IGFA Certified Observer Program (COP) Returns With Fall Training Class

The IGFA will be offering its popular Certified Observer Program class this fall to train and certify experienced anglers, boat captains and crew members as observers for worldwide fishing tournaments.

The class will take place, Saturday, Oct. 27 beginning at 9 a.m. at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla.

The program benefits tournaments by eliminating or reducing rule disputes that sometimes arise. Certified observers can often prevent inadvertent rule infractions before they occur.

A growing number of big-money and catch-and-release tournaments have committed to using IGFA Certified Observers for their tournaments.

“This training program for certified observers was started five years ago and currently over 20 tournaments are making them a standard part of their events each year,” said Jason Schratwieser, the IGFA Director of Conservation. “Over 1,000 observers have been trained since the program began and tournament officials are giving great reviews after having the observers onboard. They say it also raises the standard level of their tournaments as well as the conservation efforts with the safe release of the fish.”

The course includes species Identification, IGFA saltwater fishing rules and regulations, safety at sea and boating etiquette. The IGFA COP applications are available at the IGFA Web site www.igfa.org, and at the IGFA headquarters.

Pre-registration is required and the $150 fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, two DVDs, a long-sleeve T-shirt, and a one-year membership in the IGFA.

For additional information, please contact Schratwieser at (954) 924-4320 or  e-mail: jschratwieser@igfa.org .