Important: Read the IGFTO Observer Requirements & Protocol on this page before applying for membership.
We welcome a select few Observers every year. Could you be next?
IGFTO Observers are a select group of experienced anglers, captains, and mates from all around the world, able to withstand the rigors of sea, and passionate about ensuring fair catch & release at high-profile tournaments.
Read the Observer Requirements & Protocol below to see if you qualify.
Already familiar with the Observer Requirements & Protocol?
Before Proceeding:
Please acknowledge that you have read the Observer Requirements & Protocol and believe you are qualified.
Evan A. Hipsley, Jr., President & Director
Read a brief letter from IGFTO president Evan A. Hipsley Jr., on what it means to be an IGFTO Observer.
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
Observers identify and authenticate catch & release of billfish and game fish during high-profile tournaments. Your skills and character will be tested, but you’ll gain rich, new relationships and life-changing experiences.
Observer duties include:
You’ll need a combination of offshore fishing experience, physical capability, and the ability to remain focused and impartial in exciting and sometimes challenging conditions.
Observers are expected to:
Review the IGFTO Observer Requirements & Protocol on this page to ensure you meet the criteria. If you are not sure if you meet the criteria, send us an email.
All IGFTO Observers are required to attend the in-person, half-day Observer Training Course, regardless of previous experience. You’ll select a course date/location and fill out and submit the online course registration/membership application.
Pay for the Observer Training Course and your first year's dues ($295 total).
To become a certified IGFTO Observer Member, you must take and successfully complete the half-day in-person OTC.
Upon successful completion of the required training course, you will receive your IGFTO Observer certification and you will be granted full access to the members-only area of the website. And yes, you can start putting your name in for tournaments!
The Observer Training Course (OTC) provides Observers with a baseline level of knowledge and skills needed to ensure fair play and proper fish handling during billfish tournaments. Successful completion of the course is a prerequisite to becoming an IGFTO Observer Member.
The OTC is held at different locations in the U.S. and abroad and covers essential topics such as IGFA (International Game Fish Association) rules and regulations, billfish species identification, observer responsibilities, and best practices for catch and release.
Learn more about the OTC and view the training schedule here.
$295 for the first year (includes the Observer Training Course, the first year’s membership dues, Observer dress shirt, work shirt, log book, buff, lapel pin, notebook, and more.) This is a $500+ value.
$150 annual membership renewal.
In addition to your membership dues, Observers are expected to be able cover personal tournament-related expenses. (More on that below.)
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.
Some tournaments provide lodging, while others may offer an expense reimbursement to help offset costs. We are a 100% volunteer organization; any reimbursement received is considered a “nice-to-have.”
There are certain perks -- for example, the majority of tournaments invite Observers to participate in all tournament activities such as kickoff parties, dock parties, and awards banquets.
To date, IGFTO Observers have participated in tournaments spanning 11 different countries, including Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and more.
You can select your desired tournament on a first-come, first-served basis. Some tournament directors require that you fill out an application. The tournament director decides the individual boat assignments.
As our Observers travel to different tournaments, some like to share their experiences with the rest of us. All members are encouraged to submit their travel notes.
The longest continually running salt water tournament, the San Juan International Billfish Tournament (“IBT”), concluded after three fishing days on August 27, 2023.
IGFTO provided 24 Observers to the tournament including Bob Smith, Adriana Vale, Alan Buchfuhrer, Art McDonald, Barbara Evans, Bill Langan, Bob Gordon, Cindy...
What a fantastic time observing in the 8th Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational. From start-to-finish, it was an amazing experience.
The crews and hospitality at both Pacific Fins and Buena Vista (Jody’s) were very welcoming and top-notch.
The welcoming ceremony was special as IGFTO donated monies for more research the second year in a row. It...
Aqua Inspiration Three 2024
Golfito and Quepos, Costa Rica Golfito
A little over six weeks ago, Aqua Inspiration kicked off in Golfito, C.R., on Monday, May 27, 2024. Our second year in Golfito, the event was sponsored by the IGFTO, Junior Achievement-Costa Rica, Marina Bahia Golfito, and Marina Pez Vela Youth Career Days.
The event started with Junior Achievement-Costa...
Interested in becoming an IGFTO sponsor or partner? Contact us.
