International Game Fish Tournament Observers

10/20/2026

Shout out to IGFTO Observer KEITH ANTELL, Captain Justin Johnson and crew for their 519-pound swordfish taken from the Wilmington Canyon. Just shy of state record weight!

A party of offshore fishermen flirted with the record books Oct. 13 when they hauled in a 519-pound swordfish from the Wilmington Canyon. ⤵️ Find a link to the story in the comments.

10/19/2026

IGFTO Tournament Director Lynette Catha and Chairman Bob Smith attend the Zane Grey Championship Playoffs, hosted by the Sport Fishing Championship, in Cabo San Lucas. They are joined by Sharon Curtiss, Jennifer Smith and Sarah Evans, General Manager of the New Jersey Sea Birds Angling Club.

10/03/2026

IGFTO, The Gold Standard of Verification, is hosting a new observer training class. Help spread the word!

10/03/2026

Congratulations Peter!

A new chapter for The Billfish Foundation.

Peter Chaibongsai will become TBF’s President on January 1, 2027, succeeding Ellen Peel and building on her more than three decades of leadership.

“Peter will bring new energy, vision, and opportunities to TBF.” — Ellen Peel

After 20 years with TBF, Peter brings experience across research, advocacy, education, and our Tag & Release Program. His priorities include strengthening science, expanding satellite tagging through TBF’s Groundswell Projects, and engaging the next generation in billfish conservation.

Join us in congratulating Peter as we look ahead to healthy billfish populations and fishing opportunities for generations to come.

Read the full announcement: https://billfish.org/news/tbf-leadership/

10/01/2026

The IGFTO is the "Gold Standard of Verification" for worldwide billfish release tournaments. Join hundreds of fellow fisherman who observe and conserve in places like Costa Rica and Guatemala. Visit www.IGFTO.org/training and join us in Fort Lauderdale on October 31!

09/25/2026

THE LEGEND CONTINUES IN THE PACIFIC!

09/02/2026

Nice work FECOP - La voz de la pesca deportiva on behalf of the Central America Sportfishing Alliance. Making a seat at the table in Lisbon, Portugal will pay dividends for billfish stocks in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

08/27/2026

The IGFTO will be joining you all!

🚨 Friendly reminder… PESCADORA 2027 registration is OPEN! 🎉🎣

75 boats. One unforgettable weekend.
Who’s joining us in Costa Rica?! 🇨🇷

Don’t wait too long to secure your spot! 👀
👉 ThePescadora.com

08/27/2026

That’s a wrap - Kent Island, MD Observer Training Course.

Welcome aboard to our 8 newest observers.

Our next offering is in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Make your move.

https://www.igfto.org/get-involved/join-igfto/otc-registration

08/24/2026

Huge congratulations to our newest International Gamefish Tournament Observer graduates! Our Ocean City team is primed to dive into the tournament action with unmatched enthusiasm and expertise! Welcome aboard! 🎣

Were you unable to make the Ocean City class and still want a chance to join our team? We still have a few available spots in our Kent Island, MD class on Wednesday, August 26th

Sign up here…

https://www.IGFTO.org/get-involved/join-igfto