I was a serious tournament fisherman for many years, starting back in the mid-sixties and finally calling it quits in 2001. I fished all over Texas, N.M., OK, LA, and MS. I tried to fish a tournment someplace every week-end. I must say the best fishing was in Texas. Most every Texas lake was stocked with the Florida strain bass beginning in the late sixties-early seventies. When Texas Parks and Wildlife stopped the program in the early 80’s many local bass clubs took over the rearing ponds and with the support of TP&W had Florida strain sows flown each spring and mated them with native bass. The fry were stocked in the local lakes. I help with the stocking of most every lake with-in a 100 mile radius of Abilene. Today it is not uncommon to have Lake records set in the 13-15 pound range. OH Ivy has produced fish over 15 pounds, Lake Sweetwater, Hubbard Creek, Leon, Proctor, Brownwood and Coleman have produce 12-13 pound class fish on a regular basis. I feel quite sure there are much larger bass in some of these lakes.
Yes my friend, fishing in Texas is very good, and no matter where you live there is a lake nearby that will produce one for you. The best time for a big fish is January-February, but they are caught year round. Remember, slow down and fish all the cover very thoroughly, it will pay off.
Sad note…………my ole Skeeter 175 Starfire is setting in the back yard with four flats, the tarp is torn and the carpet is likely gone. Almost makes me want to cry, but health problems have prevented my taking care of it as I once did.
