I began our Fishing Schools at Stephen F. Austin State University’s Pineywoods Conservation Center located on Texas’s own Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Our text and class is continually updated to reflect the newest equipment, products and techniques. Additionally, we cover existing methods and patterns that have, over the years, consistently produced bass for anglers. Cost of all schools includes lodging, meals, classroom material and instructor’s fees.

Although The Fishing Schools are held on Sam Rayburn Reservoir, the knowledge and expertise acquired is applicable to all other bodies of water when in the pursuit of Bass and other gamefish in both fresh and saltwater.

This year’s first class is my special two-day hands-on Maps and Electronics. The hands on sonar portion will utilize Lowrance Electronics’ new updated color sonar units e/w GPS (Global Positioning System). In addition we have developed an “Extensive” 35 MM slide and laptop - power point program of real life situations anglers will encounter using today’s sonar equipment while fishing. One day is spent detailing topographical and hydrographical maps and correlating their relationship to fishing success while outlining bass movement.

Our second class of the year is our week long fishing program geared towards understanding and catching “Big Bass”. I’ve purposely scheduled this class during Rayburn’s pre-spawn - spawn period which historically kicks off “Lunker Bass Season” here in East Texas. This school entails fishing approximately nine hours each day and several hours of classroom time. During the evening classroom periods we build a special “Big Bass” pattern formula including pre-spawn habits, required equipment, migration routes, holding cover, preferred lures, “catching times”, etc. Anglers must bring their own boats and equipment to this class. This year’s class will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Our Big Bass program this year will include a variety of speakers who will cover different subjects of interest to today’s anglers. I am currently trying to arrange a special guest speaker who is major player in our Nation’s tackle industry. We will see a long time friend and bass angler who is also an outstanding fisheries biologist sitting in on our pattern board sessions and answering fish related questions. Robert Stroder who is an ardent bass angler, General Manager of Lower Neches Valley Authority and is responsible for the implementation and operation of the Saltwater Intrusion Barrier located below Pine Island Bayou on the Neches River. This project greatly reduces the amount of flow required to halt the encroachment of saltwater into the Golden Triangle’s freshwater pumps. Robert will explain LNVA’s role in the management of Sam Rayburn Reservoir's water storage and use, plus long range water plans and how this will affect our recreational use of Rayburn. Since the Barriers activation in October 2003 Rayburn’s annual drawdown has only been between 5 and 6 feet below conservation pool of 164.4 EMSL, whereas we use to see 8 feet to over 13 feet below pool each year.

My Advanced Class is geared towards those anglers searching for more and better ways to fool today’s wily bass. In this five day class we cover everything involved in bass fishing from rods, reels, lures, equipment selection, seasonal habits, building of patterns, catch/release standards, boat rigging and maintenance, etc. Approximately 20 hours is spent in classroom instruction with the remainder of your time spent applying newly acquired methods and techniques while fishing Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Two different anglers will team each day with Will Kirkpatrick for on the water instruction. Anglers must bring their own boats and equipment to this class for use during time spent fishing the other four days. We do have some additional tackle available to use during this class.

Our Tournament package is geared towards anglers fishing the annual McDonald’s Tournament held on Rayburn each year. We provide extensive information on Catch & Release application during this session.
 

All classes are on a first come, first served basis and require a 50% deposit 30 days prior to class date with prices based on double occupancy.  Host marina is Powell Park Marina (409-584-2624), which is a full service marina including grill, gas, tackle and groceries.

For further information or for class date availability, call me at (409-584-3177), or if you prefer, you can write me at 21815 FM 705, Broaddus, Texas 75929