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The IGFA is proud to announce Dr. Martin "Marty" Arostegui and Roberta G. Arostegui as the first recipients of the IGFA Master Angler Award. Each earned this recognition independently, on the strength of a lifetime of individual achievement across the full breadth of IGFA angler recognition programs.

Marty achieved Gold Tier status across five categories: All-Tackle World Records, All-Tackle Length World Records, Line Class World Records, Tippet Class World Records, and Trophy Fish Clubs. Over his career, he has set 438 IGFA World Records and completed nine IGFA Trophy Fish Clubs.

Roberta achieved Gold Tier status across five categories: All-Tackle Length World Records, Line Class World Records, Tippet Class World Records, Trophy Fish Clubs, and Royal Slams. Over her career, she has set 297 IGFA World Records, completed nine IGFA Trophy Fish Clubs, and nine IGFA Royal Slams.

The IGFA Master Angler Award is the highest distinction within the IGFA Master Angler Program, reserved for anglers who reach Gold Tier status in five or more of the program's seven categories. Congratulations to the Arosteguis on this remarkable accomplishment!

Read the full announcement: https://igfa.org/2026/05/21/igfa-names-first-recipients-of-the-master-angler-award/

America’s fisheries need stronger protection. 
@theigfa President Jason Schratwieser authored an op-ed in @InsideSourcesDC calling on the @DeptofCommerce to end industrial reduction fishing and safeguard coastal economies for future generations. 

Link in @foragefishcampaign bio

On May 19, 1998, angler Ken Paulie set the IGFA All-Tackle world record for flathead catfish with this 55.79 kg (123 lb, 0 oz) behemoth from the Elk City Reservoir in Independence, Kansas. Paulie was fishing a live minnow on a jig head while using an Zebco 33 reel and 12-pound Berkley Fishing Trilene line when he caught the fish.

On May 19, 1998, angler Ken Paulie set the IGFA All-Tackle world record for flathead catfish with this 55.79 kg (123 lb, 0 oz) behemoth from the Elk City Reservoir in Independence, Kansas. Paulie was fishing a live minnow on a jig head while using an Zebco 33 reel and 12-pound Berkley Fishing Trilene line when he caught the fish.

We don't just share a sustainability mission with the IGFA. We also share an artist.

Right at the beginning of the Strike story, we teamed up with Dennis Friel, the Florida-based artist behind many IGFA designs, and set about creating packaging for our performance footwear like no other.

The result? An environmentally-aware shoebox, wrapped in some of the most spectacular saltwater drawings you'll ever find emblazoned on cardboard – a true statement of our intent, before you've even set foot into one of our shoes.

Hit the Strike Journal for a Q&A with Dennis now.

We don't just share a sustainability mission with the IGFA. We also share an artist.

Right at the beginning of the Strike story, we teamed up with Dennis Friel, the Florida-based artist behind many IGFA designs, and set about creating packaging for our performance footwear like no other.

The result? An environmentally-aware shoebox, wrapped in some of the most spectacular saltwater drawings you'll ever find emblazoned on cardboard – a true statement of our intent, before you've even set foot into one of our shoes.

Hit the Strike Journal for a Q&A with Dennis now.

We don't just share a sustainability mission with the IGFA. We also share an artist.

Right at the beginning of the Strike story, we teamed up with Dennis Friel, the Florida-based artist behind many IGFA designs, and set about creating packaging for our performance footwear like no other.

The result? An environmentally-aware shoebox, wrapped in some of the most spectacular saltwater drawings you'll ever find emblazoned on cardboard – a true statement of our intent, before you've even set foot into one of our shoes.

Hit the Strike Journal for a Q&A with Dennis now.

We don't just share a sustainability mission with the IGFA. We also share an artist.

Right at the beginning of the Strike story, we teamed up with Dennis Friel, the Florida-based artist behind many IGFA designs, and set about creating packaging for our performance footwear like no other.

The result? An environmentally-aware shoebox, wrapped in some of the most spectacular saltwater drawings you'll ever find emblazoned on cardboard – a true statement of our intent, before you've even set foot into one of our shoes.

Hit the Strike Journal for a Q&A with Dennis now.

We don't just share a sustainability mission with the IGFA. We also share an artist.

Right at the beginning of the Strike story, we teamed up with Dennis Friel, the Florida-based artist behind many IGFA designs, and set about creating packaging for our performance footwear like no other.

The result? An environmentally-aware shoebox, wrapped in some of the most spectacular saltwater drawings you'll ever find emblazoned on cardboard – a true statement of our intent, before you've even set foot into one of our shoes.

Hit the Strike Journal for a Q&A with Dennis now.

We don't just share a sustainability mission with the IGFA. We also share an artist.

Right at the beginning of the Strike story, we teamed up with Dennis Friel, the Florida-based artist behind many IGFA designs, and set about creating packaging for our performance footwear like no other.

The result? An environmentally-aware shoebox, wrapped in some of the most spectacular saltwater drawings you'll ever find emblazoned on cardboard – a true statement of our intent, before you've even set foot into one of our shoes.

Hit the Strike Journal for a Q&A with Dennis now.

On May 17th, 1985, Les Anderson was drift fishing the Kenai River when something took his spin glow lure. After an amazing 40-minute battle, Les hauled in the massive 44.11-kilogram (97-pound, 4-ounce) chinook salmon. Forty-one years later, the catch still stands as both the IGFA All-Tackle and the IGFA Men’s 15-kg (30 lb) Line Class World Records.

There’s always more where that came from — follow the IGFA for the stories behind the stats.

On May 17th, 1985, Les Anderson was drift fishing the Kenai River when something took his spin glow lure. After an amazing 40-minute battle, Les hauled in the massive 44.11-kilogram (97-pound, 4-ounce) chinook salmon. Forty-one years later, the catch still stands as both the IGFA All-Tackle and the IGFA Men’s 15-kg (30 lb) Line Class World Records.

There’s always more where that came from — follow the IGFA for the stories behind the stats.

Back in May of 2018, angler Lionel Ferguson was fishing Richeison Pond, Tennessee, when he landed this 2.47 kg (5 lb, 7 oz) black crappie to set the IGFA All-Tackle World Record for the species. Following genetic testing to confirm the species, this monster crappie officially replaced the previous record of 5 pounds, which was set back in 2006.

Back in May of 2018, angler Lionel Ferguson was fishing Richeison Pond, Tennessee, when he landed this 2.47 kg (5 lb, 7 oz) black crappie to set the IGFA All-Tackle World Record for the species. Following genetic testing to confirm the species, this monster crappie officially replaced the previous record of 5 pounds, which was set back in 2006.

🚨🚨Attention recreational boaters: In 2022, NOAA proposed expanding the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule, requiring many small recreational boats along the East Coast to travel at 10 knots for up to seven months a year. The proposal failed to distinguish between large commercial vessels and smaller recreational boats, ignored modern technology, and threatened manufacturers, marinas, charter operators, anglers, and coastal communities.

After strong public opposition, NOAA withdrew the expansion in 2024 and is now reviewing the original 2008 rule for larger vessels through a public comment process. As courts evaluate the legality of the rule and NOAA’s authority, the agency is seeking input on updated science, new technology, and vessel-specific risk assessments.

Click the link below to support a modern, technology-driven approach that protects whales while preserving boating access, safe navigation, and coastal jobs.

https://bit.ly/4dFJjpD

🚨🚨Attention recreational boaters: In 2022, NOAA proposed expanding the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule, requiring many small recreational boats along the East Coast to travel at 10 knots for up to seven months a year. The proposal failed to distinguish between large commercial vessels and smaller recreational boats, ignored modern technology, and threatened manufacturers, marinas, charter operators, anglers, and coastal communities.

After strong public opposition, NOAA withdrew the expansion in 2024 and is now reviewing the original 2008 rule for larger vessels through a public comment process. As courts evaluate the legality of the rule and NOAA’s authority, the agency is seeking input on updated science, new technology, and vessel-specific risk assessments.

Click the link below to support a modern, technology-driven approach that protects whales while preserving boating access, safe navigation, and coastal jobs.

https://bit.ly/4dFJjpD

The IGFA is proud to announce the South American Royal Slam — a new addition to its suite of internationally recognized Angler Recognition Programs.

Developed in collaboration with the IGFA South American Regional Council, the program challenges anglers to catch seven of South America's most iconic freshwater species in accordance with IGFA International Angling Rules: Dorado, Peacock Bass, Payara, Arowana, Redtail Catfish, Sorubim, and Trahira. Only fish caught within the continent of South America will count.

Qualifying achievements also count toward the Royal Slams category within the IGFA Master Angler Program, meaning you may already be building toward lifetime recognition.

Read the full announcement at the link in our bio.

Forage fish play a key role not only in the food web and marine ecosystems, but also in the American economy as well, and the future of these important species is in our hands. Read IGFA President Jason Schratwieser's piece, published today in "Inside Sources, DC Journal," to learn more.

Link to article: https://bit.ly/4drJjZ3

Go for the big one. 🎣⚡️
Proud to see Ecuador Fishing Adventures featured in the IGFA World Record Game Fishes book. #sportfishing #marlinfishing #fishingecuador #Billfish#fishinggalapagos

Salt marshes protect our coastlines, reduce flooding, and support wildlife, seafood, and local economies. A new set of state action plans for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida lay out strategies to conserve and restore these critical habitats. This is a major step toward safeguarding 1 million acres of Southeast salt marshes for the future. As members of the Florida State Implementation Team and the SASMI Partnership Council, we look forward to our continued engagement in this important initiative. Visit the South Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative website for more info!

https://bit.ly/3PBvpLY

𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑩𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒅𝒂𝒚, 𝑺𝒕𝒖 𝑨𝒑𝒕𝒆

Before saltwater fly fishing had a proven blueprint, Stu Apte was writing one cast by cast, from the flats of the Florida Keys to the open waters of the Pacific.

Born in Miami, Florida in 1930, Apte came of age at a time when catching big game fish on a fly rod wasn't just uncommon, it was widely considered impossible. He disagreed. After landing his first tarpon at age 12, he began guiding anglers in the Florida Keys by the mid-1950s. Apte spent decades proving that light tackle and a fly rod were more than capable of handling the ocean's most powerful fish.

The results were extraordinary. Over the course of his career, Apte set more than 40 saltwater records, including two of the longest-standing saltwater fly rod records in IGFA history: a 58-pound dolphin taken in 1964 and a 136-pound Pacific sailfish in 1965, both on 12-pound tippet. He became synonymous with tarpon on the fly, developing the "down and dirty" fighting technique still referenced by serious anglers today.

Apte's true impact extended well beyond his own records. He freely shared his methods, his knots, his fly patterns, and his hard-won knowledge with anyone willing to learn. In doing so, he helped open saltwater fly fishing to a generation of anglers who followed in his wake.

In 2003, Stu Apte was inducted into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, joining a legacy that reflects the best of what this sport can be. Today, we celebrate 96 years of one of angling's true originals.

𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑩𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒅𝒂𝒚, 𝑺𝒕𝒖 𝑨𝒑𝒕𝒆

Before saltwater fly fishing had a proven blueprint, Stu Apte was writing one cast by cast, from the flats of the Florida Keys to the open waters of the Pacific.

Born in Miami, Florida in 1930, Apte came of age at a time when catching big game fish on a fly rod wasn't just uncommon, it was widely considered impossible. He disagreed. After landing his first tarpon at age 12, he began guiding anglers in the Florida Keys by the mid-1950s. Apte spent decades proving that light tackle and a fly rod were more than capable of handling the ocean's most powerful fish.

The results were extraordinary. Over the course of his career, Apte set more than 40 saltwater records, including two of the longest-standing saltwater fly rod records in IGFA history: a 58-pound dolphin taken in 1964 and a 136-pound Pacific sailfish in 1965, both on 12-pound tippet. He became synonymous with tarpon on the fly, developing the "down and dirty" fighting technique still referenced by serious anglers today.

Apte's true impact extended well beyond his own records. He freely shared his methods, his knots, his fly patterns, and his hard-won knowledge with anyone willing to learn. In doing so, he helped open saltwater fly fishing to a generation of anglers who followed in his wake.

In 2003, Stu Apte was inducted into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, joining a legacy that reflects the best of what this sport can be. Today, we celebrate 96 years of one of angling's true originals.

𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑩𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒅𝒂𝒚, 𝑺𝒕𝒖 𝑨𝒑𝒕𝒆

Before saltwater fly fishing had a proven blueprint, Stu Apte was writing one cast by cast, from the flats of the Florida Keys to the open waters of the Pacific.

Born in Miami, Florida in 1930, Apte came of age at a time when catching big game fish on a fly rod wasn't just uncommon, it was widely considered impossible. He disagreed. After landing his first tarpon at age 12, he began guiding anglers in the Florida Keys by the mid-1950s. Apte spent decades proving that light tackle and a fly rod were more than capable of handling the ocean's most powerful fish.

The results were extraordinary. Over the course of his career, Apte set more than 40 saltwater records, including two of the longest-standing saltwater fly rod records in IGFA history: a 58-pound dolphin taken in 1964 and a 136-pound Pacific sailfish in 1965, both on 12-pound tippet. He became synonymous with tarpon on the fly, developing the "down and dirty" fighting technique still referenced by serious anglers today.

Apte's true impact extended well beyond his own records. He freely shared his methods, his knots, his fly patterns, and his hard-won knowledge with anyone willing to learn. In doing so, he helped open saltwater fly fishing to a generation of anglers who followed in his wake.

In 2003, Stu Apte was inducted into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, joining a legacy that reflects the best of what this sport can be. Today, we celebrate 96 years of one of angling's true originals.

𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑩𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒅𝒂𝒚, 𝑺𝒕𝒖 𝑨𝒑𝒕𝒆

Before saltwater fly fishing had a proven blueprint, Stu Apte was writing one cast by cast, from the flats of the Florida Keys to the open waters of the Pacific.

Born in Miami, Florida in 1930, Apte came of age at a time when catching big game fish on a fly rod wasn't just uncommon, it was widely considered impossible. He disagreed. After landing his first tarpon at age 12, he began guiding anglers in the Florida Keys by the mid-1950s. Apte spent decades proving that light tackle and a fly rod were more than capable of handling the ocean's most powerful fish.

The results were extraordinary. Over the course of his career, Apte set more than 40 saltwater records, including two of the longest-standing saltwater fly rod records in IGFA history: a 58-pound dolphin taken in 1964 and a 136-pound Pacific sailfish in 1965, both on 12-pound tippet. He became synonymous with tarpon on the fly, developing the "down and dirty" fighting technique still referenced by serious anglers today.

Apte's true impact extended well beyond his own records. He freely shared his methods, his knots, his fly patterns, and his hard-won knowledge with anyone willing to learn. In doing so, he helped open saltwater fly fishing to a generation of anglers who followed in his wake.

In 2003, Stu Apte was inducted into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, joining a legacy that reflects the best of what this sport can be. Today, we celebrate 96 years of one of angling's true originals.