Join IGFTO
Welcome to the International Game Fish Tournament Observers, Inc.
Thank you for your interest; we’re looking forward to welcoming you as a new IGFTO Observer. IGFTO is made up of many different men and women that have two things in common – a love of fishing, and a desire to preserve our precious resource of Game Fish. Our members are experienced Fishermen. Most have captained their own boats or participated in tournaments as Anglers so they know their way around boats and what to expect at sea in tournament conditions.
There are limitations to membership in the IGFTO. Members are expected to be experienced, knowledgeable, and physically-able to actively participate in the demands of Tournament Fishing – including heavy seas. Furthermore, members must not be prone to medical conditions that would interfere with Tournament participation, including seasickness. Our members are expected to be able to climb ladders to observe from the bridge in addition to safely maneuver in the cockpit while fish are being fought. Seas and weather conditions cannot be an obstacle to performing your duties.
We take observing as serious business. An Observer’s job is to ensure that all boats participating in a tournament play by the same rules so that no boat has an unfair advantage over the others. Many tournaments have high-stake cash prizes and an Observer’s behavior must be beyond reproach. IGFTO has a reputation among Tournament Directors and Captains as being the best in the business and we are dedicated to keeping it that way.
For a list of our Frequently Asked Questions, click here: IGFTO FAQ
Please click on the appropriate link below and complete the form it will take you to. The information will be reviewed by our Membership Committee. We look forward to welcoming you to join us in maintaining the highest level of professionalism for our sport.
Thanks in advance & Best,
Evan A. Hipsley, Jr.
President and Director
Note: if you already have a Supporter Account on this site, and wish to upgrade to a Member, please log in first. If you are applying for an additional account, then you do not need to log in, but you must use a unique email address.
I have already taken the Observer Training Course:
I have NOT taken the Observer Training Course:
I would like to take a refresher course:
If you have registered but didn't receive your confirmation email within one hour, and have CHECKED your spam, anonymous or suspect folders, you can request it to be sent a second time here. You must use the same email address you used when registering (if you made a typo, you will need to re-register or Contact Us.
