I was born in 1947 in Karşıyaka, İzmir. My childhood was spent swimming and fishing in the gulf waters. We even built our own boats in our garden. 

Back then, we could swim in the gulf without any problems, we played, fished, and ate the fish we caught with ease. There was really no need to go to Ayvalık, Urla, Foça, Kuşadası, or Çeşme.  

Additionally, both hunting on land and underwater hunting became part of me. During my higher education years in Italy, I was introduced to offshore fishing and big game fishing, and thus I advanced to Sport Fishing. I had truly taken the bait.  

My professional profile is in Industrial Chemical Engineering, and my career spans the Paint Industry (Dewilux), Magnetic Recording Media (Raks), Die Casting Industry (PEA), and Manufacturing Technology Consulting. 

When my career began, my free time decreased, and naturally, my hunting activities slowed down. However, during business trips, if a free weekend presented itself, I made quick getaways to places like Australia, Hawaii, Japan, Florida, and Mexico, even if it was in a more touristy manner. Until 1997, when I organized a 10-day fishing trip to Venezuela. That’s when I reached the pinnacle, and upon my return, I decided to upgrade my boat and develop this passion further in my own waters. Thus, I started Offshore Sport Fishing in our waters. Later on, I added destinations like the Andaman, Cape Town, Cabo Verde, Guatemala, Kenya, and Madagascar to my itinerary. 

In the meantime, I became a member of IGFA (International Game Fish Association) and the representative of Turkey. 

“The enjoyment of offshore fishing comes not so much from the actual catch of a giant fish, but from the cumulative memories and experiences of handling the boat, choosing the lures, checking the lines, seeing the strike, working the tackle, leadering and gaffing the fish, and sharing the victories, and the defeats, with friends on the run back home to the marina.”
-Zane Grey-

Exactly 20 years ago, on a summer day around August 2004, Murat and I were discussing our preparations for the offshore fishing season on the dock of Alaçatı Marina, which was just starting to develop in its new structure. Back then, there were 10-12 boats doing this job... in the entire Aegean. 

Exactly three years later, we decided to hold an offshore competition. 

Of course, the event was successful and became a sensational first for İzmir, the Aegean, and all of Turkey. 

This adventure started with 20, 44, 50, 49, 67, 67, 83, 76, 81, 77, 72, 75, Pandemic 50/49/52, 56, and 65 actual participants in each competition, and now here we are. Currently, at least 200 boats are fishing for offshore, big game, and deep-drop jig in that region, and while the situation may not be the same in other regions, it's not very different either. 

In the meantime, the IGFA European Council was formed, and I was elected Chairman of the Committee. 

From that point on, it became well-known to everyone. We pioneered the establishment of a whole new sector. I think we have achieved something beautiful. 

May everyone have good luck. 

© Elvio Pennetti – 2024