Fish & Game
Vamos a Pescar!
New virtual and in-person opportunities for angling lessons and inspiration.
Want to fish but not quite certain you’re ready to head out on your own? We’ve got plans to help you wet your hook in 2022, with events you can enjoy from your home or on the water, all thanks to a Texan who used to live in the White House.
The Vamos a Pescar (Let’s Go Fishing) Education Fund promotes programs that focus on engaging families — particularly Hispanic families — in fishing, boating and conservation activities. Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris started the fund in 2014, partnering with the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation to honor former President George H.W. Bush’s love of fishing by helping families enjoy his favorite pastime.
“[It’s] a wonderful program for sharing the wonders of fishing with an ever-broadening audience of American families,” President Bush said at the program’s launch.
For a second year, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will partner with Fishing’s Future to use the grant to fit the needs of Texans in innovative ways. Families with busy schedules can hook up to 60 live, virtual, after-hours workshops to fine-tune their fishing knowledge and learn new skills.
Dozens of in-person family fishing events offer opportunities to practice those new skills with helpful mentors at major metro areas across the state: Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Lubbock, Huntsville and the Rio Grande Valley.
“We believe life’s better outside — we want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy the great fishing Texas offers,” says Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center Director Tom Lang. “Many thanks to our friends and partners for enabling this wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Texans through fishing.”
Besides increasing fishing participation and satisfaction, the program aims to strengthen family bonds and connect Texans to conservation and fisheries resources.
Find out more here.
Stay safe while fishing
Fishing from the bank of a Texas pond or stream is a simple springtime pleasure. While you relax, keep your eye on safety to ensure a carefree outing. Protect yourself, the fish and their habitat by following these simple tips.
PEOPLE
• The Texas sun is brutal; bring water, wear a hat and use sunscreen.
• Avoid that sharp hook: cast carefully; don’t jerk the rod.
• Keep an eye on changing weather and water conditions.
• Nonswimmers should wear a life jacket.
FISH
• Fish with barbless hooks (or flatten/remove the barb).
• Use wet hands to handle your catch.
• Remove the hook quickly.
• Gently return the fish to the water (or put it on ice).
HABITAT
• Pack out all litter, even if it’s not yours.
• Use lead-free sinkers.
• Don’t dump live bait into the water.
Mark Kolanowski
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