Texas anglers smashed 44 state records in 2025, with 600 total catches, new species, and one Houston fisherman landing an 884-pound bluefin tuna.
HOUSTON — A year’s worth of fishing in Texas turned into a record-smashing showcase in 2025, thanks to anglers from across the country who wet their lines and made history through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Angler Recognition Program (ARP).
The year saw 600 official catch entries, resulting in 44 new state records and 470 waterbody records. Seventy-eight different species made the list, with largemouth bass topping the charts at 81 entries, followed by white bass and white crappie.
Charles Dewey of Universal City earned serious bragging rights with 52 recognized catches—averaging roughly one record per week. Houston’s own David L. Essingler hauled in the year’s heavyweight champ: an 884-pound bluefin tuna. On the smaller side, 12-year-old Killian Speers from Rockwall made his mark with a half-pound warmouth, proving that big things come in small bites.
There were plenty of unusual catches, too. Trent Rickman of Fate wrangled a 6.66-pound bowfin on a fly rod, no small feat for a fish known for teeth and tenacity. Over in Briggs, Rick Munguia made headlines by landing (or more accurately, bowfishing) a 1.13-pound gizzard shad—a rarity in the program. And Houston’s Raymond Benton Pahlka even introduced a new species to the record books with his 14.48-pound barrelfish.
Florida teenager Julia Bernstein also got in on the Texas action, traveling to the Lone Star State and earning 17 awards for five different catches.
In all, 273 first-time participants joined the program, nearly half of all applicants, suggesting that Texas fishing fever is catching on fast.
“It’s awesome to see the fishing opportunities available in this state,” said ARP coordinator David Breth. “Through processing these applications and talking with anglers, I’ve learned so much about the lakes and rivers here and am excited to fish them for myself!”
The ARP, housed at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, celebrates all kinds of catches—from rod and reel to fly and bow fishing. Awards include First Fish, Big Fish, and Outstanding Angler recognitions, along with categories for length-only and catch-and-release records.
Anglers looking to join the fun can email anglers@tpwd.texas.gov for details or check out how to measure, weigh, and submit their next potential record—a requirement that could turn an ordinary fishing trip into a story for the record books.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include your name and the best way to reach you.