Throughout the month of June, Port Freeport hosted the 20th Annual Take-A-Child Fishing Tournament (TACFT) in a virtual format to protect the health and safety of our community.  Over 200 local young anglers registered for the virtual tournament.  In lieu of an entry fee, the Port committed to donate 10 canned goods per registered angler.  More than 2020 canned goods will be donated benefiting the Dream Pantry at the Brazoria County Dream Center. 

The Take-A-Child Fishing tournament was created with the intention of bringing families in the community together outdoors for a day of fun-filled memories and this year was no exception.  The Port received 58 photo submissions featuring participants and their catches.

Yellow Fin Top Prize Winner, Ilysa Cantu, age 14; Blue Fin Top Prize Winner, Adien Perdue, age 7 (Not Shown); Yellow Fin Participation Prize Winner, Nicholas Cortez, age 13
Yellow Fin Top Prize Winner, Ilysa Cantu, age 14; Blue Fin Top Prize Winner, Adien Perdue, age 7 (Not Shown); Yellow Fin Participation Prize Winner, Nicholas Cortez, age 13

 “The generosity of our sponsors and volunteers have allowed Port Freeport the opportunity to host this great community event for 20 years, and we are glad that we were able to find a solution to continue the tradition of providing local families the opportunity to safely spend time together outdoors,” said Port Freeport Executive Director/CEO, Phyllis Saathoff.

Registrants were divided into two age groups. Participants that submitted photos electronically were entered to win one of the two top prizes.  Top Prize winners were awarded a Microsoft Surface Pro 4 tablet with accessories. Each registrant also had an opportunity to win one of 20 participation prizes. Port Freeport would like to thank everyone who participated and congratulate this year’s top prize winners:

Blue Fins Category (Ages 3-8)

  • Adien Perdue

Yellow Fins Category (Ages 9-14)

  • Ilysa Cantu 

“The commissioners and I would like to thank the 68 sponsors for their generosity that continues to make this event a success year after year.  We were excited to celebrate 20 years of the tournament with such a great turn out and thank the participants and families embracing the virtual format and sharing your fishing memories with us,” stated Port Commission Chairman Shane Pirtle.        

Port Freeport would like to extend our gratitude to the following sponsors for their generosity:  Platinum - AAA Asphalt Paving, Inc.; Brazos Pilots Association; Freeport LNG; HDR Inc.; McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.; Moffatt & Nichol; Ports America, Inc.; Vulcan Materials Company; Gold - Doyle & Wachtstetter, Inc.; Horizon Auto Logistics; Freese and Nichols; International Longshoremen's Association; Sunstates Security LLC.; Silver - BASF Corporation; Bay - Houston Towing Co.; BGE, Inc.; Bracewell, LLP; Blueline Shop & Copy Center; City of Freeport; Dole Fresh Fruit Company; ESP Texas Opportunities, LLC; J&S Contractors, Inc.; Jetco Delivery; LEAF Engineers, A PBK Company; LJA Engineering, Inc.; Red Hook Terminals; Southern Gulf Solutions, LLC; Southern Moon Entertainment; Sprint Waste Services; Teal Construction Company; Terracon; Texas Port Ministry; TDECU; TJ's Lube Stop; Vernor Material & Equipment; Weighing Technologies, Inc.; Sponsor -Angleton Real Estate; Bartlett Cocke; Bay Star Group; Bell Dental; Brazoria County Septic Service; Brazoria Lumber; Brevard Company; Bridge Bait; Bridge Harbor Yacht Club; Castleberry Insurance; Chick-fil-A; Chiquita Brands International; Cordoba Law Firm, P.L.L.C.; Dude Payne, Brazoria County, Commissioner Pct. 1; First State Bank; Freeport Mooring & Marine, Inc.; G&H Towing Company; Gulf Coast Employee Benefit Services, LLC; Gulf Coast Engraving; Gulftex Vending & Coffee Services, Inc.; KML, LLC; Magaly Malambri Photography; Masterson Advisors; Mejia Industrial Supply Company; Port Commissioner Ravi Singhania ; Port Commissioner Shane Pirtle; Rooster's Crow Guide Service; Sea Center of Texas; Southern Shaved Ice; Union Pacific Railroad; Vogel Designs Marketing; West Gulf Maritime Association.

Port Freeport is a leading port in the export of crude oil and natural gas liquids and is ranked 10th in chemicals, 19th in total tonnage, and 26th in containers. A 2019 Economic Impact Study by Texas A&M Transportation Institution revealed that nationally the Freeport Harbor Channel generates 279,780 jobs and has a total economic output of $149 billion. The Freeport Harbor Channel serves BASF, Chiquita Fresh N.A., CMA CGM, Dole Fresh Fruit, The Dow Chemical Company, Freeport LNG, Glovis, Grimaldi Lines, Hoegh Autoliners, Horizon Auto Logistics, Liberty Global Logistics, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean, Mammoet, Phillips 66, Riviana Foods, Inc., Sallaum Lines, Seaway Crude Pipeline Company, Tenaris, and Vulcan Materials Company.

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 Marilyn Miller, Public Affairs Assistant.