89R5857 CW-D
By: Shofner H.C.R. No. 75
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Nestled in the beautiful Piney Woods of East Texas,
the city of Hemphill is renowned in the Lone Star State and beyond
as a premier destination for bass fishing; and
WHEREAS, The seat of Sabine County, Hemphill is situated
between Toledo Bend Reservoir on the Sabine River and Sam Rayburn
Reservoir on the Angelina River; these two immensely popular
locations regularly rank near the top in ratings of bass fishing
sites, and in recent years, each has been recognized as the best
bass fishing lake in the nation by Bassmaster Magazine; and
WHEREAS, The reservoirs contain a variety of fish species but
are best known for their thriving populations of largemouth bass;
an analysis of fishing tournament results published in Texas Parks
and Wildlife noted that the lakes were among the state's best in
terms of the size and availability of bass, and the reservoirs
attract legions of recreational and professional anglers seeking
trophy catches; and
WHEREAS, Serving as the hub of this prime fishing area,
Hemphill is home to marinas, bait and tackle shops, guide services,
restaurants, hotels, and a host of other enterprises catering to
visitors; these fishing-related businesses help drive the local
economy, and the city has a deep and long-lasting connection to the
culture of the outdoors; residents of Hemphill and the wider region
demonstrate a strong commitment to conservation and responsible
fishing practices, and through their dedicated environmental
stewardship, they are working to ensure that water resources are
protected and preserved for future generations; and
WHEREAS, That mission is furthered by the public agencies
that help oversee the reservoirs; these include the Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department, which manages the stocking of fish and guides
vegetation management for both lakes, and the Sabine River
Authority of Texas, which has helped install fish habitat
structures in Toledo Bend Reservoir and is developing new
facilities, such as Sabinetown Park, a world-class venue for
fishing tournaments, boating, and other recreational activities;
and
WHEREAS, Bass fishing is integral to the heritage and
prosperity of Hemphill, and the sport has brought the city a level
of national acclaim that is a source of pride to all Texans; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate Hemphill as the official Bass Fishing Capital of
Texas; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of
Section 391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in
effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is
finally passed by the legislature.