The 40th annual Ladies Kingfish Tournament returns to South Padre Island Aug. 7 with a few changes to this year’s tournament.
The tournament kicks off Aug. 6 with check-in and on-site registration from 4-7 p.m. at the SPI Convention Centre. Barbecue, a full-service bar and vendors will be available until 8 p.m. to give attendees time to visit. On Saturday, fishing begins at 6:30 a.m. Sea Ranch Marina II at SouthPoint is where all the action will be with Bay division weigh-in from 2-4 p.m. and Offshore weigh-in from 4-7 p.m. Sea Ranch Marina II at SouthPoint provides a large viewing and parking area for those would like to see who brings in the biggest fish. The Sunday Awards Ceremony and Continental Breakfast is at SPI Convention Centre beginning at 11 a.m. All participants may attend.
Division Changes
Another change to this year’s event is the Youth Division. All young ladies age 12 or younger on Aug. 7 will enter in the Youth Division. Anglers in the Youth Division can fish in the Bay Division for redfish, trout or flounder or in the Offshore Division for blackfin tuna, bonito or dolphin. Fish in the Youth Division will not count toward Grand Champion or the Challenge.
The adult ladies tournament continues to be two divisions, Bay and Offshore. Both divisions fish for kingfish and eligible for the coveted title of Queen of the Kings. There will also be first runner-up and second runner-up awards. Anglers fishing in the Bay Division will vie for trophies in the categories of redfish, trout and flounder, while anglers in the Offshore Division complete in the categories of bonito, blackfin tuna and dolphin. Trophies will be awarded to the first three places in each category. Grand Champion Bay and Grand Champion Offshore winners will also receive trophies.
Registration
Registration fees are $100 per angler. Fees include an event bag, Friday night BBQ and continental breakfast at the Sunday awards ceremony. Registration fee for captains/boat operators/deck hands/guests is $30 and includes Friday night BBQ and continental breakfast at the awards ceremony on Sunday. All anglers and captain/boat operators/deckhands/guests on the boat must be paid registrants of the tournament. They must also complete the release forms on file with the SPI Chamber of Commerce.
Registration forms are available on the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce’s website at spichamber.com.
Tickets are also available for purchase at the Merchandise Booth for the Friday night BBQ for $25, and Sunday for $10.00 per person for those not registered on a boat. Food will be available only with a ticket.