IGFA announces the 2024 SoCal Swordfish Open
by The IGFA 19 Nov 21:53 UTC
November 8-10, 2024
2022 SoCal Swordfish Open © IGFA
Back by popular demand, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is excited to announce the return of a swordfish-only format for the 2024 SoCal Swordfish Open tournament, scheduled to take place in southern California November 8-10, 2024.
First launched in 2021, the IGFA SoCal Swordfish Open is the world's premier swordfish tournament which requires strict adherence to IGFA Angling Rules and sportfishing ethics and celebrates what is considered by many as the most challenging pelagic game fish in the ocean. In 2023, the format changed to include tuna, marlin, dorado and yellowtail categories. In 2024, the tournament will return to its original celebrated format and focus exclusively on swordfish, the species that has captivated the hearts of anglers for generations and spearheaded the birth of big game sportfishing.
The tournament is open to all anglers with fishing days taking place Friday, November 8th and Saturday, November 9th with weigh stations located in San Diego, Newport Beach, and Catalina Island. The awards ceremony will follow on the afternoon of Sunday, November 10th at the stunning Dana Point Yacht Club.
"The 2024 SoCal Swordfish Open underscores the IGFA's commitment to celebrating the unique challenges and thrills associated with swordfish," said IGFA Vice Chairman and Tournament Director, Chase Offield. "This decision to revert to the original tournament format honors the storied history of swordfish in Southern California."
Tournament proceeds will support the IGFA's conservation programs. Previous tournament initiatives have included research from Barbara Block's lab at Stanford University, where onsite biologists removed lateral rectus muscles from harvested swordfish as part of ongoing efforts to better understand brain and eye temperature regulation in the species when pursuing prey.
Registration details will be released in the coming weeks. Additional information on the IGFA SoCal Swordfish Open including rules and more can be found on the IGFA website at www.igfa.org/socalswordfishopen.