The IGFA Awards

I have always enjoyed the history of big-game fishing, from walking through the headquarters of the International Game Fish Association when E. K. Harry was sitting behind his desk, back when they were located on A1A in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to reading books by Zane Grey and Ernest Hemingway. Among the many displays will be the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, representing some of the most influential members of the worldwide sport-fishing community. Play Video Play Loaded: 0% Progress: 0% Remaining Time -0:00 This is a modal window. Foreground --- White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan --- Opaque Semi-Opaque Background --- White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan --- Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window --- White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan --- Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Default Monospace Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Sans-Serif Casual Script Small Caps Defaults Done While I was attending the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame inductions over the years, I noticed that not too many captains and crews were being recognized — the criteria for the award did not apply to anglers and captains unless they were also an inventor or writer. It dawned on me that if it were not for the many great captains and crews out there taking people fishing, introducing them to the IGFA angling rules and showing them a good time on the water, there would not be as many people enjoying our sport. It was time to start recognizing our peers. A selection committee was formed, consisting of me, Karl Anderson, Bobby Brown, Gary Ellis, Bark Garnsey, Billy Harrison, Steve Lassley, Charles Perry, Bouncer Smith, Gary Stuve, Laurie Wright and Peter B. Wright. We then made up a list of captains and crews and, with more than 100 names on the list, the event was approved. We had our first awards presentation in 2011, and what a terrific event that was. The awards were great, but it was the stories that made it even more special.