It is with deep regret that the Executive Board of Directors of the Texas International Fishing Tournament announced the cancellation of our 2008 event.

The Board received information from local officials on South Padre Island that restoration efforts that the SPI Convention Centre and full power and accommodations would not be available in time for our event- in spite of the best efforts of all. Hurricane Dolly's impact bruised and battered the Laguna Madre area and it will take some time for the area to recover fully. However, we are still alive and kicking and will be back with an even bigger and better tournament next year. The decision not to reschedule the tournament was based upon an uncertain timeline for power and infrastructure repairs and availability of key facilities as well as our participant's schedules.

Please feel free to contact our Tournament Director, Betty Wells, for additional information. You can contact her at (956) 943-8438 by cell at (956) 561-1052; or by email at info@tift.org.

Thank you for your continued support of our event. We look forward to seeing you next year at TIFT, July 29 - August 2, 2009.



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BACKGROUND
---For more than 69 years the Texas International Fishing Tournament has taken pride in creating an atmosphere of friendly fishing competition and wholesome family fun. The 70th annual five day event, scheduled for July 30 - August 3, 2008, offers fishing divisions that include bay, offshore and tarpon. TIFT is open to anglers of all ages and is the largest saltwater fishing tournament in Texas.
---In 2007, a record 1576 registrants and 526 boats participated. Fifteen Blue Marlin were caught, one brought to the docks. Twenty-one White Marlin were caught, one was brought to the dock. Eighteen Sailfish were caught, one brought to the docks.
--- Anglers weighed in a wide variety of species in both bay and offshore divisions including the most unusual fish category winner, a .35 pound Stargazer. The 69th 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 KRGV-TV5, Valley newspapers and local radio stations. Please stay tuned for further details about the 2008 tournament.
---TIFT anglers represent an extremely desirable market group. Most are residents of the Rio Grande Valley with disposable income and a genuine enjoyment of the outdoors and have a direct spending effect in excess of $1.5 million -- not including tournament 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.
---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.




LEFT:
2007 Dock Crew
Dirtiest Shirt
Winners!
Tournament Results.
Tournament Director, BETTY P. WELLS
~ Fax & Phone: [956]943-8438[TIFT]
~info@tift.org
 Left: 2007 Bay Grand Champ, Johnny Rodriguez of Lozano with 24.60 pts. Right: 2007 Offshore Grand Champ, Donnie Seay & Crew of Rockport - "Seay Goddess" with 1100 pts.
SPONSORED BY:
• South Padre Island Convention Centre & Visitors Bureau • Rio Grande Valley Chevy Dealers • Texas State Bank • Suzuki • Newschannel Five • Frost Bank • Budweiser/L & F Distributors • IBC • BayMaster Boats • Riviera Yachts • Texas State Bank • The City of Port Isabel • Bobby & Robin Farris • The Cullen Family • Miller Lite/Glazer’s • Puerto del Sol • 1st National Bank South Padre Island • Louie’s Backyard/Tequila Sunset • Pirate’s Cove Subdivision • Ron Hoover RV & Marine/Suzuki • Troy Giles Realty & Management • Ocean Potion Suncare • Astoria Vision Source • Iron Waves Custom Iron Art • Rio Grande Valley Chevy Dealers • Melton International Tackle • Cactus Flower/Designer Showroom • La Isla Residences • SPI Coastal Properties • Terry Ray Construction, Inc.
T.I.F.T. CALENDAR OF EVENTS* ~ July 30 - August 3, 2008
Wednesday~July 30
 • Registration: From 3 - 8 p.m. Sign up at SPI Convention Centre on South Padre Island.
Thursday~July 31
 • 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~August 1
• 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~August 2
• 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 3
 • Fish Fry: SPI Convention Centre, 11:30 a.m.
• Awards Presentation: SPI Convention Centre, South Padre Island, 1 p.m.
*Schedule subject to change.
©2008 Texas International Fishing Tourmanent. All rights reserved. l Sponsorship Info