First Day of Fishing! 670# Blue Marlin weighed in by the Bessie Belle's Francis Knapp!

~BACKGROUND

The 70th Annual Texas International Fishing Tournament is in the bag and it was an exciting angling adventure. 1263 registrants, 479 boats and two days of fishing resulted in 40 billfish caught, four weighed in and 36 released. And the action wasn’t just in the offshore division as species ranging from snook, redfish, trout, drum and the popular piggy perch made their way dockside to the weigh ins on Friday and Saturday. The most unusual fish was a 16.40# Smooth Dogfish Shark. A complete winners list can be found on here www.tift.org/2009-winners.pdf.

The 70th Annual event was once again highlighted by the outstanding weather and great fishing! All eyes in the Valley are focused on TIFT during the five days of fun filled activities, with live coverage provided by KVEO Channel 23, Valley newspapers and local radio stations.

TIFT 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 Port Isabel - South Padre Island 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.

Francis Knapp and Bessie Belle team with their 670# Blue Marlin landed during the first day of fishing at the 71st Texas International Fishing Tournament!

Originally instituted to promote the Rio Grande Valley as a whole, TIFT has become a family tradition that exemplifies the best the Valley has to offer. With registration participation increasing annually, and over $100,000 in scholarships awarded, it is our sincere intent to continue improving and growing our event through the help of corporate sponsors and businesses such as yours. If you'd like to be a part of one of Texas' oldest and most established fishing tournaments, join in the TIFT tradition today. Bring your message to the more than 1,500 registrants expected at the 71st Texas International Fishing Tournament and don't miss the action.

Sponsored by:

Tournament Director,
BETTY P. WELLS
~ Fax & Phone:
[956]943-8438[TIFT]
~ info@tift.org
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Texas Grand Champion Bay Fisherman, Bryan Wolfe of Corpus Christi came first with an impressive 28.65 points. Bryan Wolfe poses with this year’s hostess, Zifa Guerrero and trophies won for two days of great bay fishing. Offshore Grand Champ, Donnie Seay from San Antonio, came in with 1697.95 points aboard the “Seay Goddess”. Donnie Seay poses with his team and their trophies.
SPONSORED BY: IBC Bank ~ Frost Bank ~ L & F Distributors ~ BBVA Compass Bank ~ 1st National Bank SPI ~ Glazer's ~ Louie's Backyard / Tequila Sunset ~ Capt. Bobby & Robin Farris ~ Mike Hood's Marine Propeller ~ Cactus Flower / Designer Showroom ~ Harry Cullen & Harry Cullen Jr. ~ Lone Star National Bank ~ City of Port Isabel ~ Team Mojo ~ Puerto Del Sol ~ H. E. B. ~ Fishing's Future ~ Pirates Cove ~ Port Isabel Economic Development Corporation ~ The Sportsman ~ CPL Retail Energy ~ Dargel Boats ~ Wells Fargo Advisors
T.I.F.T. CALENDAR OF EVENTS* ~ July 28 - August 1, 2010
Wednesday~July 28
 • Registration: From 3 - 8 p.m. Sign up at SPI Convention Centre on South Padre Island.
Thursday~July 29
 • Playday: A family day of fun and contests for the kids at SPI Convention Centre. Games and prizes 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
•Registration continues at SPI Convention Centre from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Supper: SPI Convention Centre, 6:00 p.m.
• Captain’s Meeting: 6:00 p.m. SPI Convention Centre.
Friday~July 30
 • Fishing Contest: Begins at 6:30 a.m., Bay Division & 7:00 a.m., Offshore. Weigh station open at Southpoint Marina, in Port Isabel, 2 - 8 p.m. Dock time- Bay, 5 p.m.; Offshore, 8 p.m.
Saturday~July 31
• Start Fishing: Begins at 6:30 a.m., Bay Division & 7:00 a.m, Offshore. Weigh station opens at 2 - 7 p.m. at Southpoint Marina. Dock time- Bay, 5 p.m.; Offshore, 7 p.m.
Sunday~August 1
 • Fish Fry: SPI Convention Centre, 11:30 a.m.
• Awards Presentation: SPI Convention Centre, South Padre Island, 1 p.m.
*Schedule is subject to change.
©2009 Texas International Fishing Tourmanent. All rights reserved. Scholarship Info l Sponsorship Info
PO Box 2715 ~ South Padre Island, Texas 78597 ~ 956/943-8438 ~ info@tift.org