Now that we are into the Fall months, business in Port O’Connor has slowed down. I went to King Fisher Beach on October 8th, where the first ever 5K was being held. It was a surprise to see all the children and adults attending the event, the weather was just perfect, overcast and a breeze, although by lunch it was really warming up.

I also heard the POC GRAND SLAM had a good turnout. POC needs these events to keep people interested in our community during the slow months. There will be a “Welcome Winter Texan Business Expo” hosted by the Port Lavaca Chamber on November 17th from 10-2 p.m. in Port Lavaca. The Port O’Connor Chamber plans to attend this event, setting up a table with our members business cards and any info.
they furnish.

Please drop off business cards and info in a zip lock bag at Chamber office, just leave on Chamber desk in back office of POCMUD Office, for more info contact 361poc@gmail.com

Have a great time and enjoy Port O’Connor!

Click here to register or contact: pocstyle5k@gmail.com

The summer of 2011 has been great for businesses in our community. The fishing in this area has also been good and when the winds continued will into the summer, the fish were still biting.

Now the last big holiday of the summer is here, but do not let that stop you from coming down to POC, there are still Tournaments going on.

October 1st. the Port O’Connor Ladies Classic Tournament

Contact Connie at Froggies Bait or 361-652-4677.

October 7th & 8th will be –POC Grand Slam

Contact: 361-935-8745

October 8th the POC Style 5k and Dolphin Run K

Click here to register or contact: pocstyle5k@gmail.com

For the people not fishing come on down to King Fisher Beach and join in, and bring the children this is a wonderful event for them.

The September meeting of the Chamber of Commerce will be on September 12th at 7 p.m. at POC MUD Office, if at all possible to attend, please do so, we sincerely need more involvement from anyone that wishes to get involved and help with projects or just make suggestions.

THANKS TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

H.R. INVESTMENTS
KELLY PARKS GUIDE SERVICE
WINDSTAR TRAVEL
ALL SEASONS GUIDE SERVICE
PORT O’CONNOR R.V. PARK
CARL RAY-ATTORNEY
POC STORAGE BARN
MID COAST REAL ESTATE
MR. DOYLE ADAMS
BOWED UP OUTDOORS
THE SPOT
10th STREET LODGE

As the last boat was –“undecorated”, the last twinkling light clicked off and taken down, and  the last festive decorations were removed, the 16th official, 15th annual Port O’Connor Invitational fishing tournament closed another chapter in its journey through life. Looking at Kingfisher Beach and tournament headquarters, one would never know that anything really happened at all.

But wait! We all know what a celebration it was! We have beautiful memories, stories, and of course photos of the three fun-filled and exciting days in P.O.C. The tournament committee wishes to thank everyone who came out to watch the parade. Also, everyone who contributed in any way. Thanks to the U.S. Coast Guard for the color guard and their life saving boat. Also, to the Port O’Connor Volunteer Fire Department for bringing your BIG RED TRUCK! What a beauty she is! A Special Thank you to Sheriff BB Browning, Chief Deputy Mark Daigle and all the Calhoun County Deputies for the parade escort. Your participation is ALWAYS appreciated. Leroy, Joanne, and the entire POCIFT committee want to express their sincere gratitude to the anglers who fished the tournament. Although  POCIFT may be somewhat unorthodox , your participation helped make the tournament a great success. Proceeds go to a very worthy cause.

POCIFT has become a welcome and lasting tradition here in POC. The entire county has begun to look forward to this outrageous, colorful, and extraordinary event.  From the moment Leroy Taylor and his team start setting up on the Wednesday before the tournament, excitement starts to build. One hears questions like “Who’s Fishing this year? “What is the theme?” “Where is Pisecles?” “How will HE appear this year?”

This year’s tournament  and parade were somewhat smaller, but size didn’t slow the revelers down. They fished, ate, drank, visited, laughed at each other and themselves.  The creative, fun-loving group made their way through the streets of POC in stellar form.  Hundreds of spectators lined the streets to catch Mardi Gras beads, stuffed plush toys, candy and trinkets. Everyone, young and old alike, loves this fun filled festival.

As the last angler, guest and  POCIFT team member left Port O’Connor with poignant  farewells, driving slowly out Hwy. 185,  (back to the real world) their minds were busy thinking and making plans for next year. So my friends, be watchful. Keep Believing , it will happen.  POCIFT and all that it stands for proves once again “LIFE IS MEANT TO BE ENJOYED, NOT ENDURED. “ We are so blessed to have  all of this right here in Port O’Connor, Texas, USA!

At Press time the winners of the tournament have been announced. The winners of the parade entries are not yet available, but will be published in the next Dolphin Talk.

Winners of the tournament are…

Eichelberger Hardluck Trophy = Gordon Moriss (Mi Nena)

Steve Hogan Memorial Trophy =  Jason Stryker (We Live Here)

Weighing five trout and two redfish per day, Friday and Saturday:

Largest Redfish =  8.74 lbs – Carl King (Wave Alert)

Largest Trout = 4.26 lbs – Jared Faldyn (Party of 5)

Tournament Champions = We Live Here (33.38 lbs trout and redfish)

- Jason Stryker, Clayton Streidel, Gary Crone

2nd Place = Party of 5 (26.32 lbs trout and redfish)

Don and Kim Faldyn (mom and dad), Kyle, Jared and Rachel Faldyn (kids)

3rd Place = Wave Alert (25.75 lbs trout and redfish) – fishing only one of two days)

Capt. Leroy Taylor, Rodney Cobb, Tami and Carl King

Remember the POCIFT CREED “Take nothing seriously but the day’s fishing. Be safe, Have Fun and Enjoy some wonderful food, drink and people who share the common passion for saltwater fishing!”

‘Til Next time,
Nancy Pomykal

Photos courtesy of Bill Tigrett.