​When people think of West Texas, images of sprawling desert landscapes, towering mesas, and cowboy culture often come to mind. Yet, there's a lesser-known side to this region: its fishing potential. As counterintuitive as it may seem, West Texas boasts some impressive water bodies that make for memorable fishing trips, offering an experience that is fun and educational for the whole family. Here's why a fishing trip, whether in West Texas or elsewhere, remains an unparalleled activity for all ages.

As an outdoor enthusiast, it's crucial to stay informed about safety statistics and regulations related to your favorite activities. For boating enthusiasts in the Lone Star State, a recent study by HelpAdvisor.com has revealed some concerning figures.

Texas in the National Context
The study, which analyzed data from all 50 states, placed Texas third in the country for the highest number of boating incidents over the past decade. From 2012 to 2021, Texas recorded a significant 1,882 boating accidents, a number only surpassed by Florida and California.​

Hey, fishing enthusiasts! You won't believe what happened recently. A woman from Texas, Lea Anne Powell, just made fishing history by catching a whopping 12-pound largemouth bass. Yeah, you read that right, a 12-pounder!

​This incredible catch happened right down the road from us at O.H. Ivie Lake. If you're into fishing, you probably know this place is famous for its big bass. But Lea Anne's catch was something else. It was so big that it set a new world record in her line class. Talk about a good day fishing!

​If you're an angler in San Angelo, Texas, you're in luck because there are plenty of lakes and rivers to fish in! But with so many options, it can be tough to know which fish species are the most popular to catch. Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll dive into the top three fish species that anglers in San Angelo are after and give you some tips on how to catch them.

This week, two largemouth bass weighing over 13 pounds were caught in O.H. Ivie Lake in Texas, which will be used in a selective breeding program to enhance the state's fisheries.

These bass, pictured left-to-right atop this post, weighed 14.76 pounds for Dalton Smith and 13.31 pounds for Caden Cowan.

“Do not adjust your screens, you are seeing double double-digits bass!” the Toyota ShareLunker Program announced via social media on Thursday.

Legacy Lunkers are being used as spawners for stocking programs presented by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as part of the state's ShareLunker hatchery program.

​When you're a marine enthusiast, there's nothing quite like shopping for a boat. I'm sure you're thinking about all of the exciting things your new boat can do. Start by choosing a brand that's known for quality, reliability, and performance. You'll find a great selection of Skeeter® boats for sale in San Angelo, TX, at Proline Marine. Learn more about our company, then come see what we have to offer.
 
Skeeter Company History
Skeeter bass boats were first built by Holmes Thurmond in Shreveport, LA in 1948. Their long, needle-shaped noses resembled mosquitoes. Many more achievements followed for Skeeter boats in the following decades. One of the company's first products was fiberglass boats. Also, the tri-hull design made it easier to control bigger boats.

Skeeter boats went to the next level in the 1990s. Many of the company's boats were used in popular fishing tournaments around the country. Around this time, the first saltwater boats were released. Furthermore, the company focused on using more modern technology to launch their boats into the future. 

The Skeeter Difference
What's changed over the past 70 years? Some very impressive firsts have been achieved by Skeeter boats. As well as developing the first bass boat, the company also developed the first one approved by the Coast Guard. Let's not forget the V-hull pad design, closed transoms without splashwalls, etc.

The first thing you'll notice about Skeeter boats is how fast and agile they are. Each hull design is carefully developed for flawless handling and superior control with improved console technology. Whether you're a dedicated angler or a casual cruiser, Skeeter boats have something for you.

In addition, the company's commitment to building better vessels extends to every step of the process. We start with the design, build the boat, and release it to the market.

During their first year, largemouth bass grow 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm), 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) in two years, and 16 inches (40 cm) in three years. They're usually green with dark blotches on either side of the middle. Undersides range from light green to almost white. The dorsal fin is nearly divided with nine spines on the anterior part and 12 to 13 soft rays on the posterior part. There's a lot of space between their upper jaw and their eyelids.

Life of Largemouth Bass

The largest predator in the aquatic ecosystem is the largemouth bass. The fry eat mostly zooplankton and insect larvae. When they're about two inches long, they start hunting. Fish and large invertebrates like crayfish are the only food they eat as adults. Smaller bass are preyed upon by bigger fish.
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​Taking the kids fishing in San Angelo and west Texas can feel like a daunting task. Fishing typically invokes images of a peaceful lake or a bubbling stream and the feeling of relaxation. When you add children to the mix, the scene gets a lot more interesting and, potentially, a whole lot less relaxing. Even so, taking the family fishing can be a very rewarding experience that everyone will remember for years to come. Below are five reasons why it pays to fish as a family.
 
Spending Time Outdoors: Fishing is a great way to encourage even very young children to get outside and have fun. Once children of any age land their first fish there is a good chance they will be "hooked" for life. Since spending more time outdoors can lead to a healthier, active lifestyle, the whole family will benefit from every trip.
 
Bonding: Families that play together, stay together. Fishing is a great way to spend time together while working towards a common goal. It is an excellent time to talk with older children about what is going on in their lives and younger children will enjoy the attention of being taught how to cast, bait, or reel in a fish.
 
Building Confidence: When a child reels in that first fish on their own, they feel a strong sense of accomplishment. No matter how big the fish is, the fact that they did it is sure to make them swell with pride. Being able to do an activity well, on their own, will help them build the confidence they need to tackle other aspects of life.
 
Teachable Moments: Many important lessons and skills can be taught through fishing. Making a contest of who can catch the most fish can help children learn sportsmanship. Tying knots to secure hooks and swivels can be difficult and requires persistence. However, since the fish must come to you, the most obvious lesson learned through fishing is patience.
 
Stories and Memories: Remarkable events are almost a guarantee when you go fishing as a family. Whether it's that Dad forgot to put the cooler in the car, one person got the most fish when no one else caught anything, or that sudden storm that rolled in just as you arrived, there are always events that will make each trip a standout occasion to be retold at family gatherings for years to come.
 
Fishing as a family promises a very different adventure than fishing alone but it is definitely a worthwhile endeavor. It provides an opportunity to spend time together in the fresh air, build a child's confidence, and strengthen family bonds. The memories made and lessons learned will stay with the entire family for a lifetime.