Texas Angler Reels in Record-Breaking Bass at Hords Creek Lake

A recent fishing expedition to Hords Creek Lake yielded an extraordinary catch for experienced guide Wendell Ramsey: a magnificent 13.76-pound largemouth bass. This achievement not only underscores Ramsey's angling prowess but also highlights the success of Texas's ShareLunker program in fostering robust bass populations. The remarkable fish has been donated to the state's conservation efforts, where it will contribute to future generations of trophy bass in Texas waters. This incident serves as a testament to the dedication of anglers and wildlife agencies in preserving and enhancing the rich aquatic ecosystems of the region.

A Memorable Outing on Hords Creek Lake

On a bright February morning, seasoned fishing guide Wendell Ramsey, accompanied by his friends Gary Gayle and Blake Hammond, embarked on a fishing trip to Hords Creek Lake. Despite the chilly 40-degree air and 51-degree water temperatures, Ramsey's extensive knowledge of the lake, honed over 40 years, led them to an area where he had previously found success. Utilizing advanced forward-facing sonar technology, Ramsey identified several large bass in deeper waters. Although the fish were initially hesitant to bite, their persistence paid off in an unexpected and thrilling manner, culminating in a truly remarkable catch that would contribute to a significant conservation program.

Ramsey, typically guiding on the well-known O.H. Ivie Lake, opted for Hords Creek Lake in Coleman County, south of Abilene, for this particular outing. After an initial period of moderate success, netting a few 4-to-5-pound bass, the guide's forward-facing sonar revealed three substantial fish resting on the lakebed in eight feet of water. Employing an umbrella rig adorned with Strike King Rage Swimmers, he cast his line towards the trio. The first two bass displayed interest, shadowing the lure, but it was the third, larger bass that, in a competitive surge, outpaced the others to strike the bait. The ensuing struggle was intense, with the fish fighting fiercely and pulling against the reel's drag, though it never broke the water's surface. With the help of Hammond, the enormous largemouth was successfully netted and brought aboard, a moment of triumph that hinted at the fish's exceptional size and potential contribution to a vital conservation initiative.

Contributing to Texas's Legacy Class Lunker Program

Recognizing the exceptional size of his catch, Ramsey quickly realized that the bass might qualify for Texas's prestigious Legacy Class Lunker program. Having previously contributed a 14.92-pound lunker to the program in 2021, and with a client also catching a 13-pounder that same year, Ramsey is well-versed in the significance of such specimens. Following the guidelines of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, he contacted the "ShareLunker" hotline, initiating the process for the fish's donation. This program, operational from January 1 to March 31, encourages anglers to loan 13-pound or heavier largemouth bass to the TPWD for spawning purposes, thereby enriching public lakes with genetically superior offspring.

After securing the impressive 25.5-inch bass in the boat's livewell, Ramsey and his companions briefly continued fishing, hoping to entice another of the large bass they had spotted earlier. However, with no further bites, they transported their prize catch to O.H. Ivie Lake, home to a dedicated "ShareLunker" weigh station and holding tank. Here, the bass was officially weighed at 13.76 pounds before being taken to the Athens hatchery. The state fisheries staff will oversee the spawning of this lunker, and its progeny will be raised and eventually released into Texas lakes, bolstering the state's bass fishery. As a token of appreciation for his valuable contribution, Ramsey will receive a replica mount of his remarkable catch, which he plans to display alongside his previous record-breaking bass at Concho Park Marina at Lake Ivie, a fitting tribute to his dedication to the sport and conservation.