Gone Fishing: 70th annual Texas International Fishing Tournament under way We can expect boat traffic to be higher than normal in the Laguna Madre and offshore for the next couple of weeks.
The two largest fishing tournaments of the year, running almost back-to-back, are expected to attract more than 1,750 contestants, fishing from some 600-700 boats.
The 70th Annual Texas International Fishing Tournament runs from today
TIFT features bay, tarpon and offshore divisions for anglers of all ages. There will be two days of fishing, Friday and Saturday; custom prints by artist Larry Haines will be awarded at closing ceremonies on Sunday.
A popular family event, TIFT is the largest saltwater fishing tournament in Texas. Last year, in the aftermath of Dolly, the tournament was canceled for the first time in its long history. During World War II, it was not held for four years because of fuel rationing.
Tournament officials estimate 1,500 anglers and 500 boats will compete this year.
The economic impact on the area historically is considerable. In 2007, visitors spent more than $1.5 million, and TIFT awarded $100,000 in college scholarships.
In 2007, a record 1,576 anglers in 526 boats participated. Fifteen blue marlin were caught, and 14 were released. Twenty-one white Marlin were caught, with 20 of them released. Eighteen sailfish were caught, and 17 were released.
Registration fees for adult anglers are $100. Junior registration fees range from $16 to $30 and captain/crew and social fees are $50 per person.
On Thursday, there will be special activities for juniors up to 21 years of age. For more information, go to www.tift.com or telephone tournament director Betty Wells at 956-943-8438 or 956- 561-1052.
LADIES KINGFISH TOURNAMENT
The Ladies Kingfish Tournament attracts women from around the country. Originally called "The Yellow Rose of Texas" for its first two years, the tournament’s growth and popularity prompted the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce to take it over.
Boats check in at Port Isabel’s SouthPoint Marina, which has shaded seating for people who wish to observe the weigh-ins.
The tournament features two divisions: offshore and bay. Qualifying offshore fish include kingfish, dolphin, bonito and blackfin tuna. Bay fish include red drum, speckled trout, flounder and snook. First-, second- and third-place trophies will be awarded in each division.
Check-in for the bay division will be from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday, and for the offshore divison, from 2:30 to 7 p.m.
The ladies tournament is not open to men. Men are permitted to act as guides and boat captains. All the fishing, however, must be done by the women.
Because the two tournaments are so close together, some women who participate in TIFT will hang around for the LKT.
For more information, visit the SPI Chamber of Commerce Web page at www.spichamber.com, or call the chamber directly at 956-761-4412.
