Texas Parks and Wildlife Expands Family Fishing Education in Houston
Families across the Greater Houston area will have more opportunities to learn the joys of fishing this year, thanks to a collaboration between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), Fishing’s Future, and the George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar Education Fund. This partnership aims to provide hands-on fishing education to families, helping them develop lifelong angling skills while fostering a deeper connection to nature.
The initiative, which runs from February through August, will feature 18 fishing education events across Houston and the Rio Grande Valley, offering instruction in everything from basic casting techniques to fish cleaning and cooking.
Fishing Education and Community Engagement
Fishing’s Future, a national nonprofit based in Texas with over 17 years of experience, will oversee the family fishing education programs. The organization will work directly with families and community groups to promote fishing as a recreational activity that strengthens family bonds.
“Hooking up with TPWD and The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation on the George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar Educational Fund Grant is a perfect partnership for Fishing’s Future,” said Michael Scherer, program director of Fishing’s Future. “Our three organizations are dedicated to increasing the educational knowledge of both young and old.”
The program is designed to teach fishing basics, regulations, conservation, and environmental stewardship. Families will receive hands-on training at various parks and waterways across Houston and beyond, learning knot-tying, casting techniques, and how to identify different fish species.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Upcoming Family Fishing Events
Several fishing education events are scheduled in the coming months, including:
-
3rd Annual Senior Adult Fishing Tournament – March 6, 2025, at 7714 FM 359, Richmond, TX. This event, led by Tim Gebauer from the Katy Fishing’s Future Chapter, provides an opportunity for senior adults to enjoy a morning of fishing and camaraderie. Fishing’s Future will supply rod and reel combos, and hot dogs will be served to participants.
-
Fishing’s Future Family Fish Camp – March 12, 2025, at Huntsville State Park, 565 Park Road 40 W, Huntsville, TX 77340. Held during Spring Break, this camp will take place next to Gator Junction and the boat house, offering families the chance to learn essential fishing skills such as knot tying, casting, basic tackle knowledge, and Texas fishing regulations. Equipment, including fishing poles and bait, will be provided. A small entrance fee is required to enter the park, but no fishing license is necessary.
-
BOO-GILL and Haunted Boat House Family Fishing Event – October 25, 2025, at Huntsville State Park, 565 Park Road 40 W, Huntsville, TX 77340. This festive Halloween-themed event invites families to experience fishing alongside spooky fun at the Haunted Boat House. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes, and candy will be available at the learning stations. In addition to hands-on fishing instruction, families will learn casting techniques, tackle basics, and fishing regulations. Equipment will be provided, and no fishing license is needed within the state park.
Each event will provide rods, reels, bait, and all necessary equipment, ensuring families can enjoy their time fishing without any prior experience or gear. Many of these events are hosted in Texas State Parks, where a fishing license is not required. Further information and registration is available at Fishing's Future's website.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Where to Fish in Greater Houston
Houston and its surrounding areas offer diverse fishing opportunities for families. TPWD regularly stocks lakes and ponds with rainbow trout, catfish, and largemouth bass, making them ideal for beginners and experienced anglers alike. Here are some of the top fishing spots across Houston:
Harris County Precinct 4 Parks:
-
Mary Jo Peckham Park – 5597 Gardenia Ln, Katy, TX 77493
-
John Paul Landing Park – 9950 Katy Hockley Rd, Cypress, TX 77433
-
Paul D. Rushing Park – 9114 Katy Hockley Rd, Katy, TX 77493
-
Buffalo Bayou, Brays Bayou, Bear Creek, Langham Creek, Mason Creek, and Spring Creek – Various locations throughout Harris County
Harris County Precinct 3 Parks:
-
Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve – 20215 Chasewood Park Dr, Houston, TX 77070
-
Cypress Park – 12925 N Eldridge Pkwy, Cypress, TX 77429
-
Dennis Johnston Park – 709 Riley Fuzzel Rd, Spring, TX 77373
-
Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center – 20634 Kenswick Dr, Humble, TX 77338
Fort Bend County Community Fishing Lakes:
-
Eldridge Park Pond – 2511 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land, TX 77478
-
Kitty Hollow Lake – 9555 Highway 6, Missouri City, TX 77459
-
Seabourne Creek Park – 3831 TX-36, Rosenberg, TX 77471
-
Buffalo Run Park Lake – 1122 Buffalo Run Blvd, Missouri City, TX 77489
-
Brazos Bend State Park Lakes – 21901 FM 762 Rd, Needville, TX 77461 (includes Creekfield, Elm, Hale, Pilant, and Forty Acre lakes)
Why Fishing Matters
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, fishing offers a range of benefits that go beyond just catching fish. It is an activity that fosters family bonding, providing an accessible way for parents and children to spend quality time together while creating lasting memories in the great outdoors. Additionally, fishing has significant physical and mental health benefits, as time spent in nature helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation while also encouraging outdoor activity and movement.
Beyond personal benefits, fishing also plays a role in environmental stewardship. Anglers who learn responsible fishing practices contribute to the protection and conservation of aquatic habitats. By understanding regulations and ethical angling, they help ensure sustainable fisheries for future generations, supporting the balance of ecosystems and biodiversity in local waterways.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Expanding Outreach and Education
To reach more families, Fishing’s Future is launching two new chapters to conduct fish camps and outreach activities over the next five years. The program will also host angler education instructor trainings, prioritizing bilingual and Spanish-speaking instructors to increase accessibility across Texas.
“This effort provides so many excellent opportunities for families to participate in fishing, develop their fishing skills and knowledge, and of course spend quality time as a family,” said Jason Mercer, TPWD R3 Coordinator for Fishing and Boating.
For families interested in learning how to fish or participating in upcoming events, visit Fishing’s Future website or contact TPWD at 800-792-1112 for fishing regulations and additional resources.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
