Above: 2006 Offshore Division Winner Perry Glover of Fort Worth TX. with his  crew of the boat “Outlaw “ Right: 2006 Bay Division Winner Marsh Steussy of Port Mansfield TX.

The Texas International Fishing Tournament is the “ Big Daddy “ of fishing tournaments on the Texas Gulf Coast. For those of us that grew up in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas and grew up as anglers, we know this is the “show case event”. 2006 was another exclamation mark to the continuing growth and life of this wonderful Texas tournament. 2006 was another record setting year for the number of participants, boats entered and the number of young kids and children that were registered and participated was inspiring.

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One of the most important aspects of the TIFT events is Kid’s Day and the kids

Here are some of the kids that were registered for the Kid’s Day events of the TIFT. The excitement on the faces of these children was electrifying. The parents that are involving their children in these types of outdoor activities are building character into the fabric of our future anglers and are helping to preserve this sport for the future. We have to give credit to an individual that spent many hours of preparation and participation with these kids and headed up the Kid’s Day events and that is Chuck Fultz of Harlingen Texas. Those of us that know Chuck know him as a plain spoken but straight up guy and a man that will give 125% to get the job done. His “take hold and get something done for the kids” approach makes the Kid’s Day activities a success. He won’t let them be left out of this wonderful event.

Thanks to Chuck Fultz

The Texas International Fishing Tournament was started over 68 years ago and is the largest saltwater tournament on the Texas Gulf Coast. It draws contestants from all over the United States and Mexico. It has both a bay division and an offshore division with over 105 categories eligible for awards covering anglers in the kid’s, ladies’, and men’s slots. It is one of the most well organized and executed tournaments you will ever attend. Even with it’s growth over the years it still remains the premier event for saltwater anglers in Texas. In 2006 there were over 1500 registered participants and almost 600 boats were entered in the four day event. The Texas FishNet Daily News was privileged to be one of the news media allowed to cover this great annual event. We look forward to 2007 and another week of great family fun and a some good angling competition.

TIFT Official Results

More Information

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Some special pictures