The 13.68-pound largemouth caught by Gavin Mikeska at Oak Creek Reservoir April 20, 2019 set a Texas junior record for the species. It is one of 47 state records in the Lone Star State set last year. (Photo courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife)
February 25, 2020
By Game & Fish Digital Staff
As they say, everything is big in Texas. That goes for trophy fishing, especially in 2019.
According to Texas Parks & Wildlife , nearly four dozen state records were set last year, including fly-fishing records for Alabama (spotted) bass, bowfin and red drum, and saltwater rod-and-reel records for silk snapper and scamp.
"With 47 new state fishing records and 434 new waterbody records set at lakes, rivers and bays across the state, it's clear that 2019 was a great year for fishing in Texas," said 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."
>> Search for Texas fishing records
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Junior anglers under 17 set 14 state records and 108 water body records, and all-ages anglers set 33 state records and 326 water body records, according to the Texas agency.
Even though not every fish qualifies as a record, Texas anglers can still submit and receive special recognition for their catches. In 2019, 48 anglers submitted their first catch to the program for the First Fish Award ; 57 received the Outstanding Angler Award for their special catch; and 261 received a Big Fish Award for catching a fish that met the minimum length requirement for the species.
To participate in the program, become familiar with the rules to ensure a complete application is submitted. In addition to locating a certified scale, anglers should learn to properly measure a fish and take a camera along to snap the required photos. Anglers should also keep in mind that all fish need to be legally caught in Texas waters and only one person may catch the fish (except for netting or gaffing the fish to bring it into the boat or onto shore).
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To search current records, review the types of awards available and learn how to submit your catch, visit the Angler Recognition Program online .
Click here to see more photos of Texas record fish
