by The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) sadly reports the passing of the great Mike Levitt. “Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mike moved with his family to Atlantic City, New Jersey, at the age of eight. He graduated second in his class from Pennsylvania Military Prep School before attending Dickinson College. An early experience in his father’s real estate business sparked an entrepreneurial drive that would shape his life. Together with business partner Jack Soble, Mike built a real estate development company that eventually merged with US Homes, then the nation’s leading homebuilder. He went on to establish The Michaels Organization, which grew into the largest owner of affordable housing in the United States.
While building his business empire, Mike developed an equally profound passion for fishing. Long before Cairns, Australia, became recognized as one of the world’s premier destinations for giant black marlin, Mike was among the pioneering anglers who helped showcase the fishery’s potential, landing his first grander in October 1977. A champion of light-tackle angling, he earned 15 IGFA World Records, four of which still stand today, including his legendary 737-pound, 7-ounce black marlin caught on 20-pound line class tackle, recognized among Sport Fishing magazine’s Top 100 Saltwater Records of All Time.
In 1996, Mike was elected to the IGFA Board of Trustees and, in 2000, became the organization’s fourth Chairman. He spearheaded the “Into the 21st Century” campaign that led to the construction of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum and World Fishing Headquarters in Dania Beach, Florida. Among his most visible and enduring gifts to the IGFA is “Sword Dance,” the iconic 24-foot stainless steel swordfish sculpture by Kent Ullberg that welcomes visitors to IGFA headquarters, commissioned and personally funded by Mike.
In 2012, his son Dennis established the Michael J. Levitt Scholarship Fund, which has since sent more than 300 young anglers to IGFA Fishing Camp.
Michael J. Levitt’s legacy will last forever
Tight Lines 
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