FREEPORT, TX – On Saturday, May 4th, Port Freeport hosted the 19th Annual Take-A-Child Fishing Tournament (TACFT) at Freeport Municipal Park. A record number of 336 local young anglers with their families brought the total attendance close to 1,000 people. Over 440 canned goods were collected as the entry fee to help fill the pantry at the Brazoria County Dream Center.

Port Freeport Executive Director/CEO Phyllis Saathoff and Port Commissioner Rudy Santos presents 1st place through 3rd place awards to tournament winners in blue fins and yellow fins divisions.
Port Freeport Executive Director/CEO Phyllis Saathoff and Port Commissioner Rudy Santos presents 1st place through 3rd place awards to tournament winners in blue fins and yellow fins divisions.

“The generosity of our sponsors and volunteers has allowed Port Freeport the opportunity to host this great community event for 19 years. We are proud to continue the tradition of providing local families the opportunity to spend time together outdoors,” said Port Freeport Executive Director/CEO, Phyllis Saathoff.

Registrants are divided into two age groups, and first through third place prizes are awarded to both groups. First place winners were awarded a Microsoft Surface tablet, printer, and other accessories. Second and third place received Visa gift cards. Each registrant received a t-shirt and backpack filled with goodies. They also had an opportunity to win one of over 130 door prizes.

“The commissioners and I would like to thank the 71 sponsors and over 120 dedicated volunteers for their generosity and support that continues to make this event a success year after year,” stated Port Commission Chairman Paul Kresta.

The youth anglers caught a variety of fish and presented a total of 390 at the weigh-in. Port Freeport would like to thank everyone who attended and congratulate this year’s winners:

Blue Fins Category (Ages 3-8)

  • First Place – Gunner Strother, Second Place – Cayden Salyer, Third Place – Enzo Velez

Yellow Fins Category (Ages 9-14)

  • First Place – K’dyn Grubbs, Second Place – Ryan Dirzanowski, Third Place – Katelyn Dirzanowski

Port Freeport would like to extend a thank you to all the volunteers for their dedication and the following sponsors for their generosity: Platinum - AAA Asphalt Paving Inc.; BGE, Inc.; Doyle & Wachtstetter, Inc.; Freeport LNG; HDR, Inc.; McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.; Moffatt & Nichol: Phillips 66; Ports America, Inc.; Promotions Unlimited; Vulcan Materials Company; Gold - BASF Corporation; Bay - Houston Towing Co.; Blueline Shop & Copy Center; Brazos Pilots Association; City of Freeport; Horizon Terminal Services; Freese and Nichols; International Longshoremen’s Association; Red Hook Terminals; Sunstates Security LLC.; Terracon; Silver – Bracewell, LLP; Buchanan Electrical Services; Chiquita Brands International; Cordoba Law Firm, P.L.L.C.; Dole Fresh Fruit Company; Freeport Mooring & Marine, Inc.; G&H Towing Company; J&S Contractors, Inc.; Jetco Delivery; LEAF Engineers, Inc.; LJA Engineering, Inc.; McDonough Engineering Corp.; Raba Kistner Consultants; Sorrell Construction, Equipment & Materials, LLC; Southern Moon Entertainment; Sprint Waste Services; Texas Port Ministry; TDECU; TJ’S Lube Stop; Union Pacific Railroad; Weighing Technologies, Inc.; WSP USA, Inc.; Sponsor - Alvin Sun-Advertiser; Angleton Real Estate; Bay Star Group; Bell Dental; Brazoria County Septic Service; Brazoria Lumber; Bridge Bait; Bridge Harbor Yacht Club; Castleberry Insurance; Chick-fil-A; Clark Rotating Equipment; Dude Payne, Brazoria County Commissioner Pct. 1; First State Bank; Gulf Coast Employee Benefit Services, LLC.; Gulf Coast Engraving; Gulftex Vending & Coffee Services, Inc.; ILA Local #30; Kennemer, Masters & Lunsford, LLC; Magaly Malambri Photography; Ravi Singhania, Port Commissioner; Riviana; Rooster’s Crow Guide Service; Sea Center of Texas; SI Group; Southern Shaved Ice; U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 64

Nationally, Port Freeport is ranked 10th in chemicals, 19th in total tonnage, and 26th in containers. The Freeport Harbor Channel serves The Dow Chemical Company, Phillips 66, BASF, Tenaris, Vulcan Materials Company, Mammoet, Horizon Terminal Services, Freeport LNG, Riviana Foods, Inc., Dole Fresh Fruit, Chiquita Fresh N.A., Seaway Pipeline Company and Seaway Marine Terminal, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), and Hoegh Autoliners.

Port Freeport is committed to keeping the local community informed of our operations and results. If you have questions or comments about this announcement, please email or call Lauren McCormick, Public Affairs Manager.