The South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce welcomed anglers, captains and their families to the 40th Annual Ladies Kingfish Tournament the weekend of Aug. 6. Early Saturday morning, anglers hit the waterways returning to the docks before 7 p.m. to weigh in their catch.
The Awards Ceremony on Sunday brought anglers and their families back together to recognize those who took top prizes. Winning anglers received canvas prints featuring the tournament artwork designed by SPI Chamber staff member Dianna L. Harvill. Trophies were also awarded for Grand Champion Bay Division, Grand Champion Offshore Division and the LKT Legacy Award.
Grand Champions
This year’s bay grand champion is Sandra Martinez from Edinburg. Martinez brought in all three species (redfish, trout and flounder) for a total weight of 11.65 pounds. She was fishing with Captain Hector Torres on the Las Laguna Madres. Sofia Baldree from McAllen walked away with the Offshore Championship when she brought in all three species (bonito, dorado and blackfin tuna) for a total weight of 45.1 pounds. She was fishing on the Poco Mas with Captain Daniel Bryant.
Queen of the Kings
Lisa Richardson from Port Mansfield was named Queen of the Kings with her 32.4 pounds and 47-1/4 inches long kingfish. Richardson was fishing on the Reel Obsession with Captain Stuart Richardson. First runner-up went to Vicki Hinojosa from McAllen fishing on the Bamm Bamm with Captain Johnnie Zittle. Second runner-up was Jaclyn Marroquin from Weslaco,fishing with Captain Richie Garza on the Hot Shot.
LKT Legacy Award
The LKT Legacy Award, created in memory of Ann Wells by her daughter Vicki Lambert and granddaughter Jordan Luera, was awarded to Sylvia Wernecke. Wells fished LKT for 35 years prior to her death in 2017. The award was started in 2017 as the “Angler Annie Award,” and was presented to Maria Pinkerton. In 2018, the name was changed to the LKT Legacy Award and was presented to Sandra Veale. Kelsey Wells Garcia received the award in 2019, and no award was presented in 2020 due to the cancellation of the event.
LKT Youth Division
In keeping with the LKT Planning Committee’s commitment to educate future lady anglers about the joy of fishing and about conversation, the LKT Youth Division was created this year. All women age 12 on Aug. 7th or younger entered in the Youth Division. Anglers in the Youth Division fished in the Bay Division for redfish, trout or flounder and in the Offshore Division for blackfin tuna, bonito or dolphin. First-place trophies are awarded in each fish category.
Julianne Gonzalez from Edinburg was fishing in the Bay Division and brought in a 6.85 pound redfish to win first place. Gonzalez was fishing with Captain Xavier Villalobas on the XD Fishing Team. Madison Aikman from Bayview was fishing in the Offshore Division and brought in a 4.05 pound Bonito to win first place. Aikman was fishing on the Miss Guided with Captain Mark Villarreal.
The 41st annual Ladies Kingfish Tournament takes place Aug. 12-14, 2022.