International Game Fish Association (IGFA)

Headquartered in Dania, Florida, the IGFA is a nonprofit that serves multiple purposes: establishing world-record criteria for many marine and freshwater fish species, the promotion of responsible, ethical angling through science and education and conservation.

The IGFA also makes science-based recommendations on many governmental fisheries management decisions, and promotes gamefishing as an economic engine the world over. The IGFA also keeps its popular Hall of Fame, which recognizes not only great anglers, but anglers who have contributed to the sport through their conservation and educational efforts.

IGFA is committed to the collection of historical documents and sportfishing memorabilia, and showcases them in its museum located in Dania. Florida anglers are fortunate to have this treasure in their home state, which is recognized as the Sportfishing Capitol of the World.

Many fishing clubs worldwide are affiliated with IGFA, as are captains and guides globally. The organization also conducts fishing day camps for young anglers, and does socioeconomic outreach in communities that depend on sportfishing for recreation and jobs. This is a membership-driven organization, and various tiers for both individual and corporate memberships are offered. Visit: www.igfa.org.

Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA Florida)

CCA Florida has long been Florida's sportfishing advocacy organization. Originally the Florida Conservation Association (FCA), it was brought under the CCA national umbrella, along with 16 other states in the U.S.

CCA Florida is a 501 (3)(c) and keeps a small staff of paid administrators, and a legal team and lobbyists who represent Florida anglers in Tallahassee and Washington D.C. whenever fisheries legislation that affects recreational fishing is up for vote. Otherwise, it is a volunteer and membership-driven organization. Chapters statewide provide most of the funds needed to provide representation, through banquet/auctions that are very popular and successful. Many CCA Florida chapters also conduct fishing tournaments, children's fishing clinics and similar events.

CCA Florida was most instrumental in helping pass legislation to ban destructive grift gill nets in state waters, secure gamefish status for red drum, protect billfish from overfishing through commercial longlines, and many other pieces of Florida fisheries legislation. The organization has over individual 10,000 members in over 20 Florida chapters at present, and the support of numerous fishing industry corporations that depend on healthy fisheries for their existence. Visit: www.ccaflorida.org

Fishing with America's Finest

This South Florida-based nonprofit organization has worked effortlessly to honor military members in a recreational and relaxing way. FWAF offers what is known as Soldiers Retreat, a full day of bass fishing in the Everglades, under the Florida sun. Both active duty and nonactive duty members of the United States Armed Forces can participate in this exciting day of piscatorial therapy. The Florida military fishing program is free of cost, thus allowing our servicemen and servicewomen to truly engage and enjoy a little bit of fishing leisure.

When signing up for the program, you will be asked to provide a valid military identification card, or a DD214 with a matching ID. These documents will serve as proof of your military service. If you wish to participate in this sport with a family member or comrade, FWAF will accommodate as many anglers as possible for the day. Although private transportation is not directly provided to the South Florida docking site, you can contact the organization for helpful tips about how to get to their fishing destination.

The Fishing with Florida's Finest program is led by Captain Neal Stark, who can be reached at 954-822-1481. You can also contact Fishing with America's Finest by email at: fwaforg@gmail.com.