to tag released fish for tracking, steady progress is happening in real time.

One example of fishermen-fueled research is the Dolphinfish Research Program that relies on anglers to tag mahi, but also report back captured tagged dolphinfish, with the goal to identify this gamefish’s long-distance migration routes. Over the last 16 years, 32,630 dorado were tagged and 784 were recaptured, according to the program.

Different billfish species, such as blue marlin, have also received major attention, thanks to the International Game Fish Association and supportive fishing teams.

The IGFA Great Marlin Race is a billfish research and conservation initiative that allows recreational anglers — armed with expensive satellite tag technology — to become citizen scientists and deploy tags on the billfish they catch. Each year the race takes place from Oct. 1 – Sept. 30. The winning team is decided by the tagged billfish that travels the farthest distance. But the race is just one part of it. The larger goal is for scientists, anglers, and policymakers to better understand billfish migration patterns and habitat utilization.

“The IGFA Great Marlin Race was established [in 2011] to involve the angling community in citizen science,” said IGFA President, Jason Schratwieser. “By coupling competitive spirit with conservation, we’re able to gather invaluable data that helps ensure the survival of these magnificent species. This year’s winners exemplify the heart of this program: a deep commitment to conservation and the betterment of sport fishing.”

The SAT tags deployed on marlin and sailfish transmit information to researchers at Stanford University who analyze and disseminate the data, leading to a better understanding of these incredible animals and how to better manage them. To date, the IGFA Great Marlin Race has deployed nearly 600 satellite tags on billfish around the world.

In 2023, a total of 59 satellite tags were deployed across five billfish species during 23 global tagging events. Often, these events might be billfish fishing tournaments, such as the Bermuda Triple Crown. While some tags are set to provide data for the 2023-2024 race, 29 tags surfaced during this year’s race. This year’s winner (2022-2023) was the Waste Knot fishing team, a longtime supporter of the program. The tag was deployed during the 2022 Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, with the tag sponsored by Scott and Ven Poole of Waste Knot.

• First Place: The winning blue marlin, caught by Ven Poole and tagged by Scott Poole, traveled an impressive straight-line distance of 4,149 nautical miles from the US East Coast to the coast of Brazil. This route was this year’s longest — also the 5th longest in the program’s history and the 3rd longest for a blue marlin — with a total estimated track of 7,819 nm.
• Second Place: The runner-up, a blue marlin tagged aboard Stream Weaver during the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament and deployed by Bobby Schlegel, marked a straight distance of 2,543 nm, with an estimated total track of 3,689 nm.
• Third Place: The third place was claimed by a striped marlin tagged off New Zealand, sponsored and deployed by the crew of Trident, which traveled 1,545 nm in just 85 days.

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This one is for the kids.

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) introduced a new all-tackle length category available for junior anglers to submit their record-breaking fish catches. Open to all anglers 16 and younger, the IGFA wanted kids to experience the thrill of setting world records, while promoting conservation through catch-and-release fishing.

That’s right, kids (and adults) don’t have to kill their catches to be recognized in fishing record books, thanks to IGFA’s different all-tackle length categories. Currently, 169 species are eligible for all-tackle length records.

The new All-Tackle Length Junior Category, which is live right now, follows the same rules and regulations as other current length record categories:

• The junior category has one record available for each eligible species
• There is no differentiation made for the angler’s gender or sex

“By introducing the All-Tackle Length Junior Category, we hope to inspire the next generation of anglers to get out and fish, while promoting ethical and sustainable fishing practices,” said IGFA President Jason Schratwieser. “Fishing is a fantastic way to connect with the outdoors, and we believe that by engaging young people with this sport, we can inspire the next generation of stewards of our oceans, lakes, and rivers and help ensure the long-term health and vitality of our aquatic resources.”

The new category is a great opportunity for kids to get hooked on angling. With teenagers more and more disconnected from the outdoors, the IGFA hopes to inspire a new wave of young anglers who are passionate about the sport. The goal of a world record is a worthy and achievable one, whether targeting species like permit, sheepshead, ladyfish or walleye.

The creation of the new record category opened up 169 vacant record opportunities. Have a plan before a junior angler submits a catch to the IGFA. First, make sure the fish species is eligible — species such as blue marlin, yellowfin tuna and tarpon are not on the eligible list. Then, make sure to follow IGFA rules when measuring the fish’s length. And finally, confirm the fish meets minimum length requirements. For example, a California yellowtail needs to be 80 cm (about 31.5 inches) minimum to be eligible for an all-tackle length record. Most importantly, get out on the water with friends and family and have fun — spring is just around the corner.

Important IGFA Resources

• Eligible Species for All-Tackle Length Records
• IGFA Angling Rules
• IGFA Release Guidelines
• World Record Submission Form

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Despite a worldwide lockdown during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IGFA mustered its worldwide staff of volunteers and partners and showed 100,000 young people that fishing is a global festival of outdoor fun and a wholesome activity for everyone.

In 2018 the IGFA announced an extremely ambitious goal to teach 100,000 youths around the world to fish, hoping to build a next generation of ethical, educated, and accomplished anglers. The initiative required new programs and an international expansion of the organization’s education programs that had previously been limited to South Florida.

In July, 2022, the goal of teaching 100,000 youths about ethical angling and the lifelong joys of fishing was achieved.

The paths to this remarkable goal was planned by IGFA staff through several venues. One was to develop an IGFA Passport To Fishing Kits, which essentially were fishing clinics in a box that were shipped worldwide to a network of supporters, volunteers and partners. The first IGFA Passports to Fishing kit was sent to Malaysia in March 2019.

IGFA also set up online angling educational programs about recreational angling and how important environmental and conservation concepts were to the health of fish and fishing. The online “Intro to Fishing” course was created and launched in May 2019.

Partnerships also were expanded to varied organizations that are involved with youth outdoor education, such as the Boy Scouts of America and the National Park Service.

By 2020 the Passports to Fishing program had expanded to 21 countries on six continents. Then the COVID-19 global pandemic struck and mostly halted in-person IGFA fishing education programs. But the organization’s online and virtual fishing resources roared to life to pick up the slack for face-to-face fishing education.

Virtual Fishing Field Trips were established to make up for reduced in-person angling education.

As the COVID-19 pandemic slowed and in-person restrictions diminished, IGFA’s Passports to Fishing program kicked back into high gear. By the end of 2021, Fishing Kits were in 32 different countries. With kit materials in hand, IGFA partners and volunteers began hosting youth educational fishing events.

Finally, in June 2022 – about the same time as IGFA’s 83rd anniversary on June 7 – the 100,000th youngster was taught about fishing just in time for IGFA Day.

IGFA is far from done, and the 100,000-youth education goal in 70 different countries, is being used as a catalyst to expand the organization’s youth angling education, ethical and conservation programs.

IGFA is continuing its youth angling education work using Passports to Fishing program as a mail tool to educate anglers. The program is used in 40 countries and translated into 14 languages. Online IGFA angling education also is expanding around the world to “promote responsible, ethical angling practices for game fish, conservation and the preservation of aquatic habitats for future generations.”

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Video by: International Game Fish Association

So you caught a huge fish. It must be a record, right? Rather than fumbling through your phone apps to check the current species status, and trying to document everything after the fact, prepare yourself ahead of your fishing trip.

The International Game Fish Association created this video to walk you through the proper practices, the documentation you’ll need and the materials you must provide. While the process is not difficult, it is thorough. Knowing what to do before the adrenaline spikes can save you valuable time and help ensure your catch is fully recognized.

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As part of an initiative to teach 100,000 kids to fish in locations around the world, The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) today announced the official launch of its new Passports to Fishing kits.

The IGFA Passports to Fishing kits provide turn-key “fishing clinics in a box” to the organization’s international network of supporters and partners. Each kit includes everything needed to execute this highly acclaimed youth education clinic, including: educational station materials, IGFA signage, 20 rods and reels and basic fishing tackle for saltwater and freshwater fishing applications. In its first year, the IGFA will develop and distribute at least 50 IGFA Passports to Fishing kits to 20 countries on six continents.

“Children are the key to the future of recreational angling. It’s vitally important that we get them out on the water and teach them how to be ethical and responsible anglers at a young age,” said IGFA President Nehl Horton. “To that end, the IGFA is developing programs and initiatives that promote ethical angling practices with the goal of teaching 100,000 children to fish. Our new IGFA Passports to Fishing kits provide all the tools necessary to host a youth-focused fishing clinic.”

The concept of Passports to Fishing clinics is relatively simple and is specifically designed for young anglers and their families. Upon registering at the event, participants receive an IGFA “passport” and then rotate through the various educational stations to learn basic tackle, knot tying, conservation, casting, safety, and environmental stewardship. After completing each learning station, the passports are stamped and once all stations have been successfully completed, each child receives a rod and reel for the day and is free to fish under the supervision of trained staff and volunteers. The IGFA believes that understanding these foundational aspects of our sport is essential to the development of an ethical angler that is confident to continue expanding their angling experiences.

Each child who completes the IGFA Passports to Fishing program will be counted towards the initiative to teach 100,000 kids to fish. Building a new generation of ethical and conservation-minded anglers will ensure that there are future stewards and advocates for marine and fresh water species and habitats, and it will help develop productive, lifelong relationships between individuals and the outdoors.

The Passports to Fishing kits have been made possible through the generous support of partners at Mustad, Plano, Rapala and Zebco. To learn more about the Passports to Fishing program and to get involved, please visit the following link: https://igfa.org/passports-to-fishing/.

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Hurricane Irma in the Florida Keys, Marathon

On the eve of the 2018 hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is poised to help the recreational angling community recover from natural disasters through its Worldwide Anglers Relief Fund (WARF).

The WARF was created in 2017 by the IGFA and Costa Sunglasses to raise and disburse funds to local angling organizations and associations to help speed the recovery of recreational angling communities around the world in the wake of major natural disasters. Since its inception, the WARF fund has distributed four rounds of funding totaling $46,000 to angling communities in the Florida Keys, Texas and Puerto Rico.

“The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a normal to above normal risk of storms this year,” said IGFA President Nehl Horton. “With one named storm already hitting the mainland U.S. in May, we know that support from the WARF will likely be needed to ensure the ongoing health of recreational fishing communities in the Atlantic basin. Through the generosity of IGFA partners, members and donors, we have funds available today to deploy to areas in need.”

NOAA forecasters predict a 70 percent likelihood of 10 to 16 named storms with winds of 39 mph or higher, of which five to nine could become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher, including one to four major hurricanes.

The WARF is a resource for captains, guides and mates who are affected by natural disasters. The professional, recreational angling community is often the cornerstone of local coastal economies and the ability for these small businesses and entrepreneurs to get back on their feet after natural disasters is critical to re-establishing the cultural and financial well-being of the areas in which they operate.

“Supporting our angling communities and the waters we all love is core to Costa’s mission,” said Amanda Sabin, marketing manager, Costa Sunglasses. “We will continue to support the IGFA and the Worldwide Anglers Relief Fund through our One Coast initiative, raising funds online and through community events.”

The Guides Trust Foundation and Islamorada Charter Boat Association were the first two angling associations to receive funds from the WARF in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. The Houston Big Game Club received the third disbursement of funds for its Hurricane Harvey Sportfishing and Marine Industry Recovery Fund. The most recent disbursements of WARF funds in early May went to Club Náutico de San Juan in Puerto Rico to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

To make a direct, tax deductible contribution to the WARF, consumers can go to www.igfa.org/warf, or purchase a Costa t-shirt in support of recovery efforts at OneCoast.net. The IGFA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

About the IGFA

Founded in 1939, The International Game Fish Association is a nonprofit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and the promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices through science, education, rule making, record keeping and recognition of outstanding accomplishments in the field of angling. The IGFA also maintains world records in freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing and junior angler categories. The IGFA has members in more than 100 countries.

Jack Vitek is the International Game Fish Association’s outreach and education manager.

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Who will take home the coveted Anglers’ Choice Award this year? It’s all up to you! Voting begins on February 1, 2016, to determine the top World Record catch to be approved in 2015. The competition is strong and the prizes are big. Cast your vote and you could win big!

IGFA Anglers Choice Awards

What Is It? The idea is simple. The IGFA compiles 10 of the past year’s “best” record catches. Now you — the international angling community — vote on the catch you think is the best. The catch that receives the most votes will receive the Anglers’ Choice Award at the IGFA’s Angling Achievement Awards ceremony in April.

How Do I Vote? All voting is done online, through the IGFA’s website. Both members and non-members of the IGFA can vote. If you are a current IGFA member, you can sign-in using your User ID and Password, and vote each day, once a day.

Not an IGFA member? No problem. Simply create a free account with your email address and name (so we know where to send the prizes), and you’ll be ready to start voting. Voting will take place during the month of February (February 1st – February 29th). Participants are limited to one vote per day.

Why Should I Vote? Aside from helping to determine this year’s Anglers’ Choice Award winner, voters have the potential of winning one of four YETI product prizes to be drawn during the month long contest. Whether you prefer fly fishing in freshwater streams or heading into the blue in search of big game, let your voice be heard by voting for the year’s best world record! Be sure to vote as much as possible during the voting period, because the more you vote, the better your chances are at winning one of the four YETI cooler prizes!

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For the first time, the IGFA is asking anglers to weigh in on which 2013 World Record stands out as the best of the best for the new Angler’s Choice Award. Of course the contest is completely subjective, but with 10 catches from around the world on species as exotic as roosterfish, as coveted as Papuan black snapper, and as enormous as the 103-pound cod caught in Norway (plus some even bigger), choosing a favorite is sure to be a challenge.

Voting opens March 1st at www.igfa.org/contests/AnglersChoice**** and anglers can vote once a day throughout the month. Each week the IGFA will randomly select one voter to win a Costa sunglasses gift card, a Fin-Nor LTC20 Star Drag Reel, a limited edition artist proof Guy Harvey print, or the grand prize – a Yeti Tundra Cooler stuffed with IGFA apparel. The more often you vote, the better your chances of winning!

When the contest closes at midnight on March 31st, the contest winner – the angler whose catch received the most votes – will be crowned the first ever Angler’s Choice Award winner and be recognized at the 11th Annual IGFA World Record Achievement Awards****. The ceremony will be held at IGFA headquarters in Dania Beach, Florida, USA on April 26, 2014 and the winner will receive a custom trophy from King Sailfish Mounts.

Voting in the IGFA’s Angler’s Choice Award Contest is only open during the month of March, so bookmark**** www.igfa.org/contests/AnglersChoice and be sure to check back to boost your favorite catch often. You just may become a winner yourself!

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