Anglers arrive for Texas' biggest saltwater tourney

It’s the big daddy of Texas saltwater fishing tournaments and it’s happening this weekend.
Originally known as the Rio Grande Valley Fishing Rodeo, what is now known as the Texas International Fishing Tournament celebrates its 71st year this week with offshore and bay fishing on Friday and Saturday.
TIFT's economic impact on the South Padre Island area is considerable, with an estimated $1.5 million spent by tournament participants in 2009, according to the Saltwater Sportsman website.  TIFT also grants scholarships to eligible undergraduates each year and has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships since the program's inception.
Last year, more than 1,200 fishermen competed in the bay and offshore divisions, and organizers expect as many as 1,500 anglers to compete this year. Many of the competitors hail from the Rio Grande Valley, but fishermen from throughout Texas and beyond make the trip to South Texas for this major tournament.
Forty billfish were caught offshore in 2009, with four of those weighed in at the dock and 36 released after being weighed and photographed. In the bay, species including snook, redfish, trout and drum were brought dockside to the weigh ins.
The Bay Division Grand Champion last year was Bryan Wolfe of Corpus Christi. In the Offshore Division, the Grand Champion was Donnie Seay of Rockport, who also won the title in 2007.
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. 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 started Wednesday South Padre Island Convention Centre, and continued throughout the day on Thursday.
Also on Thursday, families were treated to a day of fun and contests for youngsters at the TIFT Playday.
Anglers 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 in Port Isabel 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.