The Tournament, the Tradition, and The Triple Crown.


Nothing speaks to tradition like fishing tournaments in Port Aransas. From May to November, nearly every weekend in Port A is stacked with a fishing tournament, sometimes two. Fishing, and the evolution to big game fishing, are so deeply woven into the fabric of the town that Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf was built specifically with offshore tournaments in mind. The marina gets to flex that muscle on tournament weekends such as this, when the Texas Legends Billfish Tournament is in Port Aransas.

A large white fishing boat is behind a red sign that reads "Fisherman's Wharf Port Aransas."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Traditions

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 the 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 the release of all billfish. Points in Texas Legends are awarded by billfish species, not weight, and the videos that result from this format allow for an inside look at what an offshore fishing experience is really like.

 

Scoring

Point System

Blue Marlin weighed in (minimum 106″)​

  • 1 point per pound

Blue Marlin Released

  • 500 Points​

White Marlin Released

  • 150 points

Sailfish Released

  • 100 points​

**BONUS POINTS**

Blue Marlin 600 lbs. and over.

  • 1 point per pound +900 Points​

The highest score determines the winner or winners. The boat with the most points accrued by the earliest time of their last fish released (or blue marlin boated) wins.

Texas Triple Crown Billfish Tournament

Texas Legends Billfish Tournament banded together with Lone Star Shootout in Port O’Connor and the Texas International Fishing Tournament (TIFT) in South Padre Island in 2020 to create the Texas Triple Crown Billfish Series, a new Texas tradition. Cumulative points from these three premier tournaments will crown the Grand Champion boat, captain, and first mate of the Texas Gulf Coast. The slogan of the Texas Triple Crown is “Built on Tradition,” and Legends is, fittingly, the anchor leg of the series. The Triple Crown trophy is proudly displayed year-round at Fisherman’s Wharf. Three cheers to traditions, new and old! 
 

Tournament Schedule

Fishing Starts Friday, August 9th, 2024, at midnight and ends at 5 p.m. August 10th, 2024 at the close of the weigh station. Stop fishing in time to make the 5 pm deadline if you boat or release a fish. Boats must be inside the Port Aransas Municipal Harbor Breakwater at 5 pm. Boats waiting in line to weigh fish inside the Port Aransas Harbor at 5 p.m. will be considered on time and able to weigh fish and submit videos.

 

2024 Tournament Results

Overall winner: Freebird