“All Good Things Must Come to An End,” I’ve heard all my life. My mother taught us how to face disappointment by using that phrase quite often. I remember as a kid, I hated to hear her say those few words because it meant whatever we were enjoying at the moment would be ending soon and become a memory.
Back in 1969, fifty years ago this month, Walter Fondren and a group of Texas businessmen started the “POCO BUENO” fishing tournament and made Port O’Connor their tournament headquarters. For forty-nine years tournament week in Port O’Connor was celebrated by all who were in the area. We all looked forward to the third week in July as a time of celebration and fun. Port O’Connor’s economy was boosted by the participants and the followers alike. Many memories were made in the span of forty-nine years!
This year, after declining participation, the Fondren family chose to cancel POCO, indefinitely. Everyone who has ever experienced that special time in Port O’Connor was disappointed and truly hated to see it go. Although we hate to see the tournament canceled, we do understand but, it still feels like we have lost an old friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Fondren family and we wish them well in any future endeavors.
As a tribute to POCO BUENO and all of those who made it possible, both living and deceased, the Dolphin has agreed to reprint an article I wrote back in 2009 for the 40th birthday celebration of this amazing tournament.
As I sit here writing this article, I have decided that even though we won’t actually have the tournament here physically, it will always be a part of the Port O’Connor community in spirit and in our hearts. It now has been fifty years since that group of friends, business associates, and conservationists got together and saw their vision come true! That alone is a reason to celebrate. Let’s not cry because POCO is gone, but let’s smile because it happened and we had the opportunity to share the prestigious event all those years. So in closing, let’s raise our glass and salute those fine folks and wish them fair winds, tight lines and following seas! THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES. ‘Till we meet again!
Poco Bueno Celebrates 40th Birthday!
Dolphin Talk, July 24, 2009
And…………….. What a birthday it was! Beginning Wednesday night with the Calcutta, until Sunday morning when everyone said their “good-byes”, the fun and action never stopped.
Ninety offshore fishing yachts, a waiting list of several others, and a long list of in shore bay boats, entered this year’s tournament. Judging by the number of entries, and the amount of the Calcutta prize money ($851,000.00) , the slowing economy hasn’t effected these anglers. Fishing the tournament can be expensive, but the chance of winning big money is a tempting magnet.
The prestigious tournament hasn’t always been this large or well known. In 1969, a group of Texas businessmen and conservationist met and decided an offshore fishing tournament in Port O’Connor would be a challenging experience. Walter Fondren III, Joe Bright, Stewart Campbell and Bob Byrd agreed a small offshore tournament would afford them an opportunity to enjoy the sport and participate in a little friendly wagering. They all agreed they would have a “small, but good” tournament, thus the name “POCO BUENO”. The first year of this “little” tournament brought only 10 entries. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather, the boats never left the dock. With their spirits unhampered, the men made plans for the following year.
With each passing year, the tournament and prize money grew. During the 1980s it was not unusual to have more than a hundred boats participating in the tournament. As the economy slowed down, so did tournament entries. Now in its 40th year, attendance is going strong!
Invitations to POCO are coveted. Once an invitation is received, anglers scramble to meet the deadline to register.
Four decades of the tournament have had a profound effect on Port O’Connor. Local merchants, hotels, restaurants and service centers look forward to the third week in July each year. It is a festive time. POCO week is a special time for locals and visitors alike. It is a time to celebrate living on the Texas Coast and taking advantage of all the great things it has to offer. It is a time to enjoy a few drinks, watch the “weigh in” of some big fish, eat some good food and network with people who share a common bond of salt water fishing.
The winner of the offshore division this year with a 429 pound Blue Marlin, was the boat Seay Goddess. The first marlin brought in was landed by the boat La Fiera. Although the first marlin, at 353 pounds, weighed less than the winning fish, a prize of $30,000.00 was paid to them for bringing in the first marlin. The largest Wahoo, at 103.5 pounds, was brought in by Aqui Nomas; Gringo Honeymoon brought in a 77 pound Wahoo, and Stacy Le Anne a 62.5 pounder. Puro Carbon had the largest Dolphin at 24.5 pounds. The largest Tuna (177 pounds) was caught by Coyote; second was Rico Runner at 148.5 pounds. Congratulations fellows! Great Job! Other results from this year’s catch were not available at press time, we hope to have them in the next issue.
So………. In closing….. HAPPY BIRTHDAY POCO BUENO!!! You never looked so good!!! May you have many many more. Perhaps our grandchildren or great grandchildren will one day be celebrating your centennial. Thanks for making Port O’Connor your home. -Nancy Pomykal
