Page 53 - 52nd Annual White Marlin Open

They also provided basic angling guidelines for use fair competition, supporting conservation, and ed-
in fishing tournaments and any other group angling ucating anglers on best practices. By periodical-
activities. It is no surprise than that Rule B.1 of the ly adapting its rules, the IGFA ensures that future
2025 White Marlin Open states ” All-tackle IGFA generations can enjoy the sport while protecting the
rules apply…”. world’s fisheries.

The IGFA rules are a “living document”, constant- From worldwide education and conservation efforts,
ly under review and flexible enough to change as to the promotion of ethical standards of angling
technology, equipment, sustainability and fishing and record keeping, to the recognition of those who
techniques evolve all while maintaining the integrity have contributed in a variety of ways to the sport,
of the sport. Today, the focus remains on balanc- the IGFA casts a wide net. Founder Micheal Lerner
ing competitive angling with sustainable practices, was a visionary, but even he could not have imagined
proving that sportfishing can thrive alongside con- how that first meeting in a small office in New York
servation efforts. City would lead to one of the most significant and
influential fishing associations on the planet.
The organization remains committed to fostering

Sources: IGFA, Big Game Fishing Headquarters by Mike Rivken The World’s Largest and Richest Billfish Tournament | 53

WMO 52 Magazine.indd 53 7/15/25 8:02AM