Organizers says TIFT came back strong after one-year hiatus

PORT ISABEL — The Texas International Fishing Tournament made a welcome return over the weekend after a one-year’s absence, tournament director Betty P. Wells said.

"It felt like a family reunion, and everyone seemed to have a good time," said Wells, referring to the largest saltwater fishing tournament in Texas, which was canceled in 2008 due to Hurricane Dolly.

The 70th edition of the Port Isabel/South Padre Island event didn’t quite equal the 1,576 registrants and 526 boats participating in 2007, but it was still a success with 1,263 registrants and 479 boats entered, Wells said.

"It was very enjoyable once again," she said. "There were 40 billfish taken during the two days of fishing (on Friday and Saturday). Four of them were weighed in and 36 were released. Also, there was a tremendous amount of flounder, trout and redfish caught."

The offshore grand champion was Donnie Seay of San Antonio, who recorded 1,697.96 points fishing aboard the "Seay Goddess." Seay also captured the Jean Hunter Newman Memorial Trophy. In order to qualify for the award, an angler must weigh in a billfish, tarpon or mako shark or have tagged and released a billfish.

The Texas grand champion bay fisherman award went to Bryan Wolfe of Corpus Christi. He recorded 28.65 points with his catches. Balous Miller of San Antonio was second in the bay division with 26.30 points, while Kristopher Anderson of Port Mansfield was third with 26.25.

Wells served as the tournament’s director for the 21st year. She said the most memorable aspect about this year’s event for her was the same as in past years — watching the youngsters bring in their catches.

"My (tournament) highlight is probably the same as every year," she said. "It’s when the junior anglers show off their stringers of piggy perch. They’re just as proud of their catches as someone who brings in a blue marlin.

"To me, that’s what this tournament is all about.”

The most unusual fish caught was a 16.40-pound smooth dogfish shark.

TIFT concluded on Sunday with a fish fry and awards presentation at the SPI Convention Centre.

Wells said she is already looking forward to the next one.

"I’d just like to invite everyone to participate in our 71st TIFT next year," she said.