IGFA Hall of Fame inductees includes Nick Smith

IGFA Press release:

Leading up to the 25th Annual IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Induction this Saturday, September 14th, we’re highlighting the incredible accomplishments of this year’s inductees. Today we’re proud to feature Nick Smith, whose billfishing prowess and conservation efforts have set global standards.

Nick Smith’s angling journey began off the Palm Beaches in1955, igniting a lifelong passion for billfishing that continues to burn brightly. Evolving from conventional dead and live bait sailfish fishing, Smith has honed his focus to fly fishing for billfish, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of the sport. With a storied career marked by tournament victories, accolades, and remarkable angling feats, Smith has unquestionably set the standard for billfishing excellence. As a three-time recipient of the esteemed West Palm Beach Fishing Club’s Donald S. Leas International Angling Award, his dedication to angling mastery is unmistakable. Since embracing fly fishing for billfish in November 1999, Smith has achieved extraordinary success, releasing over 6,000 billfish in accordance with IGFA Flyfishing Rules, a testament to his skill and conservation ethos. Beyond his impressive catch statistics and tournament triumphs, Smith’s influence extends to pioneering fishing techniques, tackle innovations, boat designs, and shaping the landscape of modern angling. His profound impact on the sport, coupled with his unparalleled contributions, unequivocally position him as a deserving candidate for induction into the prestigious IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame.

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The weather is looking good in NY/NJ Bight with a Sunday forecast of east winds at just 10 knots with possible patchy fog in the morning.

The Ocean Explorer from Belmar reports a 9.3-pound fluke caught this week by Kasper.