Next IGFA Certified Observer training class set

for June at IGFA headquarters in Dania Beach, Fla

DANIA BEACH, Fla.----The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) will hold its next IGFA Certified Observer Program at the IGFA headquarters in Dania Beach, Fla., to train and certify experienced anglers, boat captains and crew members as observers for fishing tournaments held around the world.

            The training class will be Saturday, June 25, 2005. The IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, is located at 300 Gulf Stream Way, next to the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, off I-95 in Dania Beach.    

            The full day training course includes a manual along with species ID video/CD and presentations by several experienced instructors. Potential IGFA observers are required to take a written exam (30-45 minutes) at the conclusion of the course.

            This program is a benefit to tournaments by eliminating or reducing rule disputes that sometimes arise. Certified observers can often prevent inadvertent rule infractions before they occur. A growing number of big money and catch & release tournaments have committed to using IGFA Certified Observers for their tournaments.

            The one day training program will begin at 9 a.m. with instructors

covering the following topics:

            • Species Identification

            • IGFA Saltwater Fishing Rules & Regulations

            • Safety at Sea

            • Boating Etiquette

            Applications are available at the IGFA website www.igfa.org, Certified Observer Program and at the IGFA headquarters. The applications must be completed, mailed or faxed (954-924-4220) to IGFA accompanied with a $125 fee (payable to IGFA) not later than June 17, 2005.  This fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA.

            Attendees will be notified of their certification by the IGFA within a week of the class.  Should any candidate fail the exam, there will be future opportunities to retake the exam at no additional cost.  For further information, please contact Lynda Wilson at IGFA, 954-924-4233 email: Lwilson@igfa.org.  

            Founded in 1939 the IGFA is a not-for-profit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and the promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices, through science, education, rule making and record keeping. 

            IGFA members are located in over 125 countries and territories. The IGFA welcomes visitors to its 60,000-square-foot interactive Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum in Dania Beach, Fla.

            For more information, contact the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, Fla., 33004; phone 954-927-2628, fax: 954-924-4299,  e-mail: mailto:IGFAHQ@aol.com, website: www.igfa.org.

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Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications, Inc. Scottsdale, Ariz. ph 480-951-3654 or e-mail johnsoncom@aol.com