Richard Moore Outdoor Report: Tournament Time in Texas

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The biggest and richest fishing tournament on the Texas coast is just about to start.

With nearly $2 million in prizes and scholarships offered, the State of Texas Angler’s Rodeo (STAR) Fishing Tournament casts off this weekend.

Ryan Towns, assistant director for the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) sponsored tournament, and his tagging team just released many of the prize-winning fish in the Lower Laguna Madre.

”Get out there and get them. You got to be in it to win it," said Towns.

This is the 35th STAR tournament, and the annual event serves as a fundraiser for CCA’s many marine conservation efforts.

“101 days of tournament action, $1.9 million in prizes and scholarships, 19 boats, five trucks, five UTVs, $320,000 in college scholarships," said Towns.

The chance to catch a tagged fish and win one of these prizes starts Saturday, May 25 at 6 a.m. and runs through Sept. 2 at 6 p.m.

The first five red-tagged redfish that are caught by registered anglers will win a 2024 Ford-150 XLT Super Cab connected to a boat, motor, and trailer.

That is exactly what Alonso Guerrero of San Benito accomplished last year when he caught a tagged red in South Bay that won him a boat, motor, and trailer.

“We sure are excited. We want everyone to sign up at startournament.org and have fun out there on the water," Towns said.

In addition to red and blue-tagged redfish prizes, there are many other categories for adults, teens, and kids to compete.

Towns added, “If you are fishing this summer, between May 25 to September 2, the cheapest insurance you can have is STAR. Make sure you get your entry current because you don’t want to miss out on one of those driveway-type prizes. You got to be in it to win it!”