There's an old Texas saying, "If the redbuds are blooming, the white bass are running." They are blooming now, plus we've had some decent rain, so get out and join the spring fishing tradition known as the white bass run. Here are some tips for fishing success:

• When – The spring run should last through May.
• Where – Also check out the river access we lease for you, including historically primo spots on the Llano and Neches rivers. 
• Why – They're feisty on the line and tasty on the fork.
• How – Use light/medium tackle; our video Fly Fishing for White Bass has more tips. 
• How to prepare – Don't cook white bass whole. Fillet it and remove the red-meat portion before you fry, bake, broil, smoke or grill your catch. Our video Catching White Bass on the Neches River also shows cooking prep. When you bring them home, try this recipe for Grilled Bass and Pea Pasta.

Your limit is 25 per day with a 10" minimum. Find more hot locations in our press release Timely Rain is Key to the 2026 White Bass Run.   

If you enjoy catching mammoth fish, head to the coast now for black drum. The current state record is a whopping 81 lbs.

Large schools of adult black drum gather from Feb.-March before spawning in bays and offshore. Fish for them on the bottom using Gulf shrimp, crabs or sea lice as bait.

But black drum are not just for catch-photo-release. Small “puppy” drum make VERY fine eating – I.D. them by their dark side bars which disappear with age. Try live Gulf shrimp or fiddler crabs on bay shores, rock groins and reefs.

Watch as the Islander Anglers fishing club go after black drum in our video Fishing Laguna Madre. 

Our Angler Education program invites adults 18+ to discover the joys of fishing by joining our NEW Adult Mentored Fishing Program. This is an exciting opportunity to learn, practice and connect with fellow anglers in your community.

Novice anglers (mentees) will be grouped with TPWD-certified volunteer instructors (mentors) who are passionate about teaching and building a community of lifelong fishing enthusiasts. Participants will enjoy 4 hands-on sessions from April through June, combining skill-building with on-the-water action.

There’s no entry fee, and getting started is simple: complete an online application and attend an orientation session. Accepted applicants will be matched into small groups based on location and interests. For this first pilot program, participants must reside in the counties of Travis, Williamson, Hays, Dallas, Tarrant, Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria or Galveston.

Cast a line, learn new skills and connect with your fishing community – apply today!

It's the 40th anniversary of Toyota ShareLunker, and we already have plenty of Legacy Lunker news to celebrate:

• Ross Gomez caught the same Legacy Lunker for the THIRD time at Alan Henry Reservoir! She was 13.22 lbs. when first caught in 2023. This year she weighed 14.74 lbs. (see photo).
• Wendell Ramsey Sr. caught the very first Legacy Lunker from Hords Creek Reservoir, the 80th waterbody in Texas to produce a Legacy Lunker.
• Travis McCollough pulled in the second Legacy Lunker ever from Fort Phantom Hill Lake. It broke the waterbody record at 14.35 lbs. 

Legacy Lunker season is underway. If you reel in a 13+ lb. bass and loan it to the ShareLunker breeding program, you'll receive a Catch Kit and other prizes. Report your Legacy Lunker by immediately calling (903) 681-0550 through March 31. 

You can also send us a DNA scale sample from any Lunker (8+ lb. bass) for genetic analysis. This helps our biologists make Texas bass fishing bigger and better. In return, you'll receive a Lew’s baitcast reel (value $220) while supplies last – one reel per angler.

Used nylon fishing line (monofilament) can be extremely harmful to boat motors and wildlife when it's disposed of in the water. It's not biodegradable and remains in the environment.

You can decrease the amount of fishing line entering your fishing spots by properly discarding your used line. Many bait shops, marinas and boat ramps have line collection bins. If your favorite spot needs one, consider making a line collection bin, installing and monitoring it – they're pretty simple. 

Find out more about line recycling in the short video Why You Should Recycle Your Fishing Line.