Fishing Lessons Texas Archives - Holding the Line Guide Service

Soldiers’ Kids Involved in Fishing Fun (SKIFF) – 125 Fish

CLIENTS: On the afternoon of Monday, October 12, I conducted the 18th SKIFF trip of the 2026 season. Joining me was Mrs, Kimberly Rankin and her three sons, Greyson Rankin, Hudson Rankin, and Easton Revels ages 9, 7, and 11, respectively. Kim‘s husband, US Army Capt. Cody Rankin, was recently deployed to South Korea, where…

Columbus Day White Bass Spree – 117 Fish

CLIENTS: On the morning of Monday, October 12, I welcomed aboard Ian Goodman and his three sons ages 9, 11, and 13. Keller, Anderson, and Luke were on a fall break from the Salado Independent School District. TODAY’S DATE: 12 October 2026 (AM) NEXT OPEN MORNING DATES: 20-22 Oct. 2026 NEXT OPEN AFTERNOON DATES: 20-22…

Three Generations Aboard – 80 Fish as the North Wind Blew Itself Out

CLIENTS: This past Saturday morning, October 10, I met up with three generations of the Yawn family. In visiting from Mississippi was Mr. Steve Yawn enjoying time with his Salado-based son, Grant, and Grant‘s two sons, Mason (age 16), and Camden (age 14). Grant first came out with me earlier this year along with his…

If Only the Thunderbirds Delivered Our Mail! – 113 Fish

CLIENTS: This past Friday morning, October 9, I fished with returning guests, Dennis Graham, and his friend, Vicky Clark. Dennis, a U.S. Air Force veteran who once served as a crew chief with the USAF Thunderbirds team, turned 71, and this trip was in celebration of that milestone. Vicky is retired from the U.S. Postal…

A Burgers and Bass Kind of Birthday – 79 Fish

CLIENTS: This past Thursday evening, October 8, I fished a 3.5 hour “Kids Fish, Too!“ trip with soon to be seven year old Jameson Rogers, accompanied by his maternal grandfather, Dwight “Boom Pa“ Stone of Georgetown. Dwight always plans well ahead each year to see to it that his grandkids are treated to a birthday…

Boss Beards Boat Bass – 140 Fish

CLIENTS: This morning, Thursday, October 8, I fished with a group of four, all converging on Central Texas for an annual family reunion. Joining me were Josh Rogers, Josh’s dad, Jeff Rogers, and in-laws Curtis Jackson and Johnny Billingsley. I first got to know Josh when Josh’s father-in-law, Dwight Stone, brought Josh’s kids out fishing…

Soldiers’ Kids Involved in Fishing Fun – 53 Fish & a TPWD Award

CLIENTS: This past Wednesday evening, October 7, I conducted the 17th SKIFF trip of the 2026 season. Joining me was Michael F. of Harker Heights Heights, accompanied by his mother. Michael’s mom is a U.S. Army retiree and disabled veteran. She retired after 20 years of service spent in both administrative roles and in cyber…

Catfish Curiosity, with a Side of Whites – 68 Fish

CLIENTS: This morning, Wednesday, September 30, I fished with Tommy and Sylvia Maedgen from Troy, Texas, just outside of the city of Temple. Tommy had followed my fishing reports throughout this past summer and the success I reported in fishing for catfish intrigued him. He routinely pursues white bass on both Belton and Stillhouse and…

Spending Time Together While They Can – 43 Fish

CLIENTS: This morning, Friday, September 18, I fished with a father and son team, welcoming aboard Ryan Van Wie and his eight-year-old son, Matthew. Ryan is a fellow West Point graduate and is about to take command of a Cavalry battalion on Fort Hood. Command assignments are very demanding, and Ryan knows he needs to…

Fishing from a S.K.I.F.F. – 45 Fish

CLIENTS: This evening, Wednesday, September 16, I fished the 16th SKIFF trip of the 2026 season. Joining me was nine-year-old Paisley Keep-Barnes, accompanied by her mother, Zienna. Paisley‘s father, Eli Keep-Barnes, is a disabled veteran who served 12 years in the U.S. Army in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD). The family became aware of the SKIFF…