Recognizing Excellence in the Gulf and Beyond

By Captain Kevin Deerman

We had a fairly slow start to our 2021 season here on the Texas coast, but it seems things are looking up. In January and February there were a few decent weather windows that allowed for some great catches early on, but lately we can’t seem to catch a break.

While many of us have been patiently trying to finish up boatyard projects the weather conditions have kept the remainder of the fleet tied up at the dock. Many captains had been talking about getting an early start this year after the pre-season success that a few of the boats experienced during this time back in 2020.

Last year, the boats that made it out in April experienced some truly remarkable fishing. While they were targeting blue marlin—a combined release of over 20 blues during this period—some of these crews also either fought, caught or released a few giant bluefin tuna.

That being said, with a good chance of catching blue marlin as well as the possibility of seeing a giant bluefin, crews were eager to steam offshore. Congratulations to Quantified for their 876-pound bluefin tuna captured on April 14. I also want to applaud the Houston Big Game Fishing Club and everyone who attended our annual awards presentation.

Last year, because of Covid-19, we had to cancel our annual banquet and with the uncertainty of a positive response to an indoor event this year we decided to merge the awards presentation with our outdoor clay shoot fundraiser. The function consisted of a clay shoot in the morning followed by a raffle and live auction in the afternoon, finishing up with live music and the presentation of the trophies awarded to the winners of the year-long program. As we congratulate the top captains, mates and anglers from 2020, we’re also looking forward to the Lonestar Shootout set to take place July 20-25.

Hope to see you there!

HBGFC Annual Award Winners

Texas Division

• Top Private Boat—Draggin Up
• Top Outboard Boat—Justified
• Top Male Angler—Sam Rasberry
• Top Female Angler—Christina Thompson
• Top Junior Angler—Max Moore
• Top Swordfish—Bill Hunt
• Top Yellowfin Tuna—Chase Perthius
• Top Dolphin—Weston Rhodes
• Top Wahoo—Walker Rhodes
• Top Mate—Conner Golightly

Jim Peachey Outstanding Capt. Award

• Jeff Wilson

Gulf Division

• Top Boat—High Cotton

International Division

• Top Private Boat—Huntress
• Top Charter Boat—Eastbound & Down
• Top Male Angler—Darryl Schroeder
• Top Female Angler—Cinda Forrester