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86th TIFT

Port Isabel • South Padre Island

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President Letter from the

Welcome to the 86th Annual Texas International Fishing Tournament!

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, thank you for participating in this year’s tournament. It is truly an honor to serve as President of TIFT alongside an incredible group of dedicated board members who work tirelessly not only to ensure the success of this tournament today, but also to help lay the groundwork for future generations to carry this tradition forward for many years to come.

Last year, we celebrated the rich history and legacy of TIFT — honoring those visionaries who recognized decades ago the importance of promoting South Padre Island and Port Isabel as premier tourist destinations through sportfishing and fellowship. As we look toward the future, it is especially exciting to see so many former TIFT scholarship recipients returning to serve in leadership roles within the tournament. Their involvement is a testament to the lasting impact TIFT continues to have on our community and the generations that follow.

As many of you know, a tournament of this size has countless moving parts, but at its heart, TIFT remains grounded in the traditions that have made it so special for 86 years. We remain committed to providing a family-friendly tournament experience that represents the spirit of summer — one final celebration before school begins and the routines of everyday life return. From longtime anglers to first-time participants, generations of families have created memories together through TIFT, and preserving that tradition remains one of our greatest priorities.

Whether you are joining us offshore, bay fishing, at the weigh dock, or simply enjoying the camaraderie throughout tournament week, we are grateful you chose to spend your time with us.

Thank you once again for being part of the 86th Texas International Fishing Tournament. We look forward to seeing you on the docks and, hopefully, celebrating with you at the awards ceremony.

Mitch Heidenheimer President, TIFT Executive Board Mitch

Executive Board

McAllen

Port Isabel

Mitch Heidenheimer

Hayley Lawson

Jon Box

Wes Hudson

Melissa Mikulik

Carrie Buchen

Kaston Fultz

Lucy Ann Wolthoff

Art Delgado

Rebecca Galvan

Kristi Collier

Keith Jud

PlayDay

Kicks Off Tournament Weekend

The fun begins before the first line hits the water! PlayDay officially kicks off the Texas International Fishing Tournament with a morning of family-friendly activities, games, and excitement for children of all ages.

Held at the South Padre Island Convention Center, this FREE event is open to the public and welcomes toddlers through pre-teens to join in the fun. From inflatables and crafts to interactive games and the always-popular mullet relay, PlayDay has become a favorite TIFT tradition for generations of families.

Children compete in agegroup activities throughout the morning, with awards presented immediately following the competitions.

Whether it’s your first TIFT or you’ve been attending for years, PlayDay is the perfect way to experience the spirit of the tournament and create memories that last a lifetime.

“TIFT has always been about more than fishing,” says PlayDay Chairman Kaston Fultz. “It’s about families spending time together, introducing kids to the tournament, and creating traditions they’ll carry on for years to come. We can’t wait to welcome everyone for another great PlayDay.”

Don’t forget—junior anglers ages 12 and under fish TIFT FREE with a registered adult, making PlayDay the perfect start to an unforgettable tournament weekend.

Thursday, July 30, 2026 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

South Padre Island Convention Center

TIFT Awards

Scholarships

The Texas International Fishing Tournament Executive Board and the TIFT Endowment Fund Board of Directors are pleased to announce that 34 students have been selected to receive $2,000 scholarships this year. Recipients were chosen based on academic achievement, personal involvement with the tournament, and dedication to their schools and communities.

Scholarship funds are payable directly to each student’s college or university and may be used for tuition, books, lab fees, and other direct educational expenses.

The TIFT Scholarship Program reflects the tournament’s long-standing commitment to supporting education and investing in the future of our community. We are proud to recognize these outstanding students for their hard work, achievements, and involvement with TIFT.

Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients. We look forward to following your continued success in the years ahead.

Alyssa Allen

Daughter of Janelle & Bryan Allen, attending Kauai Community College in the fall.

Son

Owen

Son of Monty & Jerin

Bryant, attending Texas A&M University - College Station in the fall.

Daughter of Sean & Angela Donnelly, attending University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley in the fall.

Son of Kevin & Monica Dyer, attending Texas A&M University - College Station in the fall.

Son

Daughter of Cleve & Miriam Ford, attending Texas A&M UniversityCollege Station in the fall.

Reese

Son

Cora Ford

Lily Ford

Daughter of Cleve & Miriam Ford, attending Texas A&M UniversityCollege Station in the fall.

Finn J. Filippone

Son of Joseph & Casey

Filippone, attending Texas A&M UniversityCollege Station in the fall.

Kendall Dunkin Daughter of Robyn Dunkin & the late Robert Dunkin, attending University of MaryHardin Baylor in the fall.

Karson Dyer

Taylor Colvin

Daughter of Trey & Alison Colvin, attending Texas A&M University - College Station in the fall.

Dante Delgado

of Art & Melissa Delgado, attending Texas A&M UniversityCollege Station in the fall.

Somer Donnelly

Bryant

Preston Galvan

Son of Danny & Rebecca Galvan, attending Texas A&M University - College Station in the fall.

Brandon Garcia

of Buck & Kelsey Garcia, attending Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi in the fall.

Garcia

of Buck & Kelsey Garcia, attending Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi in the fall.

Kylie Garza

Daughter of Rudy & Melinda Garza, attending Texas A&M University - College Station in the fall.

Chelsea Gonzalez

Daughter of Tutu & Nancy Gonzalez, attending Texas State University in the fall.

Kelsey Klostermann

Daughter of Matt & Cristi Klostermann, attending Texas A&M UniversityCollege Station in the fall.

Erica Murad

Daughter of Fernando & Elvia Murad, attending South Texas College in the fall.

Daniela Villanueva

Daughter of Arturo Villanueva & Isabel Guerra, attending Texas A&M University - College Station in the fall.

Coral E. Hawkinson

Daughter of Jimmy & Dayna Hawkinson, attending Texas Christian University in the fall.

Tyler Klostermann

Son of Matt & Cristi Klostermann, attending Texas A&M UniversityCollege Station in the fall.

Seven Lenae Omick

Daughter of John & Carrie Omick, attending Texas A&M UniversityCollege Station in the fall.

Hunter Wernecke

Son of DJ & Rachael Wernecke, attending Texas Tech University in the fall.

Presley Johnson

Daughter of Anthony Johnson & Patricia Nielsen-Hadden, attending University of Georgia in the fall.

Larry Keyes Lohr

Son of Jorge & Laura Flores, attending UTRGV - Brownsville in the fall.

Brycen Oquin

Son of Ryan Oquin & Jennifer Sultemeier, attending University of Colorado in the fall.

Werner A. Wieboldt V

Son of Cuatro & Susan Wieboldt, attending Texas Tech University in the fall.

Cinco Jones

Son of Whit & Sarah Jones, attending the University of Texas - Permian Basin in the fall.

Mallory Lohr

Daughter of Jorge & Laura Flores, attending Schreiner University in the fall.

Felix Oxford

Son of Philip & Mary Alice Oxford, attending Texas A&M University - College Station in the fall.

Mccoy Wolthoff

Son of Matt & Lucy Ann Wolthoff, attending University of TexasAustin in the fall.

Tyler Johnson

Son of Travis & Sarah Johnson, attending Texas A&M UniversityCollege Station in the fall.

Brandon Magouirk

Son of Mark & Sandy Magouirk, attending UTRGV (Brownsville) in the fall.

Cash Phillips

Son of Brett & Jamie Phillips, attending Texas A&M UniversityGalveston in the fall.

Landon Yutzy

Son of Brian & Cathy Leann Yutzy, attending Texas Tech University in the fall.

For Kelsey Klostermann, the Texas International Fishing Tournament has never been just another event on the calendar—it’s been a lifelong tradition. From participating in PlayDay as a young child to fishing with her family and volunteering throughout the tournament, TIFT has helped shape who she is today.

Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the tournament, Kelsey learned early that TIFT is about much more than catching fish. Her father served on the TIFT Executive Board for 17 years, including two years as Board President, while her mother has faithfully volunteered in the merchandise area for many years. Other members of the Klostermann family have also dedicated countless hours to the tournament, making volunteerism and service a true family tradition.

Over the years, Kelsey has embraced that tradition by volunteering in nearly every corner of the tournament. From assembling angler bags and rolling tournament shirts to working merchandise and spending countless hours on the weigh dock, she has become a familiar face to anglers and volunteers alike. Today, she especially enjoys mentoring younger volunteers, passing along the same encouragement and guidance she once received from those before her.

Currently a student at Texas A&M University majoring in Agricultural Economics, Kelsey exemplifies the

Klostermann Kelsey

2026 TIFT Hostess

leadership, dedication, and servant’s heart that the TIFT Hostess represents. Throughout tournament week, she will welcome anglers and spectators, help promote the tournament, assist with special events, and represent TIFT at the weigh dock and throughout the community.

As the 2026 TIFT Hostess, Kelsey will also receive the Mike Baldree Memorial Scholarship, honoring the legacy of one of TIFT’s most dedicated volunteers and leaders. The scholarship recognizes a hostess who exemplifies the values of service, commitment, and family tradition that have defined the Texas International Fishing Tournament for generations.

“TIFT has been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Kelsey says. “It’s where I’ve made lifelong friendships, learned the value of volunteering, and experienced what it means to be part of a family tradition. It is an incredible honor to represent a tournament that has given so much to me and my family, and I hope to help create those same memories for the next generation of anglers and volunteers.”

The Texas International Fishing Tournament is proud to recognize Kelsey Klostermann as the 2026 TIFT Hostess and looks forward to watching her continue the tradition of service that has made the Klostermann family such an important part of the TIFT family for generations.

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GOOD LUCK, ANGLERS! GOOD LUCK, ANGLERS! HAVE FUN AT THE 86 ANNUAL T.I.F.T. TH EXPERIENCED. LOCAL. RESULTS THAT MATTER.

General Rules

Rules & Regulations

• All anglers must comply with all applicable state and federal regulations. A valid Texas fishing license is required.

• Each angler age 13 or older may weigh in only one (1) fish per eligible species, per division, per day.

• Tournament trophies and awards are based on total accumulated eligible points over two (2) days of fishing.

• The angler must accompany their fish to the weigh station and initial the weigh card to verify accuracy.

• All anglers are limited to one (1) weigh-in per day.

• Any passenger aboard a TIFT-registered vessel must also be registered in the tournament.

• Captains and boat operators must also be registered with TIFT for an angler’s fish to qualify for tournament awards.

• The Captain’s Meeting will be held Thursday at 5:00 p.m. at the South Padre Island Convention Center. All anglers are strongly encouraged to attend.

• Texas International Fishing Tournament, Inc. reserves the right to refuse entry into the tournament.

• The TIFT Executive Board reserves the right to interpret all tournament rules and make decisions regarding situations not specifically covered herein. All decisions of the TIFT Executive Board are final.

• Any angler, captain, crew member, or participant may be disqualified for violation of tournament rules, state or federal laws, unsafe boating practices, unsportsmanlike conduct, harassment, fraud, cheating, or conduct deemed detrimental to the integrity of the tournament.

• Night fishing is prohibited in all divisions.

• The tournament will be conducted in accordance with the rules of the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), except where specifically modified by TIFT rules.

• TIFT reserves the right to delay, shorten, modify, or cancel any portion of the tournament due to weather, unsafe conditions, natural disasters, governmental actions, or circumstances beyond the tournament’s control.

• One (1) day of fishing constitutes an official tournament.

• If, after registration, the angler wishes to change divisions, the angler should report to the tournament director before the day’s fishing begins. Points will not count in the previous division.

Protests & Polygraph

• All protests must be submitted in writing by a registered TIFT angler and hand-delivered to a member of the Executive Board or Tournament Director no later than 8:00 p.m. Saturday, along with a $500 deposit.

• If a protest is upheld, the deposit will be refunded. If denied, the deposit will be forfeited.

• All contestants agree to submit to a polygraph examination if requested by the TIFT Executive Board or weighmaster.

• Contestants selected for a polygraph examination are required to acknowledge and comply with the request within the timeframe established by the tournament board.

• Failure to respond to a request for polygraph examination, failure to appear, refusal to cooperate, or failure to complete the examination within the designated timeframe may result in immediate disqualification from the tournament.

1. For Bay Division contestants, the angler’s contact phone number must remain available from official dock time until 6:30 p.m. on the last day of fishing.

2. For Offshore Division contestants, the angler’s contact phone number must remain available from official dock time until 10:00 p.m. on the last day of fishing.

• Any angler or captain who refuses, fails to complete, or produces results deemed unsatisfactory by the required polygraph examination may be disqualified from the current tournament and prohibited from future participation in TIFT tournaments.

• Appeals may only be made through the TIFT Executive Board.

Bay Division Rules

In addition to the General Rules, the following rules apply to the Bay Division:

• Any passenger aboard a TIFT-registered vessel must also be registered in the tournament.

• Remote drop-offs are prohibited. Wade anglers must remain within sight of their registered vessel.

• All Bay Division anglers, including juniors, are limited to one (1) designated fishing line in the water per registered angler at any given time.

• Fishing may begin after 6:30 a.m. on both fishing days.

• Bay boats must be on trailers or secured in their berth by 8:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday and may not depart before 5:00 a.m. each fishing day.

• Final dock time is 5:00 p.m. both days.

• Eligible species include redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, scored at one (1) point per pound.

• Redfish exceeding 28 inches will not be weighed.

• Texas Parks and Wildlife trout regulations will remain in effect throughout the tournament. Any trout exceeding 28 inches that is not tagged as required by law will be ineligible for weigh-in and disqualified from tournament competition.

• Bay anglers must weigh at least one redfish, one trout, and one flounder over two days to qualify for Grand Champion Bay Division.

• Junior anglers age 12 and under may enter stringers of no more than one (1) each of speckled trout, redfish, flounder, drum, jack crevalle and snook in addition to five (5) fish each of all other species common to the bay (excluding sharks, stingrays, and alligator gar) per day. Whole stringers will be weighed and awarded on (1) point per pound.

• Junior anglers ages 13–16 will be scored under Senior rules.

• All Junior Bay Division contestants must hook and reel their own fish. A fishing pole with a fish already hooked and handed to a junior to reel in is NOT a legal catch. Assistance to junior anglers shall be limited to safety-related situations only.

Offshore Division Rules

In addition to the General Rules, the following rules apply to the Offshore Division:

• Any passenger aboard a TIFT-registered vessel must also be registered in the tournament.

• Offshore fishing begins at 6:30 a.m. each day.

• Offshore boats may depart after 7:00 p.m. Thursday and may remain offshore Friday night.

• Fishing must stop by 6:30 p.m. on the first day and 4:00 p.m. on the final day.

• Deployable sonar technology is permitted only during official fishing hours.

• Dock time is 8:00 p.m. on the first day and 7:00 p.m. on the final day.

• No transfer of fish or video between offshore boats is permitted.

• Anglers fishing with natural bait (or natural/ artificial combination bait) may only use nonoffset circle hooks. J-hooks may be used with artificial lures.

• Fishing in Mexican waters is prohibited and will result in disqualification.

• All billfish, whether boated or released, must be reported to the Designated Tournament Representative or Committee Boat before stop fishing time each day. A verification number is required for all reported fish to qualify for points.

• Any billfish intended for weigh-in must make dock time on each day of fishing and may not be held or accumulated across both fishing days. Released billfish, with the required accompanying video documentation and verification number, may be submitted at the weigh dock on Saturday and may include releases from both days of fishing.

• During the last 30 minutes of fishing each day, all hook ups must be reported to the designated tournament representative or committee boat.

• A billfish or video brought to the dock without a verification number will not be eligible for points. The time reported and verified by the designated tournament representative or committee boat will be the official time.

Scoring

• Blue marlin shall be scored, regardless of line size, as follows: the weight of the fish, multiplied by three (3). Minimum length for blue marlin to qualify for points is 110”.

• White marlin and sailfish shall be scored as follows: the weight of the fish multiplied by four (4). Minimum length to qualify for points is 70” for white marlin; 66” for sailfish.

• Other offshore fish—blackfin tuna, yellowfin tuna, bonito, ling, wahoo, barracuda, dolphin, king mackerel and jack crevalle will be scored on (1) point per pound. Spanish mackerel are only awarded a Heaviest of Species Trophy and are not eligible for points. Catch is limited to the single heaviest fish per eligible species per weigh-in.

Catch & Release

Points for Catch and Release trophies will be awarded for the following only:

• Blue Marlin - 1,000 points

• White Marlin - 250 points

• Sailfish - 200 points

• To qualify for Catch and Release points only video will be allowed. Photographs or polaroids will not be accepted.

• In the event of a tie, the first angler to accumulate the highest release points by time will be declared the winner.

• Catch and Release points will count toward the Texas Grand Championship.

• The Junior Offshore Class will consist of children through the age of 16. 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 released a billfish or tarpon.

• When reporting the boating or release of a billfish to the designated tournament representative or committee boat you must provide the following:

1. Name of boat

2. Species of fish (blue/white/sail)

3. Released or boated

Rules & Regulations

continued from page 36

The time verified by the designated tournament representative or committee boat will be the official time. A verification number is required for all reported fish to qualify for points.

• Catch and release video must clearly show the mate with the leader in hand, the fish, the official TIFT tournament object, the release of the fish, and clear species identification.

• All billfish to be released must remain in the water. Video showing said fish out of the water will not be eligible for points.

• A catch and release card must be completed and submitted at the weigh station for each released fish with the date, official time, verification number and signatures of the angler and captain.

Video Verification

• All boats will be required to present their video at the South Point Marina weigh station for the Billfish Review Committee to verify.

• All images must be presented by smartphone or tablet.

• No more than two team members may accompany the video in the review process.

Video must contain the following:

• Mate with leader in hand, the fish, TIFT object of the tournament, and release of fish.

• Clear identification of the species of billfish. In order for a fish to be scored as a blue marlin or white marlin the video must clearly show it is a blue marlin or white marlin. Otherwise, it will be scored as a sailfish and will score the minimum 200 points.

A billfish or video brought to the dock without a verification number will not be eligible for points. The time reported and verified by the designated tournament representative or committee boat will be the official time.

continued from page 37

Tarpon Division Rules

In addition to the General Rules, the following rules apply to the Tarpon Division:

• All tarpon must remain in the water.

• Tarpon Division anglers are limited to tarpon only and may not receive points for any other species.

• Tarpon Division fish are not eligible for Bay or Offshore Division points.

• Scoring is 125 points per tarpon regardless of size.

• Release verification requirements follow Offshore Division video verification rules.

• All tarpon must be reported to the Designated Tournament Representative or Committee Boat before stop fishing time each day. A tarpon release without a verification number will not be eligible for points. The time reported and verified by the designated tournament representative or committee boat will be the official time.

Fly Fishing Division

• The Fly Division will follow the General Rules and Bay Division Rules.

• Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place.

• Fly Division anglers remain eligible for Grand Champion Bay Division and Heaviest Species awards.

Weigh Station & Reporting

Official reporting channel: VHF Channel 68. TIFT Designated Representative (956) 802-3475.

• All fish presented for weigh-in must be in edible condition.

• Receiving station hours begin at 2:00 p.m. on both days of fishing. Please refer to your division rules for final dock time.

• The weighmaster and TIFT Executive Board are the final authorities regarding fish species identification and points awarded.

ILLUSTRATIONS PROVIDED BY LARRY HAINES

ILLUSTRATIONS PROVIDED BY

BLUE MARLIN

MAKAIRA NIGRICANS

Blue Marlin

BLUE MARLIN

MAKAIRA NIGRICANS

Dark blue to chocolate brown body along the back and upper sides, changing to silvery white on the belly. On the sides there are approximately 15 pale blue vertical bars. Blue Marlin may be distinguished from White Marlin by the dorsal, pectoral, and anal fins. The dorsal, pectoral, and anal fins of the Blue Marlin are pointed, whereas White Marlin have rounded fins. The first dorsal fin of the Blue Marlin is much shorter relative to the body depth when compared to that of the White Marlin.

WHITE MARLIN

KAJIKIA ALBIDA

WHITE MARLIN

KAJIKIA ALBIDA

The most characteristic feature of the White Marlin is the rounded, rather than pointed, tips of the pectoral fins, first dorsal fin and first anal fin. The body is dark blue to chocolate along the upper half and brownish to silvery white along the lower sides and belly. Unlike Blue Marlin, the White Marlin usually has no spots or bars on the sides. The White Marlin has a clearly visible lateral line.

SAILFISH

ISTIOPHORUS PLATYPTERUS

Sailfish are dark blue along the upper half of the body, fading to brownish blue on the lower sides to silver white on the belly. The first dorsal fin is high, sail-like, blue-black, and covered with many small black spots. The other fins are silver-blue. On the sides are 15-20 vertical bars consisting of several small blue spots.

White Marlin

ELLIFFMOTORS COM

BOSWELL

ANSON

Clarise Heidenheimer

ARANSAS PASS

Jim Newman

Zeke Garrett BAYVIEW

BOERNE

Curtis Hagar

Elizabeth Campos

Monique Carre

Denene & Sarah Fultz

Kamron Fultz

Klayton Fultz

Meghan Fultz

Buck & Kelsey Garcia

Michael Gonzalez

Rick & Sandy Guerrero

Lee & Kathleen Hollon

Joseph Human IV

Advisory Board

Priscilla Humphreys

Gene Mikulik

Megen Mikulik

Raul Moreno

Paul Moxley

Keyes Ramee

Bud Rowland

John Tippit, IV

Matt Wolthoff

Allyson Miller MENA, AR

RIVIERA

Monty & Jerin Bryant

ROCKPORT

Tami Domasco

Brian Phillips

SAN ANTONIO

Charles Bunk

Balous Miller

SAN BENITO

SAN MARCOS

Mattie Rowe

SANDIA

Michele Clark

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

Denny Bomarito

Troy Giles

Nancy Gray

Mark Hagenmiller

Cynthia Castro Torres

Trey & Allison Colvin

Dustin James

Richard Kline

Joe Lopez

Dr. Criseve Montez

Juan Montez

Cheryl Schill

Ian Schill

Dr. Belinda Torres-Montez

Joe Touchet BROWNSVILLE

Mae Kennedy

Chris & Anne Lofton

Hunter Lofton

Mark & Sandy Magouirk Bailey Miller James & Becky Miller Tom NeSmith

Carrie Omick

Keaton Omick

George Reynolds

Linnette Reynolds Ledesma

Thelma Torres Reynolds

Dustin & Meredith Swanberg

Steve Thomas

Eva Torres

Blake White

Quita Wittenbach

Kendra Stiers Davis

Ken

Jim Bush

David Fair

Tim Smith Jaime Solis

FORT WORTH

Veronica Torres Garcia

David Tubbs

MISSION

Clark Spikes

Cheri Stiers

Lillian Williams

MONTE ALTO

Matt & Cristi Klostermann

Troy Green

ORANGE GROVE

Stephanie Box

PEARSALL

Bailey Dunks

PERRIN

D.J. Wernecke

PORT ISABEL

Janie Barerra

Victor Barrera

Tommie Buchen

John B. Carey

Keiler Gentry

David Gower

Thomas Human

Julian Perera

Tony Reisinger

Celina Scott

Heather Scott

Steve Strohmeyer

Gilbert & Teri Vela

Bobby Wells

Vere & Betty Wells

PORT MANSFIELD

Charles Buchen

James & Melinda Dunks

Chad Kinney

RAYMONDVILLE

Justin Cash

Boomer Klostermann

Dan Klostermann

RICHMOND

John Bunk

RIO HONDO

Mary Jo Bogatto

Jaime Lopez

Stephanie Rhyner

Octavio Elizondo

Jennifer Herrera

Charlie & Tiffaney Kennedy

Richard Moore

Albert & DeAnna Reyes

Brian & Michele Robinson

Raul Torres, Jr.

Donald & Sylvia Wernecke

Joe Ricco

Charles Sheldon

John & Sara Tippit

Stanley Woelfel

SOUTHLAKE

Elizabeth Torres-Salazar

PAST PRESIDENTS

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Melinda

Kristi Collier

Former Champions:

OLIVER SCHWARZ

CHARLES BUCHEN

CHRIS DANIELS

JOHN W. BARRERA

CHARLES BUCHEN

RANDY C. PIERCE

CHARLES BUCHEN

FERDIE BURKET

TODD CASEY

RANDY PIERCE

MICHAEL McLELLAND

DEREK WIATREK

ALBERT PEÑA

BRYAN WOLFE

JOHNNY RODRIGUEZ

MARSH STEUSSY

JOHNNY RODRIGUEZ

JACK BARTON

RAMIRO LOPEZ

CHRISTOPHER GALLEGOS

RAMON ROSALES JR.

SKIPPER RAY

BRIAN WOLFE

HARRY CULLEN JR.

MICHAEL MCCRAW

DAVID LOPEZ

THOMAS BRONS

BALOUS MILLER

ERNIE RODRIGUEZ

SKIPPER MOCK

TERRY ROBERTS

HARRY CULLEN JR.

RICKY FISHEL

JIM ARMACOST

DANNY PAYTON

GIB LITTLE

H.L. GRIFFITH JR.

South

Port

Lozano

Laguna Vista

Laguna Vista Lyford McAllen

Mission

Laguna Vista

Champion 2025 Bay Grand

MICHAEL CURRY

LAGUNA VISTA

Lyford

Harlingen

San Antonio

Lyford

South Padre Island

San Benito

Houston

Laguna Vista

Harlingen

South Padre Island

Mission

VERE WELLS

JOE JONES

O.D. SCOTT

HOLLAND MITCHELL

FRANK MATZ

VERE WELLS

HOLLAND MITCHELL

VERE WELLS

DON SCOGIN

BOBBY BURNS

DR. RICHARD C. ROBBINS

J.W. BENNETT

MRS. ALF SHATTO

MRS. LEON DAY

MRS. CLEO PEDERSON

BILL MASSEY SR.

MRS. O.H. KENNEDY

FRANCES BURTON

LOIS BURNS

H.G. MOORE

MARIE KENWORTHY

BOB MOSES

MARIE KENWORTHY

BILL CONGDON

ALICE WOODS

OTTO SCHVAB

ZELMA MONLUX

JODY GOOLSBY

LEON DAY

ZELMA MONLUX

BILL CONGDON

MRS. LOIS BURNS

E.A. LEWIS

MRS. CLEO PEDERSON

JODY GOOLSBY

JOE BOB LAWRENCE

SAM CASHIOLA

Former Champions:

HALLE BRYANT

JASELYN BERTHELOT

MATTHEW DRISCOLL

VAN MORTON WICHERS

JAMES GOODE

ERICK SALAS

JAMES L. GOODE

JOEY MAHMOUD

SHERMAN BURROWS

JOEY MAHMOUD

MICHAEL DOUGLAS SMITH

WAYNE BROCK

MICHAEL ZINDA

J.R. DOUGLAS

DONNIE SEAY

PETTY GLOVER

MATT RICHTER

SAIL RICKS

KELLEY BRYANT

BRETT POHLER

KEN CULBRETH

JOHN ETIER

CHRISTOPHER NAGELHOUT

CHRISTY BARWISE

DAL ROZZLLE

JAMES W. HELDT

JIMMY LAWSON

FRANK W. WALLACE

KAY SHELDON

MARK SKROBARCYZK JR.

ROB JACOBS

TOM E. MATHIS

JIM CONROW JR.

MICHAEL EWING

NEELY JOHNSON

DAVID JISHA

MIKE GULLEY

RICK DOVER

ANDREA NICHOLS-DUNAWAY

ALLAN BUCHANAN

New Braunfels

Brusly, LA

Stuart, FL

San Angelo

Rockport

South Padre Island

Houston

Austin

Houston

Edinburg

Corpus Christi

Harlingen

Plano

Rockport

Fort Worth

Port Aransas

Quitman

South Padre Island

Victoria

Corpus Christi

Weslaco

Dripping Springs

Corpus Christi

Rockport

Austin

Midland

San Antonio

McAllen

Corpus Christi

Fort Worth

Los Fresnos

South Padre Island

Dallas

McAllen

Laguna Vista

San Antonio

Houston

JAMES DAVID HARLINGEN

ROB TERRY

JOHN NEWTON

MARY PEYTON CHOCHRAN

W.R. “BILL” WHITTEN

JACK JETTE

BILLY PUGH

CARLOS MOORE

BOB STAHLMAN

W.K. BONDESON

TOM KEELER

GEORGE YOUNG

JIM CHARNQUIST

RANDY FARENTHOLD

OTTO KOEHLER

FRED KNAPP

FRANK EVANS

TOM HOLLERON

MRS. KYLE VICK

TOMMY CALDWELL

ROBERT RELAY

MRS. MARY HELEN MILES

AL HARPER

MRS. J.W. GRIFFITH

MRS. CHARLES HOLMES

MRS. LESTER BRUSSE

CAPT. CAREY FREEL

J.R. MCELWRATH

DONALD HAGEN

ALBERT WALLACE

JUNIOR “DOYLE” WELLS

ARCH M. GASKILL

BARRY EWING

PAT DURIVAGE

CLYDE COWDEN

STUART ADKINS

HARVEY L. RICHARDS

FRED MALY

R.J. MONTGOMERY

DR. I. HENRY SMITH

Corpus

San

Rockport

Corpus

Rockport

Elgin, IL

Raymondville

Midland

Port

Harlingen

San

Rio Hondo

Shreveport, LA

WE ARE EMR

WE RECYCLE ANYTHING

FROM A CAN TO AN AIRCRAFT CARRIER,

PUTTING VITAL RESOURCES BACK INTO THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY.

EMR is a full-service marine recycling company, with vast experience in the decommissioning of marine vessels, from barges, to the largest vessels in the world.

Our shipbreaking division, International Shipbreaking LLC, has been respectfully and responsibly recycling ships for over 28 years, honoring both the ship’s history and the people who served onboard, and making sure the materials go on to live new lives.

We pay competitive prices for:

& nonferrous metals

RECYCLE YOUR UNWANTED MATERIALS TODAY

JUNIOR CATEGORIES

Jr. Participation, 7 & Under Payne Auto Group

Jr. Participation, 8-12 Years Blue Marlin Supermarket

Junior Participation Awards are awarded to every junior weighing in a fish

Veale Brothers Past Presidents

Jr. Participation, 13-16 Years Dargel Boats TIFT Executive Board

JUNIOR BAY

3rd Place 7 & under

2nd Place 7 & under

1st Place 7 & under

3rd Place 8-12 yrs

2nd Place 8-12 yrs

1st Place 8-12 yrs

3rd Place 13-16 yrs

2nd Place 13-16 yrs

1st Place 13-16 yrs

Cactus Creek Ranch 1995-2025

In Honor of Raul Torres, Sr., Past

Honorary Director & Vice President

TIFT Executive Board

Tommy Graham’s Paint & Body Shop

Kellie Box

James & Martha Foster In Memory of Leon & Ann Day Trey Mikulik

Landtitle Texas Inland Outdoors

The Cleve and Miriam Ford family

JUNIOR OFFSHORE

3rd Place No Billfish

2nd Place No Billfish

1st Place No Billfish

3rd Place w/Billfish

2nd Place w/Billfish

Beach Waterpark South Padre Island

JCF Construction/Filippone Family Bryant Industrial Services

Blue Marlin Homes, Inc.

Denny & Beth Bomarito, in memory of Anthony Rourke Bomarito 1st Place w/Billfish Queen B Fishing Team

Blake Newman Bunk Memorial Trophy, Perpetual Trophy

TARPON

3rd Place * 2nd Place * 1st Place * Griffith Truck Brokers

The Jon Box Family Chuck & Denene Fultz

Tarpon Division Perpetual Trophy Missouri Pacific Lines (RGV)

* Awarded on the basis of overall tarpon points for two days of fishing

HEAVIEST OF SPECIES

Trophies & Sponsors

HEAVIEST OF SPECIES

Drum

Spanish Mackerel Yellowfin Tuna

Palmer Steel

Reliable Electric RE/MAX Elite

Sea Island Hilton Heaviest Tuna Perpetual Award

Wahoo

Ling King Mackerel

Jack Crevalle

Dolphin Bonito

Blackfin Tuna Barracuda

First Billfish Caught

Fritz Bergh Memorial Trophy

Sailfish

Flounder

Trout Redfish Human Boys - J&L Refrigeration FF Business Services Lewis Electric

Gary Guenzel & Family Heaviest Trout Perpetual Award

Cleve Greer Memorial Heaviest Redfish Perpetual Award

Snook Tim Bothwell

The Ramee Family

The Richard Garza Family

Howdy Dental B Octavio Elizondo

DDS MAGD

Louie’s Backyard

Rio Ranch Sales

The Collier Family

Osprey Cruises

Corporate Solutions

Raul Leal/White Fin Charter

The Gower Family

Charles Polheumus Lifetime Sailfish Perpetual Award

White Marlin

Jim Newman

Francis E. Knapp, Jr. & Averyt Knapp White Marlin Perpetual Award

Blue Marlin Mitch & Clarise Heidenheimer

Southland Life Insurance Blue Marlin Perpetual Award

Most Unusual Fish* Hockaday Service Award**

The Berthot Family

Robin & Bobby Farris

Mildred & Marvin Downs Good Sportsmanship Perpetual Award

Good Sportsman Trophy*

Robert John Meade Award**

Robert John Meade Perpetual Award**

Inland Outdoors

The Brunneman Family

TIFT Executive Board

* To be determined by the Executive Board. ** Awarded to the individual or organization selected for outstanding promotion of South TX fishing.

FLY FISHING

3rd Place 2nd Place 1st Place

B & C Car Wash

Leslie & Stanley Woelfel

Tim O’Brien

Tim O’Brien Fly Fishing Perpetual Award

LADIES BAY

3rd Place 2nd Place 1st Place

3rd Place * 2nd Place * 1st Place *

Beach Waterpark South Padre Island

Landtitle Texas

Shallow Sport of TX, Inc.

TROUT DIVISION

Bud’s Quality Plumbing

Neuhaus & Sons

Coastal Lighting

Veale Brothers Past Presidents

86TH ANNUAL TIFT

Trophies S & Sponsors

REDFISH DIVISION

FLOUNDER DIVISION

HIGHEST OFFSHORE POINTS

LADIES OFFSHORE

CATCH & RELEASE

SAILFISH DIVISION

MARLIN

3rd Place * 2nd Place * 1st

* Awarded on the basis of overall points for two days of fishing BLUE

Swanberg Farms Partnership

Industrial Coils LLC Tarpon Self Storage

LADIES OFFSHORE

W/Billfish 3rd Place

W/Billfish 2nd Place

W/Billfish 1st Place

The Ramee Family Cam-Team Construction The Baldree Family

HIGHEST OFFSHORE POINTS

W/Billfish 3rd Place

W/Billfish 2nd Place

Fox Yacht Sales In Memory of Patsy Robinson by the Jimmy Payne Family

TX Grand Champion* The Hudson Family

* Awarded to the angler with the highest point total for two days of fishing. Angler must have weighed in a billfish and a released billfish. If these qualifications have not been met, the Grand Champion will be the angler with the most offshore points.

Boatman Award*

Jim Newman

Linda Putnam Perpetual Boatman Perpetual Award*

* Awarded to the registered captain whose boat accumulates the most points during two days of fishing

Team Trophy* The Sportsman

*Awarded to the team with the highest point total for two days of fishing

Jean Hunter Newman Memorial Perpetual Award