Unveiling the Giants: A Texas Guide's Record-Setting Bass Adventure
A Seasoned Angler's Unexpected Discovery at Hords Creek Lake
For many years, fishing guide Wendell Ramsey Sr. has honed his techniques, consistently guiding clients to impressive bass catches across Texas. However, a recent outing on Hords Creek Lake in Coleman, Texas, on February 11, unfolded in an entirely unforeseen manner. Ramsey, joined by friends, was unaware that he was about to land a colossal 13-pound largemouth bass, a size previously unheard of in the lake's history.
Initial Expectations and the Lure of the Unknown
Ramsey, having previously explored Hords Creek, was familiar with its decent-sized fish, including some 7-pounders and even a 9-pounder. Yet, the possibility of a bass exceeding these dimensions was beyond his imagination. This made his eventual catch an even more delightful surprise, transforming an ordinary fishing trip into a memorable event.
The Strategic Start: Targeting Big Bass in Chilly Waters
The day began at 8 a.m. with cool air temperatures in the low 40s and water temperatures around 51 degrees. Recognizing the need to attract attention in the colder conditions, Ramsey meticulously selected a Black's Widow Maker 4-Blade Umbrella Rig, enhanced with Strike King Rage Tail Swimmers. He then directed his boat to a familiar spot where past successes hinted at potential for more action.
The Discovery: A Promising Spot with Hidden Giants
Ramsey recalled previous trips to the chosen location, noting a catch of several 5-pound bass just a week prior. This particular area, situated in approximately 8 feet of water, revealed numerous fish swimming around when viewed through his Livescope, indicating a promising start to their fishing expedition.
The Moment of Truth: A Fierce Strike and a Powerful Battle
Initially, Ramsey and his companions landed a couple of bass weighing around 4.5 pounds each, but larger fish remained elusive. At about 9:30 a.m., Ramsey identified three exceptionally large bass hovering three feet off the bottom. As he maneuvered his umbrella rig past them, two showed a slight interest, but it was the third that aggressively rocketed forward, striking the lure with immense force.
The Fight and Realization: A Monster on the Line
The strike was immediate and powerful, leading Ramsey to firmly set the hook, instantly recognizing the magnitude of his catch. The initial sensation was akin to hooking a heavy, unyielding object, quickly followed by the distinct headshakes of a substantial fish. The visual confirmation of his bucking rod further solidified his belief that he had hooked something truly remarkable.
A Moment of Deception: The Bass's Sudden Surge
Initially, the fish came in surprisingly easily, leading Ramsey to speculate that the cold water might have slowed it down. However, as the bass neared the boat, about 20 feet away, it registered the vessel's presence, initiating a dramatic shift in its demeanor. The fight intensified as the fish suddenly surged, causing Ramsey's drag to peel out rapidly, confirming his suspicion that he was contending with a fish of at least 10 pounds.
The Netting and the Call: A Record-Breaking Catch
With skillful handling, Ramsey successfully brought the fish alongside the boat and into the net. As he lifted the magnificent creature aboard, its immense size became fully apparent, prompting him to realize the necessity of contacting the Texas ShareLunker hotline to report his extraordinary catch.
A Familiar Call: Contributing to the ShareLunker Program
Ramsey recounted a previous experience in 2021 when he caught a 14.92-pound bass for the ShareLunker program, and a client of his also made a similar contribution that same year. Seeing the colossal bass in his net, he immediately recognized the familiar duty of contacting the ShareLunker program once more.
Official Confirmation: Hords Creek Lake's First Legacy Class ShareLunker
Following Ramsey's call, biologists from the Texas ShareLunker program arrived at the lake to officially weigh the bass, confirming its impressive 13.76 pounds. This monumental catch designated it as the first-ever Legacy Class ShareLunker from Hords Creek Reservoir, elevating Hords Creek to the 80th public water body in Texas to produce such a significant bass specimen.
A Testament to Success: The Impact of the ShareLunker Program
Natalie Goldstrohm, the coordinator for the Toyota ShareLunker Program, highlighted the profound success of the initiative through Ramsey's catch. She emphasized that the program has achieved a critical milestone by producing Legacy Class fish from reservoirs that had never yielded such specimens before. Goldstrohm commended the anglers' willingness to participate, recognizing their crucial role in the program's triumphs.
The Enduring Passion: A Guide's Obsession with Big Largemouth Bass
For Wendell Ramsey Sr., this exceptional catch represents a personal milestone, further fueling his relentless pursuit of large largemouth bass. He articulated his deep-seated passion for chasing big West Texas bass, always striving for that distinctive catch. The profound satisfaction derived from weighing such an enormous bass and witnessing its sheer size is an experience he cherishes, describing it as an incredibly powerful and fulfilling feeling that drives his continued obsession.