By Lee Roberts

TIAA Executive Director

PORT ARANSAS, Texas – About 30 boats sped out into the bay here May 30, 2009 in hopes of winning the Texas Independent Automotive Association’s annual scholarship fishing tournament.  Only a few lucky anglers received awards for catching the biggest trout and red fish, but all left winners as the event raised $3,881 toward automotive technology scholarships for college bound students and TIAA training programs.

Mike Riordan (Left) and son Christian, 12, hold up two large King Fish they caught during the tournament.  Although the fish didn't qualify for the awards, the two benefited from time spent together.  Photos by Lee Roberts

“It was a great day for fishing and having fun,” said Gary Pundt, TIAA state president.  “This worthwhile event raised money while everyone enjoyed networking and spending the day out on the bay.”

Luke Harms, organizer of the event, said the sunrise was amazing, the weather conditions were perfect, the water was calm, the fish were definitely biting, and the turnout of participants this year was fantastic.

“Every year, this tournament grows bigger and people are finding it is a must-attend event,” Harms said. “In addition, the sponsors really came through for us.  That allowed us to up the purse for the winners and to garner more support for the scholarship program.”

Many of the competitors fought hard to compete in the tournament, while others just enjoyed a leisurely day on the water with family and friends.

Mike Riordan, Avery Oil owner and sponsor of the fishing tournament, joined his son Christian, 12, to take advantage of a father-and-son opportunity to fish the tournament together. 

Luke Harms (Center) presents the award for largest stringer to Matt and Leigh Slaughter, Kyle Kuenemann and Norbert Janysek (Left to Right).

“We intended to try and catch trout off the jetty, but holy cow… we hooked up into a couple 40-inch and 30-inch king fish,” Mike said.

Mike added that it was special spending time with his son, but as an event sponsor, this was a great opportunity to raise money for a great cause.

At the end of the day, awards were given for heaviest stringer, largest speckled trout, and largest red fish.

The team made up of Matt and Leigh Slaughter, Kyle Kuenemann, and Norbert Janysek took heaviest stringer at 31 pounds, 9.7 ounces.

Jimmy Shomchinski took first place for largest speckled trout at 29.25 inches and 7 pounds, 8 ounces.  Ruben Tijerina took second place at 27.5 inches and 6 pounds, 11 ounces.

Mike Chapman took first place for largest red fish at 27 inches and 6 pounds, 9.5 ounces.  Rudy Santoscoy took second place at 27 inches and 6 pounds, 7.9 ounces.

Harms received the Boat Cleat Award given for the most unlucky fishing experience of the day.  He ran over a channel marker and another unknown object in the water in the early morning.

TIAA thanks the event sponsors for being so generous.  They are Golden West Oil, Diesel Injection, NAPA Auto Parts, LoneStar Radiator, Avery Oil, Walton Distributing Company, Interstate Battery, Matco Tools (Chris Gary), Full Service Auto Parts, Frost Insurance Company, Texas Mutual Insurance Company, Carl Turner Equipment, D&D Supplies, Northside Ford, Driveshaft Specialists, Jasper Engines & Transmissions, Carlisle Auto Air, Midas, UniFirst, Mission Wrecker Service.