By Lone Star Fly Fishers Club

The trend in bachelor and bachelorette parties has taken a turn in recent times from the usual wine and dine at some nice and pricy venue to those with a completely different venue and theme, especially those with an outdoor twist. This is the story of one that involved a fly fishing club in East Texas, the Lone Star Fly Fishers, and a bridal party with participants who joined from hundreds of miles.

After early morning introductions and breakfast at a local diner, the group departed for the ranch only a few miles away. After setting up a sun canopy, chairs, fly fishing gear and icing down dehydration drinks, everyone was ready to learn about fly fishing. Several LSFF members are Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Angler Volunteer Fly Fishing Instructors, so the first part of the day was an introduction to the sport using the TPWD’s Fly Fishing 101 handbook. After that a brief look at entomology gave the girls an idea of what the soon to be shown flies were meant to imitate.

LSFF casting instruction volunteers stepped up next, and the girls were eager learners. Proper rod rigging of club supplied gear and the fundamental mechanics of the cast from the instructors resulted in a group of excited young ladies. Perhaps females take to instruction better than their counterpart males as soon all were proficient enough to introduce them to the water and fish. Each girl was presented an assortment of flies tied by LSFF members at our monthly Tyin’ Tuesday instructional event. Fly selections were made and the proper knot taught and just like that the pond was greeted by seven beautiful new fly fishers.

Unlike so many first fishing trips, all the girls caught at least one fish on the fly (many for the very first time in their lives!). After the fishing wrapped up, the ranch owner offered a glimpse into the broader world of fly fishing such as comparing pond fishing to the thrill of wading a cold mountain stream. The conversation struck a chord: one bridesmaid from Estes Park, Colorado, couldn't wait to take her new skills back home. Two others, based in the Texas Hill Country, were already eyeing the Guadalupe River, America's southernmost trout fishery, for their next adventure.

What started as an internet search for fly fishing instruction and application resulted in new friendships, an introduction to the great sport of fly fishing, and lasting memories for both the group of young ladies and members of Lone Star Fly Fishers. 

For the members of the Lone Star Fly Fishers, it was another reminder of why they do what they do--sharing their love of the sport, the outdoors, and God's "piscatorial creation." And for Grace and her bridesmaids? A bachelorette party they'll never forget--proof that most times, the best memories are made through adventure!

by Jim Bratton, TPWD Volunteer Angler Edu Area Chief Trainer

Beginning anglers often don’t think like a fish. They have never seen or felt how a fish can pick off a worm from a hook, never engaging the hook. I have found that using gummy worms is a great way to teach how to properly put a worm on a hook. 

Most of the suppliers of fishing worms sell two different types of worms. One type of worm sold by retailers is the NIGHT CRAWLER.  This worm is about the same diameter as a pencil and can be about 6 inches long. Frequently, when put on a hook, it sticks out both sides and is easily snacked on!

The second type of worm is usually sold under the name of RED WIGGLER.  It has about an 1/8-inch diameter and is less than 2 inches in length.

I usually explain that many fishermen use worms to fish for Sunfish, and Sunfish can either nibble or suck a worm off a hook in a heartbeat. So, I teach the following method of loading worms on to a hook to try to defeat the fish from snacking.

The picture shows the paper clip I use to make a hook; the larger gummy worm imitates the night crawler and the smaller worm the red wiggler. Bend the paper clip into a hook and start the hook in the first section of the worm. Then weave the worm on the hook using about 1 ½ inch of the worm. 

 Depending on the size of the worm, you can keep putting the hook through until it is all on the hook. This method helps the hook to catch, instead of just feed fish. I have found that seeing this done with gummy worms, helps beginning anglers, young and old, learn how to put on bait.

By Peyton Sharp, Special Olympics Athlete

I am 30 years old and there is more to me than meets the eye. When I was a baby, I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy secondary to bi-lateral schizencephaly. Because my brain isn’t formed like everyone else’s, it causes everyday things to be more difficult for me.

Like other teenagers, when I was in High School, I realized that I needed to find a career, however most jobs were not physically possible for me. My parents decided to buy me a 3-D printer. When we got the first one, I started making so many things and enjoyed it so much, we got another one. 

By Michelle Huff, TPWD Volunteer Angler Education Instructor 

In the Spring of 2025, I had the opportunity to combine three things dear to me in order to bring a hands-on Beginner Angler Education experience to Cub Scout Pack 548…my degree and experience in education, my experience as a Scout leader for Scouting America, and my experience as a TPWD Angler Education Instructor.

The Texas Waters curriculum informs and educates Texans dedicated to the beneficial management of aquatic resources and habitats within their communities. This program allows volunteers to obtain advanced training, become certified as a Texas Waters Specialist, and give back to their community by performing volunteer service in watershed and aquatic areas to always have drinkable, swimmable, and fishable waters.