USAngling and IGFA Partner on Youth Angler Education

Thursday, June 17, 2021

USAngling and IGFA Partner on Youth Angler Education

IGFA From Left: Joanna Olczyk, Savannah Perry, Lisa Morse

Michael Brand USAngling Youth Chair

State College, PA –

The USAngling Confederation (USAngling) and the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) recently announced a new partnership focused on youth angling education.

A recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines the organizations’ shared objective of introducing youth to the joys of fishing and educating them on how to be ethical anglers and stewards of the environment. Specifically, the MOU describes how together the two youth-based education programs will develop and execute their angling-focused programs by sharing education curricula and materials as needed. “We look forward to working closely with IGFA to accomplish the critical work of sharing our love of competitive angling by engaging America’s youth, supporting conservation actions and engagement with the local community,” said Michael Brand, USAngling Youth Committee Chair.

“The IGFA is key in the strengthening of the USAngling Youth Education programs, as we search for best-in-class programs,” said Michael Brand. “Furthermore, youth will enjoy learning the art of fishing while becoming environmentally responsible with the various learning programs available through IGFA,” Brand added.“Establishing meaningful partnerships with longstanding and reputable organizations like USAngling provides us with a great opportunity to expand the reach and impact of our youth education initiatives,” said IGFA President Jason Schratwieser. “We look forward to working closely with USAngling to accomplish the important work of developing the next generation of ethical anglers.”

Stay tuned for more collaboration between the USAngling and IGFA as this MOU begins to take effect. Plans are in place for collaboration at major fishing events this year. The first is at the US Open Kayak Fishing Championship in Cookeville, TN on September 11th. The Youth Fishing Education event will be held at Cane Creek Park. Contact Michael Brand if you would like to volunteer or participate – mbrand@usangling.org

About The IGFA

Founded in 1939, The International Game Fish Association is a nonprofit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and the promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices through science, education, rule making, record keeping, and recognition of outstanding accomplishments in the field of angling. The IGFA maintains world records in freshwater, saltwater, fly-fishing, and junior angler categories. The IGFA has members in more than 100 countries.

For more information on The IGFA, visit www.igfa.org

About USAngling

USAngling, a 501c3 charitable organization, provides leadership for USA National Fishing Teams as they compete worldwide, shares our love of competitive angling by engaging America’s youth, supports conservation actions, and interacts with the community.

USAngling is the sole U.S. representative to the Confederation International de la Peche Sportive (CIPS), the world sport fishing governing body as recognized by SportAccord. CIPS has 115 member nations representing over 50 Million competitive anglers in freshwater, fly, and saltwater fishing. USAngling has the privilege of representing all of these United States fishing sports teams. Currently, there are 13 freshwater sports, 4 fly fishing sports, 17 saltwater sports, and 1 casting sport.

USAngling’s mission centers around three principles:

Competition: Develop Sport Fishing teams to compete in the amateur world championship events. Serve as host to the world and national championships and national qualifying events.
Conservation: Promote environmental stewardship, catch and release angling, responsible harvest initiatives, and natural resource management.
Community: Enrich local communities economically and socially by conducting fishing events, educating local fishing clubs, and executing regional outdoor initiatives.

For more information on USAngling, visit www.usangling.org