The Bolivar Beatdown Shark Fishing Tournament, hosted by Texas Shark Radio, proved to be one of the biggest fishing events of the summer, drawing hundreds of anglers to the shores of Bolivar Peninsula. From the Bolivar Flats to the High Island curve and beyond, competitors cast their lines and battled the surf in pursuit of bragging rights and serious prize money.
A Weekend of Nonstop Action
Most anglers fished from Friday evening straight through Sunday morning, logging an incredible 3,000 catches across the tournament. Categories included Largest Shark Stringer (total length of three sharks caught), Largest Redfish, and a special Kids Division, giving everyone from seasoned pros to young anglers a chance to shine.
Building Excitement at Swedes Park Pavilion
By Sunday at noon, competitors, family, and friends gathered at Swedes Park Pavilion for the awards ceremony. Anticipation filled the air as dozens of raffle prizes were handed out to lucky ticket holders. Enthusiasm only grew as the crowd awaited the announcement of tournament champions.
Big Prizes and Bigger Fish
Tournament organizers awarded more than $27,000 in cash prizes, including special honors for “First Caught” and “Grind Time.”
- Largest Shark: A monster 7-foot, 6-inch bull shark.
- Largest Redfish: An impressive red measuring over 44.125 inches.
- Overall Winner: Congratulations to Larry Black of Dickinson, whose shark stringer totaled a jaw-dropping 251.5 inches, earning him the top prize and a place in Bolivar fishing history.
- Honorable Mention for most interesting catch: Kiah Diaz with a 10-foot Manta Ray
Looking Ahead
With massive catches, enthusiastic crowds, and record participation, the Bolivar Beatdown has cemented itself as a premier fishing tournament on the Texas Gulf Coast. Anglers are already counting down the days until next year’s event, when the bar will be set even higher for size, stamina, and skill.
Grind Time-the first catch of the hour
12 pm: Matt Wright
1 pm: Bobby Swanson III
2 pm: Hunter Tarrant
3 pm: Francisco Lara
4 pm: Bobby Swanson Jr
First Caught Shark-the first shark caught to specified length
4-ft: David Melville
6-ft: David Crain
Kids Division-Boys
First: Beau Bagley (41 in)
Second: Timbry Callaway (40.5 in)
Third: Joseph Heflin (39.25 in)
Kids Division-Girls
First: Jocelyn Heflin (37.25 in)
Second: Kaylah Escalante (23 in)
Third: Genesis Rodriguez (11.75 in)
Kids Honorable Mention-Boys
First: Luke Bernardini (20.5 in)
Second: James Bevins (19.75 in)
Third: Gabriel Tapia (19.125 in)
Kids Honorable Mention-Girls
First: Kaylah Escalante (20.75 in)
