ByTrina “Indi” Johnson
Special to the PRESS
The SPI Wahoo Classic Fishing Tournament will mark its 10th year September 5-7 at Jim’s Pier, 211 West Swordfish Street, bringing anglers, spectators, and plenty of excitement to South Padre Island.
The tournament will unfold under the big tent on The Green, where participants and visitors can gather throughout the weekend. “The SPI Wahoo Classic Fishing Tournament is held on September 5 – 7 at Jim’s Pier, 211 West Swordfish Street, South Padre Island, Texas. It is held under the big tent on The Green; you can’t miss it!” wrote Diane Johnson.
Open to all anglers, the Wahoo Classic is a boat tournament with a $450 entry fee per vessel, regardless of crew size. Competing teams will target wahoo, dorado, and blackfin tuna, with a fourth category for total weight. “This is the 10th annual tournament; the Wahoo Classic is a boat tournament and is open to all anglers who wish to participate,” Johnson said.
Prizes are structured to keep spirits high and competition lively. “First, Second, and Third place trophies and cash prizes are awarded to all four categories,” Johnson wrote. She added that additional cash prizes will be handed out through three deckhand drawings and special lotto drawings for wahoo, dorado and blackfin tuna.
Registration takes place Friday, September 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Jim’s Pier, with online sign-ups also available at spiwahooclassic.com. Boats registering online must still check in on Friday evening. A captain’s meeting will follow at 7 p.m. “Rules of the tournament are available online at spiwahooclassic.com and will be given to each boat registered Friday night,” Johnson said. Food and refreshments will be served as part of the gathering.
Lines hit the water Saturday at 7 a.m. with fishing wrapping up at 5 p.m. Weigh-ins will be held that evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at Jim’s Pier, an event that organizers encourage the public to attend. “Spectators and visitors are welcome to come mingle at Jim’s Pier; look for the big tent. Weigh-in Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. is a great way to see the fish being weighed in,” Johnson said.
Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony on Sunday at 11 a.m., also at Jim’s Pier. “Trophies, cash prizes, and door prizes will be awarded accordingly,” Johnson wrote. Refreshments and pastries will be available as part of the celebration.
For the community, the annual tournament has become more than just a fishing contest. “This tournament brings tourism to the island after the school year starts; each year we look forward to hosting a tournament that is enjoyed by all who choose to participate,” Johnson said. She noted that the event supports the RGV Reef Project and remains “a basic fun tournament for all who choose to participate.”
While organizers hope for clear skies, plans are in place should conditions turn dangerous. “We hope for good weather but also have an inclement weather date the following weekend as the safety of all the anglers fishing our tournament is very important,” Johnson said.
Longtime participants have built a tradition of returning year after year. “We have many boats that fish our tournament each year and look forward to greeting each and every boat that enters our tournament!” Johnson wrote.
With community spirit, competition, and conservation support all tied together, the Wahoo Classic is set to offer a weekend of fishing and fellowship. As Johnson put it: “Come fish with us!”
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