By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com
Marcos Montalvo of San Benito placed first in the fly fishing and redfish divisions at the TIFT.
A San Benito angler took home first place in two divisions at the 72nd Annual Texas International Fishing Tournament (TIFT) last week.
City of Port Isabel Marketing Director Valerie Bates reported that the tourney attracted 1,207 anglers and 420 boats to Port Isabel and South Padre Island, where two days of competitive fishing were held during a five-day event that lasted from Wednesday, Aug. 3 to Sunday, Aug. 7.
During such time and of the thousand-plus fishermen competing, Marcos Montalvo of San Benito placed first in the fly fishing and redfish divisions. Also, Hunter Wernecke of Los Fresnos placed first in the Junior Bay division (seven and under) and Wyatt Bode, also of Los Fresnos, placed second.
Such accomplishments are significant given the heavy participation and the popularity the tourney has garnered over the decades. “It’s extremely family friendly, and don’t have to have a boat to fish in it. All kids get participation trophies regardless if they win,” Bates said, adding, “A lot of families have been fishing in this tournament for several generations.”
She also credited those who make the tournament possible every year. “Sponsors are extremely important so that registration costs can be kept down,” Bates said. “Because it’s not just about the two days of fishing and the five-day event, it’s a scholarship program and it’s about the volunteers, of whom there were over 50 alone helping as the dock crew.”
The Texas International Fishing Tournament is a non-profit organization comprised of a 15-member board from throughout the South Texas area, not to mention an advisory board composed of members from all over the country.
The TIFT was ranked a couple years ago as the number seventh billfish tournament in the world. This year, the sailfish tournament netted 40 that were caught and released and five of which were weighed. Others caught and released included 12 blue marlins and 21 white marlins.
To see this story in print, pick up a copy of the Aug. 10 edition of the San Benito News. Or view our E-Edition by clicking here.
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