Texas International Fishing Tournament
Saltwater Action on the Lower Texas Coast
August 2-6, South Padre Island/Port Isabel
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It's the largest salt water tournament in Texas and major five-day fishing event that attracts anglers young and old from across the state and beyond.
Get ready for some serious fishing! For more than 68 years the Texas International Fishing Tournament has taken pride in creating an atmosphere of friendly fishing competition and wholesome family fun. In 2005, a record 1501 registrants and 485 boats participated, 91 billfish were caught and 87 released. Anglers weighed in a wide variety of species in both bay and offshore divisions including the most unusual fish category winner, a 35.2 pound African Pompano. The 67th Annual event was once again highlighted by the activity in the billfish category with a 355-pound blue marlin weighed in.
The Texas International Fishing Tournament has been ranked number seven in the 2002 Top 100 Billfish Tournaments of the World, according to the Billfish Tournament Network. Now in it's 67th year the tournament has become a family tradition for valley residents and draws international participants to these rich fishing waters.
 Originally intiated to bring attention to the Rio Grande Valleys many desireable attractions, the tournament has paid off. Creating an influx of some $1.5 million dollars into the area over the tournament period, and this does not include tournament fees! The anglers themselves stand to become a little richer as there are substantial prize monies to be won in many fishing divisions such as bay, offshore and tarpon fishing. Age is never a factor in this tournament as there is a contest for every age category. In fact one of the focuses of TIFT is to create a new generation of fishermen and women. Each year scholarships are awarded to young people to encourage their participation in the sport. Thousands of dollars in scholarship funds will be awarded this year. This tremendous scholarship program being made possible by corporate sponsors, trophy sponsors , advertisers and the dedication of the TIFT organization.
 If fishing is not your thing, the location of this tournament is set in the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre Bay region of the lower coast. Host cities South Padre Island and Port Isabel, Texas, offer a host of alternate enjoyable activities. Playing on Texas' most beautiful beach is never boring, with surfing, shelling, sandcastle building, beach volleyball, waverunners, bannaboat rides, parasailing, sailboarding and other activities readily available. There is, of course, always shopping, museums, art galleries and most important of all...eating fresh fish!
Wednesday: August 2
• Registration: From 3 to 8 p.m. Sign up at SPI Convention Centre on South Padre Island.
Thursday: August 3
• Playday: A family day of fun and contests for the kids at SPI Convention Centre. Games and prizes, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Registration continues at SPI Convention Centre at 9 a.m.).
• Captain's Meeting: 6:30 p.m.
• Supper: SPI Convention Centre, 7:30 p.m.
Friday: August 4
• Fishing Contest: Begins at 6:30 a.m., Bay Division & 7:00 a.m. Offshore.
• Weigh station opens at Southpoint Marina in Port Isabel, 2 - 8 p.m. Dock time - Bay, 5 p.m.; Offshore, 8 p.m.
Saturday: August 5
• Start Fishing: Begins at 6:30 a.m., Bay Division and 7:00 a.m. Offshore.
• Weigh station opens at 2 - 7 p.m. at Southpoint Marina. Dock time - Bay, 5 p.m.; Offshore, 7 p.m.
Sunday: August 6
• Fish Fry: SPI Convention Centre, on South Padre Island,11:30 a.m.
• Awards Presentation: SPI Convention Centre, on South Padre Island, 1 p.m.
For tournament specifics check out the official TIFT website.
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Rio Grande Valley
