Each January to raise funds for its conservation and development activities the IGFA – the International body based in Florida who administer world (fresh & saltwater) records – hold an Auction as part of it banquet. This year, and there’re over 900 items or trips being auctioned, an element of the bidding will be on line. Highest bids placed on line will in effect be the opening bids for the live auction held at the banquet.

Any rate you can find further details on this url - http://www.igfa.org/. That takes you to the IGFA’s home page, then just click on the text - 23rd Annual Online Auction and Banquet.

As well as artwork – paintings, sculptures and limited edition prints – there’s also jewellery, fishing tackle and even boats & engines there’s also a range of fishing trips to places around the world.

Obviously some items will attract ‘silly’ bids and occasionally, at the live auction, you’ll get wealthy Americans out-bidding each other just to prove how much money they’ve got. But other items, especially bearing in mind there’re over 900, fail to attract any bids on the night so ‘on line’ bids wins. (Bear in mind though that unless it’s a trip you’re bidding for you’re liable for Duty and VAT on the item.)

In the past I know of one member of our Club picked up an organised trip very cheaply. And remember many Americans, who in the main you’ll be bidding against, seem to have an aversion for travelling outside of the U.S. of A.

At the moment, as examples, there’s a trip for two to the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, for Tarpon and Snook, with a high bid of 595$US. A week’s fishing at the world famous Tropic Star Lodge in Panama, again for two, at 1000$. And a 5 night stay at a hotel in Madeira and two days (sole charter) Marlin fishing on Peter Bristow’s boat Katherine B has currently attracted a maximum bid of just over 1500$US.
Dave
PS There's no vested interest - it's just that the Club I chair is affiliated to the IGFA.