International Game Fish Tournament Observers Inc.

Evan grew up fishing in both fresh and saltwater environments.  He is an avid recreational fisherman who previously owned his own boat, and has both fished and observed as an, Angler, Captain, Crew Member, and Mate.  The beautiful Florida Panhandle, Pensacola, is his home.

His recreational fishing has been concentrated in the Mid-Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico fisheries commensurate with his assignments while serving in the U.S. Navy. He released his first Pacific Sailfish in June 2023 fishing out of Quepos, Costa Rica.

A combat-decorated Veteran, Commander Hipsley retired after 33 years of service to our Nation.  Sea duty is nothing new to Evan, he served at sea aboard 16 different classes of U.S. Navy ships (Aircraft Carriers, Cruisers, Amphibious Assault), fast-attack submarines, and one U.S.C.G. Cutter.

He is an advanced decision-maker, influential leader, research analyst, and possesses a postgraduate degree, Master’s level, in Information Technology. 

Evan joined IGFTO in 2014 after completing IGFA's Observer Training Course in Dania Beach, FL.  He has facilitated Observer Training Courses in Pensacola and Fort Lauderdale, FL, Los Sueños and Quepos Costa Rica, and Ocean City, MD.

He is a Lifetime Member of both the IGFA and IGFTO and has observed in Aruba, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and conducted video reviews for several Gulf of Mexico tournaments. He has been recognized by Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia for gamefish releases, and is a graduate of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute’s Marine Resources Education Program (Fisheries Science, Management, and Aquaculture.)   

He is an active member with the Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club where he has also served on the Board of Directors, Dock Master, Tournament Catch Entry, and Video Reviewer for the Pensacola International Billfish Tournaments.  

He is also an active member with the Orange Beach Sportfishing Club where he is recognized as an active Board Member, former Vice President Emeritus, and has served as Weigh Master for the 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 Kenny Vines Memorial Billfish Tournaments.

Evan is currently serving his fifth year on the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel to advise the National Marine Fisheries Service on the collection and evaluation of information for developing and amending fishery management plans.

Evan has been on the IGFTO Board since 2019 and commenced his duties as President January 2024.

Updated: 3.24.2025