Greetings Anglers and Friends,
This milestone year brings an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment to all of us at the Port Aransas Boatmen’s Association. We are thrilled to have each of you join us for this monumental year in tournament history.
We have several exciting changes to this year’s tournament and encourage everyone to carefully review the rules before heading out on the water. For the first time in tournament history, we have added Sheepshead and Swordfish to our eligible species list. In the Bay/Surf Division, Sheepshead will replace Pompano, and in the Offshore Division, Swordfish will replace Amberjack.
Based on feedback from our anglers and the rising cost of fuel, offshore boats will now be permitted to remain offshore overnight. Offshore boats may split the Big Jetties beginning at midnight Thursday night if they choose.
Fishing hours for offshore divisions will be 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM on both Friday and Saturday, and all offshore boats must clear the outside breakwater of Turtle Cove by 7:00 PM Saturday evening. Bay/Surf anglers will not have a cease-fishing time but must be at the weigh station by 4:00 PM each day.
Registration this year will be held from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Thursday, a change from the 2:00 PM start time used in previous tournaments. Everyone is invited to join us at the Civic Center on Thursday, and again on Friday and Saturday evenings, to shop this year’s exclusive tournament merchandise, bid on incredible silent auction items (you do not need to be present to win), and enjoy wonderful food by Black Tie Affairs Catering and open bar.
Dinner tickets are available for $50 for non-registered guests, or guests may purchase an All-Access Wristband for $150, which includes admission to all four days of tournament activities.
For your convenience, overflow parking will be available adjacent to the Civic Center on Port Street next to the ferry landing.
Thursday evening we will have the traditional shrimp boil, followed by dinner from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Friday. On Saturday, hors d’oeuvres will be served beginning at 6:00 PM then the Civic Center will close at 9:00 PM so everyone can attend the concert at The Sip Yard.
We are excited to announce that the Port Aransas Boatmen’s Association has partnered with The Sip Yard to host a “Let’s Get Yachty” Concert on Saturday evening from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM, featuring Five Card Draw. Registered anglers and guests with All-Access wristbands will receive free admission. This event is open to the public. We encourage everyone to break out their best yachty attire and join us for what promises to be a fantastic evening. We feel this partnership will enhance the tournament experience for our anglers and their guests.
The Piggy Perch Contest will once again be held at the Roberts Point Park Pavilion on Friday and Saturday mornings beginning at 9:00 a.m. Fishing will take place in two 30-minute heats, with anglers ages 5 and under fishing first, followed by the 6–12 age group. After fishing on Saturday, refreshments will be provided courtesy of Black Tie Affairs Catering as we hand out annual Piggy Perch T-shirts, hold a fun raffle drawing then gathering for our annual group photo—one of our favorite Deep Sea Roundup traditions.
The Piggy Perch Contest is free and open to everyone. Young anglers need to bring a bucket and towel, although we do have extras if needed. Fishing poles, hooks and bait are provided. Awards are given for most, largest and smallest piggy perch in each age category for boys and girls. Please see weigh station officials Saturday afternoon or the DSR website for results. Winners will receive their trophies during the awards ceremony Sunday at the Civic Center beginning at 1pm.
Please join us at Roberts Point Park Pavilion during weigh-in on Friday and Saturday afternoons. Cold drinks will be available for donation. Relax under the pavilion and watch anglers bring in their catch. It’s one of the highlights of the entire weekend and a favorite gathering place for participants and spectators alike.
This is shaping up to be an unforgettable year, and we look forward to seeing both familiar faces and first-time participants as we celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Gulf Coast’s most historic fishing tournament.
Good luck, and safe fishing, and we’ll see you at the weigh station!
Kim Winton and Michelle Sowers
Tournament Co-Chairs,
The Port Aransas Boatmen’s Association and
90th Deep Sea Roundup Tournament Committee