On January 27, 2012, the Annual IGFA International Auction & Banquet will take place at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida. As is customary every year, there is an auction full of a wide range of items, with some bidding already taking place online. Included in the auction, is a ScaleMaster MiniPro, so go check out all the fun fishing gear and place your bid. Along with the auction will be the prestigious Conservation Awards, recognizing those who have made outstanding contributions to the conservation of sport fish, will be accompanied by a multi-media production of highlights.
For more information on ticket prices, please go to http://www.igfa.org/Events/Intl-Auction.aspx

And for a complete list of auction items, go to http://igfa.quillsite.com/

All information, pictures and quotes courtesy of http://www.igfa.org/events/main.aspx

Want to know what winning over a million dollars feels like? Ask the boys from the boat Tiger Spirit. Although their blue marlin was not the biggest in the Bisbees Black & Blue Tournament a couple of weeks ago, we don’t think they are complaining about the 14 lb differential between their blue marlin and the marlin caught by the winners of the tournament, Bad Medicine.

“It earned a whopping $1,162,842 since it was the only fish entered in all three daily $5,000 and $10,000 jackpots. Tiger Spirit owner Ned Wallace of Newport Beach, California, has been a long-time participant in the Black & Blue, but this is the first time his team has scored the tournaments top cash prize.

Not a bad day at the office for the boat Tiger Spirit.

Bad Medicine had a great run at this tournament also, reeling in a 409 lb blue marlin to kick off the first day of fishing netting them $394, 090.

This tournament never fails in the thrills and excitement category, and tournament Director Wayne Bisbee knows this competition brings a great experience for anglers every year. “Even second place can win a million bucks in the Black & Blue. So thanks to all our anglers and crews, plus our fantastic sponsors, we are the big enchilada of sportfishing. We’re the World Series, Super Bowl, and Triple Crown all rolled into one wet and wild ride.

All quotes and pictures are courtesy of www.bisbees.com

California Billfish Series

After a last minute change in venue, the Zane Grey Invitational, the first tournament to kickoff the California Billfish Series presented by Typhoon Polarized Optics, began with a move to Dana Point. The striped marlin everyone was looking for weren’t biting off Catalina. The decision was made, and everyone in the tournament agreed, it was the right call.  Shark’s Parlour was the victor in this tournament, taking close to $80,000 in prize money.

The team on Shark’s Parlour, including Jim Sloan, Tom Sloan, Eric Hermann, Bryce Hermann, Rick Triguiero and Jesse Henry took the lead on Day One and held the position the entire event.

Fishing continued on Catalina Island on September 18-20 with the Catalina Classic and the Avalon Billfish Classic running simultaneously. Fishing was tough for all of the participants, and with no one landing a fish; a decision had to be made as to what to do with the prize money.

With no fish caught in these two events, Hussainy decided to roll the prize money over to the 2012 events and give back all of the optional jackpot cash minus the tournament’s operational cut. It was either that or fish for one more day. It was a popular decision with the participants.

Despite the lack of bites, overall the tournaments were successful and the new owners were praised for a job well done.

Quotes and pictures courtesy of http://www.catalinaclassic.com/