Frequently Asked Questions

International Game Fish Tournament Observers, Inc. (IGFTO) is the only worldwide membership-only billfish observer organization. We were formed in 2009 as an IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit by a core group of experienced billfish anglers, whose dedication to the conservation ethics of these release tournaments formed the foundation of our model. IGFTO is made up of approximately 250 active members, most of whom are experienced captains, mates, and anglers.  The directors and board members of the IGFTO are elected every two years and serve on a volunteer basis.

IGFTO Observers are a select group of experienced anglers, captains, and mates from all around the world whose role it is to identify and authenticate catch & release of billfish and game fish during tournaments. Tournament directors require that Observers take an Observer Training Course (OTC), regardless of previous experience or skill level. (The IGFTO is the only organization currently conducting this course.)

To apply to become an Observer:

1. Read the Observer Requirements & Protocol to ensure you qualify.
2. Select an OTC date and fill out the online Course Registration/Membership Application.
3. Pay the course fee, currently $295 (this includes your first year’s membership dues).
4. Take and successfully complete the half-day OTC.
5. Receive your IGFTO Observer membership credentials.

To qualify to become an IGFTO Observer, applicants must:

• Have some offshore fishing experience; a history of bill fishing is preferred. You should know the difference between a Sailfish and a Marlin.
• Be physically capable of spending long days on boats in various weather conditions. This means the ability to stay alert throughout the entire fishing day; and the ability to quickly transit from the bridge to the cockpit and back when it is necessary in order to call a release.
• Have enough boating experience to be confident you will not become sea sick under rough sea conditions.
• Have the integrity to interact professionally with captains, crew, anglers, and tournament directors and represent IGFTO at international game fish tournaments.
• Be able to commit financially to the one-time training course fee of $295, the $150 annual membership renewal, and all personal tournament-related expenses.
• Be willing and able to travel to various locations for tournaments.

Read the Observer Requirements & Protocol to learn more.

The OTC is offered in various locations both in the U.S. and abroad. The training schedule, course location, and more information about the OTC can be found on our Training page. If you have a group of 10 or more qualified applicants, we can discuss coming to you.  

The OTC includes the following content:

• IGFA angling rules for saltwater fishing
• Billfish identification
• What is the IGFTO
• Best practices for Observers
• Photos and videos of Sailfish and various species of Marlin
• Observing insights from any IGFTO Directors, Observers or guest speakers that may be in attendance

Yes. Tournament directors require Observers take an Observer Training Course (OTC), regardless of previous experience or skill level. (The IGFTO is the only organization currently conducting this course.) The OTC provides Observers with a baseline level of knowledge and skills needed to ensure fair play and proper fish handling during billfish tournaments.

Yes, the fee is $295.  It includes the the following:

• IGFTO membership dues through the calendar year (currently $150)
• One Observer dress shirt (to be worn at dinner, awards ceremonies, etc.)
• One Observer work shirt (to be worn when observing)
• One Observer log book (to record releases)
• One Observer buff (facemask to protect you from the sun)
• One Observer lapel pin
• OTC notebook
• Billfish Identification and IGFA Rules digital downloads
• Continental breakfast on training day

The total value of these items is $500. 

Yes. There is a brief, self-graded test on key course content at the conclusion of the training course. You must pass this test to become an Observer. If you were awake and paying attention during the course, you shouldn’t have trouble passing the test.

No. You are an official Observer the moment the course has concluded. However, it may take a few to several days to receive your IGFTO website Member’s Only area login credentials, as this is done manually by the IGFTO webmaster.

Note that some tournaments require you to fill out a tournament application prior to being accepted.

The Tournament Director contacts the IGFTO and specifies the number of observers needed.  An IGFTO coordinator emails a “Call for Observers” to the entire IGFTO active membership. Observers sign-up on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait lists are generated when there is an abundance of responses.

The Observer Package for each tournament will be posted in the Member's Only area of the IGFTO website. It will include information regarding the tournament schedule, housing, food and drink, available expense offsets, transportation, etc.

No, there is no pay or compensation for Observers. IGFTO members are expected to be able to cover the cost of travel and lodging for the Observer Training Course (OTC), as well as for tournament-related expenses. We are a 100% volunteer organization; any reimbursement received is considered a “nice-to-have.”

However, some tournaments provide lodging, while others may offer an expense reimbursement to help offset costs. As an example, the Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown Billfish Tournament offers an Observer supplement of $450 for three consecutive days of observing or $600 if you also observe the one-day ladies only - a total of four days observing. 

There are certain perks -- for example, the majority of tournaments invite Observers to participate in  tournament activities such as kickoff parties, dock parties, and awards banquets, where food and libations are usually plentiful. Breakfast and lunch (on the boat) are also provided.

Here is an example of a typical day. Note that times are approximate:

5:00 a.m. boat assignment and complimentary breakfast (provided by the tournament)

5:30 a.m. report to your boat

6:30 a.m. boat departs the dock to fishing grounds

8:00 a.m. lines in

12:00 p.m. lunch (provided by the tournament)

4:00 p.m. lines out

5:30 p.m. boat docks, turn in your scorecard

The tournament director makes that decision.