As October, much of the nation is cooling down, trading sunshine for increasingly frigid temperatures.

But on South Padre Island, things are heating up this week with the return of the Elite Redfish Series.

Known as the Showdown on South Padre Island, the professional fishing tournament attracts a field of master competitors looking to hook redfish in some of the best fishing territory in Texas.

What’s at stake? Professional anglers could net a major payday, with prizes and more worth close to $100,000.

This major tournament happens through a partnership with the City of South Padre Island, the Showdown on South Padre Island and the Elite Redfish Series Championship. Competition started Thursday, Oct. 11 and continues through Saturday, Oct. 13.

To add to the excitement, this week’s tournament is the culmination of the most lucrative prestigious professional redfish tournament series in the country, organizers said.

“Our inaugural Elite Redfish Series Championship Tournament was a big success in 2017, that we wanted to bring it back in 2018,” said Pat Malone, Redfish Elite Series producer.

The Elite Redfish Series visits some of the best fishing locations across the Gulf Coast with 25 of the country’s best inshore, saltwater, redfish professionals competing, according to the South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“The Elite Redfish Series is the highest professional level that anglers from across the country try to qualify to join,” a SPI CVB press release states. “Fans and spectators will be able to follow the Skeeter/Yamaha Elite Redfish series pros as they compete in a high-energy three-day competition preceded by five days of official practice.”

For more information and official event details, visit http://theredfishseries.com.