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Against the backdrop of the 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the International Game Fish Association hosted one of the most meaningful events on the big-game fishing calendar: the 2025 IGFA Tommy Gifford Award Ceremony. Held at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort on October 30th, the event brought together industry leaders, iconic anglers, and passionate supporters to honor six legendary captains whose influence has shaped modern sport fishing.
The evening opened with remarks from IGFA President Jason Schratwieser and IGFA Chairman Roy Cronacher, Jr., who both spoke to the importance of the award and the profound impact of this year’s inductees. As the program began in earnest, emcee Capt. Skip Smith took over—guiding the evening with humor, insight, and a deep personal connection to each recipient.
Capt. John Bayliss
Introduced with warm remarks by U.S. Congressman Rob Wittman of Virginia, Capt. John Bayliss was honored for his dual legacy both as a world-class captain and a visionary boatbuilder. Bayliss began as a young deckhand off North Carolina, where his instinct for finding fish quickly set him apart. In 2002, he founded Bayliss Boatworks, now considered one of the most respected names in custom sport-fisher construction. His boats are known for exceptional fishability, craftsmanship, and tournament performance—and Bayliss has mentored generations of crew and captains along the way.
Capt. Billy Borer
The late Capt. Billy Borer, a Rhode Island native whose adventurous spirit led him to some of the world’s most iconic fisheries, was memorialized through a heartfelt speech by longtime friend and mate Glenn Helton. From running charters out of Stuart, Florida, to captaining the legendary El Zorro mothership operation through the Red Sea, Canaries, and beyond, Borer helped launch dozens of careers while elevating the global gameboat model. Helton’s emotional tribute reflected the deep personal impact Billy had on crews, anglers, and the offshore community.
Capt. Barry Cross
World-record angler and fellow Aussie Ian Middleton took the stage next to honor Barry Cross, a pioneering charter captain and light-tackle innovator from Cairns. Cross’ influence stretched from the Great Barrier Reef to Papua New Guinea, where he rewrote the playbook on topwater giant trevally and light-tackle marlin using gear and strategies developed alongside IGFA Hall of Famer Jack Erskine. Middleton shared stories of Cross’ unmatched skill in remote waters and his ability to blend technical mastery with humor, patience, and grit.
Capt. Paul Dixon
Legendary angler Bob Rich spoke on behalf of Paul Dixon—a pioneer of modern sight-fishing whose career began on California trout streams and evolved into global influence. Rich recalled trusting Dixon’s instincts on everything from flats skiffs to fisheries conservation, with the phrase “Call Paul Dixon” becoming a refrain in his remarks—a blend of inside joke and sincere endorsement. Dixon is widely credited with revolutionizing striped bass sight-fishing on the East Coast, while also guiding successfully in Belize, Patagonia, and Wales.
Capt. Gene Grimes
Fellow IGFA Tommy Gifford Award recipient Capt. Steve Lassley accepted the award on behalf of Capt. Gene Grimes, sharing memories from their early years fishing together off Southern California. Grimes spent more than 30 years running the Legend, earning IGFA records and shaping the region’s swordfish culture through dedication, humility, and mentorship. His influence is so widely respected that the San Diego Marlin Club named its prestigious Invitational Light Tackle Tournament in his honor.
Capt. Kevin Nakamaru
The evening concluded with a lively introduction from Anthony Hsieh of Bad Company, who celebrated the career of Capt. Kevin Nakamaru—Kona-native, world-traveled captain, and longtime staple of the iconic Northern Lights. Born and raised on Hawaii’s Big Island, Nakamaru caught his first marlin at age nine, launching a lifelong pursuit that led him to influence anglers and crew across oceans. Nakamaru accepted his award with the humility and gratitude characteristic of his approach to both fishing, mentorship, and his family.
