85th Annual TIFT Program Book by Kristi Collier

85TH

TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT

The Legacy

JULY 30 - AUGUST 3, 2025

Port Isabel • South Padre Island

ADVISORY

TROPHIES

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O N T A C T U S

FROM PRESIDENT THE

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Texas International Fishing Tournament, Inc., we welcome you to the 85 th TIFT tournament in beautiful South Padre Island where we are celebrating The Legacy that this tournament has created.

We have a fun filled 5 days planned for you, your friends and family. We will be opening our event with registration on Wednesday, July 30 th at 3PM at the South Padre Island Convention Center where you will have the opportunity to get your 85th TIFT merchandise. The Challenge will be open for those anglers wanting to participate in the various categories we have. Wednesday evening is our prestigious invitation only VIP event to thank our many sponsors and advertisers. We continue the fun on Thursday with registration opening at 10AM. Playday for the young anglers starts at 10AM at the South Padre Island Convention center and concludes at 1PM. This year we bring back the competition at Playday, so be ready for the junior anglers to win some awards! The Captain’s Meeting will be at 5PM on Thursday and immediately followed by the Thursday evening social featuring a fajita plate dinner by Bill Miller Barbecue. If you are not fishing on Friday and Saturday, you can come and watch weigh in at South Point Marina in Port Isabel. We will have our giant live leaderboard on the dock as well as covered seating for you to enjoy watching all the anglers bringing in their catch! Bay weigh in is from 2PM-5PM Friday and Saturday and Offshore weigh in is from 5PM-8PM Friday and 5PM-7PM Saturday where anglers will come to the dock with their best catch of the day and be able to take a picture with our beautiful TIFT Hostess, Sofia Baldree. We will be wrapping up the weekend on Sunday at South Padre Island Convention Center with a Barbecue lunch by Bill Miller Barbecue starting at 11AM and the awards ceremony shortly thereafter where we will be handing out participation trophies for the youth anglers and some unique trophies for our winners.

We are excited to announce this year TIFT awarded 31 scholarships to individuals in our TIFT family who will be pursuing higher education. Your continued support of TIFT allows the organization to give back to our community. Many

congratulations to each of our scholarship recipients and to our TIFT Hostess, Sofia Baldree, on receiving the Mike Baldree Memorial Scholarship.

Thanks to the funds raised by the TIFT Bucket Raffle we were able to make fishing in the tournament for ages 12 and under FREE! Please make sure to stop by the Bucket Raffle tables and buy your tickets to support our junior anglers.

In celebration of the 85th TIFT, we recognize all those who played a part in the creation of this Legacy. It is incredible to see so many families with generations of TIFT anglers that continue to support this event year after year. You will see many memories of TIFTS past in the various photographs and memorabilia throughout the convention center. We hope this warms your hearts as it has ours.

There are so many people that come together to make this tournament happen every year. Thank you to the Corporate Sponsors and Advertisers for your support; to the countless volunteers that come out to the convention center and the dock during the event; to the Advisory Board Members who are always available when we reach out for assistance; to my fellow Executive Board Members for your countless hours of work all year long in preparation for this event and for making it happen these 5 days; and finally to our Tournament Director, Kristi Collier, for EVERYTHING. KC, you made my visions a reality and there are no words to say thank you for all of it. Love you BIG!

It has been an honor to serve as your TIFT President these past two years. The memories I have made will be cherished forever. It is my hope that I have left a little bit behind so the Legacy of TIFT may live on for many more years to come.

FISH ON!

Melissa Mikulik President, TIFT Executive Board

EXECUTIVE BOARD 2025

President • McAllen

Director • Orange Grove

Director • Harlingen

Director • McAllen

Vice President • Anson

Director • Harlingen

Director • Port Isabel

Treasurer • Laguna Vista

Director • Los Fresnos

Director • Monte Alto

Secretary • Weslaco

Director • Harlingen

Director • San Antonio

Tournament Director McAllen

MELISSA MIKULIK

KASTON FULTZ

LUCY ANN WOLTHOFF

JON BOX

MITCH HEIDENHEIMER

KEITH JUD

CARRIE BUCHEN

WES HUDSON

MATT KLOSTERMANN

ART DELGADO

REBECCA GALVAN

HAYLEY LAWSON

KRISTI COLLIER

CHUCK FULTZ

85th TIFT

KICKS OFF WITH PLAYDAY

COMPETITION AT TEXAS’ LARGEST FISHING TOURNAMENT BEGINS ON LAND AT PLAYDAY!

The annual event serves as the official kick-off for the Texas International Fishing Tournament (TIFT).

The family-oriented tournament is all about making memories which start with PlayDay. The free event is open to the public and kids from toddlers to pre-teens are invited to take part. Doors open at the South Padre Island Convention Center hall, Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. and the fun continues until 1:00 p.m.

A variety of games, inflatables, activities and crafts will all be available, plus competition games including the ever popular mullet relay. Kids compete by age group and awards are held immediately after the event.

Legacy is the theme of the 85th TIFT tournament. PlayDay chairperson, Kaston Fultz, “That’s what we are reflecting on this year. Where it all started, how it came about, and the intense competition.”

“TIFT is a tradition passed down through generations,” says Fultz. “And, it all starts at PlayDay.” Fultz speaks from experience, his dad Chuck is a past PlayDay chair and his four daughters take part each year.

Speaking of legacy, on hand to meet, greet and cheer on PlayDay goers is the 85th TIFT Hostess, Sofia Baldree, a third generation TIFT participant.

“I truly believe this tournament is strikingly different because of the family dynamic,” Fultz shares. “Without youth, there is no growth. We are so excited to have everybody join us for PlayDay this year! “Tie those shoes tight, get your game faces on, and most importantly be safe and have fun.”

Also of note for kids: junior anglers 12 and under fish the tournament for FREE with an adult registration.

Supportive sponsors of this year’s PlayDay include:

Visit South Padre Island

Texas Regional Bank

LJH LLC, Sea Ranch Marinas

Landtitle Texas

First National Bank of Anson

City of Port Isabel

Driscoll Children’s Hospital

EMR/ International Shipbreaking

KRGV TV 5

Nexstar Media Group

Port Isabel EDC

Shallow Sport of Texas

Continuing the TIFT tradition with our 5 generation of TIFT anglers! th and their four fishing buddies

Bobby & Robin Farris

Wishing everyone a wonderful 85 TIFT th

TIFT AWARDS

31 SCHOLARSHIPS

The Texas International Fishing Tournament and TIFT Endowment Fund Board of Directors are pleased to announce that 31 outstanding students have been selected to receive $ 2,000 scholarships. Each was selected on the basis of personal tournament involvement and grades. Funds are payable to the students’ colleges and can be used only for tuition, books, lab fees and other direct expenses at the accredited school of their choice. Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients!

Daughter of Brent & Melissa Baldree, attends Texas A&M University - College Station.

CASSANDRA DELGADO

Daughter of Art & Melissa Delgado, attends Baylor University.

Son of Monty & Jerin Bryant, attends Texas A&M UniversityCollege Station.

DANTE DELGADO

Son of Art & Melissa Delgado, attends Texas A&M University - College Station.

Daughter of Cary & Nicole

attends Texas State University .

KIRSTIN DONNELLY

Daughter of Jamie & Glenn Donnelly, attends Texas A&M University - College Station.

Louisiana State University.

SOMER DONNELLY

Daughter of Sean & Angela Donnelly, will attends the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley.

KENDALL DUNKIN

Daughter of Robyn Dunkin & the late Robert Dunkin, attends the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

MARY CHARVAT

Charvat,

DELL DAVIS

Daughter of Scott & Laney Davis, attends

TESSA DE LA GARZA Daughter of Sam & Minnie de la Garza, attends Texas A&M University - College Station.

OWEN BRYANT

SOFIA BALDREE

CORA FORD

Daughter of Cleve and Miriam Ford, attends Texas A&M University - College Station.

LILY FORD

Daughter of Cleve and Miriam Ford, attends Texas A&M University - College Station.

KATELYN GARZA

Daughter of Rudy & Melinda Garza, attends Texas A&M University Corpus Christi.

KYLIE GARZA

Daughter of Rudy & Melinda Garza, attends Texas A&M College-Station.

CHELSEA GONZALEZ

Daughter of Nancy & Arturo Gonzalez, attends Texas State University.

Daughter of Jasen Hardison & Leslie Hetmaniak, attends Texas A&M College-Station.

Daughter of Hunter & Lorain Keath, attends Texas A&M College-Station.

SAMANTHA RICCO

Daughter of Joseph Ricco and Stacey Ricco, attends University of Texas at San Antonio

Son of Rene & Dora Hinojosa, attends Texas A&M University - Kingsville.

Daughter of Matt & Cristi Klostermann, attends Texas A&M College-Station.

PIKE THOMAS

Son of Steve & Carly Thomas, attends Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi.

Son of Scott & Crystal Hughes, attends Abilene

University

William & Jenny

Son of Raul Torres & Cynthia Castro, attends the University of Texas at Rio

Lucy

HADLEIGH KEATH

ERICA MURAD

JAMES HUGHES

PORTIA JOHNSON

SEVEN OMICK ELLINGTON HULL

FELIX OXFORD

KELSEY KLOSTERMANN

COLE HINOJOSA

JENNA HARDISON

RAUL TORRES

HUNTER WERNECKE HUNTER ANN WOLTHOFF

LANDON YUTZY

Son of DJ and Rachael Wernecke, attends Texas Tech University.

Son of Mary Alice & Philip Oxford attends Texas A&M College-Station.

Daughter

Matt &

Ann Wolthoff, attends Texas A&M College-Station.

Son of Brian Yutzy & Leann Yutzy, attends Texas Tech University.

Daughter of Anthony Johnson & Patti Hadden, attends the University of Mississippi.

Daughter of John & Carrie Omick, attends Texas A&M College-Station.

Daughter of

Hull, attends University of Texas.

Grande Valley.

Daughter of Elvia Murad, attends South Texas College.

Christian

THREE GENERATIONS. ONE ENDURING LEGACY.

Brent Baldree carries on a proud tradition as a second-generation supporter of TIFT. With his father, Mike “Iron Mike” Baldree, (“PoPo” to his grandchildren), the duo is among the many dedicated individuals who made the tournament what it is today. The Baldree legacy runs deep, and though we sadly lost Mike in 2015, the tradition continues as Brent’s daughter Sofia steps into the role of this year’s TIFT Hostess - an honor once held by her Aunt Patience.

Thank you to the Baldree family for decades of leadership, heart, and service to TIFT!

-Your Texas Regional Bank family

SOFIA BALDREE 2025 TIFT HOSTESS

CARRYING ON THE BALDREE FAMILY LEGACY

This year’s hostess is quite suited to the theme of the 85th Texas International Fishing Tournament: “The Legacy”. Sofia Baldree of McAllen is a third generation participant and volunteer; a tradition that started with her grandfather, and beloved member of the TIFTfamily, Mike Baldree.

TIFT served as the perfect setting for Mike to share his love of the outdoors with his family, including Sofia’s parents, Brenton and Melissa Baldree. Through decades the family has given back in a multitude of ways: Mike and Brenton both served as TIFT Executive Board president; and Sofia’s aunt Patience served as TIFT hostess in 1993.

Nominations for TIFT Hostess are submitted by the tournament’s advisory or executive boards and selected by the TIFT Executive Board. “Criteria is involvement in the TIFT tournament for a significant amount of time preceding the upcoming event, with emphasis on participation and volunteering,” says TIFT board president, Melissa Mikulik.

Sofia’s role during the tournament will be to welcome anglers and spectators throughout the 5-day event, much like her grandfather did in an unofficial capacity.

Mikulik recalls Mike taking on greeting duties at many TIFT events, “Mike was a smiling face all of the time, he made a point to talk to people and make them feel welcome. He really represented what TIFT has to offer,” says Mikulik, who sees similar qualities in Sofia; remembering a shy, very little Sofia who “fearlessly” helped sell bucket raffle tickets. Sofia’s own vivid memories include fishing the tournament, receiving her first participation trophy, and taking part in PlayDay.

Serving as TIFT Hostess is a full circle moment for Sofia, “I used to really look forward to going down the big slide as a child. I want to foster that same love and passion for other kids.”

Sofia is majoring in public health at Texas A&M University - College Station, and as hostess is the recipient of the Mike Baldree Memorial Scholarship. “It truly is an honor to be a TIFT Hostess,” she says. “This tournament means so much to my family and I am honored to represent the traditions and values that have influenced my life.”

RULES & REGULATIONS

All anglers must adhere to all State and Federal regulations. A valid Texas fishing license is required.

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 person 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 will be held at South Padre Island Convention Center on Thursday at 5:00 pm. It is strongly advised that you attend the Captain’s Meeting in order to ensure you adhere to and comply with all TIFT rules. Any questions regarding the rules can be answered at the Captain’s Meeting.

• 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 6:30 am (Bay Division) and 6:30 am (Offshore Division) on Friday. No contestants shall be eligible for awards unless registered in advance of Friday. Angler must be a registered contestant of TIFT in order for the fish to be weighed. All fish will be measured and weighed only once and the decisions of the weighmaster and TIFT Executive Board are final.

• Receiving Station: All fish brought to the receiving station at Southpoint Marina in Port Isabel to be weighed and measured must be in edible condition. All fish are subject to further inspection if deemed necessary by the weighmaster or a TIFT Executive Board Member. The station hours are from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm on the first day of fishing and 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm on the final day.

THE WEIGHMASTER AND TIFT EXECUTIVE BOARD ARE THE FINAL AUTHORITIES AS TO THE SPECIES OF FISH AND POINTS AWARDED.

Please note: The Long Island Village Swing Bridge, as a rule, opens only on the hour. Please plan accordingly.

The tournament will be conducted in accordance to the International Game Fish Association rules (“IGFA”), except that an angler in the Offshore Division may receive assistance in moving rod from rod holder to chair. Bay anglers may use treble hooks on any bait. IGFA rules are available on the internet at www.igfa.org.

Changing Divisions: If, after registration, the angler wishes to change divisions, he/she should report to the weighmaster or tournament director before the day’s fishing begins. Points will not count in the previous division fished.

Tournament: There will be two days of fishing: Friday and Saturday.

Bad Weather: One day of fishing will constitute a tournament. Parties will be held as scheduled.

Night Fishing: Night fishing IS NOT allowed in any division.

Protests: PROTESTS MUST BE FILED IN WRITING BY A REGISTERED TIFT ANGLER, HAND DELIVERED TO A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OR THE TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR, ALONG WITH A $500 DEPOSIT NO LATER THAN 8:00 PM SATURDAY. If said protest is upheld, the $500 deposit will be returned to the angler who filed the protest. If said protest is not upheld, the $500 deposit is forfeited by the angler who filed the protest.

Polygraph Test: All contestants, including minors, agree to take a polygraph test if required by the TIFT Executive Board or the TIFT weighmaster. Any angler or captain who fails to pass the required polygraph examination, is disqualified from the current tournament and banned from participating in any future TIFT tournaments. Appeals can only be made through the TIFT Executive Board.

Heaviest Fish Awards: Any registered angler is eligible for the award of heaviest of species regardless of division fished, but fish will not count for points unless the angler is registered in that fish division.

BAY DIVISION RULES

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

The contest shall begin at 6:30 am on Friday.

Any passenger onboard a TIFT registered vessel must be registered in the tournament.

No remote drop-offs. Wade anglers must remain in sight of their TIFT registered boat.

Special Note: TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE TROUT REGULATION WILL BE IN EFFECT FOR THE DURATION OF THE TIFT TOURNAMENT. ONLY ONE TAGGED TROUT PER ANGLER IS ALLOWED FOR THE DURATION OF THE TOURNAMENT.

ANY TIES IN WEIGHT WILL BE BROKEN BY LENGTH. SHOULD THERE BE A TIE IN LENGTH, TIE WILL BE BROKEN BY TIME OF WEIGH IN.

Bay Division, Junior and Senior Classes: All bay anglers, including juniors, are restricted to one designated fishing line per registered angler in the water at any given time.

Fishing hours: Contestants may start fishing after 6:30 am both days. All bay boats must be on their trailers or tied up in the berth by 8:00 pm on Thursday & Friday, and may not leave the dock before 5:00 am each day of fishing. Final dock time for both Friday and Saturday is 5 pm for both Seniors and Juniors. Anglers must weigh in their catch each day. Scoring:

Daily bag limits may include the single heaviest of 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 the weigh station will be disqualified without substitution for that species. No redfish longer than 28” will be weighed.

Special Note: The vessel registration numbers will be required for all bay boats. Anglers must specify their correct vessel registration 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 Bay Division.

Juniors: Ages 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. 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.

Dock Time: Final dock time for both days of fishing is 5 pm. Anglers must be in sight of weighmaster in front of weigh station no later than 5 pm to qualify.

OFFSHORE DIVISION RULES

Team Trophy: To be eligible to win the trophy, the contestant must give the boat name or number at registration.

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

The tournament will be conducted in accordance with the International Game Fish Association rules (“IGFA”), except that an angler in the Offshore Division may receive assistance in moving rod from rod holder to chair. IGFA rules are available on the internet at www.igfa.org. However, if there is a conflict between an IFGA rule and a TIFT rule, the TIFT rule supersedes and will apply.

Fishing Hours: Contestants may start fishing at 6:30 am on both days. Offshore boats may depart their dock any time after 7 pm on Thursday, and may stay out Friday night if they choose. They must stop fishing by 6:30 pm on the first day and 4 pm on the final day. During the last 30 minutes of fishing each day, all hook ups must be reported to the DESIGNATED TOURNAMENT REPRESENTATIVE OR COMMITTEE BOAT. DEPLOYABLE SONAR TECHNOLOGY IS ONLY ALLOWED DURING FISHING HOURS. Dock time for the first day is 8 pm; final day, 7 pm.

ANY BILLFISH THAT ARE TO BE WEIGHED IN AT THE DOCK MUST STILL MAKE DOCK TIME ON EACH DAY OF FISHING AND MAY NOT BE ACCUMULATED OVER THE TWO DAYS OF FISHING. ALL RELEASED BILLFISH WITH ACCOMPANYING VIDEO FOR BOTH DAYS MAY BE TURNED INTO THE WEIGH DOCK ON SATURDAY.

ANGLERS ARE STILL ALLOWED TO WEIGH IN ONLY ONE FISH PER SPECIES PER WEIGH IN. NO LINES OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED IN THE

WATER PRIOR TO FISHING START TIMES.

Scoring:

a) 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”.

b) 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.

c) 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.

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 ---- 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 Video image must contain the following:

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

2) 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

3) All images must be presented by smartphone or tablet.

ALL BILLFISH, WHETHER BOATED OR RELEASED, MUST BE REPORTED OR RELAYED TO THE DESIGNATED TOURNAMENT REPRESENTATIVE OR COMMITTEE BOAT BY VHF RADIO, CELL PHONE, OR SATELLITE PHONE BY STOP FISHING TIME EACH DAY AND THE LANDING TIME MUST BE VERIFIED WITH A VERIFICATION NUMBER BY THE DESIGNATED TOURNAMENT REPRESENTATIVE OR COMMITTEE BOAT TO QUALIFY FOR EARNED POINTS. A FISH 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. IN THE EVENT OF A TIE, THE FIRST ANGLER TO ACCUMULATE THE HIGHEST RELEASE POINTS BY TIME WILL BE DECLARED THE WINNER.

A CATCH AND RELEASE CARD MUST BE COMPLETED FOR EACH RELEASED FISH WITH THE DATE, OFFICIAL TIME, VERIFICATION NUMBER, AND SIGNATURES OF THE ANGLER AND CAPTAIN AND SUBMITTED TO THE WEIGH STATION.

ALL BILLFISH TO BE RELEASED MUST REMAIN IN THE WATER. VIDEO SHOWING SAID FISH OUT OF THE WATER WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR POINTS.

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.

Dock Time: Dock time is 8:00 pm on the first day and 7:00 pm on the second day. Offshore boats must be inside Brazos Santiago jetties in the Brownsville Ship Channel by final dock time to qualify. A committee boat will be standing by on VHF Ch 68 to verify.

No transfer of fish or video from one offshore boat to another is allowed.

Hooks: Anglers fishing with natural bait (or natural/artificial combination bait) may only use non-offset circle hooks. J-hooks may be used with artificial lures.

Fishing in Mexico: Fishing in Mexican waters is NOT allowed. If any vessel is found to have fished in Mexican waters, that vessel and its anglers will be disqualified from the tournament.

TARPON DIVISION RULES

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

ALL TARPON MUST REMAIN IN THE WATER. VIDEO SHOWING SAID FISH IN OR ON THE BOAT WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR POINTS.

Tarpon Division, Junior and Senior Class: Fishing hours: Contestants may start fishing 30 minutes before official sunrise. They must stop fishing on the first day by one hour after official sunset. All tarpon anglers, including juniors, are restricted to one designated fishing line per registered angler in the water at any given time. Tarpon Division Catch and Release must be verified with the same video requirements as listed in the Catch and Release information as contained in the Offshore Division Rules. Scoring will be 125 points per tarpon, regardless of size. Tarpon released must be reported to THE DESIGNATED TOURNAMENT REPRESENTATIVE. Tarpon division anglers are limited to TARPON ONLY and will not be allowed to weigh in or receive points for any other fish.

Dock Times: For the first day only, fish hooked after 8:00 pm and before official sunset may be reported on the second day. DOCK TIME ON FINAL DAY IS 7:00 PM, REGARDLESS OF CIRCUMSTANCES.

FLY FISHING DIVISION RULES

The Fly Division will be governed by the General Rules and Bay Fishing Rules. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. Anglers will be eligible for Grand Champion Bay prize and heaviest of species award.

MINIMUM LENGTH REQUIREMENT

All billfish must be measured as shown here.

To insure uniform measurements, TIFT requires all billfish to be measured across the side from tip of lower jaw to fork of tail.

WEIGH STATION

Channel 68 VHF

TIFT designated Representative (956) 802-3475

ALL BILLFISH AND TARPON WHETHER BOATED OR RELEASED, MUST BE REPORTED OR RELAYED TO DESIGNATED TOURNAMENT REPRESENTATIVE OR COMMITTEE BOAT BY VHF RADIO, CELL PHONE, OR SATELLITE PHONE BY STOP FISHING TIME EACH DAY AND THE LANDING TIME MUST BE VERIFIED WITH A VERIFICATION NUMBER BY DESIGNATED TOURNAMENT REPRESENTATIVE OR COMMITTEE BOAT TO QUALIFY FOR EARNED POINTS. A FISH, VIDEO BROUGHT TO THE DOCK WITHOUT A VERIFICATION NUMBER WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR POINTS. THE TIME REPORTED AND VERIFIED BY DESIGNATED TOURNAMENT REPRESENTATIVE OR COMMITTEE BOAT WILL BE THE OFFICIAL TIME.

VIDEO RELEASE POINTS

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

All boats must be able to display their video on a monitor or laptop when presenting their video for verification. The Billfish Review Committee will have a monitor and laptop available at the tournament however it is the responsibility of the angler/participant to provide everything needed to view their video.

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

When reporting the boating or release of a billfish to the designated tournament representative please provide the following: Name of boat, species of fish (blue/white/sail), released or boated. THE TIME REPORTED AND VERIFIED BY DESIGNATED TOURNAMENT REPRESENTATIVE OR COMMITTEE BOAT WILL BE THE OFFICIAL TIME.

TOURNAMENT VIDEO TIPS

Here are a few tips from TIFT on capturing video releases. Most important of all is to read the tournament rules. Rules vary from tournament to tournament and from year to year.

1. KISS principles apply.

2. Do not zoom in.

3. Make sure recording devices are thawed out prior to use.

4. Have someone who knows how to operate your recording devices.

5. iPad video has proven to be very effective.

6. Start with a clean ID card if your device uses one.

Many hours of preparation and planning go into this sport. Hopefully these tips can help you avoid mistakes many of us have paid the price for. Good luck.

ILLUSTRATIONS

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

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.

ARANSAS PASS

Jim Newman

BAYVIEW

Zeke Garrett

BOERNE

Curtis Hagar

Susan Wieboldt

BROWNSVILLE

Elizabeth Campos

Monique Carre

Cynthia Castro Torres

Trey & Allison Colvin

Dustin James

Richard Kline

Joe Lopez

Juan Montez

Terry Ray

Cheryl Schill

Ian Schill

Dr. Belinda Torres-Montez

Joe Touchet

BURNET

Kendra Stiers Davis

CANYON LAKE

Jaime & Lisa Guerrero

CHRISTOVAL

Chelsea Click

COMBES

Gil Staton

CORPUS CHRISTI

Taylor Gray

Julia Perera

Patrick Reynolds

DALLAS

Charles Barnett

EDINBURG

Jim Bush

Tim Smith

Jaime Solis

FORT WORTH

David Tubbs

Susan Abbott

Tim Bothwell

Charles Buchen

Warren Carper

Chris Daniels

Doug Dunkin

Christopher Elliff

Bobby & Robin Farris

Casey & Pepe Fillipone

Ryan & Lauren Foster

Kamron Fultz

Klayton Fultz

Meghan Fultz

Buck & Kelsey Garcia

ADVISORY BOARD

Dan & Debbie Groves

Rick & Sandy Guerrero

Lee & Kathleen Hollon

Joseph Human IV

Charles Kennedy

Mae Kennedy

Chris & Anne Lofton

Hunter Lofton

Mark & Sandy Magouirk

Bailey Miller

James & Becky Miller

Tom NeSmith

Tim O’Brien

Carrie Omick

Keaton Omick

George Reynolds

Thelma Reynolds

Bill Rountree

Dustin & Meredith Swanberg

Steve Thomas

Eva Torres

Blake White

Quita Wittenbach

McKenzie Brunneman

Craig Bunk

Harry Cullen

HollyAnne & Daniel Jenkins

Justin Miller

Alison Hughes

Daniel Bryant

Rheagan Bryant

Felicia Calo

Elliott Carter

Gene Mikulik

Megen Mikulik

Raul Moreno

Paul Moxley

Patti Neilson-Hadden

Keyes Ramee

Bud Rowland

John Tippit, IV

Matt Wolthoff

MENA, AR

Allyson Miller

MINEOLA

D.J. Wernecke

MISSION

Clark Spikes

Cheri Stiers

Lillian Williams

ORANGE GROVE

Stephanie Box

PEARSALL

Bailey Dunks

PORT ARANSAS

Jerry Webb

PORT ISABEL

Janie Barerra

Victor Barrera

ROCKPORT

Tami Domasco

Brian Phillips

SAN ANTONIO

Charles Bunk

Balous Miller

Steve Stiers

Raul Torres, Jr.

SAN BENITO

Octavio Elizondo

Jennifer Herrera

Tiffaney & Charlie Kennedy

Richard Moore

Albert & DeAnna Reyes

Brian & Michele Robinson

Veronica Torres

Donald & Sylvia Wernecke

SAN MARCOS

Mattie Rowe

SANDIA

Michele Clark

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

Denny Bomarito

Keiler Gentry

Troy Giles

Nancy Gray

Mark Hagenmiller

Ken Medders

Joe Ricco

Charles Sheldon

Dan Stanton

John & Sara Tippit

Stanley Woelfel

Elizabeth Torres-Salazar SOUTHLAKE

PAST PRESIDENTS

Bill

Fritz Bergh

Laura & Jorge Flores

Lorenzo & Coty Galvan

Shawn & Kate Glass

Kyra Hudson

Gary Meschi

Corey Mock

Austin Pinkerton

Alexa Ray

Bryan & Roxanne Ray

Mark Westbrook LAGUNA VISTA

Keriann Stiers Clifford

Rene Capistran

Melissa Delgado LOS FRESNOS

Rodriquez

McALLEN

Brent Baldree

David Fair

Bruce Goldman

Julian Gomez

Priscilla Humphreys

John B. Carey

David Gower

Thomas Human

Tony Reisinger

Celina Scott

Heather Scott

Steve Strohmeyer

Gilbert & Teri Vela

Bobby Wells

Vere & Betty Wells

Jon Wilson

PORT MANSFIELD

James & Melinda Dunks

Chad Kinney

RAYMONDVILLE

Justin Cash

Boomer Klostermann

Dan Klostermann

RICHMOND

John Bunk

RIO HONDO

Mary Jo Bogatto

Jaime Lopez

Stephanie Rhyner

Monty & Jerin Bryant

Dunks

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Evan Hurst

Dick Richards

Collier

Bates

Gail Gower

SPRING BRANCH

Joe Braman

Ben Heilker

VICTORIA

Dan Galvan

Richard Garza

Richie Garza

Austin Payne

Jimmy Payne

WESLACO

FORMER CHAMPIONS:

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

Progreso,

Port

Lozano

Laguna

Mission

Laguna

CHAMPION 2024 BAY GRAND

OLIVER SCHWARZ

Lyford

Harlingen

San

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

Official Sponsor 85TH TIFT

PORT ISABEL • SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

THREE GENERATIONS OF REGISTERED ANGLERS

FORMER CHAMPIONS:

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

ROB TERRY

CHAMPION 2024 OFFSHORE GRAND

HALLE BRYANT

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

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

Shreveport, LA

TROPHIES & SPONSORS

JR. PARTICIPATION, 7 & UNDER Payne Auto Group

JR. PARTICIPATION, 8-12 YEARS Blue Marlin Supermarket

JR. PARTICIPATION, 13-16 YEARS Dargel Boats

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

VEALE BROTHERS PAST PRESIDENTS

JUNIOR BAY

3 RD PLACE 7 & UNDER

2ND PLACE 7 & UNDER

1ST PLACE 7 & UNDER

3 RD PLACE 8-12 YRS

2ND PLACE 8-12 YRS

1ST PLACE 8-12 YRS

3 RD PLACE 13-16 YRS

2ND PLACE 13-16 YRS

1ST PLACE 13-16 YRS

Cactus Creek Ranch 1995-2025

Elliff Motors | In Memory of Jarryd Elliff

Tommy Graham’s Paint & Body Shop

Kellie Box - KMB Makeready

James & Martha Foster In Memory of Leon & Ann Day

Trey Mikulik

Landtitle Texas

Inland Outdoors

The Cleve and Miriam Ford family

JUNIOR OFFSHORE

3 RD PLACE NO BILLFISH

2ND PLACE NO BILLFISH

1ST PLACE NO BILLFISH

3 RD PLACE W/BILLFISH

2ND PLACE W/BILLFISH

Jaime & Lisa Guerrero

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

3 RD 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

FLOUNDER

TROUT

TROUT PERPETUAL TROPHY

REDFISH

Human Boys - J&L Refrigeration

FF Business Services

Gary Guenzel & The Guenzel Family

Lewis Electric

CLEVE GREER MEMORIAL HEAVIEST REDFISH PERPETUAL AWARD

SNOOK

DRUM

SPANISH MACKEREL

YELLOWFIN TUNA

HEAVIEST OF SPECIES

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

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

Howdy Dental B Octavio Elizondo DDS MAGD

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

3 RD PLACE 2ND PLACE 1ST PLACE

B & C Car Wash

Leslie & Stanley Woelfel

Tim O’Brien

TIM O’BRIEN FLY FISHING PERPETUAL AWARD

LADIES BAY

Cactus Flower

Landtitle Texas

Shallow Sport of TX, Inc.

TROUT DIVISION

Tim Bothwell

TROPHIES & SPONSORS

WE ARE EMR

WE RECYCLE ANYTHING

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:

& non-

YOUR

TROPHIES & SPONSORS

BLUE MARLIN

3RD PLACE *

2ND PLACE * 1ST PLACE *

Swanberg Farms Partnership

Industrial Coils LLC

Tarpon Self Storage

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

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* Troy W. Giles

* 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