Texas Border Business
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas – Offshore anglers will head out to the Gulf of Mexico off South Padre Island, September 11–13, for the 11th Annual SPI Wahoo Classic. This three-day tournament offers substantial cash prizes and celebrates South Padre Island’s world-class fishing opportunities. The tournament will once again be headquartered at Jim’s Pier on South Padre Island.
“The SPI Wahoo Classic is a great example of the fishing culture that is such an important part of South Padre Island,” said Kelly deSchaun, Chief Executive Officer of Visit South Padre Island. “September is an outstanding time to visit the Island and this tournament gives anglers another reason to experience our world-class offshore fishing. Just as importantly, it celebrates the people and traditions that make our fishing community so special.”
Now entering its second decade, the SPI Wahoo Classic was founded by Dave Hollenbeck and Paul Munarriz as a way to give back to the South Padre Island and Greater Gulf fishing community, while also attracting visitors to the Island after the traditional summer vacation season. The tournament supports marine conservation, with a portion of proceeds donated to the RGV Reef Project.
A boat tournament centered on its namesake wahoo, the SPI Wahoo Classic also features dorado and blackfin tuna competitions. More than $49,000 in cash prizes will be awarded.
While the tournament attracts traditional offshore fishing boats, trailerable “go-fast” center-console boats are also encouraged to participate. Fishing is limited to an 80-mile boundary from the South Padre Island Jetties, and each boat may weigh in one fish from each qualifying species.
Tournament weekend begins Friday, September 11, with registration from 5–7 p.m. at Jim’s Pier, followed by the mandatory Captain’s Meeting at 7 p.m. Boats may depart after midnight, with competition beginning Saturday morning. Lines go in at 7 a.m. and come out at 5 p.m., when weigh-in begins back at Jim’s Pier. The tournament concludes Sunday, September 13, with an awards presentation at 11 a.m. In the event of inclement weather, the tournament’s alternate dates are September 18–20.
The entry fee is $450 per boat, with no maximum number of anglers per boat. Complete tournament information, registration details and rules are available at SPIWahooClassic.com.
To plan your South Padre Island getaway for the weekend, including lodging, dining, and activities, go to www.visitsouthpadreisland.com.
