2006
Board Members
Club
Information
In
early 1960 Captains Johnny Harms, Tommy Gifford and their anglers
discovered the north drop and the fabulous Blue Marlin fishing
there.
The word spread around the world and the Virgin Islands became
known as the Blue Marlin Capital. Year after year the area is
still one of the most consistent producing fishery's in the
world.
When Johnny Harms started to build the Lagoon Marina, now American
Yacht Harbor, the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club bought a
parcel of land over looking the Marina.
The
Club under the direction of founding members Howard Crouse,
Hoppy Hampton, Frank Illich and Robert Schultz, along with other
members, built a three story Building on the property. This
building now houses the Club on the top floor, the Frigate Restaurant
on the second floor and Marvin Berning Surveyors firm on the
bottom floor.
The late Lyman Spire, a holder of many records and avid light
line angler, and his wife Nancy provided funds to complete the
building and turn it into a prestige property that fishermen
from around the world could visit each year.
As long time members of the VIGFC Dr. Spire and Nancy continued
to participate in Club activities until his passing in late
1999.
The July Open Billfish Tournament this year is dedicated to
the Spires. In 1995 under the direction of member Michael Bornn,
a monument was built and painted by renown marine artist Carey
Chen, honoring those Blue Marlin Captains that discovered the
"North Drop". This monument is located in front of the Club
building in Red Hook.
Virgin
Islands Game Fishing Club Goals
