Anglers from Texas and across the nation set numerous fishing records in Texas waters via the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Angler Recognition Program (ARP) in 2025.
The angler with the most 2025 catch awards was Charles Dewey of Universal City with 52. He averaged an incredible, one record per week, with most of his submissions being uncommonly targeted species that include common carp and smallmouth buffalo. The heaviest state record, broken in 2025, was an 884-pound Blue Fin Tuna caught by David L. Essingler of Houston.
Texas’ coastal waters had the most submissions from a single waterbody with 23 followed closely by the Brazos River with 20, which was the highest total from a freshwater waterbody. A phenomenal 207 water bodies contributed to the 2025 submissions.
“As an avid angler and new Texas resident, it is awesome to see the fishing opportunities available in this state,” said David Breth, TPWD Angler Recognition Program coordinator. “Through processing these applications and talking with the anglers, I have learned so much about the lakes and rivers here and am excited to fish them for myself!”
Anglers submitted 600 official applications for their catch during the 2025 calendar year. Anglers set a combined 44 new state records and 470 waterbody records throughout the course of 2025. State and waterbody records are awarded in overall and junior angler categories for public and private freshwater fisheries along with saltwater fisheries in the state.
The program also officially recognized 271 Big Fish and 26 First Fish awards; five new elite anglers and 273 anglers submitted an ARP application for the first time, meaning nearly half of all applicants were new to the program—an encouraging sign of growing participation.
A few other notable catches were entered into the program in 2025:
- The smallest (lightest) new state record was a 0.50lb Warmouth caught by Killian Speers of Rockwall (youth, private waters).
- Trent Rickman of Fate landed a 6.66-pound Bowfin on a fly rod. This species has a hard mouth and teeth, making them difficult to hook and land, even for anglers with gear and tackle made to target them.
- It’s not often that an angler submits a Gizzard Shad for a record. What makes Rick Munguia’s (Briggs) even more rare is he “caught” a 1.13-pound shad using Bowfishing equipment.
- A new species was added to the program’s State Records and thanks to Raymond Benton Pahlka of Houston, there is now a 14.48-pound Barrelfish weight record.
- A teenager from Florida, Julia Bernstein, traveled to Texas and earned 17 awards/records for five catches during her trip.
- 78 total species were submitted as largemouth bass topped the list with 81 entries followed by white bass (54) and white crappie (44).
“Beyond the angler engagement, the Angler Recognition Program showcases the excellent fishing opportunities that have been created and managed by TPWD,” added Breth. “When anglers submit a fish for a record, it helps confirm the hard work of our biologists is paying off. I want to thank all of our official ARP weigh stations, which provide certified scales for the anglers and special gratitude to our dedicated TPWD staff. They help confirm species identification, assist with applications and measurements, and ensure the program’s success!”
https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20260331b
