Looks like the the IGFA Inshore, hosted in Islamorada by Sandy Moret’s Florida Keys Outfitters, is going to continue getting some much needed coverage from sports network ESPN. Angler’s from all over the world vie to compete in our waters, and this is a great event, and one well worth publicizing.
IGFA Inshore World Championship, ESPN to continue partnership
For the second consecutive year, ESPN Outdoors will integrate the 2010 Florida Keys Outfitters IGFA Inshore World Championship as part of the Built Ford Tough ESPN Outdoors Saltwater Series presented by Takemefishing.org and will be aired on ESPN2 and presented on other ESPN Outdoors multimedia platforms, including daily tournament coverage at www.ESPNOutdoors.com.
“The ESPN Outdoors Saltwater Series continues to show tremendous growth,” said Jamie Wilkinson, senior director of event operations and business development, ESPN Outdoors. “Integrating this premier event into the Saltwater Series provides us with some excellent content opportunities.”
The championship, set for July 13-15 in Islamorada , Fla.. , began in 2001 and has grown into a premier inshore fishing event. Invitations are being sent to the winners of 42 qualifying fishing tournaments held in 2009 in the U.S. , Trinidad & Tobago , Sweden , Belize , the Bahamas and Australia .
All five of the targeted species — bonefish, tarpon, permit, redfish and snook — can be readily found in the unique Florida Bay fishery centrally located in Islamorada. Fishing and scoring takes place from the World Wide Sportsman’s Bayside Marina.
In 2009, Sandy Moret, owner of Florida Keys Outfitters began managing the event and will continue to do so in 2010. As in 2009, the FKO/IGFA Inshore World Championship will host two divisions: light tackle and fly.
“Our goal is to expand the presence of this tournament,” said Moret, an IGFA rules committee member. “Through ESPN’s multimedia coverage, we hope to highlight the IGFA’s role in preserving the traditions and heritage of sport fishing.”
At the 2009 tournament, which played out in July, Jared Raskob, of Key Largo , Fla. , won the inshore fly title while Mike Gallops of Naples, Fla., won the light tackle crown.
For more information on the Florida Keys Outfitters / IGFA Inshore World Championship and qualifying tournaments, fishing fans can visit www.inshoreworldchampionships.com.
ESPN Outdoors will release the entire Saltwater Series 2010 schedule in the coming months.
For more information, contact ESPN Outdoors Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit www.ESPNOutdoors.com.
About International Game Fish Association
The International Game Fish Association is a not-for-profit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and the promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices through science, education, rule making and record keeping. It was founded in 1939 and has members in over 125 countries. The association welcomes visitors to its 60,000 square foot IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum in Dania Beach , Fla. The IGFA Web site is www.igfa.org.
About ESPN Outdoors
Since its inception in 1980, ESPN Outdoors has strived to inform and entertain anglers, hunters and people of all ages who enjoy the outdoors. ESPN Outdoors is committed to increasing awareness of and participation in outdoor activities, a direction best exemplified by television programming on ESPN2. Each year, ESPN Outdoors stages more than 30 marquee events, including the Bassmaster Classic. ESPN Outdoors is comprised of BASS, the worldwide authority on bass fishing, and a growing array of multimedia platforms, including Bassmaster.com, ESPNOutdoors.com and programming on ESPN2, in addition to promotions and activities that deliver a clear message of conservation and ethical sportsmanship.
