There’s
Something for Everyone at the Texas International Fishing Tournament
Surrounded
by the sparkling waters of the Laguna Madre Bay and Gulf of Mexico, Port Isabel
and South Padre Island play host to Texas’ largest saltwater fishing
tournament—the Texas International Fishing Tournament.
Founded
by Doc J.A. Hockaday in 1933, the tournament was designed to tell the story of
phenomenal fishing in the Rio Grande Valley to anglers from around the
world. Now entering its 80th event, TIFT offers the best of bay and
offshore fishing to enthusiasts of all ages. Scheduled to be held July 31 –
August 4, 2019, TIFT is expected to attract as many as 1500 anglers and more
than 500 boats during its two days of fishing activities.
Fisherman
young and old will compete in one of three divisions: bay, tarpon and offshore.
Dockside, more than 10,000 spectators will turn out to view impressive catches
of blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish brought in by the big boats offshore.
Bay anglers will be weighing in mouthwatering catches of speckled trout,
redfish and flounder during the two days of fishing. One of the most rewarding
sights at the weigh docks are the junior anglers weighing in their stringers of
catches that range from a single small piggy perch to impressive catches that
adult anglers will envy. Every child registered in the tournament is awarded a
trophy for their effort.
The
tournament starts with late registration on Wednesday and Thursday with a
special Playday for junior anglers on Thursday. Fishing gets underway early
Friday morning with bay boats required to return to their berths each night and
offshore boats being allowed to stay out overnight while still adhering to
tournament start and stop fishing times. For more information on offshore rules
changes, see the related link on our home page. The tournament wraps up with a
lunch and awards ceremony on Sunday.
TIFT’s
mission statement is to provide a quality family oriented fishing tournament
for anglers of all ages and it is a pledge the tournament’s Executive Board
takes seriously. Planning for each year’s event begins immediately after the
awards ceremony.
If
you’d like to catch the action at TIFT, join us in 2018. TIFT is open to
anglers of all ages and levels of experience. Remember, when it comes to big
catches, luck often wins over skill! We hope to see you at the 80th! July
31 – August 4, 2019
.