The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is more than just the world recording keeper for anglers. It is the leading authority and protector of game fish and ethical angling practices around the world. The IGFA was founded by Michael Lerner in 1939 under the motto, “For Ethical Angling and Productive Science.”

Over the last 81 years, the IGFA’s conservation and education programs have expanded to study and protect the fish we love, as well as teach the next generation of ethical anglers. Just like MANG’s commitment to teaching the next generation of Mini MANGs about conservation, the IGFA is committed to conserving game fish and teaching kids around the globe about environmental stewardship.

To honor this incredible organization, we choose a Pacific game fish that is equally iconic: the roosterfish. These incredible fish are prized by anglers from Baja, California, to Peru not only for their “rooster comb” (the long spines that make up its dorsal fin) but also for their striated coloration and their aggressive fight. Fun fact: their rooster comb lays flat except when excited or when herding fish, and roosterfish also is the only fish whose swim bladder touches it’s inner ear, which amplifies its ability to hear.