Dealers' Choice - Media Communication Group

TIFTFrancis Knapp, Jr.Lands Trophy MarlinThe 71st Annual event was onceagain highlighted by the outstandingweather and great fishing! All eyes inthe Valley focused on TIFT during thefive days of fun filled activities.Originally instituted to promote theRio Grande Valley as a whole, TIFT hasbecome a family tradition that exemplifiesthe best the Valley has to offer. Withregistration participation increasing annually,and over $100,000 in scholarshipsawarded, it is our sincere intent to continueimproving and growing our eventthrough the help of corporate sponsorsand businesses.The 71st Annual Texas InternationalFishing Tournament is in the bag and itwas an exciting angling adventure. 1222registrants, 466 boats and two days offishing resulted in 41 billfish caught. NineBlue Marlin were caught, one weighed in;22 White Marlin caught, two weighedin; ten Sailfish were caught and threeweighed in. A total of 32 billfish werereleased. But the most exciting offshoreaction was Francis Knapp, Jr.’s 670# BlueMarlin catch aboard the 37’ Bessie Belle!Mr. Knapp’s catch earned him the MostUnusual Fish, Heaviest Blue Marlin , theperptual Heaviest Blue Marlin trophy andfirst place Blue Marlin!TIFT anglers represent an extremelydesirable market group. Most are residentsof the Rio Grande Valley with disposableincome and a genuine enjoyment of outdooractivities. During their five day stayin the Port Isabel - South Padre Islandarea, they have a direct spending effectFrancis Knapp and Bessie Belle team with their670# Blue Marlin landed during the first day offishing at the 71st Texas International FishingTournament!in excess of $1.5 million — not includingtournament expenses. In addition to theactual number of TIFT registrants, thousandsof spectators will also turn out toview weigh-in activities during the twodays of actual fishing. n2010 FALL ⎢29