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BACKGROUND
For more than 69 years the Texas International Fishing Tournament has taken pride in creating an atmosphere of friendly fishing competition and wholesome family fun. The 70th annual five day event, scheduled for July 30 - August 3, 2008, offers fishing divisions that include bay, offshore and tarpon. TIFT is open to anglers of all ages and is the largest saltwater fishing tournament in Texas.

In 2007, a record 1576 registrants and 526 boats participated. Fifteen Blue Marlin were caught, one brought to the docks. Twenty-one White Marling were caught, one was brought to the dock. Eighteen Sailfish were caught, one brought to the docks.

Anglers weighed in a wide variety of species in both bay and offshore divisions including the most unusual fish category winner, a .35 pound Stargazer. The 69th Annual event was once again highlighted by the outstanding weather and great fishing! All eyes in the Valley are focused on TIFT during the five days of fun filled activities, with live coverage provided by KRGV-TV5, Valley newspapers and local radio stations. Please stay tuned for further details about the 2008 tournament.

TIFT anglers represent an extremely desirable market group. Most are residents of the Rio Grande Valley with disposable income and a genuine enjoyment of outdoor activities. During their five day stay in the Port Isabel - South Padre Island area, they have a direct spending effect in excess of $1.5 million -- not including tournament expenses. In addition to the actual number of TIFT registrants, thousands of spectators will also turn out to view weigh-in activities during the two days of actual fishing.

Originally instituted to promote the Rio Grande Valley as a whole, TIFT has become a family tradition that exemplifies the best the Valley has to offer. With registration participation increasing annually, and over $100,000 in scholarships awarded, it is our sincere intent to continue improving and growing our event.




LEFT:
2007 Dock Crew
Dirtiest Shirt
Winners!
Tournament Results.
Tournament Director, BETTY P. WELLS
~ Fax & Phone: [956]943-8438[TIFT]
~info@tift.org
 Left: 2007 Bay Grand Champ, Johnny Rodriguez of Lozano with 24.60 pts. Right: 2007 Offshore Grand Champ, Donnie Seay & Crew of Rockport - "Seay Goddess" with 1100 pts.
T.I.F.T. CALENDAR OF EVENTS* ~ July 30 - August 3, 2008
Wednesday~July 30
 • Registration: From 3 - 8 p.m. Sign up at SPI Convention Centre on South Padre Island.
Thursday~July 31
 • 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 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Supper: SPI Convention Centre, 6:00 p.m.
• Captain’s Meeting: 6:00 p.m. SPI Convention Centre.
Friday~August 1
• Fishing Contest: Begins at 6:30 a.m., Bay Division & 7:00 a.m., Offshore. Weigh station open at Southpoint Marina, in Port Isabel, 2 - 8 p.m. Dock time- Bay, 5 p.m.; Offshore, 8 p.m.
Saturday~August 2
• Start Fishing: Begins at 6:30 a.m., Bay Division & 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 3
 • Fish Fry: SPI Convention Centre, 11:30 a.m.
• Awards Presentation: SPI Convention Centre, South Padre Island, 1 p.m.
*Schedule subject to change.
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