Fabulous, Fun Fishing for a Cause
Tournament Schedule and History
The Texas Women Anglers Tournament, also known as “TWAT,” was founded in the 1980s in Port Aransas and has continued to grow ever since. This family-run tournament is women-only and has a long-standing history of incredible fisherwomen leading the way. The tournament has grown exponentially since its inception, and today is well-known in angling circles across the coast.
The 2024 tournament commences on August 23, with Registration, Dinner, and Cash Pots taking place at the Port Aransas Civic Center. Boats begin departing at 7:30 p.m. Fishing begins at 6:30 a.m. Saturday morning, the weigh station at Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf will open at 5 p.m. All boats must be inside the Port Aransas little jetties by 7:30 p.m. You won’t want to miss the spectacle of the boats pulling in to weigh tomorrow evening! The Texas Women Anglers Tournament will close out on Sunday with awards and brunch back at the Port Aransas Civic Center.
A Theme to Remember
The tournament is unique in several ways, but perhaps the most exciting example is the weigh-in. Each boat is encouraged to choose a “theme” for their boat and go crazy with it. Past participants have decorated their boats to the nines with fun themes like “Cand Lland,” “Bees better have my honey,” and “The Wizard of Oz.” Anglers show up and show out in full costumes, complete with money sprayers, smoke machines, beads to toss to those waiting onshore, and more! The atmosphere at weigh-in is electric. Watching these boats pull in is a party in and of itself.
In addition to awards for their catches, anglers can also receive awards for the best-decorated boat, most original theme, and best costumes.
@visitportaransas Girls just wanna have fun...and catch fish! 🎣🎀🌊✨ This weekend is the Texas Women Anglers Tournament in Port Aransas. The girls are taking over the Gulf of Mexico! #visitportaransas #portaransas #traditionsanchorhere #portaransasfishing ♬ original sound - Port Aransas, Texas
Fishing for a Cause
While this tournament is known for being fun-filled and over-the-top, helping women has always been at the heart of everything the Texas Women Anglers Tournament does. Proceeds from the tournament originally benefitted the Women’s Shelter of South Texas. The organization has since morphed into The Purple Door, which supports those affected by domestic or sexual violence. All services are confidential and free of charge. Texas Women Anglers Tournament is proud to support The Purple Door in their efforts to help abuse victims in the Coastal Bend and beyond.