The largest single event saltwater fishing tournament in the state of Texas begins this week on South Padre Island and Port Isabel with as many as 1500 anglers expected to compete. The 75th Texas International Fishing Tournament or TIFT is set for July 30 thru August 3.
Lots of things have changed since J.A. Doc. Hockaday founded the tournament 75 years ago.Originally billed as The Rio Grande Valley Fishing Rodeo the tournament was designed to promote the areas phenomenal fishing and focused primarily on the abundant tarpon. While styles have changed and boats modernized fishing has continued to be productive in the bay and Gulf thanks in part to conservation measures implemented by the tournament that limit anglers to one fish per species per day.
The 75th Texas International Fishing Tournament or TIFT starts Wednesday, July 30th with registration. A playday for youngsters and continued registration is set for Thursday at the South Padre Island Convention Centre, and the fishing competition is scheduled for Friday and Saturday with the weigh station located in Port Isabel at South Point Marina.
Kristi Collier says, Tournament Director, “And if you come and register on Thursday you can attend Playday. Bring the kids and have them participate from 9:30 till 1 p.m. It’s at the South Padre Island Convention Centre. It’s just all about the kids. We have kid fish tank. We have games. We have all sorts of different age groups. So just come on out and bring the kids for a family friendly day.”
And even if you don’t sign up to fish the 75th Texas International Fishing Tournament, come on down to the weigh station at South Point Marina in Port Isabel on Friday and Saturday afternoon and you will see plenty of beautiful boats and a variety of fascinating fish.
See you there!
Richard Moore
