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There's not many sport fishing clubs like the West Palm Beach Fishing Club (WPBFC).
Just ask someone who has been an active member for a few years and they'll tell you why
the organization is so special. Some anglers even go so far as to say that the WPBFC is
the most unique institution of its kind anywhere. One thing is for sure, you¹d be hard
pressed to find another fishing club that has such a fabled history, as many members, or
that is more active than the WPBFC.
Founded in 1934, the WPBFC is one of the oldest sport fishing clubs in the United
States, quite possibly the world. The WPBFC has a current membership of over 1,400
individuals. From its inception, the club has been a leader in marine conservation and
education.
Did you know that the WPBFC played an important role in the establishment of game fish
status for largemouth bass in the 1940's? The club also lobbied for the then radical
concept of a saltwater fishing license to help protect marine resources in the 1950's, was
responsible for creating the first officially permitted artificial reef in the state of Florida in the 1960's, helped permanently establish the Florida East
Coast Marine Laboratory in the 1970's, aided marine scientists with sailfish, kingfish,
swordfish and snook research in the 1980's and helped win support for the eventual
construction of the Juno Beach Pier in the 1990's. Also, the WPBFC played an instrumental
role in establishing the Coastal Conservation Association of Florida.
Today the WPBFC, along with its charitable affiliate the Palm Beach County Fishing
Foundation, is focusing efforts on the restoration of the Lake Worth Lagoon. These are
just a few WPBFC highlights and milestones. The club's involvement in marine conservation
issues is well documented. These contributions and many others are some of the reasons why
you should be a WPBFC member.
Dozens of annual fishing events and programs are another reason why you should join the
WPBFC. Club organized outings to locations like the Bahamas, Boca Grande and Everglades
National Park are extremely popular with club members. The club's annual Silver Sailfish
Derby is the oldest continually running sailfish release tournament in the country. Even
Ernest Hemingway once sponsored a trophy in this local sailfish tradition.
Club members can enter their catches every day of the year at the WPBFC. Members compete annually in
the club's Summer and Winter Fishing Contests, as well as other year long trophy
competitions like the Beinecke Atlantic Blue Marlin Award for the most marlin releases.
Monthly club meetings are yet another benefit of membership. Well known anglers and
captains regularly visit the WPBFC to discuss the How To's and Where To's of saltwater
fishing. We invite you to stop by and see first hand what the Fishing Club is all about.
The WPBFC clubhouse is located on the corner of 5th Street and North
Flagler Drive. Even if you don't fish, our nostalgic facility is worth visiting. In fact,
the building is on the City's Register of Historic Places. The WPBFC is a very special
place indeed. We'd enjoy having you as a member. For more information call (561) 832-6780.
Website Contents
Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation
Application
Meeting Schedule
Club Outings
Fishing Contests
Annual Club Trophies
Special Events
All Time Club Records
Fishing Tournaments
Silver Sailfish Derby
KDW Classic
Contact Information
Contact Us
