By TRINA “INDI” JOHNSON
Special to the PRESS
The Lower Laguna Madre roared to life May 8-10 as 250 boats competed in the 25th Annual Shallow Sport Owners’ Tournament, a South Padre Island tradition that drew anglers chasing redfish, speckled trout,
and flounder. With a Texas-sized awards banquet and a record-breaking scholarship program, the event cemented its status as a Gulf Coast favorite.
“We capped this year’s event at 250 teams,” said Kelly Groce, marketing manager at Shallow Sport Boats. “The goal was for each boat to catch one redfish, one speckled trout, and one flounder.”
The competition was fierce, with Team Sick Monkeys clinching Grand Champion Guided and Prop Scar taking Grand Champion Amateur. A standout moment came when Capt. Chad Kinney landed a 9.89-pound slot redfish, securing 1st Place Redfish Guided Open Bait. “That massive redfish was a game-changer,” Groce said, noting the tight race for top spots.
The weather played nice, offering a reprieve from past challenges. “The weather was very pleasant this year!” Groce said. “We did have a small northern blow through the day before, so that made for an even playing field for all the anglers.”
Youth anglers shone brightly, with every child 12 and under earning a Youth Division Trophy. “We have lots of youth anglers that participate in our tournament,” Groce said, highlighting the event’s family-friendly
vibe.
Winners didn’t just take home bragging rights. “They went home with a custom ranch-style sign that matched our Texas tournament theme,” Groce said. Extra raffle tickets upped their chances at the grand prize: a 2025 22’ Sport boat with a Suzuki 200 hp motor and McClain trailer. Miguel De Los Santos of McAllen, Texas, won the raffle, sparking cheers at the South Padre Island Convention Center.
Conservation took center stage, with the tournament’s third year of live fish release. “Participants who bring their catch in alive get to skip to the front of the weigh-in line and release it back into the Lower Laguna
Madre,” Groce said. About 100 fish were released, and CCA STAR Texas tagged 30 slot redfish for their summer tournament.
South Padre Island’s shallow waters and welcoming vibe make it the ideal host. “South Padre Island is the perfect place to host our event because it is not only our home, but provides a great family-friendly
atmosphere,” Groce said, tying the event to Shallow Sport’s 1982 roots.
Side events, like a record 17 Shallow Sport Scholarships awarded to students, added heart. “Thanks to our generous sponsors, we were able to give 17 Shallow Sport Scholarships to young, deserving students,” Groce
said.
Looking ahead, Shallow Sport is planning big for 2026. “If you thought this year’s tournament was good, just wait until next year,” Groce said. “Our goal every year is to make our event bigger and better than ever
before.”
For a complete list of winners, visit www.shallowsporttournament.com.
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