Children under 12 fish for free at TIFT

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Playday is underway for children taking part in the Texas International Fishing Tournament at the South Padre Island Convention Center.

Kaston Fultz, the lead chair for Playday at TIFT, says the reason for the event is for parents to drop off their children so they can take care of administrative issues with TIFT.

"They have a fun day while the parents are doing everything, as far as administrative, getting signed up for the tournament, or picking up the goodie bags, or whichever, that's what it is for," said Fultz.

Thursday, there was a great turnout at the event as children were seen playing at the event.

Fultz said the Playday is a way to get the children ready for the two-day fishing tournament out in the heat.

There are three children's divisions for TIFT ranging from the following ages:

• 0-6
• 7-12
• 13-16

"We have it right now to where kids 12 and under get to fish for free at the tournament," Fultz said.

He said this is in an effort to get more children involved in this event.

"I grew up with this tournament so its been a big part of my life," Fultz said. "The tournament has been here since 89 90 and that's what its all about."

Fishing will take place on Friday, Saturday, and rewards will be given out on Sunday.