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TEXAS TASTED
Wild Game Recipes from Field to Fire

TROPHY QUEST: Freshwater Reds

Free Fishing & Hunting Trips for TF&G Readers

REDFISH AND SALTWATER GO TOGETHER, and July Trophy Quest winner, Gary Adams, who has fished for redfish in the bays of coastal Texas, caught the biggest redfish of his fishing career from freshwater Lake Fairfield in Central Texas. The fish measured 31 inches and was estimated at 12 pounds.

Adams, a Waco resident, and his 18-year-old nephew, Zack, were fishing with fishing guide Jackie Kennedy, who specializes in freshwater redfish during the summer months, and then switches to trophy blue catfish at Cedar Creek Reservoir during winter and early spring. Kennedy’s clients have landed 8 state records and 13 water body records while fishing with him.

“Jackie said we were going to fish in the morning, go back to his house for a midday break, and then go back out in the evening,” said Gary. “I suggested why not fish the evening we arrived, then fish the next morning. He said it sounded like a good plan to him.”

The fishing plan did work out great, as the best fishing was the evening trip. Fourteen reds were caught Thursday evening, with Adams’ 31-inch trophy the biggest. Zack caught a twin of Gary’s fish, also measuring 31 inches.

Gary Adams (right) and his nephew, Zack, show off one of the redfish they caught while fishing at Fairfield Lake. Both Zack and Gary caught 31-inch fish. Photo Courtesy of Jackie Kennedy

“We caught several fish in the 28-inch range, and several others that were undersized,” said Gary. “We had to throw three other keepers back; we already had our limit.”

Kennedy reported they fished to about midnight. They heard and saw some redfish schooling close to the boat. All their fish came on either cut bait or live tilapia fished on Carolina rigs on the bottom. Kennedy estimated the trio was fishing in about 12 feet of water: “I like to rig up with cut bait on half of the rods and 2- to 4-inch live tilapia on the other half. Tilapia is a fabulous bait because they are constantly struggling all the time, trying to get off the hook, drawing the fish to them.”

Friday’s fishing was a little bit slower with the catch total only five rat reds. The biggest redfish was 19 inches. The rest of the catch was in the 12- to 15-inch range.

After making the hard choice of something from the menu or the great buffet at Sam’s Restaurant in Fairfield, Gary and his nephew relived their great fishing trip over dinner.

Zack, who lives in Houston, and fishes off the coast, had never caught a redfish before. He described the Trophy Quest action at Fairfield Lake as the trip of a lifetime.

WHAT: Redfish

WHERE: Fairfield Lake

GUIDE: Jackie Kennedy, 903-603-3793, www.jackiekennedyfishingguide.com

ACCOMMODATIONS: Jackie Kennedy Lodgings

MEALS: Sam’s Restaurant, Fairfield, TX; 903-389-4695

WIN YOUR OWN TROPHY QUEST TRIP

TEXAS FISH & GAME HAS GIVEN AWAY OVER 200 TROPHY QUEST TRIPS.

TROPHY QUEST is free guided hunting or fishing trips within the state of Texas. The package includes a guided trip for two people, one night's lodging and all food and beverage (non-alcohol). Winners are responsible for all travel expenses getting to and from the destination point.

HERE'S HOW YOU WIN!

If you are a TF&G subscriber, your name is automatically entered on our monthly Trophy Quest Trip drawing.

If you are a subscriber and would like your name entered 15 more times in our next monthly drawing, simply send us an email with your name, address and phone number* to trophyquest@fishgame.com.

You can still win even if you are NOT a subscriber. Simply email us with your name, address, and phone number* to trophyquest@fishgame.com and you're entered in our next drawing.

One winner is chosen at random each month. The winner must be available to go on one of two previously scheduled dates. If the winner is unable to attend on either date scheduled for the TROPHY QUEST TRIP, the winner's name will be returned to the pool for future drawings and another winner will be drawn.

*Phone numbers will ONLY be used to contact the winners and will not be used for any other purpose.

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