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August 19, 2011 – FREE Showing of ‘Toy Story 3′ – Bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnics, & friends for a memorable evening at this outdoor venue. 9:30pm on the grounds of Port Isabel Lighthouse. For summer movie series dates go to portisabelmuseums.com or call 956-943-7602
From TIFT’s “Hard Luck Award”, (Cassidy Robbins, left) to the Most Unusual Fish (Yellow Mojarra caught by Kendall Dunkin), the 72nd Awards Ceremony concluded with the announcement of the Texas Grand Champ (Michael Zinda of Harlingen) and the Grand Champion Bay Fisherman (Derek Wiatrek, Falls City, Tx.)
It’s that time of year again! The Ladies Kingfish Tournament at Sea Ranch Marina II at Southpoint in Port Isabel, Texas. Pre-registration has started for Bay and Offshore Divisions. Call the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce @ 956-761-4412 for more information. Sponsored by the SPI Chamber. Log on here>>
The 71st Texas International Fishing Tournament had a great turn out with over 1200 registrants, 460 boats and 2 days of fishing that included 41 billfish caught. There were 9 Blue Marlin, one weighed in; 22 White Marlin with 2 weighed in; 10 Sailfish with 3 weighed in and a toal of 32 billfish released. The most exciting offshore action was Francis Knapp, Jr. reeling in a 670 pound Blue Marlin aboard the 37 foot Bessie Belle. This was probably the highlight of the day as this catch earned Francis Knapp the “Most Unusual Fish”, “Heaviest Blue Marlin” and first place Blue Marlin! Don’t forget the Bay Division competition whitch had big catches in redfish, trout, drum and more.
The 2010 tournament had great weather and a great time was had by all, spectators and anglers. This year is set for August 3rd to the 7th and looks like another big event so make your plans. Follow this link for a list of hotels and bring the family! See you there!
Source: The TIFT Blog
A party of men were sailing the “Juanita” along the Laguna Madre after a visit to the Laguna Vista Club, when suddenly, a huge tarpon leapt out of the water and like a Kung fu Master in a low budget martial arts film titled, “Fins of Fury”, undulated through the air striking one of the men a glancing blow on his head before landing near the center of the craft. Twisting and thrashing wildly about for an instant the fighting tarpon coiled itself once again, and then leaped four feet into the air and fish walked the length of the craft knocking men and gear to the deck. Landing a second time, the slamming tail of the attacker splintered the bottom boards and the little craft began taking on water. Read On>>
The Texas International Fishing Tournament started way back in 1934 by community leaders in Port Isabel as a way to let the rest of the country know that south Texas was still on the map. In 1933, a series of hurricanes and storms hit the Laguna Madre area, one of them especially devastating, and threatened to undo several decades of proactive tourism outreach. Missouri Pacific Railway and city fathers partnered to create an event to remind folks across the country that the fish were still biting in the warm Gulf of Mexico waters and in a big way. The Tarpon Rodeo started about the task of letting the nation know and ever since anglers have been packing up the gear and heading to the Tip of Texas. The Tarpon Rodeo was founded by Doyle Wells, a real estate broker and owner of several small businesses and a pioneer in helping to shape the future of South Padre Island. (Read the “Texas Saltwater Hall of Fame” here>>) The Tarpon Rodeo was changed to the TIFT and Doyle Wells brought recognition to the Port Isabel-South Padre Island area after winning “Texas Grand Champion” at the 1951, Texas International Fishing Tournament. In 1975, he guided one of his clients to a world record 210 lb. tarpon.
In the last seven decades the tournament has grown to the largest on the Texas Gulf Coast and is ranked
in the top ten billfish tournaments in the world. Family friendly and traditional, TIFT has a loyal
following and the fish are still biting. Bay, offshore and fly categories offer a place for every pole!
Visit TIFT.org for more event info.
Check out photos by Valerie Bates from the past: Valerie Galerie>>
