IGFTO is a charitable tax-exempt organization dedicated to the preservation and conservation of game fish worldwide. We provide trained and insured observers to authenticate the "Catch & Release" of billfish & game fish during international big game fishing tournaments.
![Hot+Fin[1]](uploads/Hot+Fin[1].jpeg "Lit-up Blue Marlin peels off line")
A "lit-up" Blue Marlin peels off line. Photo by: Harry Hindmarsh.
Pacific Sailfish Release aboard the Gypsy Girl, Quepos Costa Rica. Photo by: Jeff Wells.
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Pictured L to R: IGFTO President Emeritus Steve Hargett, IGFTO Founding Member John Treat, and IGFTO President Evan A. Hipsley, Jr. Photo by: Pepper Ailor
International Game Fish Tournament Observers, Inc. are both professional and amateur sport fishermen originally trained by the International Game Fish Association, now taught by IGFTO, in both species identification and tournament rules. In the IGFTO's fourteen-year history, Observers have witnessed releases of 71,170 Billfish [January 2025] (all species). Qualified applicants are welcomed to Join IGFTO.
DONATIONS: To make a tax-deductible donation to the IGFTO, please click here: DONATE TO THE IGFTO You can also mail us a check, in U.S. funds, to: IGFTO P.O. Box 30191 Pensacola, FL 32503. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
IGFTO President Evan A. Hipsley, Jr. addresses the audience during the 9th Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational held December 6-9, 2024 at Pacific Fins Resort and Marina. Pictured to Evan's right is Juan Manuel-Pacific Fins Director of Operations. Photo Credit: Pacific Fins Public Affairs.
IGFTO Observers during the 9th Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational held December 6-9, 2024 at Pacific Fins Resort and Marina. Photo Credit: Pacific Fins Public Affairs.
IGFTO Observers during Leg 1 of the 2025 Los Suenos Triple Crown held January 22-25 January 2025. Photo Credit: Joanne McCorkle.
