Experienced anglers can help keep billfish off the docks by taking an IGFA Tournament Observer Training Course. The IGFA began offering these courses as a conservation initiative to allow offshore billfish tournaments to adopt 100% release formats. With the pressing decline of many billfish stocks, the importance of release formats in tournaments has increased - and also grown in popularity as conservation awareness has risen.

The IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida, is the site for the next IGFA Tournament Observer Training Course to be presented on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 9 am. The class instructs experienced anglers, boat captains and crew members as observers for fishing tournaments held across the globe.

The popular course includes species identification, IGFA saltwater fishing rules and tackle regulations, safety at sea and boating etiquette. The IGFA OTC applications are available at http://www.igfa.org/Fish/Observer-Training.aspx.

Pre-registration is required and the $150 fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. Please contact IGFA World Records Coordinator Jack Vitek at jvitek@igfa.org or 954-924-4246 for additional information.

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Founded in 1939, the IGFA is a non-profit organized under Section 501(c)(3) under the Internal Revenue Code and is best known for conservation efforts of fisheries, educational programs, rule-making and for maintaining worldwide game fish records in freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing and junior angler categories. IGFA members are located in over 125 countries. The IGFA welcomes visitors to its 60,000-square-foot interactive Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida.

For further information, contact the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, Florida 33004; phone 954-927-2628, fax: 954-924-4299, website: www.igfa.org.