On March 24, in West Palm Beach, Florida, the International Game Fish Association (I.G.F.A.) bestowed the prestigious Tommy Gifford Award upon six recipients, among them West Coaster Peter Groesbeck. “The Tommy Gifford Award winners have helped shape the sportfishing industry into what it is today,” said I.G.F.A. President Jason Schratweiser. “In recognition of their extraordinary contributions to the advancement of sportfishing through innovation, outstanding catches, or noteworthy examples of leadership in their trade, the Tommy Gifford Award is named for one of the greatest saltwater charter skippers. Its recipients are selected through a rigorous process conducted by
the Legendary Captains and Crew Committee.” Pete (Peter) Groesbeck and his brothers, Mike and Jim, were introduced to fishing by their father. In the ‘50s, they began fishing from the dock at the San Diego Yacht Club for opaleye perch or anything that would bite. It was there
that their father’s 40-foot Wheeler named Ol Pappy was kept. Eventually, they stretched their playing field to the
Coronado Islands and farther offshore.
Then, as the boys grew, fishing on several different boats, they learned how to catch yellowtail, albacore, striped marlin, and many other species. Pete caught his first striper weighing 171 pounds when he was only 12 years old aboard the Bacaruda, an 18-foot Livesay. He worked on various local sports boats throughout his teen years and crewed on local harpoon boats fishing for swordfish. Plus, he worked
at the San Diego Marlin Club after school and on weekends. As his interest in the sport grew, anglers and boat owners
welcomed Pete into the growing recreational fishing community read the full article
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