In the Record Books

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The International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach

Photo Credit: contributed photo

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Gateway wall welcoming you to Dania Beach

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Dania Beach Tourism Council

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Dania Beach

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

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An aerial view of the beach.

Photo Credit: Dania Beach Tourism Council

Florida is the place to go to catch world-class fish. See fishing records and legends at the International Game Fish Association in Dania Beach.

The International Game Fish Association, the organization that maintains the book of world record fishes, makes its headquarters in Dania Beach on Florida’s East Coast.

The IGFA has the world’s top museum dedicated to sport fishing and is a destination in itself. It is easy to get lost for hours as you wander the halls lined with equipment and photographs from the legends of the sport such as Ernest Hemingway and Zane Grey.

The museum’s library, interactive exhibits and gift shop are first class as well, but for serious anglers, the IGFA headquarters are the place where you go to get your name in the record book.

At the International Game Fish Association in Dania Beach, it's easy to get lost for hours as you wander the halls lined with equipment and photographs from fishing legends such as Ernest Hemingway and Zane Grey.

Florida Still Champ

Florida can call itself the “Fishing Capital of the World” for good reason. When it comes to world records, anglers fishing Florida waters have racked up a staggering 4,797 records. That is far more than any other state or country for that matter.

What makes our state so attractive to anglers looking to earn their spot in the IGFA record book? There is no easy answer.

Some may point to the diversity of our sport fishes, the variety of habitat, mild weather, great guides and tackle shops and, of course, a year-round fishing season. With more than 7,700 lakes, 12,650 miles of rivers and 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline, there is no shortage of places to fish.

Ocean, Gulf and Bay

The IGFA maintains both all-tackle and line-class records. The largest red grouper ever caught, a 42-pound, 4-ounce monster landed in St. Augustine by Del Wiseman, Jr. on March 9, 1997, is an example of the former. But Martin Arostegui also earned his place in history by catching a 3-pound, 0-ounce red off Marathon Key on March 8, 2008, using 2-pound test line.

But the IGFA also maintains its Grand Slam, Super Grand Slam and Royal Slam Clubs. For example, catch a bonefish, tarpon and permit in one day and you have qualified for an inshore grand slam. Anglers can also earn a spot in the 10-pound Bass, 10-pound Bonefish and 25-pound Snook clubs.

Florida Records

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also administers a program that recognizes angling accomplishments. Freshwater fishermen can sign up for the free “Big Catch” program and become a “master” or “elite” angler. Children can qualify for special recognition as well.

Saltwater fishermen can earn their own honors. Catch a redfish, trout and cobia in a 24-hour period in North Florida and you will earn that region’s Grand Slam award. On the West Coast, it takes a redfish, tarpon and snook to qualify. East Coast anglers must catch a trout, tarpon and redfish, while South Florida fishermen need a tarpon, permit and bonefish to join the club. For information, go to www.MyFWC.com.

IGFA & Dania Beach

If you are interested in earning a place in the record books, contact the IGFA and get a copy of the rules before you go fishing. The organization is particular, for good reason, and anglers must follow the directions to the letter in order for the catch to be approved.

The IGFA Headquarters and Museum is located in Dania Beach, right next to the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, an angler’s superstore. The 160,000-square-foot outdoors shop sells everything from bass boats to fishing lures. If you head east toward the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, where you can rent a canoe or kayak or serve up a seaside picnic. For some fun with the kids, try Boomers, home of mini golf, go-karts and two thrill rides, Flame Thrower and Sidewinder. After dinner, the adults can slip away to Dania Jai-Alai for jai-alai and poker.

Directions and Contact Information

IGFA is located at 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach. Take I-95 to Griffin Road Exit 23; west on Griffin to first light (Anglers Avenue) south to Gulf Stream Way; left at Sportsman's Park. Call 954-922-4212 for information or go to www.igfa.org.

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World is located at 200 Gulf Stream Way. Call 954-929-7710.

John U. Lloyd Beach State Park is located at 6503 Ocean Drive. Call 954-923-2833.

Boomers is located at 1700 Northwest First St. Call 954-921-1411.

Dania Jai-Alai is located at 301 E. Dania Beach Blvd. Call 954-920-1511.