The theme for the new pending world record submissions this month might be called “small folks catching record big fish and big folks catching record small fish.”  Here’s 10 pending records before the IGFA records department:

Ten year old junior angler Ariana Alejandra Cruz Mattei, of Bay, Puerto Rico, landed an 86 lb (38 kg) tarpon (Megalops Atlanticus) in 13 minutes using mullet for bait while fishing Laguna, San Jose, Carolina, P.R. She’s hoping to capture the girl’s small fry record for the species which currently stands at 79 lb 8 oz caught March 2003. (Photo:  Tarpon – 06010004JR)

While fishing Flamingo, Florida, USA, another young lady, Heather Michelle Harkavy, 10, of Coral Springs, Fla., landed a bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) in 15 minutes weighing 40 lb 0 oz (18.14 kg).  She’s applied for the currently vacant female smallfry whaler shark division (Carcharhinidae family) record. The bull shark was released. Heather also submitted documentations for a second vacant record after catching a tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) weighing 21 lbs 0 oz (9.52 kg) while fishing the waters of Fowery Rocks, Florida, and for a cero mackerel (Scomberomorus regalis) weighing 3 lb 6 oz (1.53 kg) fishing the Ajax reef, Fla. The current record for the cero mackerel stands at 2 lb 12 oz. (Photo: bull shark – 06010012R)

A plan that Barclay Moye Shepard had for catching a record spotted sea trout (Cynoscion nebulosus) came together for the Poquoson, Va. USA fishing show cameraman and may beat a 23 year old mark. While taping a show for Smokin’ Guns Outdoors on the Elizabeth River in Tidewater, Va., the show’s host said the trophy fishery held a potential IGFA world line class record.  After filming some huge fish caught and released, Shepard was hooked.  He said he joined the IGFA, researched the world record requirements, studied the techniques used and bought the necessary gear that complied with the IGFA standards. On January 30th, Shepard returned to the area known as “the Hot Ditch” using a live mullet for bait. Just before calling it a day he landed the 12 lb 1 oz (5.47 kg) on 4 lb class Ande line.  The official weight was recorded at a nearby IGFA approved weigh station. The current IGFA record stands at 10 lb 12 oz caught in 4-12-83.  Shepard said, “I’ll never forget the words my father uttered when I told him about the catch: ‘Barclay, I love it when a plan comes together.’” (Photo: spotted seatrout –  06020005)

It was black-and-blue in Temple Georgia, USA., as Jonathan Ray Black, landed a blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) weighing 50 lb 0 oz (22.67 kg) in 55 minutes.  He enticed the fish using a chartreuse and orange jig on 4 lb class line, while fishing a nearby pond in his hometown. He’s hoping his documentation will beat the current record of 47 lb 9 oz set four years ago. He released the catch. (Photo: blue catfish – 06010023R)

Sandra Blake, Homestead, Fla. USA has applied for a line class record after landing, weighing, photographing and releasing a 24 lb 8 oz (11.11 kg) almaco jack (Seriola rivolina).  She was using 16 lb line while drift fishing with live bait in Key West, Florida. It took her 15 minutes to boat the fish. The current women’s record is 9 lb 11 oz caught three years ago. Ms. Blake released the fish. (Photo: almaco jack – 06010007R)

Juan de Dios Castro Brenes, San Jose, Costa Rica, landed a Pacific agujon needlefish (Tylosurus pacificus) weighing 11 lb 10 oz (5.3 kg) in five minutes while casting a Rapala lure.  He was fishing Junquillal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, and may have a potential new all-tackle species for the 2007 World Record Game Fishes book.  The current record is 11 lb 4 oz caught 1-11-04. (Photo:  Pacific agujon needlefish – 06010015)

Another potentially new all-tackle entry was documented by Luis Ceia, Faro, Portugal, after landing an African striped grunt (Parapristoma octolineatum) in 5 minutes weighing 1 lb 11 oz (.77 kg).  Luis made the catch while fishing Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal. (Photo: African striped grunt – 06010005)

Another unique catch was made by top angler Capt. Kdu Magalhaes, Lagua Rio, Brazil, who landed a red piau (Leporinus bruneus) weighing 1 lb 0 oz (.45 kg). He was casting the Rio Negro River for what could be still another new all-tackle record to add to a string of other records he holds for a variety of fish caught throughout South America.  (Photo: red piau – 06010021)

While fly fishing the Los Roques in Venezuela, Dotty Ballantyne, of Bozeman, Montana, USA, landed a 1 lb 4 oz (.56 kg) bonefish (Albula spp.). It took her 15 minutes using an imitation glass minnow on 2 lb tippet. She then released the fish. Dolly is hoping to beat the current 1 lb record recorded six years ago. (Photo: bonefish – 06020001R)

Using 2 lb class line and shrimp, Rebecca Reynolds-Wright, Hollywood, Fla., landed a 1 lb 4 oz (.56 kg) yellowtail snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus) in two minutes. She was fishing the Sittee River, Belize located near the Jungle Oasis River Lodge. Rebecca has applied for a vacant IGFA record in the line class. (Photo: yellowtail snapper – 06020003)

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IGFA at the Miami Boat Show in Big Game Room

            Many IGFA staff members will be at the Miami Boat Show at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami, Fla., USA, beginning Thursday Feb. 16th – Monday Feb. 20th. They’ll be in Booth #2200 located in The Big Game Room easily found on the second level of the convention center just above Hall B (Fishing Boat Hall). 

            On Thursday at 5 p.m. veteran Miami Herald fishing writer Jim Hardie will be inducted into the Big Game Room’s ‘Hall of Fame’ for his contributions to the sport. Hardie has spent a lifetime promoting fishing and is the co-founder of the July 4th World Cup, a qualifying event for the annual Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship Tournament.

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Rolex/IGFA Offshore and Inshore Championship fields are growing

            The fields of entries for both the seventh annual Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship Tournament (OCT) and the sixth annual Rolex/IGFA Inshore Championship continues to grow.  

The Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship

            So far over 50 teams from 20 countries on five continents have signed up to compete in the mid-May classic. Twenty-one of the teams pre-registered are from the U.S., and also include four past championship teams.

            The seventh annual world championship of blue water angling, May 7 – 12, and considered the most prestigious offshore tournament, is expected to host the single largest contingent of international teams ever to compete in a fishing tournament. Nearly 70 teams from 30 countries competed last year.

            Teams for the 2006 championship had previously qualified by winning one of 110 IGFA sanctioned events held in 40 countries worldwide during 2005.  For the fifth straight year Cabo San Lucas, Mexico will be the location for the four-day catch-and-release event.  At the Rolex/IGFA OCT, the teams will fish on a different boat each of the four days for marlin and other billfish, all guided by local captains.

The latest on the Rolex/IGFA Inshore Championship  

            More than 30 top light-tackle and fly fishermen from the U.S., Canada, the Bahamas and Africa are pre-registered for the Rolex/IGFA ICT, July 9 – 12, to be held in Islamorada, in the middle of the Florida Keys. Even more men and women are expected to compete after qualifying wins in one of over 55 light tackle IGFA sanctioned tournaments around the world in 2005

            The prestigious inshore event features anglers stalking bonefish, tarpon, permit, snook and redfish guided by different captains over the three day catch and release competition.

            For the latest details on both events, go to the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org under the fishing tab on the home page and click on “tournaments.” For questions regarding the Rolex/IGFA OCT contact tournament coordinator Ms. Lynda Wilson at LWilson@igfa.org, or 954-924-4233.  Questions regarding the Rolex/IGFA Offshore qualifying tournaments should be directed to Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or via email LArico@igfa.org.

            For the Rolex/IGFA ICT and sanctioning of qualifying inshore tournaments for the championship contact tournament coordinator Ms. Denise Hartman at DHartman@igfa.org or phone 954-924-4243.

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IGFA Junior Angler Spring Break Camp

            The IGFA is offering up to 40 youngsters from ages eight to 13, an exciting camp during spring break week at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Fla., USA. The day camp will take place April 10-14, 2006 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Before and after-care is available from 8-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. 

            Many different and fun aquatic activities are planned such as daily fishing tournaments, fishing techniques, wetlands exploration, shark ecology, boat rides, dissections 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 24^th. More information is on the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org/springcamp.asp. Registration is available online at www.igfa.org/campform.asp, or by calling (954) 924-4309 or email reservations@igfa.org.

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Looking ahead: Nine Weekly Summer Camps at the IGFA

            Registration is underway for nine weekly day camps being held during the summer at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum for children in ages 8 – 13. 

            The week-long camp sessions will take place from May 30 to July 28, 2006. 

            Campers will explore the aquatic environment and participate in many fishing adventures and exciting activities. Camp hours are 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. If you register and pay by May 12th, you will receive a $25 discount.  For more information, check out the IGFA website at www.igfa.org/summercamp.asp. There is a maximum of 45 children per week, so reserve your spot today! You can register online at www.igfa.org/campform.asp , call (954) 924-4309 or email reservations@igfa.org.

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International Junior Angler Fishing Day initiative is growing support

            The IGFA is initiating what it hopes to be an annual event when on May 27th the first International Junior Angler Fishing Day will be held. The organization and is asking for worldwide support.

            According to Peter Gaube, the IGFA Junior Angler program coordinator, the goal of this event is to offer Junior Anglers all over the world the opportunity to fish for free on this day. 

            “We already have numerous boats, piers and lakes committed to this event and would like to add as many locations as possible,”

            If you feel that the recreational angling industry in your region could facilitate such an event, please contact Peter at 954-924-4247 or pgaube@igfa.org for more information.

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Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting is open to public

            The Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC) will hold its first meeting of 2006 at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Fla. USA, February 14-16, 2006.        The meeting is open to the public.

            The MAFAC advises the Secretary of Commerce of the United States on all living marine resource matters that are the responsibility of the Department of Commerce, said Rob Kramer, President of IGFA, who is a two year member of the Committee.

            Vice Chair of the MAFAC and Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, Dr. Bill Hogarth will preside over the meeting, which will be open for public comment.  Items to be discussed include the Offshore Aquaculture Act, Seafood Health and Safety, Hurricane Impacts and Recovery and Recreational Fisheries.  The Committee functions solely as an advisory body, complying with the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

            MAFAC members will use their expertise and other sources, such as the National Marine Fisheries Service, to review and propose priorities and necessary changes in national programs which include the ongoing reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens, the Endangered Species and the Marine Mammal Protection Acts.

            The 21 members of the Committee represent a wide spectrum of fisheries interests, environmental, academic, state, tribal, consumer and other related national interests.

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First Mediterranean Congress of Sea Game Fishing, planned for Palma de Mallorca, Spain

            Esteban Graupera, the IGFA Representative for Spain and President, Federacion Mediterranea Para Una Pesca Responsible is organizing the First Mediterranean Congress of Sea Game Fishing in Palma de Mallorca, Spain September 20-22, 2006. 

            Among the objectives of the Congress will be to define the recreational fishing activity in the Mediterranean and determine relative economic, social and environmental policies; evaluate the applications of recreational fishing and how to apply them to sustainable tourism; responsible fishing and self regulation; socioeconomic monitoring; along with possible alternatives for the commercial fishing sector. 

            Sponsorship opportunities are available.  For more information email Esteban Graupera at e.g@mediterranea-fpr.org or go to http://www.mediterranea-fpr.org/principal.html. Preceding the conference on September 19^th, the IGFA will host a workshop and meeting for IGFA staff and IGFA Representatives from Europe at the conference. 

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Calendar of future IGFA events:  

February 14-16, 2006 –– The Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC) meeting, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. — The MAFAC advises the Secretary of Commerce of the United States on all living marine resource matters that are the responsibility of the Department of Commerce.  This is the first of two meetings in 2006. The two-and-a-half-day meeting is open to the public Tuesday and Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the IGFA Events Hall. For more information, please contact MAFAC Executive Director Laurel Bryant, NOAA Fisheries Office of Constituent Serves at laurel.bryant@noaa.gov or (301)713-2379. (http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ocs/mafac/index.htm)

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February 19, 2006 — IGFA Certified Observer Program (COP) training class, Miami Boat Show, Miami Convention Center, Miami Beach, Fla. USA, at 9 a.m. — The class trains and certifies 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 COP applications are available at the IGFA website www.igfa.org, and at the IGFA headquarters. The applications must be completed, mailed or faxed (954-924-4220) to the IGFA accompanied with a $125 fee (payable to IGFA) by February 10. This fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. Future classes will be announced soon for the rest of 2006.  For additional information, please contact Ms. Lynda Wilson at 954-924-4233 email: LWilson@igfa.org.

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March 18, 2006 — Third Annual IGFA World Record Achievement Awards, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – This celebration marks the 2005 records by men, women, juniors, professional captains and tackle manufacturers.  For reservations and tickets ($75) for the ceremony please call Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or via email LArico@igfa.org.

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April 10-14, 2006 — IGFA Junior Angler Spring Break Camp, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. — The IGFA is offering up to 40 youngsters from the ages of 8 to 13, a day camp during the spring break featuring exciting aquatic activities such as: daily fishing tournaments, fishing techniques, wetlands exploration, shark ecology, boat rides, and dissections. Children registered for a full week will receive a discounted rate and a Junior Angler membership. Pre-registration is required. A $25 discount will be given for full week registrations if registration and payment is made by March 24^th. More information is on the IGFA web site at www.igfa.org/springcamp.asp.  Registration is available online at www.igfa.org/campform.asp, or by calling (954) 924-4309 or email reservations@igfa.org.

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May 7 – 12, 2006 — Seventh Annual Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship Tournament, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. — Fishing’s most prestigious billfish tournament hosts more than 70 winning teams from up to 40 countries on six continents who have qualified by winning one of 110 IGFA sanctioned events held in 2005. This tournament is the largest contingent of international teams ever to compete in a single catch-and-release fishing tournament world wide. Contact IGFA tournament coordinator Ms. Lynda Wilson at 954-924-4233 or lwilson@igfa.org; or Rolex/IGFA PR counsel Pete Johnson at 480-951-3654 or johnsoncom@aol.com  

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May 30 — July 28, 2006 — IGFA’s nine weekly Summer Camps begin, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla. USA – This is the seventh 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 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.  A $25 discount will be given if registered and paid by May 12^th. 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 online at www.igfa.org/campform.asp, by calling (954) 924-4309 or via email at reservations@igfa.org.

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June 18 – 20, 2006 — Fourth Annual Mercury/IGFA Junior Angler World Championship Tournament, Key West, Fla., USA — This event hosts girls and boys, ages five to 16, who have advanced to this all-release championship by winning one of over 30 qualifying fishing tournaments held in the U.S. and several countries in 2005. Anglers ages five -10 compete in the smallfry division; ages 11-16 in the junior division. The youngsters caught and released 920 fish in the 2005 championship. The young contestants are accompanied by a parent and fish in pairs with another junior or small fry angler over two days for a variety of 23 eligible five-to-25 point species, guided by local IGFA approved Florida Keys captains. Contact Peter Gaube, IGFA Junior Angler coordinator 954-927-2628 or pgaube@igfa.org  or Pete Johnson, IGFA PR counsel at 480-951-3654 or johnsoncom@aol.com

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July 9 – 12, 2006 — Sixth Annual Rolex/IGFA Inshore Championship Tournament, Islamorada, Fla., USA — The winners of more than 55 IGFA  qualifying tournaments held in 2005 on four continents are invited to compete in this three day all release championship. They are paired with a different premier Keys guide each day fishing for tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook and redfish using fly or light tackle equipment while vying for Rolex timepieces, prizes and the prestigious title. Contact: tournament coordinator Ms. Denise Hartman 954-927-2628 or dhartman@igfa.org; or Pete Johnson, Rolex/IGFA PR counsel at 480-951-3654 or johnsoncom@aol.com