The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) is excited to announce the 2024 Texas division of Wildlife Forever’s Fish Art Contest is open for submissions. The Fish Art Contest, which is accepting entries until Feb. 28, is part of an international conservation education program designed to foster youth interest in fisheries and fishing. “The Fish Art Contest does a tremendous job of exposing students across Texas to the wonders of fish and fisheries resources through the […]
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
Angler Recognition Program Shines Spotlight on Fishing Excellence
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Angler Recognition Program (ARP) exists to recognize fishing excellence in Texas, and to further that purpose, TPWD staff recently completed a revitalization initiative for the program. The ARP was established in 1971 and maintains the fish record lists for all public and private waterbodies across the state, inspiring anglers to get outside and enjoy the water. “I have seen how this program inspires and brings joy to people, and […]
TFFC Hosts First Deaf Day and Picnic Event April 15
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) is pleased to announce a brand-new, daylong event on Saturday, April 15. The first-ever Deaf Day and Picnic at the TFFC will run during the center’s regular hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with a variety of family-friendly activities. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnic, try their hand at fishing with loaner gear provided by TFFC and enjoy a fun spring day. “The outdoors are for everyone,” said Tom Lang, Texas […]
Family Fishing Education Opportunities Offered for Texans this Spring
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) in Athens is once again partnering with Fishing’s Future and the George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar Education Fund to provide convenient fishing education opportunities for families throughout Texas. The program kicks off Feb. 20 and will continue through June with a variety of activities, including opportunities to participate online. The schedule features a total of 24 in-person family fishing events through June 25 […]
“Veterans Day at the TFFC” Slated for Nov. 12
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) is excited to announce the second annual “Veterans Day at the TFFC” event to honor and support veterans. The event is scheduled for Nov. 12 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with free admission for veterans and their families. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Fisheries Technician and former Marine Nicholas Griffin organized the event and launched this tradition in 2021 to connect with veterans and give them a way to […]
“Ethelsgiving” Headed to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in November
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) is teaming up with the Henderson County Food Pantry this November for the “Ethelsgiving Feed the Hungry, Feed the Fish” food drive. The annual tradition began in 2020 to honor the first ShareLunker “Ethel,” which weighed 17.67-pounds and was caught Nov. 26, 1986. This year’s drive begins on Nov. 1 and runs throughout the month at the Athens facility. “We wanted to do something for the anniversary of the […]
2023 Texas State-Fish Art Contest Now Open for Entries
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) is excited to announce it is accepting entries for the 2023 Texas division of Wildlife Forever’s Fish Art Contest through Feb. 28. The Fish Art Contest is part of an international conservation education program designed to foster youth interest in fisheries and fishing. “The Fish Art Contest does a tremendous job of exposing students across Texas to the wonders of fish and fisheries resources through the nexus of art,” […]
“The Sunfish Showdown” is Slated for Sept. 24 at TFFC
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) is hosting “The Sunfish Showdown” tournament Sept. 24 in conjunction with National Hunting and Fishing Day. The event, scheduled for 8 a.m.-1 p.m., offers a day of fun for the whole family. “The sunfish showdown is our way of celebrating our states’ rich hunting and fishing heritage through teaching opportunities and fun bluegill fishing, which are many folks first fish,” said TFFC event coordinator Katie Birk. “This event is supported by […]
Texas State-Fish Art Contest Reveals 2022 Winners
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) is pleased to announce the Texas division of Wildlife Forever’s Fish Art Contest winners for 2022. The Fish Art Contest is part of an international conservation education program designed to foster youth interest in fish, fisheries and fishing. The program encourages K-12 students to submit original artwork of any fish and an essay or poem (grades 4-12) about the participant’s fish entry, its habitat or efforts to conserve it. […]
Texas Game Warden Memorial is Moving to New Home
After nine years of legislative hurdles, the State Preservation Board approved the memorial’s move to the Texas State Capitol Since 2012, the Game Warden Peace Officer’s Association has been working to relocate the memorial from the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens to the grounds of the Texas State Capitol. The life-size bronze figure of a Texas Game Warden stands to honor the wardens that lost their lives in the line of duty and serves as a reminder […]