Gary Graham of Southern California said it was the largest gathering of IGFA Representatives from the Pacific region that he could remember. The 25 members included representation from California, Papua New Guinea, Australia’s East and Western territories, Tahiti, Bay of Islands New Zealand, Hawaii, Korea and Japan.
The meeting coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (HIBT) the grandfather of all big game fishing tournaments and one built upon honor, prestige and strict adherence to IGFA rules for world records.
Held on the eve of his celebrated HIBT, tournament founder Peter Fithian was joined at the head table by his fellow IGFA Trustees Michael Farrior and Paxson Offield, and IGFA President Rob Kramer. They were also joined by a special guest Junzo Okada, current Chairman of the six-thousand members of the Japan Game Fish Association. In order to attend the HIBT, Okada had graciously relinquished his office as Chairman temporarily as the meeting conflicted with the 31st Annual Japan Billfish Tournament he normally would have presided over.
Long-time IGFA Representative and a resident Kona, Hawaii Rick Gaffney, hosted a luncheon for the representatives at Quinn’s restaurant, Almost by the Sea, which provided an ideal backdrop for the gathering.
Graham reported that each representative presented an overview on their respective region’s current fishery, followed by a fascinating and informative round table discussion.
Farrior, Chairman of the IGFA Representatives Committee, praised the efforts of the attendees and their invaluable efforts. He commented ,”Acting as a sportfishing advocate, each and every one of you have made an important contribution on behalf of the angling community in your respective regions,”.
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IGFA Representatives from the Pacific region In the top row from left to right were Trustee Paxson Offield, IGFA Japan Junzo Okada, IGFA Trustee Michael Farrior, IGFA President Rob Kramer, IGFA Trustee Peter Fithian, IGFA Rep Western Australia Mark Maher, IGFA Rep Maui, Hawaii Donnell Tate, IGFA Rep Northern California Rocky Franich, IGFA Rep Hawaii Jim Rizutto, IGFA Rep Alaska Mal Linthwaite, IGFA Rep Queensland, Australia Albert Threadingham, IGFA Rep New Zealand John Chibnall, IGFA Rep Oahu, Hawaii, Al Bento. Bottom row l-r IGFA Rep Papua New Guinea John Lau, IGFA Rep Japan Tomonori Higashi, IGFA Rep at Large Central Pacific Rick Gaffney, IGFA Rep New South Wales Australia Robert Lowe, IGFA Rep at Large for Hawaii Roy Morioka, IGFA Rep Papua New Guinea Bob O’Dea. Though not in the photo Tahiti Representative, Alban Ellacott, while present, was unable to attend the luncheon. Representatives Gary and Yvonne Graham of California joined the group soon after.
