IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum

Planning a trip to America then this Museum is a must visit! Tracy Ahringer of the Sun-Sentinel previews the Museum:

With Florida's abundance of water, it should be no surprise that the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum is located here. This museum, which opened Dec. 19, 1998, covers all kinds of game fishing, conservation, fish facts and tackle.

A visit to the museum begins with an 18-minute film showing different kinds of fishing through scenes with people who hold fishing records. In between these fishing "testimonials," viewers can witness a big-game fishing trip off the coast of Costa Rica, from the preparations to the release of the marlin. A warning: people sitting in the first rows may get wet!

The galleries are located around a central hall, The World Fishing Hall of Fame. Here, you'll find the records, stories and accomplishments of recreational fishing's finest. Overhead, life-sized mounts of world-record sport fish float in formation, surrounded by flags of all IFGA nations. If you want to find out the name of a particular fish, just stand below it, then look at the plaque imbedded in the floor.

Here are the interior galleries and what you'll find in them:

The Fish Gallery. Displays and activities that teach fish biology, behavior and conservation.

The Tackle Gallery. See the technology of fishing through dozens of antique and contemporary reels, rods, lures and flies.

The Catch Gallery. Techniques of sport fishing come alive with five interactive fishing simulators. Pick up a rod and reel and fish for tarpon, largemouth bass, sailfish, lake trout and marlin.

The Places Gallery. Plan your ultimate fishing trip with the help of computers, electronic maps and footage of the world's most beautiful fishing spots.

The Legacy Gallery. Learn about the history of game fishing, from exhibits of world record catches to touch-screen computers that answer your record questions.

The Changing Gallery. See international art, historical artifacts and scientific breakthroughs.

Outside, you'll find The Marina -- five boats, including an authentic 1933 Wheeler, sister ship to Ernest Hemingway's Pilar, where you can take pictures on deck or beside the large broadbill swordfish.

The Wetlands Walk is an outdoor living lab with swamps, marshland and mangroves surrounding a raised boardwalk.

So, you can see, a visit to the World Fishing Center can bring out the fisherman -- or woman -- in everybody.

What kids will like best: Kids will love reeling in a fish at one of the five simulators in the Catch Gallery.

What adults will like best: Adult anglers can gather information for an ultimate fishing trip in the Places Gallery.

Little-known facts/trivia:

The IGFA is the world headquarters and the record-keeping organization for game and recreational fishing. The museum also boasts the largest library on fishes. It is open to IFGA members and holders of annual and day passes.

Survival tip: After getting some fishing inspiration, stop at the Outdoor World shops to buy some new gear.

If you go:

What: International Game Fishing Association World Fishing Center

Where: 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania, Fla., 33004. Directions: Take I-95 to Griffin Road. Go west to Anglers Way, turn left and you'll see the entrance on the left.

Hours: The center is open daily. Ticket desk is open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; theater and exhibits, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. On Wednesdays, facility hours extended until 8 p.m.

Restaurant/picnic facilities: Food is available at the Subway Cafe, which offers a variety of food, including value meals, pizza and ice cream. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Visitors may also bring their own meals.

Web site: www.igfa.org