TIFT returns for 71st year of fishing

Fishing along the South Texas coast has been good this year, and anglers are getting ready to once again hit the water for the largest fishing tournament in Texas.
The 71st Texas International Fishing Tournament starts next week and the Laguna Madre area will be afloat with anglers and boats from all over Texas and beyond.
Last year, more than 1,200 fishermen competed in the bay and offshore divisions.
 Forty billfish were caught offshore, with four of those weighed in at the dock and 36 released.
In the bay, species including snook, redfish, trout and drum were brought dockside to the weigh ins.
According to the TIFT website, anglers represent an extremely desirable market group.
Most are residents of the Rio Grande Valley with disposable income and a genuine enjoyment of outdoor activities.
During their five-day stay in the Laguna Madre area, they have a direct spending effect in excess of $1.5 million — not including tournament expenses.
In addition to the actual number of TIFT registrants, thousands of spectators will also turn out to view weigh-in activities during the two days of actual fishing.
Registration for TIFT starts Wednesday, July 28 from 3-8 p.m. at the South Padre Island Convention Centre, and continues throughout the day on Thursday.
Also on Thursday, the annual TIFT Playday, a family day of fun and contests for the kids, runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the convention center.
Anglers will start fishing in the bay division at 6:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, with offshore fishing starting at 7 a.m. The weigh in station at Southpoint Marina is open from 2-8 p.m. on Friday and 2-7 p.m. on Saturday.
The tournament draws to a close on Sunday with a fish fry at the convention center at 11:30 a.m. and the awards presentation at 1 p.m.