IGFA

06/19/2026

As the governing body on sportfishing rules, the IGFA has established and maintains the rules and standards for angling and angling-related matters. IGFA rules are the benchmark for responsible sportfishing worldwide. One of the most respected figures in sportfishing, Captain Rob Fordyce, shares why he fishes by IGFA rules and ethics.

06/17/2026

ICYMI, check out our President, Jason Schratwieser, on the MeatEater Podcast talking all thing IGFA and fishing with host Steve Rinella!

Steven Rinella talks with Jason Schratwieser.Topics discussed: th...

06/16/2026

The IGFA and other leading recreational fishing organizations have joined forces to support a new scientific initiative led by researchers at Stanford University to better understand and protect Pacific bluefin tuna, one of the most ecologically significant and recreationally important species in the Pacific Ocean.

Led by Dr. Barbara Block and Dr. Emilius Aalto of Stanford's Hopkins Marine Station, the study will draw on more than two decades of electronic tagging data, with over 100,000 days of tracking of 450 Pacific bluefin tuna, to model the effects of multi-year migrations on the population dynamics of Pacific bluefin tuna across the Pacific Ocean.

Read the full release: https://bit.ly/4ozsz7h

06/15/2026

On June 15, 2020, Emiliana Nebot Jurado caught this massive 23.62-kilogram, (52-pound, 1-ounce) broomtail grouper while fishing in Isla Santa Clara, Ecuador to set the IGFA Female-Smallfry World Record for the species. She was trolling a Bomber CD30 behind her father’s boat, La Guara, when the grouper struck. After a tough 30-minute battle Emiliana was able to bring the fish to gaff.

Like this one? There are hundreds more where it came from. Hit follow on the IGFA and dive in.

06/12/2026

On June 11, 1996, Jack Tragis caught an incredible 208.2 kilogram (459-lb) Pacific Halibut to set the IGFA All-Tackle and Men’s 60-kg (130 lb) Line Class World Record. He was bottom jigging in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and landed the record halibut after an exhausting 2-hour and 24-minute fight. 30 years later, this incredible record still stands.

06/11/2026

The IGFA is proud to recognize Art Weston as the third recipient of the IGFA Master Angler Award, following Dr. Martin "Marty" Arostegui and Roberta G. Arostegui.

A dedicated light tackle angler, Art has set 93 IGFA World Records since 2012. His All-Tackle World Record alligator gar, a 128.37-kilogram (283-pound) fish landed on 6-pound test, stands among the most memorable light tackle catches in IGFA history.

Over his career, he has set 13 All-Tackle World Records, 16 All-Tackle Length World Records, 55 Line Class World Records, nine Tippet Class World Records, and has completed nine IGFA Trophy Fish Clubs. As as result, he has achieved Gold Tier status across the All-Tackle World Record, Line Class World Record, Tippet Class World Record, All-Tackle Length World Record, and Trophy Fish Club categories.

The IGFA Master Angler Award is the highest distinction within the IGFA Master Angler Program, reserved for anglers who reach Gold Tier status in five or more of the program's seven categories. Congratulations to Art on this remarkable accomplishment!

Read the full announcement: https://igfa.org/2026/06/11/igfa-names-arthur-art-weston-as-third-recipient-of-prestigious-master-angler-award

06/10/2026

Thirty years ago today, Keith Winter landed this massive 71.96-kilogram (158-pound, 8-ounce) wahoo to set the IGFA Men’s 24-kg (50 lb) Line Class World Record for the species. Keith was fishing with a live mackerel in the Sea of Cortez out of Loreto, Mexico, when he landed the fish. For a period of time, this fish was the IGFA All-Tackle World Record for the species and remains the largest wahoo to hold an IGFA Men’s Line Class World Record.

06/08/2026

Mark your calendars, registration is NOW OPEN for the third annual IGFA Open at the world-renowned Marina Pez Vela. Join us March 11–13, 2027, for an elite billfish tournament that combines world-class fishing, legendary hospitality, and strict IGFA rules for a truly exceptional angling experience. As always, scoring will be provided by CatchStat, and all proceeds support the IGFA, so whether you’re fishing with your own team or chartering locally, this tournament is your chance to compete at the highest level while supporting the IGFA’s mission.

06/07/2026

The IGFA Day Online Auction ends TONIGHT at 6:00 PM EDT. Place your final bids on trips, gear, apparel, artwork and more: https://event.gives/26igfaday/items/

All proceeds directly support the IGFA's mission to promote ethical angling practices, educate the next generation of anglers, and advance gamefish conservation worldwide.

06/06/2026

A lot has changed since 1939. The boats, the gear, the records on the page. One thing hasn't: the love of this sport, passed from one generation to the next.

As we celebrate our 87th anniversary, we're inviting you to join us in carrying it forward. Become a member today: https://igfa.org/2026wrbsoc/