FISHING

Anglers Reel in Record-Setting Fish in 2019

Since 1971, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Angler Recognition Program has recognized fishing excellence by maintaining the fish record lists for all public and private water bodies across the state. Participation in the program has continued to grow every year, and 2019 was no exception with anglers receiving more than 638 official awards for their big fish.

“With 47 new state fishing records and 434 new water-body records set at lakes, rivers and bays across the state, it’s clear that 2019 was a great year for fishing in Texas,” says Ron Smith, TPWD Angler Recognition Program director. “In addition to providing bragging rights and a lifetime of memories for anglers, these achievements showcase the world-class fishing opportunities that can be found in every part of Texas.”

Junior anglers under 17 set 14 state records and 108 water-body records in 2019. A few notable junior records include the junior state freshwater rod and reel record largemouth bass caught by Gavin Mikeska at Oak Creek Lake on April 20; the junior state freshwater rod and reel record blue catfish caught by Brayden Rogers at Lake Tawakoni on March 16; and the junior state saltwater rod and reel record bull shark caught by Johnny Garner in the Gulf of Mexico on Jan. 25.

All-ages anglers set 33 state records and 326 water-body records in 2019. Some notable all-ages records include the state freshwater fly fishing record Alabama bass caught by Smith Swinburn at Lake Alan Henry on April 5; the state freshwater fly fishing record bowfin caught by Stavros Cotsoradis at Lake Conroe on June 1; the state saltwater fly fishing record red drum caught by Candace Kern in Matagorda Bay on Aug. 14; the state saltwater rod and reel record silk snapper caught by Tyler Young in the Gulf of Mexico on July 6; and the state saltwater rod and reel record scamp caught by Brice Sanchez in the Gulf of Mexico on Jan. 6.

Find out more at tpwd.texas.gov/fishawards.