Fishing Tournaments
Competitive Fishing is Big Business in This Little Town
Welcome to the Fishing Capital of Texas! Port Aransas hosts over 20 fishing tournaments during the summer months, ranging from kids to women only and billfish to redfish tournaments.
Highlight Reel
Deep Sea Roundup
Deep Sea Round up is among the wolrds oldest saltwater tournaments, boasting a storied tradition dating back over 80 yeats. It's the most classic tournament out there, and over the years has seen traditions from generations of families return year after year to fish Deep Sea Roundup. All year long, kids look forward to the piggy perch competition at Roundup that has inspired countless new generations of anglers.
Texas Ledgends Billfish Tournament
Texas Ledgands is one of the three legs that make up the Texas Triple Crown Billfish Series. This premier billfish tournament is dedicated to "all Texas fishermen, past and present, who have made a differance in Big Game Fishing." Over radio, the group is united in prayer to remember that dedication during the Blessing of the Fleet, a centeries old fishing tradition that has made its way to Port A. With over half a million dollars in prize money at stake, the blessing is more than appreciated. When the prayer concludes, the gathered crowd onshore cheers as the cannon is fired and hte boats head on their way.
Texas Women Anglers Tournament
Texas Women Anglers Tournament is most well known for its weigh-in tradition of elaborate themed costumes and boat decor. At this tournament, only women are allowed to reel in the fish, and participants spend months making a game plan both to fill the box and to win the contest for "best decorated." Boats come in hot decorated from bow to stern with anglers donning intricate costumes and carrying props. At the weigh in, balloons abound and beach balls fly between the competing boats and the huge group watching the show. At Texas Women Anglers Tournament, the more over the top, the better.
Billfish Pachanga
The party atmosphere at the Billfish Pachanga tournament is palpable. A stage, white vendor tents, and tables transform the parking lot of Virginia's on the Bay; the whole area reserved for the event and decked out with sombrero-shaped balloons and entire balloon arches. The registration gift is often along the lines of a Yeti item stocked with Costa hats and fishing gear, and the raffels are the stuff of fishermen's dreams. Spectators line the ship channel to watch the boats streak out at the boom of the shotgun start. The boats won't return for two days, but a celebration awaits them complete with an open bar, private concert, and awards for winning catches.
