The Billfish Pachanga

The seventh annual Billfish Pachanga benefits the Harte Research Institute for Sportfish Science and the Port Aransas Scholarship fund. The Pachanga's mission is to further Sportfish Science and provide opportunities for deserving students, which aligns with SFC's culture and history of raising awareness for sportfishing and marine science in local communities. 

SFC's Gulf Angling Clubs reach the penultimate stop in their regular season, with everything on the line in order to secure a berth into the Zane Grey Championship Playoffs. Unlike the other Gulf tournaments on the schedule, the Pachanga has a unique rule: Fishing is limited to 100 nautical miles from the tip of the South jetty in Port Aransas. 

The boundary restriction presents a challenge that typically faces the Atlantic Division Angling Clubs, leading to more opportunities for competitors to find each other offshore and make faster decisions to pick up and move to different fishing grounds. This style compliments the homestanding Texas Lone Stars Angling Club, who very much enjoy dredge fishing instead using live bait. The lack of oil rigs within the boundary limit the opportunities to catch and utilize live bait. 

Speed also plays an important factor, so look for the smaller boats in the lineup to have the edge should conditions not deteriorate. 

History will be made on both the SFC+ & ESPN+ broadcasts as this weekend will mark the first ever simulcast of fishing tournaments. We will be simultaneously covering both this tournament and the Oak Bluffs Blue Water Classic in the Atlantic, so tune in for all the action. 

FULL SCHEDULE HERE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Check-In/Registration begins outside under Tent at Virginia’s Deck, followed by cocktails and appetizers upstairs. Tournament Bag, shirts and Objects of the Day will be given to Captains/Owners.