I am currently working with the IGFA to have a session of observer training set up in the Charleston area. For those that aren’t familiar with the training: The IGFA OTC trains captains, anglers, and mates to participate as observers in national and international billfish tournaments. IGFA’s OTC benefits both tournaments and our fisheries by promoting billfish conservation through an all release tournament format. The half-day session trains attendees on IGFA’s International Angling Rules and billfish identification. Additional topics covered in the class include observer etiquette and boating safety. The cost of the class is $150.00, which covers the OTC manual, two DVD’s, and a one-year IGFA membership.
https://www.igfa.org/Educate/Observer-Training.aspx
This is a great way to get on some big boats at various tournaments and learn from other crews.
If you are interested please send me a PM with your name, email address and residence location and I will be forwarding a spreadsheet to the IGFA contact. Once there is enough interest generated they will send out an email to everyone with date(s) and location. Where you live is needed in case there is enough interest we may be able to set up another session for the people on the grand strand too.