The Traditions
With 32 total boats braving the ocean (and over half a million in prize money), Texas Legends is the biggest billfish tournament in Port Aransas. Between this and more than 20 years of history, there’s a lot of tradition packed into the weekend. Some traditions span tournaments—a pineapple in the boat’s fighting chair is good luck, bananas on board are very, very bad luck—while others are more individualized.
The Texas Legends Billfish Tournament features the traditional captain’s meals and post game parties, but also speaks to an even deeper tradition: that of big game fishing itself. The tournament is dedicated to “all Texas fishermen, past and present, who have made a difference in Big Game Fishing.” This year, before the competing fleet pulled out of Fisherman’s Wharf with whoops, hollers, and bumping music, the anglers took a moment to remember that dedication. Over radio, the group was united in prayer during the Blessing of the Fleet, a centuries old fishing tradition that has made its way to Port A.
What Makes This Tournament Different?
Texas Legends isn’t all stiff traditions and history. While it’s a classic billfish tournament in many respects, Texas Legends stands out for its “jungle rules.” Jungle rules are the tournament’s way of saying there are no rules. There are no limits on distance, boats may depart from any port in Texas, and no angling rules apply other than fish must be caught on a conventional rod and reel and boated by hand or gaff.
This tournament is also unique in that they pioneered the video catch and release system that promotes release of all billfish. Points in Texas Legends are awarded by billfish species, not weight, and the videos that result from this format allows for an inside look at what an offshore fishing experience is really like.
