09/05/2025
A hearty congratulations to longtime Marlin contributor Capt. Skip Smith, and all the legends being inducted into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame this weekend!
Leading up to the 26th Annual IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Induction this Saturday, September 6th, we're highlighting the incredible accomplishments of this year's inductees. Today, we're proud to feature Captain Skip Smith, known for revolutionizing billfishing with his bait-and-switch techniques and mentoring future captains.
Captain Skip Smith is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in sportfishing history. At the helm of vessels up to 110 feet, he has guided anglers to 49 IGFA World Records, many on ultralight tackle. Smith was an integral part of Jerry and Deborah Dunaway’s legendary team aboard the "Ho**er", helping them set 14 IGFA World Records on 2- and 4-pound test lines. His expertise in bait-and-switch techniques revolutionized billfishing, making him a pioneer in the field.
In addition to his success on the water, Smith was also successful in off-the-water endeavors, writing for "Marlin Magazine" for eight years, as well as a myriad of other publications. He also wrote the book "Tales of a Ho**er and Her Madam," detailing his many adventures in blue waters around the globe. As President of Smith-Merritt Insurance, Inc., Skip specializes in insurance coverage for the sportfishing industry. He also serves as the Chairman of the IGFA’s Legendary Captains and Crew Committee. Smith operates two of the most prestigious billfish tournaments, The Shootout: Production vs Custom, and The Custom Shootout, which benefit numerous charitable organizations in the US and The Bahamas, further solidifying his legacy in the fishing world.
Learn more about this year's inductees here: https://bit.ly/4lZN9em
