March 2024--Harker Heights, TX

Photo by Jenny Venturo

White Bass from the Stillhouse Reservoir, TX

Our campsite at Dana Peak campground was nice and spacious. There was a grassy “yard,” and right down the hill there was a lake. Of course, we did what we always do when we are by a lake. That is, we got out the inflatable SUP and kayak, got out fishing rods, brought our chairs down on the shore, and ate lunch and dinner down there whenever we could.

One day we supped across the lake and explored the other side. Two times we brought lunch to eat by the water, and on a few days we ate dinner on the shore.

But on Wednesday, we got to go fishing. We went to the lake as soon as possible and cast out our hooks. Joe got a largemouth, and some of us got bites.

Soon, the clouds gave way to sunshine, and Mom brought lunch. After we ate, we decided to walk down the shore and find a better spot to fish. We walked a long way, and then got to a nice point of land. After a while, I changed to a rattletrap lure and soon got a strike. I landed the fish in a matter of minutes, and measured it at 18”! Soon after, Dad got a smaller largemouth.

As we headed back, only Caleb had not caught anything yet.

That night, we had a cookout! We grilled up burgers, etc., etc. Caleb ate a little faster than usual and then grabbed his fishing rod for one last try. As the sun sank below the horizon, he hooked a fish. He pulled it up and looked at it, pronouncing it a 12” white bass! It was the only fish that day that was not a largemouth!