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Last Updated on August 17, 2024 by Paul Clayton

Billfishing Tournament Observer

I have been fishing for over 40 years and love to sit with fellow fishermen and talk about fishing. Today I am fortunate to sit down with the President of the International Game Fishing Tournament Observers, IGFTO Mr. Steve Hargett.

Key Takeaways:

• • Role of Billfishing Tournament Observers: Observers ensure tournament fairness by verifying compliance with rules, accurate species identification, and safe billfish release.
  • IGFTO Background: The International Game Fishing Tournament Observers (IGFTO) was founded in 2009 to continue the observer program initially run by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA).
  • Training and Membership: Becoming an observer requires billfish and offshore fishing experience, completing a half-day training course, and paying an annual membership fee.
  • Observer Benefits: Observers receive various perks, including membership, official apparel, and participation in tournament events.
  • Conservation Focus: IGFTO emphasizes billfish conservation and supports catch-and-release practices and scientific research through fish tagging.

BTO Introduction

Hello Steve, We appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to help me/us understand exactly what a Billfishing tournament observer is all about. Some of our readers will be interested in becoming an observer or at least knowing what it takes to become involved.

Hello, Paul. Thanks for having me in today. Crow Survival is a great publication, and we are glad to be part of it!

Steve, can you tell us more about yourself and how you got involved in this worthwhile organization?

I am a previously licensed United States Coast Guard Captain, a Veteran, and an avid outdoorsman. I fish both inshore and offshore and hunt big game.

Since 2004, when I became certified by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) as an Observer, I have observed regularly. I am a strong advocate of Billfish conservation, and I have observed in the U.S., Venezuela, Turks and Caicos, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua, to name a few.

Wow, that’s impressive. Can you give us the history of The IGFTO?

Founded in 2009 by former IGFA Observers, IGFA dropped the Observer program. The International Game Fish Association, with the support of the National Marine Fisheries Service, adopted the Certified Observer Program, which trained experienced captains, anglers, and crews to become official Observers aboard tournament boats.

This program reduced and prevented rule disputes and infractions and changed the direction of tournaments from killing billfish to releasing billfish to preserve the species. Since our creation, our observers have witnessed the safe release of more than 47,000 game fish while participating in tournaments throughout North America, the Caribbean, the US Virgin Islands, and South America.

What is the purpose of observing a boat at a tournament?

To level the playing field, confirm that everyone is playing by the same rules and tournament rules, ensure the safe release of the fish, and keep accurate records of the species.

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Does IGFTO observe tournaments for other types of fish?

At this time, No, only Billfish, but if other types of tournament fishing need to be observed, we are here to help.

How does IGFTO support the billfish industry?

We donate to and support like-minded organizations. We practice and encourage catch and release for all Billfish.

What are the requirements to become an Observer?

Have some experience with billfish and offshore fishing, Take the ½ day training course, and maintain membership by paying the annual $100.00 dues.

What will I learn from taking the Observer Training Course?

• Boat Safety and Etiquette
• IGFA angling rules for saltwater fishing
• Billfish identification
• What is the IGFTO
• Best practices for Observers
• Photos and videos of Sailfish and various species of Marlin; and
• Insightful/helpful information from other directors, observers, and guest speakers who may be in attendance

Do you have women anglers?

Yes

Do you recommend women for observers?

Yes

Do women have their tournaments?

Yes, take a look at the video below

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How do I know what’s expected of me if I sign up for a tournament?

You will learn everything you need to know during the Observer Training Course.

Where can I take the Observer Training Course?

We conduct OTCs in various locations both in the U.S. and abroad. We post the schedule and location for OTCs on our website. Visit our training schedule calendar.”

Is there a fee for taking the Observer Training Course?

Yes, there is, but it is a nominal fee of $250.00. For this fee, you receive the following:
• IGFTO membership for the year
• One Observer dress shirt (to be worn at dinner)
• One Observer work shirt (to be worn when observing)
• One Observer logbook (to record releases)
• One Observer buff (facemask to protect you from the sun)
• One Observer lapel pin
• OTC notebook
• Internet access to Billfish Identification and IGFA Rules downloads
• Continental Breakfast

What types of billfish are caught during a tournament?

Atlantic and Pacific blue marlin, black marlin, white marlin, striped marlin, Atlantic sailfish, and Indo-Pacific sailfish.

Is there a waiting period after taking the course before I become an official Observer?

At this time, there is not.

Is there an age limit to observing?

18

What is the future of bill fishing tournaments?

Very healthy.

Are all tournaments catch and release?

Not at this time.

Who are some of IGFTO’s partners?

International Game Fish Association, Gray FishTag Research, The Billfish Foundation, Stuart Sailfish Club Foundation.

Does IGFTO support tagging billfish for studying?

Absolutely. I have been involved just this past year. It is interesting to see how far these fish travel annually.

Is IGFTO a charity, and is a donation tax-deductible?

Yes, we are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit

How much can I donate?

As much as you like.

When tournaments are in international countries, does IGFTO help teach the locals what the industry can do for their community?

Yes, we do. Most understand it adds thousands to the local economy per tournament.

What does a typical day of observing consist of?

• 5:00 a.m. boat assignment and breakfast provided by the tournament
• 5:30 a.m. report to your boat
• 6:30 a.m. boat departs the dock to fishing grounds
• 8:00 a.m. lines in
• noon lunch provided by boat
• 4:00 p.m. lines out
• 5:00 p.m. boat docks, turn in your scorecard

If you don’t mind, I would like to ask some questions about the tournaments and their requirements. I am sure some readers are interested in learning about entering a tournament.

Can I hire local fishermen in the tournament locations to fish during and after the tournament?

Yes

Are all tournament participants local fishermen?

No, many are from the U.S.

In your opinion, what are the best bill fishing waters/locations?

Central America, Australia, Cape Verde.

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Will they cancel tournaments due to harsh weather?

Not usually. It’s up to the individual boat captains whether they want to fish in inclement weather.

Are there limits to the equipment a boat can use?

Must use IGFTO and must conform to tournament rules.

Are there boat limitations?

Not at this time.

What are some of the most used reels and tackle brands?

Accurate, Penn, Shimano

What is a typical reel size?

20, 30, 50 or 80’s

Can I hire a Local fisherman and enter the tournaments?

Yes, you can. It’s the least expensive way to enter a tournament. I suggest knowing the local fisherman before hiring.

What types of vessels are used in tournaments?

Sportfishing boats.

Is there a fee for joining/participating in tournaments?

Yes, there is, and it’s up to the tournament hosts to decide.

How much does a tournament typically pay to winners?

80% of the tournament entry fees.

What are some of the categories a participant can win money?

Daily is most fish for the day, various other categories may exist. Depends on the tournament.

How many days is a typical tournament?

3

Can the observer mingle with the captains/boat owners?

Yes

Do observers get to fish also?

Sometimes we are asked to be an angler.

Is there a newsletter I can sign up for?

Yes, sign up at www.igfto.org

Do Observers get paid? If so, how much?

We pay for airfare and, in some cases, local transportation to the various locales. Some tournaments provide housing, and others offset housing expenses. For example, the Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown Billfish Tournament supplements an Observer with $500 for three consecutive days of observing.

The majority of tournaments include observers in all tournament activities, such as kickoff parties, dock parties, and awards banquets. Many observers also arrange to fish on the day before and lay days of the tournaments.

Can I donate directly to the observers as a whole or to IGFTO?

Yes, to IGFTO directly.

• DONATIONS: To make a tax-deductible donation to the IGFTO, please click here:

DONATE TO THE IGFTO

You can also mail us a check to IGFTO P.O. Box 7333 Gainesville, GA 30504-0017. Thank you in advance for your generosity.