Dear TIFT Participants, On behalf of the Executive Board and Betty Wells, Tournament Director, we would like to welcome you to the 70th Annual Texas International Fishing Tournament. Our mission statement is simply "to provide a quality family fishing tournament for participants of all ages." We have worked very hard since last year's weather cancellation to make this year's tournament a memorable event for everyone. In order to provide a quality family fishing tournament, we rely on our advisory directors, volunteers, and corporate sponsors to run and help underwrite the tournament. The directors and volunteers put in countless hours beginning with registration on Wednesday and ending with the awards luncheon on Sunday. Our corporate sponsor underwriting helps us tremendously in keeping our fees to a minimum and providing quality services. Because of the successes we enjoyed for so many years, we created the TIFT Endowment Fund, which is able to fund up to eight $2,000 scholarships per year. One scholarship is awarded to the TIFT Hostess and the remaining scholarships are awarded to our volunteers and participants who qualify. When it is all said, the Texas International Fishing Tournament is the best family tournament along the Gulf Coast. Thanks again for your participation. Enjoy the festivities and good luck.
Terry Gray President
IN MEMORY OF RAUL TORRES In 2008, the Executive Board and extended TIFT family mourned the loss of Raul Torres, TIFT Vice President.
July 29 - August 2, 2009 - TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT - 1
2 - July 29 - August 2, 2009 • TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT
WEDNESDAY~July 29 • Registration: From 3 - 8 p.m. Sign up at SPI Convention Centre on South Padre Island. THURSDAY~July 30 • 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 p.m.) • Supper: SPI Convention Centre, 6:00 p.m. • Captain’s Meeting: 6:30 p.m. SPI Convention Centre. FRIDAY~July 31 • 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 1 • Start Fishing: Begins at 6:30 a.m., Bay Division & 7:00 a.m, Offshore. Weigh station open at 2 - 7 p.m. at Southpoint Marina. Dock time- Bay, 5 p.m.; Offshore, 7 p.m. SUNDAY~August 2 • Fish Fry: SPI Convention Centre, 11:30 a.m. • Awards Presentation: SPI Convention Centre, South Padre Island, 1 p.m.
• IBC • Frost Bank • L & F Distributors/Budweiser • BBVA Compass Bank • South Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau • First National Bank South Padre Island • Glazer's/Miller Lite • Louie's Backyard/Tequila Sunset • Bobby & Robin Farris • BayMaster Boats, Inc. • City of Port Isabel • Pirates Cove Subdivision • Ocean Potion Suncare • Troy Giles Realty & Management • Cactus Flower/Designer Showroom • IronWaves Custom Iron Art • La Isla Residences • Terry Ray Construction, Inc. • Puerto del Sol • Harry Cullen & Harry Cullen, Jr. • H.E.B. • Lone Star National Bank • South Padre Island Golf Club • Mike Hood's Marine Propeller Service • Wells Fargo Advisors Harlingen / Brownsville / McAllen • Transmontaigne Partners L.P.
July 29 - August 2, 2009 • TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT - 3
t the tender age of four, Zifa Guerrero dreamed of being named hostess of the Texas International Fishing Tournament. At age 23, the dream has become reality. The daughter of Rick and Sandy Guerrero of Harlingen, Zifa is a graduate of University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio and has plans to attend graduate school. She is a lifelong TIFT competitor and enjoys searching the waters of the Laguna Madre Bay with a keen interest in finding flounder. In fact, her father named his boat after the first fishing love of both his wife and daughter and he proudly captains the "Flounder Queens". "One of the things that I look forward to each year is TIFT," says Zifa. "It is a tradition that my family and I have participated in for as long as I can remember. Not only do I enjoy the friendly competition, but also the opportunity to meet and socialize with people who share the same interests." Zifa has a collection of Playday ribbons and medals but has sometimes had to settle for less than first place honors at the TIFT weigh dock. She did, however, land the winning flounder in the CCA Star Tournament when she was only nine and received a $50,000 scholarship. She has also placed in the Ladies Kingfish Tournament along with her mother. "Being the TIFT hostess has been a coveted position for me since I was small," says Zifa." It always seemed like the hostess had a good time mingling with all the participants of the tournament. My living room at home is lined with TIFT portraits, each year's hostess smiling as they stand beside us and we proudly our catch. I feel very honored and grateful that I have been chosen for that position this year. I look forward to seeing everybody." Although Zifa may fish the bay division again this year, she will cut her fishing days short to be dockside when the weigh station opens. She will also be on hand to greet tournament participants during registration and social activities throughout the five day event. July 29 - August 2, 2009 • TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT - 5
6 - July 29 - August 2, 2009 • TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT
he Executive Board of TIFT is pleased to announce that it has awarded annual scholarships of $2000 per recipient to a total of eight outstanding young people. "Selecting only eight students from such an impressive slate of applicants is a very difficult job," says Chairman Robin Farris. "Each was selected on the basis of tournament involvement and volunteer work, grades and financial need." The following scholarship recipients will each receive $2000 towards tuition, books, lab fees or other direct expenses at the state accredited college of their choice:
COREY MOCK Corey is the son of Skipper Mock of Laguna Vista and Karen Pfeiffer. He plans to attend Texas A & M in Galveston and pursue a major in marine fisheries.
ZIFA GUERRERO TIFT Hostess Zifa Guerrero is the daughter of Rick and Sandy Guerrero of Harlingen. She plans to attend graduate school this fall.
HAYLEY GREEN Hayley is the daughter of Billy Green and Gail Gonzales and is from San Antonio. Hayley is attending the Academy of Healthcare Professions in San Antonio and is planning a career as a radiation technologist.
JOHN WILLIAM BARRERA John is the son of Victor and Janie Barrera of Port Isabel. He plans to attend Texas A & M University in Galveston and major in marine biology. JUSTIN MILLER Justin is the son of James and Becky Miller of Harlingen. He is a student at Texas A & M University at College Station with plans to major in dentistry.
PATRICK REYNOLDS Patrick is the son of George and Thelma Reynolds of Harlingen. He will be attending Texas A & M University and plans to major in animal science. JOSEPH HUMAN Joseph is the son of Joe and Lu Human of Port Isabel. He is attending Texas A & M University and plans to be a coach or teacher. CHELSEA JONES Chelsea is the daughter of Michael and Kelli Jones of Weslaco. She will be attending Texas A & M University and plans to become a teacher.
8 - July 29 - August 2, 2009 • TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
ALAMO Kay Sheldon AUSTIN Tom Garner Tom & Bette Martin BANDERA Bill Shattuck BAYVIEW J.T. "Zeke" Garrett Buck Rollings BROWNSVILLE Monique Carre Cynthia Castro-Torres J.M. "Marty" Hearner Leon James Francis Knapp Robert & Sally Perez Terry Ray Cheryl Richardson Ian Schill Jean M. Webb COMBES Gilbert Staton CORPUS CHRISTI Marty Berry DALLAS Les Alberthal Charles Barnett, III David Tubbs DONNA Jason Everitt EDINBURG Mike Baldree GALVESTON Bill Moll Kathy Clemens Moll HARLINGEN Susan Abbott Tim Bothwell John B. Carey III Warren Carper Todd Cash Austin Connell Doug Dunkin Bobby & Robin Farris Ryan & Lauren Foster Chuck Fultz Kamron Fultz Klayton Fultz Buck & Kelsey Garcia Terry & Nancy Gray Debbie Green Bill & Tammi Greer Dan & Debbie Groves Jaime & Lisa Guerrero Rick & Sandy Guerrero Don Haire Charlie Hervey Wilson Heacock Lee Hollon Leslie Lockhart Hollon Mary Jo Bogatta Charles Kennedy, Sr. Matt Klosterman Joe Jones Alan Johnson Tom Kilgore Tom & Elaine Lockhart
Rip Masters Tom E. Mathis Kris McKinney James & Becky Miller Tom NeSmith Tom O'Connell George Reynolds, Jr. Bill Roundtree Carrie Rowe Larry Schoenemann Eva Torres Raul Torres, Jr. HOUSTON Craig Bunk Rick Carrasco Harry Cullen, Jr. Holly Anne Farris INGLESIDE Keriann Clifford LA FERIA Jesse Byars Allen Shields LAGUNA VISTA James & Melinda Dunks Mark & Lorelii Helmke Greg Londrie Bryan Ray & Mary Bernal-Ray Judi Ray John G. Wittbold III LEAWOOD, KANSAS Doug Clothier MCALLEN Pat & Cheryl Alden Joe Averill, Jr. Paul & Christine DeBolt Larry Doyle Ken & Jennifer Griffith Melissa Mikulek Paul Moxley Lee Nickelson Keyes & Glenda Ramee Laura Ramee Rob Richards Bud Rowland David & Ann Rowland Neal Runnels Nicky Runnels John & Sara Tippit MISSION Kendra Davis Frances Emerson Victor Guerra Larry Haley Don King Frank King Clark Spikes, Jr. Steve & Cheri Stiers Lillian Williams MISSOURI CITY Tate Jarvis PORT ARANSAS Jerry Webb PORT ISABEL Daniel & Kelley Bryant John B. Carey, Jr. Eddie Curry David Gower
Donald L. Hockaday Willie Jackson Tom Keelin David Krummel Jim & Kim Lawson Ronnie LeVrier Gary Meschi Skipper Mock James Myles Mel Ocker Janie Petty Ralph Poucher Skipper Ray Russell Robinson Michelle Ruyle Celina Scott Charles Sheldon Dewitt Thomas Gilbert & Teri Vela Bobby Wells Vere Wells David Woolverton Gary Wyninger RICHMOND John Bunk RIVIERA Monty & Jerin Bryant SAN ANTONIO Charles Bunk Gail Gonzalez Balous T. Miller Jim Newman SAN BENITO Charles Cherrington Bryan Cook Octavio & Veronica Elizondo Charlie & Tiffany Kennedy Richard Moore Tony Reisinger Stephanie Rhyner Albert & DeAnna Torres-Reyes Rob Youker SOUTH PADRE ISLAND Jess Alford, III Denny Bomarito Christy L Carrasco Mike & Jennifer Davis Kit Doncaster J.R. “Steve” Ellis Jack Fitch Troy Giles Mike & Barbara Gower Mark Hagenmiller Gib Little David Lohry Gaston Machado M.D. Karen Moore Joe Rico Ron Speier Dan Stanton Ann Wells Doyle Wells Mark Westbrook WESLACO Brent Baldree Jimmy Payne Patsy Robinson Larry Wilson
Jeff Woodard PALM CITY, FLORIDA Bill Sturmer
PAST PRESIDENTS 1949 --------------------Dick Richards 1950 ------------------------ Evan Hurst 1951 ----------------------- Lee Wilson 1952 ------------------------ B. W. Ogle 1953 -----------------------Bob Youker 1954 ---------------------- Bob Monlux 1955 --------------------Earl C. Hunter 1956 -------------------------- Phil Edie 1957 ----------------- A. H. Huebinger 1958 --------------------Francis Knapp 1959 ---------------------Charles Berry 1960 ------------------------ Chic White 1961 ------------------- Wilson Palmer 1962 --------------------George Etz, Jr. 1963 -------------- Dr. Howard Tewell 1964 & 1965 -------------Otto Schvab 1966 & 1967 ---------- Hubert Dusek 1968 & 1969 --------------Fritz Bergh 1970 & 1971 ------------- John Peters 1972 & 1973 ---------------- Bill York 1974 & 1975 ----- Howard Cummins 1976 & 1977 ---------Wayne Grayson 1978 & 1979 ---------------Bill Perrin 1980 & 1981 ----------------Jim Haley 1982 & 1983 ---------------Jay Meade 1984 & 1985 ----------Tom E. Mathis 1986 & 1987 ---------Michael Gower 1988 ------------------ Charles Shelton 1988 & 1989 ------------ Bette Martin 1990 & 1991 ---------- Tom Lockhart 1992 & 1993 -----------Mike Baldree 1994 & 1995 ----------- Keyes Ramee 1996 & 1997 -------------- Jean Webb 1998 & 1999 --------- Tom O’Connell 2000 & 2001 ----------- Zeke Garrett 2002 & 2003 --------------Steve Stiers 2004 & 2005 ------------ Robin Farris 2006 & 2007 ------------David Gower 2008 -------------------------Terry Gray PAST HONORARY DIRECTORS Raul Torres Stanley Emerson Fritz Bergh Calvin Friedrichs Glenn Putnam Duane Harris Dr. J. A. Hockaday R. J. Montgomery E. C. Osborne Lester Brusse Murray D. Hensley Don & Adabelle Sheldon Jim & Jane Haley Sissy Brusse Dorothy Meade Fowler Mary Lou Campbell Robert Duffey, Jr. E.E. Neil & Trina Isaacs Tom & Yuri Shiba WEIGHMASTER --- Richard Moore PHOTOGRAPHER -Valerie D. Bates TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR Betty P. Wells
July 29 - August 2, 2009 • TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT - 9
10 - July 29 - August 2, 2009 • TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT
TIFT PLANS BUCKET AUCTION Participants of the 70th Texas International Fishing Tournament will find a new feature this year—the event’s first ever bucket auction. The auction will feature 12 different buckets representing a wide variety of high end items. Included in the auction will be the 2009 TIFT cover art by local artist Larry Haines. Tickets will be sold at a cost of $5 each throughout the tournament with the winners drawn immediately following the TIFT awards ceremonies on Sunday. Ticket purchasers will place their tickets in the buckets they choose and may register as many times as they would like. The Jewelry Connetion in Harlingen has donated a 14K gold jumping marlin with a diamond eye. Bryan Tucker of Casa de Oro has donated a men’s offshore swivel bracelet made of stainless steel. BayMaster Boats, Inc. of Los Fresnos will feature two 94 quart coolers with cushions embroidered with the TIFT logo. White Ankle Charters had donated two custom no mildew, no rot drift sacks, two custom offshore lure bags, and four offshore rod saver straps. A half day airboat trip with Capt. Charlie Buchen includes sightseeing, birding and fishing from Port Mansfield. The trip is offered by Tailchaser Charters and is for up to four people. Johnny’s True Value of Harlingen has donated a 54 quart Texas beer cooler. Other auction items include a handheld VHF radio donated by Brent Baldree and a custom framed original art piece by Brownsville artist Don Breeden. Sure to please the family, a Summer Fun Basket donated by Bobby & Robin Farris includes a portable DVD player, movies, outdoor activities and games and snacks. A children’s electric golf cart donated by Lee Hollon and Leslie Lockhart Hollon will encourage the younger set to get out on the golf course. The Light House Lighting Centers has offered an Island life table lamp with real shell accents and “Slam”, a brass and marble sculpture of a marlin and sailfish has been donated by Cactus Flower Interiors of South Padre Island. All items will be on display during late registration and social activities at the South Padre Island Convention Centre. July 29 - August 2, 2009 • TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT - 11
• 62 Wet Slips for up to 75’ Vessels • 408 Drystack Slips • New & Used Boat Showroom • Retail Stores • Service Parts & Repair Facility • Convenience Store • Bait & Tackle • Charter Fishing• Excursion Boats Email: searanchmarina@pcm.net 33256 State Park 100 • P. O. Box 2910 South Padre Island, TX 78597
(956) 761-7777 Fax (956) 761-4444
Palmetto Inn 1817 Padre Blvd. Next to Howard Johnson’s South Padre Island, TX (956) 761-4325 Open: Daily at 11:30 a.m. Delivery: Waiter on the Way (772-TOGO) Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Discover
12 - July 29 - August 2, 2009 • TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT
CUISINE: Mexican food & Seafood SIGNATURE DISH: Fajita Tampiquena. Grilled strips of tender fajitas come with with plate made famous in Tampico, Mexico. Served with cheese enchilada, rice, beans, guacamole & tortillas. AMBIANCE: Bring the whole family. Casual with a feel of old Mexico. ENTREE PRICE RANGE: $4.95 - $16.95 DESCRIPTION: The Palmetto Inn Restaurant has been a family business and local favorite since 1945! Known as a family dining destination, they serve the best of two worlds. Authentic Mexican cuisine and fresh seafood. You won’t find any of the typical tourist trappings here, just excellent food in true Mexican decor. The mood is enhanced by Mariachi and Latin quietly piped in. REVIEWS: “Since 1945 this island landmark has been delighting its customers with first rate TexMex food. Indeed, stepping into this old eatery is like stepping back in time. Hallmark corn tostadas (each a crunchy half tortilla) and creamy chile con queso (the best we’ve tasted) keep you busy while you try to choose among all of the ooey-gooey selections. We love both the cheesy enchiladas and crunchy beef tacos.” Texas Monthly
Jesse’s Cantina & Restaurant serves the finest Mexican food north or south of the border and they serve the most potent margaritas, too! Jesse Bermea, owner, knows how to combine great food and a festive atmosphere to provide you an experience in true “TexMex” cooking. Jesse’s “especialidades” are marinated and grilled over mesquite charcoal to perfection. They include Fajitas al carbon, Tacos al carbon, Pollo al carbon, Camarones (shrimp) al carbon, all served with rice, guacamole salad, frijoles a la charra, and pico de gallo. Other specialities available include enchiladas, tacos, flautas, supreme Mexican plate, carnitas, seafood and steaks. Corn and flour tortillas made fresh daily.
OPEN 10:30 - 10:00 7 days a week Major cards accepted 2700 PADRE BLVD. 761-4500 • SOUTH PADRE ISLAND July 29 - August 2, 2009 • TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT - 13
14 - July 29 - August 2, 2009 • TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT
Junior Participation Awards--* Awarded to every junior weighing in a fish.
Junior Participation 7 Years & Under . . . . . Payne Dealer Group Valleywide Weslaco Junior Participation 8 - 12 Years. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Blue Marlin Supermarket South Padre Island Junior Participation 13 - 16 Years. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . News Channel 5 Weslaco Third Place Junior Bay, 7yrs.& under . . . . . . San Benito Medical Associates Harlingen Second Place Junior Bay, 7 yrs, & under . . . . . . . . . First National Bank SPI Port Isabel & South Padre Island First Place Junior Bay, 7 yrs. & under . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Red’s Garage Harlingen Third Place Junior Bay, 8 - 12 yrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lynne Tate Real Estate Laguna Vista & South Padre Island Second Place Junior Bay, 8 - 12 yrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . R & R Hiway Bait Stand Port Isabel First Place Junior Bay, 8 - 12 yrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wells Real Estate South Padre Island Third Place Junior Bay, 13 - 16 yrs.- . . . . . .Peggy’s Temporary & Permanent Tattoos South Padre Island Second Place Junior Bay, 13 - 16 yrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RGV Pizza Hut Valleywide First Place Junior Bay, 13 - 16 yrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RGV Pizza Hut Valleywide Third Place Junior Offshore- No Billfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tri-Pak Machinery Harlingen Second Place Junior Offshore- No Billfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cactus Flower South Padre Island First Place Junior Offshore- No Billfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tom & Jerry's McAllen/South Padre Island Third Place Junior Offshore- With Billfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nagelhout & Co. Austin Second Place Junior Offshore- W/ Billfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .In Memory of Anthony Rourke Bomarito - - - South Padre Island First Place Junior Offshore- With Billfish . . . . . . . . . . Queen B Fishing Team Richmond Third Place Tarpon* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . South Padre Boat Sales South Padre Island Second Place Tarpon* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Griffith Truck Brokers Pharr First Place Tarpon* . . . . . . David A. Lohse Real Estate & Diamond O Ranch South Padre Island *Awarded on the basis of overall tarpon points for two days of fishing. Heaviest Flounder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Human Boys’ Port Isabel Heaviest Trout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Gower Family Port Isabel/South Padre Island Heaviest Redfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dargel Boats Donna Heaviest Snook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tim Bothwell Harlingen Heaviest Drum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dargel Boats Donna Heaviest Red Snapper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Osprey Fishing Trips South Padre Island Heaviest Spanish Mackerel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rio Bravo Gallery Port Isabel Heaviest Yellowfin Tuna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark & Lorelii Helmke Laguna Vista Heaviest Wahoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spikes Motor Co. Mission Heaviest Shark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Palmer Steel McAllen Heaviest Ling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pirate’s Landing Fishing Pier Port Isabel Heaviest King Mackerel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zekeart Bayview Heaviest Jack Crevalle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Louie’s Backyard South Padre Island
Heaviest Dolphin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brownsville Sports Center Brownsville Heaviest Bonito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amigo Pawn & Jewelry Brownsville Heaviest Blackfin Tuna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bryan Ray’s Fishing Adventures South Padre Island Heaviest Barracuda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sea Ranch II @ Southpoint Marina Port Isabel Heaviest Amberjack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amberjack’s Bayside Bar & Grill South Padre Island First Billfish Caught . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ana Bergh Edinburg Heaviest Sailfish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hicks Oil Co. Harlingen Heaviest White Marlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Breakaway Cruises South Padre Island Heaviest Blue Marlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hicks Oil Co. Harlingen Most Unusual Fish* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . South Padre Parade Port Isabel/South Padre Island *To be determined by the Executive Board. Hockaday Service Award* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bobby & Robin Farris Harlingen *Awarded to the individual or group selected by the Board for outstanding service. Mildred & Marvin Downs Award, Good Sportsmanship* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blue Marlin Homes, Inc. Harlingen *Determined by the Executive Board Robert John Meade Award*. . . . . . . . In Memory of Zaiden Gilbert Guzman Port Isabel *Awarded to the individual or organization selected for outstanding promotion of South Texas fishing. Third Place Fly Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lighthouse Lighting Center Harlingen, McAllen, Port Isabel Second Place Fly Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laguna Madre Fly Fishing Club Port Isabel First Place Fly Fishing . . Port Isabel-South Padre Island Guides Association Port Isabel/South Padre Island Third Place Ladies Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Casa De Siesta South Padre Island Second Place Ladies Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Furcron Realtors South Padre Island First Place Ladies Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Oliver Achleitner Brownsville Third Place Trout*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cuevas Seafood Market Port Isabel Second Place Trout* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rhyner Construction Rio Hondo First Place Trout* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BayMaster Boats Los Fresnos Third Place Redfish* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Saylor Marine Mission Second Place Redfish*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andy’s Marine McAllen First Place Redfish* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BayMaster Boats Los Fresnos Third Place Flounder*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Johnny’s True Value Hardware Harlingen Second Place Flounder* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staton’s Marine Combes/Harlingen First Place Flounder*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BayMaster Boats Los Fresnos *All species division awards are based upon total points for the species for two days of fishing. Third Highest Offshore Points- No Billfish . . . . . . Brownsville Sports Center Brownsville Second Highest Offshore Points- No Billfish . . . . . . . . . . . .McClain Trailers Houston (Continued on page 17) July 29 - August 2, 2009 • TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT - 15
16 - July 29 - August 2, 2009 • TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT
Continued from page 15 Highest Offshore Points- No Billfish. . . . . . .The Wayne D. Grayson Family Harlingen Third Place Ladies Offshore- No Billfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Becky's Place South Padre Island Second Place Ladies Offshore- No Billfish . . . . . . .South Padre Bank, N.A. South Padre Island First Place Ladies Offshore- No Billfish . . . . . . . . . First Community Bank Valleywide Third Place Catch & Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. B. Carter Insurance McAllen Second Place Catch & Release. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . High Cotton Harlingen First Place Catch & Release . . . . . . . . . . . The Defense Rests Fishing team Harlingen Third Place Sailfish* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Island Cinema South Padre Island Second Place Sailfish* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Industrial Coils, LLC McAllen First Place Sailfish* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Palmetto Inn South Padre Island *Awarded on the basis of total sailfish points for two days of fishing.
Third Place White Marlin*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transmontaigne, LLP South Padre Island Second Place White Marlin* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . White Lumber & Supply Port Isabel First Place White Marlin* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sea Ranch Marina South Padre Island *Awarded on the basis of total white marlin points for two days of fishing.
Third Place Blue Marlin* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Blue Marlin Homes, Inc. Harlingen Second Place Blue Marlin* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Industrial Coils L.L.C. McAllen First Place Blue Marlin* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Century 21 SandDollar Realty South Padre Island *Awarded on the basis of total blue marlin points for two days of fishing.
Third Place Ladies Offshore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cactus Flower South Padre Island Second Place Ladies Offshore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Canvas Creations Port Isabel First Place Ladies Offshore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Baldree Family McAllen Third Highest Offshore Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fox Yacht Sales Port Aransas Second Place Offshore Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wet N Wild Fishing Team Weslaco Highest Offshore Points . . . . . . . . . .Transmontaigne Product Service, Inc. Brownsville Boatman Award* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Port Isabel - South Padre Press Port Isabel *Awarded to the registered captain whose boat accumulates the most points during two days of fishing.
Team Trophy* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Sportsman San Benito *Awarded to the team with the highest point total for two days of fishing. Texas Grand Champion* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Troy W. Giles South Padre Island *Awarded to the angler with the highest point total for two days of fishing. Angler must have weighed in a billfish or mako shark or tagged and released a billfish or tarpon. If these qualifications have not been met, the Grand Champion will be the angler with the most offshore points.
Third Place Bay Fisherman* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . McLelland & Smith, CPA Harlingen Second Place Bay Fisherman* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shallow Sport Port Isabel Grand Champion Bay Fisherman* . . . . . . . . . . . .Blackbeard's Restaurant South Padre Island *Awarded to the anglers with the highest point totals of all three eligible species (trout, redfish and flounder) for two days of fishing.
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hether you’re young or just young at heart, the Texas International Fishing Tournament’s Playday is an event you won’t want to miss. Playday is scheduled to be held Thursday, July 30 with junior anglers competing in a variety of land based contests. While their parents are readying the boats for the next two days of fishing, juniors 16 years and younger will be vying for medals and prizes during festivities designed solely for their entertainment. Competition will begin at 10 a.m. at the Convention Centre and will be held in air conditioned comfort out of the sweltering summer heat. In addition to past events such as the mullet relay and reeling in the fish, Playday Chairman Chuck Fultz says junior anglers will enjoy a variety of fun, new events. “We’ve added a number of new activities that are designed to show the kids a good time,” Fultz says. “Some of these are four person team events while others are based on individual competition. Still others are just for fun.” Juniors will compete in six age divisions: Under 5; 5-6; 7-9, 10-12, 13-15 and 16-21 years. Under 5 anglers will start with the catfish contest that utilizes the KidFish tank. The tank will be open to all TIFT registrants throughout all social activities at the Convention Centre. Juniors under 5 will also compete in boat races and the duck pond.
More than 17 years ago, TIFT decided to reward every Playday registrant with a colored ribbon, adhering to the tournament philosophy that every child is a winner. In addition, the top three winners in each competition will receive gold, silver and bronze medals in an Olympic style ceremony that concludes Playday activities at approximately 1 p.m. Registration for Playday activities will be conducted during late registration at the Convention Centre from 3-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29. Late registration may also be conducted prior to the start of Playday activities, which will begin promptly at 10 a.m. on Thursday. “Playday is constantly changing and improving to meet the growing demand. More than 300 young people participated last year and that number is increasing annually,” Fultz said. “That means we also need more volunteers than ever and encourage anyone interested to help us make Playday a fun TIFT tradition.”
Juniors will compete in six age divisions in a variety of events including a casting contest, team mullet relay, a catfish fishing competition in the KidFsh Tank and more. Olympic style medals are awarded to the winners in each age category.
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The 2009 TIFT Executive Board Members--From left to right, front row: Terry Gray, President; Leslie Lockhart Hollon, Director; Robin Farris, Past President; Betty Wells, Tournament Director; Carrie Rowe, Director. Second Row from left to right: Jimmy Lawson, Director; Chuck Fultz, Vice President; Charles Sheldon, Past President. Back row, left to right: Brent Baldree, Secretary; Charles Kennedy, Jr., Treasurer; Zeke Garrett, Past President; Matt Klostermann, Director; Nicky Runnels, Director; and James Miller, Director. Not shown is David Gower, Past President and Joe Jones, Director.
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TIFT Rules & • General Information: Each angler 13 years or older is restricted to weighing in the single heaviest fish per eligible species in their division per day. Angler must select the heaviest fish to be weighed. Trophies are awarded on the basis of total accumulated eligible points for two days of fishing. Angler must accompany his or her fish to the weigh station and initial weigh card to ensure accuracy. All anglers are restricted to weighing in once per day. No one may fish from any tournament boat that is not a TIFT registered angler. All captains/ or boat operators must be registered in TIFT for the angler’s fish to be eligible for TIFT awards. CAPTAIN’S MEETING: THURSDAY AT 6:30 P.M. SOUTH PADRE ISLAND CONVENTION CENTRE. ATTENDANCE IS STRONGLY ADVISED IN ORDER TO ENSURE YOU ADHERE AND COMPLY WITH ALL TIFT RULES. TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT, INC. RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ENTRY INTO THE TOURNAMENT. LADIES AND JUNIORS MAY ONLY WIN THEIR RESPECTIVE DIVISIONS IN THE BAY, OFFSHORE/NO BILLFISH AND HIGHEST OFFSHORE POINTS. THEY WILL STILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR GRAND CHAMPION AND HEAVIEST OF SPECIES AWARDS. The contest shall begin at 7 a.m. July 31, 2009. No contestant shall be eligible for awards unless registered in advance of that date. Angler must be a registered contestant of TIFT in order for fish to be weighed. All fish will be measured and weighed once only and decisions of the weighmaster are final. • Receiving Station: All fish must be brought in edible condition to the receiving station at Southpoint Marina in Port Isabel to be weighed, measured and recorded by the official weighmaster or deputy. All fish are subject to further inspection if deemed necessary by the weighmaster. The station hours will be from 2-8 p.m. on the first day of fishing and 2-7 p.m. on the final day. • Offshore Division: Fishing Hours: Contestants may start fishing at 7 a.m. on both days. Offshore boats may not leave the dock before 12:01 a.m. on each day of fishing. They must stop fishing by 5 p.m. the first day and 4 p.m. the final day. Dock time for the first day is 8 p.m., final day, 7 p.m. Scoring: a) Blue marlin, swordfish, mako shark shall be scored, regardless of line size, as follows: the weight of the fish, multiplied by two (2). Minimum length for blue marlin to qualify for points is 101". b) White marlin and sailfish shall be scored as follows: the weight of the fish multiplied by four (4) plus 100. Minimum length to qualify for points is 67" for White Marlin and 64" for Sailfish. c) Other offshore fish--blackfin tuna, yellowfin tuna, bonito, ling,
M INIMUM LENGTH REQUIREMENT All billfish must be measured as shown below: To insure uniform measurements TIFT requires all billfish to be measured across the side from tip of lower jaw to fork of tail. To be eligible for competition: Blue Marlin - 101”; White Marlin - 67”; Sailfish - 64”
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wahoo, barracuda, dolphin, king mackerel and jack crevalle will be scored one (1) point per pound. AMBERJACK ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR POINTS. Catch is limited to the single heaviest fish per eligible species per day of fishing. d) Catch and Release Class: Any offshore fisherman may elect to Catch and Release his catch. Points for Catch and Release trophies will be awarded for the following only: BLUE MARLIN . . . . 800 POINTS WHITE MARLIN. . . 300 POINTS SAILFISH . . . . . . . 300 POINTS TO QUALIFY FOR CATCH AND RELEASE POINTS, A POLAROID PICTURE OR COLOR PRINTED PHOTO FROM A DIGITAL CAMERA OF THE CATCH CLEARLY SHOWING THE FISH AND THE TIFT OBJECT OF THE TOURNAMENT MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE WEIGH STATION ON THE SAME DAY OF THE CATCH. All photos must be signed with the date and time of the catch and signatures of the fishing party and the crew. All billfish, whether boated or released, must be reported or relayed to a committee boat by VHF Radio, Single Side Band, Cell Phone or Satellite Phone by stop fishing time each day and the landing time must be verified with a verification number by a committee boat to qualify for the earned points. The time reported and verified by a committee boat will be the official time. In the event of a tie, the first angler to accumulate the highest release points by time will be declared the winner. In order for a fish to be scored as a blue marlin, the picture must clearly show it is a blue marlin. Otherwise it will be scored as a white marlin.
All billfish to be released must remain in the water. Photos showing said fish in or on the boat WILL NOT be eligible for points. Catch and Release points will count toward Texas Grand Championship. e) The Junior Offshore Class will consist of children through the age of 16. Juniors may qualify for Texas Grand Championship. The same scoring rules apply as in the Senior Class. Please Note: In order to qualify for Texas Grand Champion, the angler must have weighed in or tagged a billfish or tarpon or weighed in a mako shark. • Tarpon Division, Junior and Senior Class: Fishing hours: Contestants may start fishing 30 minutes before official sunrise (6:58 a.m.). They must stop fishing on the first day by one hour after official sunset (8:16 p.m.). Dock time is 8 p.m. first day and 7 p.m. final day. SCORING: ANGLERS MAY WEIGH IN ONE (1) TARPON PER DAY. MINIMUM LENGTH IS 82”. EACH FISH WILL BE SCORED ON THE FOLLOWING: THE WEIGHT OF THE FISH X 4 PLUS 100 POINTS. TARPON DIVISION CATCH AND RELEASE MUST BE VERIFIED WITH PICTURE CLEARLY SHOWING THE FISH AND THE TIFT OBJECT OF THE TOURNAMENT, DATED WITH TIME AND SIGNED BY MEMBERS OF THE FISHING PARTY AND CREW. SCORING WILL BE 125 POINTS PER TARPON, REGARDLESS OF SIZE. TARPON RELEASES MAY BE REPORTED TO A COMMITTEE BOAT OR TO THE WEIGH DOCK BY PHONE AT (956) 561-1052. Please Note: Outdoor Resorts Swing Bridge, as a rule, opens only on the hour. Please plan accordingly.
Regulations • Bay Division, Junior and Senior Classes: All bay anglers, including Juniors, are restricted to one fishing line per angler in the water at any given time. FISHING HOURS: CONTESTANTS MAY START FISHING AFTER 6:30 A.M. BOTH DAYS. ALL BAY BOATS MUST BE ON THEIR TRAILERS OR TIED UP AT THE DOCK BY 8 P.M. ON THURSDAY, JULY 30 & FRIDAY, JULY 31 AND MAY NOT LEAVE THE DOCK BEFORE 5 A.M. EACH DAY OF FISHING. Final dock time both Friday and Saturday is 5 p.m. for both Juniors and Seniors. Scoring: Daily bags may include the single heaviest fish of each of the following species: redfish, trout and flounder, scored at one (1) point per pound. Any fish that does not meet state limits at weigh station will be disqualified without substitution for that species. No redfish longer than 28" will be weighed. Special Notes: THE BOAT NAME OR TX NUMBERS WILL BE REQUIRED FOR ALL BAY BOATS. ANGLERS MUST SPECIFY THEIR TX NUMBERS TO BE REGISTERED IN THE BAY CHALLENGE POTS. TIFT FLAGS MUST BE PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED ON ALL BAY BOATS FISHING IN THE TOURNAMENT. GRAND CHAMPION: BAY ANGLERS MUST HAVE WEIGHED IN AT LEAST ONE REDFISH, ONE TROUT AND ONE FLOUNDER DURING THE TWO DAYS OF FISHING TO QUALIFY FOR GRAND CHAMPION, SECOND AND THIRD PLACE. Juniors: AGES 12 AND UNDER MAY ENTER STRINGERS OF NO MORE THAN ONE (1) TROUT, REDFISH, FLOUNDER, DRUM, JACK CREVALLE AND SNOOK IN ADDITION TO FIVE (5) FISH EACH OF ALL OTHER SPECIES COMMON TO THE BAY AREA (EXCLUDING SHARKS AND STINGRAYS) PER DAY. WHOLE STRINGERS WILL BE WEIGHED AND AWARDED ONE (1) POINT PER POUND. AGES 13-16 WILL BE SCORED THE SAME AS SENIORS. Special Note: ALL JUNIOR BAY DIVISION CONTESTANTS MUST HOOK AND PLAY THEIR OWN FISH. A FISHING POLE WITH A FISH ALREADY HOOKED AND HANDED TO A JUNIOR TO REEL IN IS NOT A LEGAL CATCH. PLEASE RESTRICT HELP TO SAVING LIVES AND LIMBS. • Fly Fishing: Bay fishing rules will prevail. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. Anglers will be eligible for Grand Champion Bay prize and heaviest of species awards. • Heaviest Fish Awards: Any registered angler is eligible for the award for the heaviest of a species regardless of division fished, but fish will not count for points unless angler is registered in that fish division. • All Fish of All Species Must Meet State & Federal Requirements, except for billfish. See chart on opposite page. • Tackle: The tournament will be conducted according to the International Game Fish Association rules, except that the angler may receive assistance in moving rod from holder to chair. • Team Trophy: To be eligible to win the trophy, the contestant must give the boat name or number at registration. Two to six persons on the same boat constitute a team. • Dock Times, Bay (all divisions): Final dock time for both days of fishing is 5 p.m. Anglers must be in sight of weighmaster in front of weigh station no later than 5 p.m. to qualify. Offshore (all divisions): Dock time for offshore boats is 8 p.m. the first day and 7 p.m. the second day. Offshore boats must be past the red marker inside the jetties in the Brownsville Ship Channel by final dock time to qualify. A committee boat will be standing by on VHF
Ch 68 or single sideband 2638 to verify. The only exceptions are as follows: a) Helping a boat in distress. Report to the committee boat. A reasonable time will be allowed for return. b) Tarpon catches (first day only). Fish hooked after 8 p.m. and before 9:15 p.m. may be reported on second day. DOCK TIME ON FINAL DAY IS 5 P.M. FOR BAY DIVISION & 7 P.M. FOR OFFSHORE AND TARPON, REGARDLESS OF CIRCUMSTANCES. • All Fish Caught are the Property of the Angler: The tournament will not be responsible for refrigeration or for catch. • Transfer of Fish: NO TRANSFER OF FISH FROM ONE OFFSHORE BOAT TO ANOTHER IS ALLOWED. • Changing Divisions: If, after registration, the angler wishes to change divisions, he should report to the weighmaster or tournament director before days fishing begins. Points will not count in previous divisions fished. • 2009 TOURNAMENT: THERE WILL BE TWO DAYS OF FISHING: FRIDAY, JULY 31 AND SATURDAY, AUGUST 1. THURSDAY, JULY 30, IS PLAYDAY. All junior contestants and their families are urged to join in the activities at the South Padre Island Convention Centre. • Bad Weather: One day of fishing will constitute a tournament. Parties will be held as scheduled. • Night Fishing: Night fishing is NOT allowed. All boats are to return to their berth Friday night and must weigh in their catch each day. (Exception: If a boat is assisting a disabled vessel which prevents the boat rendering assistance from making weigh in on the first day only.) • Protests: ANY PROTESTS MUST BE FILED IN WRITING AND HAND DELIVERED TO A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OR THE TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR NOT LATER THAN 9 P.M., SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2009. Please be advised that any boat fishing in Mexican waters is subject to the Lacy Act enforcement by both U.S. and Mexican law enforcement agencies. Polygraph Test: All contestants, including minors, agree to take a polygraph test if required by a TIFT Executive Board member or the TIFT Weighmaster. Such test shall be taken at the time and place requested by the TIFT Executive Board. Failure to take or pass a polygraph test will result in disqualification from this tournament and all future TIFT events. (If a contestant is a minor, a parent or legal guardian shall agree for the minor to submit to such polygraph testing.)
COMMITTEE BOATS & WEIGH STATION
Channel 68 VHF or Single Side Band 2638 OFFSHORE • Bessie Belle • Wet N Wild • Queen B • Blue Dog • Tula • Mechanical Man • La Fiesta • Slippery Sue BAY • Poppn' Rodd--Vere Wells • Scooby Scooter--Chuck Fultz • One Down--Steve Stiers All billfish, whether boated or released, must be reported or relayed to a committee boat by VHF Radio, Single Side Band, Cell Phone or Satellite Phone by stop fishing time each day to qualify for earned points. The time reported and verified with a verification number by a committee boat will be the official time. Tarpon releases only may be reported to the weigh dock by phone at: (956)561-1052. July 29 - August 2, 2009 • TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT - 31
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Former Bay Grand Champions Sam Cashiola, Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joe Bob Lawrence, Harlingen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jody Goolsby, Port Isabel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Cleo Pederson, Port Isabel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E.A. Lewis, Harlingen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Lois Burns, Harlingen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Congdon, Harlingen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zelma Monlux, Port Isabel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leon Day, Harlingen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jody Goolsby, Port Isabel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zelma Monlux, Port Isabel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Otto Schvab, Harlingen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alice Woods, South Padre Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Congdon, Harlingen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marie Kenworthy, Port Isabel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob Moses, Richmond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marie Kenworthy, Port Isabel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H.G. Moore, Richmond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lois Burns, Harlingen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frances Burton, Brownsville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. O.H. Kennedy, Harlingen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1953 1957 1958 1958 1959 1959 1960 1960 1961 1961 1961 1962 1962 1963 1963 1964 1964 1965 1965 1966 1966
Bill Massey, Sr., Harlingen . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Cleo Pederson, Port Isabel . . . . . . . . Mrs. Leon Day, Harlingen . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Alf Shatto, Brownsville. . . . . . . . . . . . J.W. Bennett, Mission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Richard C. Robbins, Port Isabel . . . . . . Dr. Richard C. Robbins, McAllen . . . . . . . . Bobby Burns, Port Isabel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Don Scogin, San Benito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vere Wells, Port Isabel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holland Mitchell, Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . Holland Mitchell, Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . Vere Wells, Port Isabel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frank Matz, Harlingen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holland Mitchell, Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . O.D. Scott, San Marcos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joe Jones, Harlingen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vere Wells, Port Isabel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H.L. Griffith, Jr., Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gib Little, South Padre Island. . . . . . . . . . . Danny Payton, Harlingen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Armacost, Harlingen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ricky Fishel, Laguna Vista . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Cullen, Jr., Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terry Roberts, San Benito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Skipper Mock, South Padre Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ernie Ramirez, Lyford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ernie Ramirez, Lyford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balous Miller, San Antonio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Brons, Harlingen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Lopez, Lyford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael McCraw, Port Mansfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Cullen, Jr., Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Wolfe, Portland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Skipper Ray, Laguna Vista . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ramon Rosales, Jr., Mission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christopher Gallegos, McAllen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ramiro Lopez, Lyford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Barton, Laguna Vista . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Barton, Laguna Vista . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Johnny Rodriquez, Lozano. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marsh Steussy, Port Mansfield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Johnny Rodriguez, Lozano. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1967 1967 1968 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
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Former Offshore Grand Champions Dr. I. Henry Smith, Shreveport, La. . . . . . . . . . . . . . R.J. Montgomery, Rio Hondo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R.J. Montgomery, Rio Hondo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fred Maly, San Antonio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fred Maly, San Antonio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harvey L. Richards, Harlingen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stuart Adkins, Port Isabel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clyde Cowden, Midland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pat Durivage, Raymondville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barry Ewing, Mercedes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arch M. Gaskill, Elgin, Ill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Junior “Doyle" Wells, Port Isabel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Albert Wallace, Harlingen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donald Hagen, Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J.R. McElwrath, Combes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Capt. Carey Freel, Port Isabel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Lester Brusse, Ingleside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Charles Holmes, Ingleside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. J.W. Griffith, Longview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Al Harper, Alice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Mary Helen Miles, Dallas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Relay, Rockport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tommy Caldwell, Corpus Christi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Kyle Vick, Rockport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Holleron, San Antonio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frank Evans, Corpus Christi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1939 1940 1947 1948 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965
Fred Knapp, Houston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Otto Koehler, San Antonio . . . . . . . . . . . . . Randy Farenthold, Corpus Christi. . . . . . . . Jim Charnquist, Corpus Christi. . . . . . . . . . George Young, Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Keeler, Corpus Christi. . . . . . . . . . . . . W.K. Bondeson, Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob Stahlman, Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carlos Moore, Port Aransas . . . . . . . . . . . . Billy Pugh, Ingelside. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Jette, Port Aransas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W.R. “Bill" Whitten, Port Aransas . . . . . . . . Mary Peyton Chochran, Houston . . . . . . . . John Newton, Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rob Terry, Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allan Buchanan, Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrea Nichols-Dunaway, Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . Rick Dover, Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Gulley, San Antonio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Jisha, Laguna Vista. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Neely Johnson, McAllen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Ewing, Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Conrow, Jr., South Padre Island . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom E. Mathis, Los Fresnos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rob Jacobs, Fort Worth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Skrobarcyzk Jr., Corpus Christi. . . . . . . . . . . Kay Sheldon, McAllen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frank W. Wallace, San Antonio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jimmy Lawson, Midland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jimmy Lawson, Midland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James W. Heldt, Austin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dal Rozzlle, Rockport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christy Barwise, Corpus Christi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christopher Nagelhout, Dripping Springs . . . . . . . . John Etier, Weslaco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ken Culbreth, Corpus Christi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brett Pohler, Victoria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelley Bryant, South Padre Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sail Ricks, Quitman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt Richter, Port Aransas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Petty Glover, Ft. Worth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donnie Seay, Rockport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
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IGFA RULES
The following angling rules have been formulated by the International Game Fish Association to promote ethical and sporting angling practices, to establish uniform regulations for the compilation of world game fish records, and to provide basic angling guidelines for use in fishing tournaments and any other group angling activities. The word "angling" is defined as catching or attempting to catch fish with a rod, reel, line, and hook as outlined in the international angling rules. There are some aspects of angling that cannot be controlled through rule making, however. Angling regulations cannot insure an outstanding performance from each fish, and world records cannot indicate the amount of difficulty in catching the fish. Captures in which the fish has not fought or has not had a chance to fight do not reflect credit on the fisherman, and only the angler can properly evaluate the degree of achievement in establishing the record. Only fish caught in accordance with IGFA international angling rules, and within the intent of these rules, will be considered for world records. Following are the rules for freshwater and saltwater fishing and a separate set of rules for fly fishing. Equipment Regulations A. LINE 1. Monofilament, multifilament, and lead core multifilament lines may be used. For line classes, see World Record Requirements. 2. Wire lines are prohibited. B. LINE BACKING 1. Backing not attached to the fishing line is permissible with no restrictions as to size or material. 2. If the fishing line is attached to the backing, the catch shall be classified under the heavier of the two lines. The backing may not exceed the 130 lb (60 kg) line class and must be of a type of line approved for use in these angling rules. C. DOUBLE LINE The use of a double line is not required. If one is used, it must meet the following specifications: 1. A double line must consist of the actual line used to catch the fish. 2. Double lines are measured from the start of the knot, braid, roll or splice making the double to the farthermost end of the knot, splice, snap, swivel or other device used for securing the trace, leader, lure or hook to the double line. Saltwater species: In all line classes up to and including 20 lb (10 kg), the double line shall be limited to 15 feet (4.57 meters). The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 20 feet (6.1 meters). The double line on all classes of tackle over 20 lb (10 kg) shall be limited to 30 feet (9.14 meters). The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 40 feet (12.19 meters). Freshwater species: The double line on all classes of tackle shall not exceed 6 feet (1.82 meters). The combined length of the double line and the leader shall not exceed 10 feet (3.04 meters). D. LEADER The use of a leader is not required. If one is used, it must meet the following specifications: The length of the leader is the overall length including any lure, hook arrangement or other device, and is measured to the bend of the last hook. The leader must be connected to the line with a snap, knot, splice, swivel or other device. Holding devices are prohibited. There are no regulations regarding the material or strength of the leader. Saltwater species: In all line classes up to and including 20 lb (10 kg), the leader shall be limited to 15 feet (4.57 meters). The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 20 feet (6.1 meters). The leader on all classes of tackle over 20 lb (10 kg) shall be limited to 30 feet (9.14 meters). The combined length of the double line and leader shall be limited to 40 feet (12.19 meters). Freshwater species: The leader on all classes of tackle shall be limited to 6 feet (1.82 meters). The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 10 feet (3.04 meters). E. ROD 1. Rods must comply with sporting ethics and customs. Considerable latitude is allowed in the choice of a rod, but rods giving the angler an
an unfair advantage will be disqualified. This rule is intended to eliminate the use of unconventional rods. 2. The rod tip must be a minimum of 40 inches (101.6 cm) in length. The rod butt cannot exceed 27 inches (68.58 cm) in length. These measurements must be made from a point directly beneath the center of the reel. A curved butt is measured in a straight line. When the rod butt is placed in a gimbal, the measurement from the center of the reel seat to the pivot point of the gimbal can be no more than 27 inches. (The above measurements do not apply to surfcasting rods.) F. REEL 1. Reels must comply with sporting ethics and customs. 2. Power driven reels of any kind are prohibited. This includes motor, hydraulic, or electrically driven reels, and any device that gives the angler an unfair advantage. 3. Ratchet handle reels are prohibited. 4. Reels designed to be cranked with both hands at the same time are prohibited. G. HOOKS FOR BAIT FISHING 1. For live or dead bait fishing no more than two single hooks may be used. Both must be firmly imbedded in or securely attached to the bait. The eyes of the hooks must be no less than a hook's length (the length of the largest hook used) apart and no more than 18 inches (45.72 cm) apart. The only exception is that the point of one hook may be passed through the eye of the other hook. Hooks may not precede bait, lure or bait/lure combo by more than one hook’s length. 2. The use of a dangling or swinging hook is prohibited. Double or treble hooks are prohibited. 3. A two hook rig for bottom fishing is acceptable if it consists of two single hooks on separate leaders or drops. Both hooks must be imbedded in the respective baits and separated sufficiently so that a fish caught on one hook cannot be foul hooked by the other. 4. A photograph or sketch of the hook arrangement must accompany all record applications made for fish caught on two-hook tackle. H. HOOKS AND LURES 1. When using an artificial lure with a skirt or trailing material, no more than two single hooks may be attached to the line, leader, or trace. The hooks need not be attached separately. The eyes of the hooks must be no less than an overall hook's length (the overall length of the largest hook used) apart and no more than 12 inches (30.48 cm) apart. The only exception is that the point of one hook may be passed through the eye of the other hook. The trailing hook may not extend more than a hook's length beyond the skirt of the lure. Hooks may not precede bait, lure or bait/lure combo by more than one hook’s length.. A photograph or sketch showing the hook arrangement must accompany a record application. 2. Gang hooks are permitted when attached to plugs and other artificial lures that are specifically designed for this use. Gang hooks must be free swinging and shall be limited to a maximum of three hooks (single, double, or treble, or a combination of any three). Baits may not be used with gang hooks. A photograph or sketch of the plug or lure must be submitted with record applications. (Continued on page 49) July 29 - August 2, 2009 • TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT - 47
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(Continued from page 47) I. OTHER EQUIPMENT 1. Fighting chairs may not have any mechanically propelled devices that aid the angler in fighting a fish. 2. Gimbals must be free swinging, which includes gimbals that swing in a vertical plane only. Any gimbal that allows the angler to reduce strain or to rest while fighting the fish is prohibited. 3. Gaffs and nets used to boat or land a fish must not exceed 8 feet (2.44 meters) in overall length. In using a flying or detachable gaff the rope may not exceed 30 feet (9.14 meters). The gaff rope must be measured from the point where it is secured to the detachable head to the other end. Only the effective length will be considered. If a fixed head gaff is used, the same limitations shall apply and the gaff rope shall be measured from the same location on the gaff hook. Only a single hook is permitted on any gaff. Harpoon or lance attachments are prohibited. Tail ropes are limited to 30 feet (9.14 meters). (When fishing from a bridge, pier, or other high platform or structure, this length limitation does not apply.) 4. Entangling devices, either with or without a hook, are prohibited and may not be used for any purpose including baiting, hooking, fighting, or landing the fish. 5. Outriggers, downriggers, spreader bars and kites are permitted to be used provided that the actual fishing line is attached to the snap or other release device, either directly or with some other material. The leader or double line may not be connected to the release mechanism either directly or with the use of a connecting device. Spreader bars are also acceptable when used strictly as a teaser. 6. Daisy chains, birds, floats and similar devices may only be used if they do not unfairly hamper or inhibit the normal swimming or fighting ability of the fish, thereby giving the angler or crew an unfair advantage in fighting, landing or boating the fish. 7. A safety line may be attached to the rod provided that it does not in any way assist the angler in fighting the fish. Angling Regulations 1. From the time that a fish strikes or takes a bait or lure, the angler must hook, fight, and land or boat the fish without the aid of any other person, except as provided in these regulations. 2. If a rod holder is used and a fish strikes or takes the bait or lure, the angler must remove the rod from the holder as quickly as possible. The intent of this rule is that the angler shall strike and hook the fish with the rod in hand. 3. In the event of a multiple strike on separate lines being fished by a single angler, only the first fish fought by the angler will be considered for a world record. 4. If a double line is used, the intent of the regulations is that the fish will be fought on the single line most of the time that it takes to land the fish. 5. A harness may be attached to the reel or rod, but not to the fighting chair. The harness may be replaced or adjusted by a person other than the angler. 6. Use of a rod belt or waist gimbal is permitted. 7. When angling from a boat, once the leader is brought within the grasp of the mate, or the end of the leader is wound to the rod tip, more than one person is permitted to hold the leader. Anyone assisting a shore-bound or wading angler must
be within a rods length of the angler before touching the leader or netting or gaffing the fish. 8. One or more gaffers may be used in addition to persons holding the leader. The gaff handle must be in hand when the fish is gaffed. 9. The angling and equipment regulations shall apply until the fish is weighed. The following acts will disqualify a catch: 1. Failure to comply with equipment or angling regulations. 2. The act of persons other than the angler in touching any part of the rod, reel, or line (including the double line) either bodily or with any device, from the time a fish strikes or takes the bait or lure, until the fish is either landed or released, or in giving any aid other than that allowed in the rules and regulations. If an obstacle to the passage of the line through the rod guides has to be removed from the line, then the obstacle (whether chum, floatline, rubber band, or other material) shall be held and cut free. Under no circumstances should the line be held or touched by anyone other than the angler during this process. 3. Resting the rod in a rod holder, on the gunwale of the boat, or any other object while playing the fish. 4. Handlining or using a handline or rope attached in any manner to the angler's line or leader for the purpose of holding or lifting the fish. 5. Shooting, harpooning, or lancing any fish (including sharks and halibuts) at any stage of the catch. 6. Chumming with or using as bait the flesh, blood, skin, or any part of mammals other than hair or pork rind used in lures designed for trolling or casting. 7. Using a boat or device to beach or drive a fish into shallow water in order to deprive the fish of its normal ability to swim. 8. Changing the rod or reel while the fish is being played. 9. Splicing, removing, or adding to the line while the fish is being played. 10. Intentionally foul hooking a fish. 11. Catching a fish in a manner that the double line never leaves the rod tip. 12. Using a size or kind of bait that is illegal to possess. 13. Attaching the angler's line or leader to part of a boat or other object for the purpose of holding or lifting the fish. 14. If a fish escapes before gaffing or netting and is recaptured by any method other than as outlined in the angling rules. The following situations will disqualify a catch: 1. When a rod breaks (while the fish is being played) in a manner that reduces the length of the tip below minimum dimensions or severely impairs its angling characteristics. 2. Mutilation to the fish, prior to landing or boating the catch, caused by sharks, other fish, mammals, or propellers that remove or penetrate the flesh. (Injuries caused by leader or line, scratches, old healed scars or regeneration deformities are not considered to be disqualifying injuries.) Any mutilation on the fish must be shown in a photograph and fully explained in a separate report accompanying the record application. 3. When a fish is hooked or entangled on more than one line. (Continued on page 51) July 29 - August 2, 2009 • TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT - 49
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(continued from page 49) RULES FOR FLYFISHING Equipment Regulations A. LINE Any type of fly line and backing may be used. The breaking strength of the fly line and backing are not restricted. B. LEADER Leaders must conform to generally accepted fly fishing customs. A leader includes a class tippet and, optionally, a shock tippet. A butt or taper section between the fly line and the class tippet shall also be considered part of the leader and there are no limits on its length, material, or strength. A class tippet must be made of nonmetallic material and either attached directly to the fly or to the shock tippet if one is used. The class tippet must be at least 15 inches (38.10 cm) long (measured inside connecting knots). With respect to knoless, tapered leaders, the terminal 15 inches (38.10 cm) will also determine tippet class. There is no maximum length limitation. A shock tippet, not to exceed 12 inches (30.48 cm) in length, may be added to the class tippet and tied to the lure. It can be made of any type of material, and there is no limit on its breaking strength. The shock tippet is measured from the eye of the hook to the single strand of class tippet and includes any knots used to connect the shock tippet to the class tippet. In the case of a tandem hook fly, the shock tippet shall be measured from the eye of the leading hook. C. ROD Regardless of material used or number of sections, rods must conform and cast according to generally accepted fly fishing customs and practices. A rod shall not measure less than 6 feet (1.82 m) in overall length and any rod that gives the angler an unsporting advantage will be disqualified. Overall butt length may not exceed six inches when measured from the center of the reel foot to the end of the butt. Overall butt length for two-handed or spey rods longer than 11 feet may not exceed 10 inches when measured from the center of the reel foot to the end of the butt. D. REEL The reel must be designed expressly for fly fishing. There are no restrictions on gear ratio or type of drag employed except where the angler would gain an unfair advantage. Electric or electronically operated reels are prohibited. E. HOOKS A conventional fly may be dressed on a single or double hook or two single hooks in tandem. The second hook in any tandem fly must not extend beyond the wing material. The eyes of the hooks shall be no farther than 6 inches (15.24 cm) apart. Treble hooks are prohibited. F. LURES The lure must be a recognized type of artificial fly, which includes streamer, bucktail, tube fly, wet fly, dry fly, nymph, popper and bug. The use of any other type of lure or natural or preserved bait, either singularly or attached to the fly, is expressly prohibited. Only a single fly is allowed. Dropper flies are prohibited. The fact that a lure can be cast with a fly rod is not evidence in itself that it fits the definition of a fly. The use of any lure designed to entangle or foul hook a fish is prohibited. No scent, either natural or artificial is allowed on flies. The use of scented material in a fly is prohibited. G. G. GAFFS & NETS Gaffs and nets used to boat or land a fish must not exceed 8 feet (2.44 meters) in overall length. (When fishing from a bridge, pier or other high stationary structure, this length limitation does not apply.) The use of a flying gaff is not permitted. Only a single hook is permitted on any gaff. Harpoon or lance attachments are prohibited.
A rope or any extension cannot be attached to the gaff. Angling Regulations 1. The angler must cast, hook, fight, and bring the fish to gaff or net unaided by any other person. No other person may touch any part of the tackle during the playing of the fish or give aid other than taking the leader for gaffing or netting purposes. Anyone assisting a shorebound or wading angler must be within a rods length of the angler before touching the leader or netting or gaffing the fish. 2. Casting and retrieving must be carried out in accordance with normal customs and generally accepted practices. The major criterion in casting is that the weight of the line must carry the fly rather than the weight of the fly carrying the line. Trolling a fly behind a moving water craft is not permitted. The craft must be completely out of gear both at the time the fly is presented to the fish and during the retrieve. The maximum amount of line that can be stripped off the reel is 120 feet (36.57 meters) from the fly. 3. Once a fish is hooked, the tackle may not be altered in any way, with the exception of adding an extension butt. A harness cannot be attached to the fly rod. 4. Fish must be hooked on the fly in use. If a small fish takes the fly and a larger fish swallows the smaller fish, the catch will be disallowed. 5. One or more people may assist in gaffing or netting the fish. 6. The angling and equipment regulations shall apply until the fish is weighed. The following acts will disqualify a catch: 1. Failure to comply with equipment or angling regulations. 2. The act of persons other than the angler in touching any part of the rod, reel, or line either bodily or with any device during the playing of the fish, or in giving any aid other than that allowed in the rules and regulations. If an obstacle to the passage of the line through the rod guides has to be removed from the line, then the obstacle shall be held and cut free. Under no circumstances should the line be held or touched by anyone other than the angler during this process. 3. Resting the rod on any part of the boat, or on any other object while playing the fish. 4. Handlining or using a handline or rope attached in any manner to the angler's line or leader for the purpose of holding or lifting the fish. 5. Intentionally foul hooking or snagging a fish. 6. Shooting, harpooning, or lancing any fish (including sharks and halibut) at any stage of the catch. 7. Chumming with the flesh, blood, skin, or any part of mammals. 8. Using a boat or device to beach or drive a fish into shallow water in order to deprive the fish of its normal ability to swim. 9. Attaching the angler's line or leader to part of a boat or other object for the purpose of holding or lifting the fish. 10. If a fish escapes before gaffing or netting and is recaptured by any method other than as outlined in the angling rules. 11. When a rod breaks (while the fish is being played) in a manner that reduces its length below minimum dimensions or severely impairs its angling characteristics. 12. When a fish is hooked or entangled on more than one line. 13. Mutilation to the fish, prior to landing or boating the catch, caused by sharks, other fish, mammals, or propellers that remove or penetrate the flesh. (Injuries caused by leader or line, scratches, old healed scars or regeneration deformities are not considered to be disqualifying injuries.) Any mutilation on the fish must be shown in a photograph and fully explained in a separate report accompanying the record application. July 29 - August 2, 2009 • TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT - 51
Over seven decades ago, the winner of the 1st Annual Rio Grande Valley Fishing Rodeo, pictured right, was Dr. I. Henry Smith of Shreveport, La. Here he poses with the “Perpetual Tarpon Trophy” donated by the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company and designed by Lynn Bogue Hunt, New York wildlife artist. Below and right is a photo of 15 year old Pete LaTurno of Harlingen with the Valley’s first sailfish and the first sail entry in the tournament. The photo at the bottom represents a long time tradition of displaying the tournament’s winning catches on the Port Isabel Lighthouse grounds. The tournament still draws crowds of spectators as the anglers bring in their catches to be weighed in. And in just the last 20 years TIFT has attracted over 20,000 anglers of all ages fishing in both offshore and bay divisions. With a tradition now celebrating its 70th year and the eternal lure of sport fishing, the Texas International Fishing Tournament will continue to be a family tradition.
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he 70th Texas International Fishing Tournament joins the exclusive list of only a few tournaments in the world sanctioned by the IGFA Offshore World Championship Series. The top offshore angler or Texas Grand Champion will be invited to the championship based upon his or her accumulated points total at TIFT. It is a unique opportunity for the top anglers to compete with the best fishermen in the world. "We're extremely honored to have been sanctioned by the IGFA," says Tournament President Terry Gray. "The sanctions mean that TIFT has met all of the criteria for the
prestigious organization and it is acknowledgement that our event is truly world class." Included in the sanctioning package is TIFT exposure through the website of the organizations and promotion of the championship through key sport fishing magazines and television shows. TIFT's top angler will be presented with special recognition from the IGFA during the awards ceremonies on Sunday. In addition, an invitation will be issued to participate in the in the IGFA Offshore World Championship in 2010.
hen Paul and Phillip Veale think about South Padre Island, they think about fishing and fishing always includes the Texas International Fishing Tournament. Those thoughts led the two to donate the tournament's newest perpetual trophy-a 43" high bronze sculpture of a jumping blue marlin created by artist Eric Kaposta. The sculpture is entitled "Tail Walkin'" and will honor all of TIFT's past presidents. The Veale Brothers grew up fishing on South Padre Island and hosted the South Padre Island Invitational Fishing Tournaments in the 1980s. As former tournament organizers, both can appreciate the work that is involved. "Keeping the Texas International Fishing Tournament on course year after year is no small task," said Paul Veale. He added, "Many individuals play an important role in the tournament, among whom are the individuals who have served TIFT as President of the Board of Directors. It is with great appreciation of the efforts made by those serving as past presidents of TIFT, as well as those who will serve as presidents in the future, that the Veale Brothers present the Presidents' Trophy to the Texas International Fishing Tournament. The name of each individual serving TIFT as president is engraved on the trophy so that future generations will be reminded of the TIFT tradition." An engraved plaque entitled "Veale Brothers Presidents' Trophy" is attached to the base of the trophy and lists the name of each past president of TIFT and the years served. The trophy will remain in the possession, control and safekeeping of the tournament as long as the annual fishing tournament is held at South Padre Island. It will be housed at the Port Isabel Historical Museum along with TIFT's other perpetual trophies. "We truly appreciate the generosity of the Veale Brothers in donating this beautiful piece of art to TIFT," said current President Terry Gray. "Many individuals have served as president in our 70 year history, and it is an honor to know they will be recognized for their service." .
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