International Game Fish Tournament Observers Inc.

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 76,460 Billfish [as of 30 March 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 Observer and Refresher Class held at Marina Pez Vela, Quepos Costa Rica 2.18.2025. Welcome new Observers. Photo Credit: MPV Staff.

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.