Hill Country News 3160
Sheepshead in the… Shallows?
Sheepshead in the shallows? You’ve got that right! When most people imagine catching convicts, it’s fishing in relatively deep water around structure like a bridge or jetty. But believe it or not, these pseudo-black-drum with teeth are likely hanging out near some of your favorite redfish spots in just a few feet of water. Let’s
AI, Technology, Social Media Legislation Roundup: Bills Taken Up During 89th Session
In an ever-evolving digital environment, the Texas Legislature took proactive measures during the 89th Legislative Session to pass bills that will work to regulate and oversee the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology within the state. To the surprise of some, Gov. Greg Abbott made the announcement during his State of the State address
Eagle Claw: 100 Years of American Craftsmanship
More than a century ago, Andrew D. McGill set out to create a better fly. The immediate success of the Wiltless Wing Fly established an innovative approach that soon led to the creation of the Eagle Claw fishhook, a breakthrough that forever changed fishing and launched Eagle Claw as a leader in innovation, quality, and
Veto Tracker: Gov. Abbott’s Vetoes from the 89th Legislative Session
Texas law grants Gov. Greg Abbott the power to reject legislation approved by state lawmakers, which requires a two-thirds vote to override. Once the regular session concludes, the governor is allotted a 20-day window to finalize any veto decisions. × This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium
Education Legislation Roundup: Bills Addressed During 89th Session
With the curtains falling on the 89th Regular Legislative Session, education stood out as a dominant theme, where debates over increasing funding and Gov. Greg Abbott’s flagship priority, school choice, took center stage. Abbott made implementing an education savings account (ESA) program his top legislative priority for the last several years, pursuing a full-out campaign
Here’s a Look at the Status of Dan Patrick’s Texas Senate Legislative Priorities
The Texas Senate succeeded in pushing a majority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s legislative priorities through both chambers during the regular legislative session. Patrick released a list of 40 pieces of priority legislation in the first three months of the year, covering a variety of issues. Here is the status of the Senate priority bills
Texas Legislature Finalizes $338 Billion 2026-2027 Biennial Budget
A final deal was struck in the closing days of the 89th Regular Session on a $338 billion biennial budget, the one constitutional requirement of the Texas Legislature each time it convenes for the first five months of every odd-numbered year. The budget is a 1.2 percent increase from what has been spent during the
I Saw My First Texas Free-Ranging Elk
While driving through Edwards County during a recent hunting trip in the southwestern Edwards Plateau, I was surprised to see a free-ranging bull elk standing outside a high fence. This unexpected (got a crappy long distance cell phone pic) sighting underscores the growing presence of elk in Texas, particularly in areas like the Hill Country,
In Pursuit of Gaspergou
Gaspergou, also known as freshwater drum, are a widespread and often overlooked fish found throughout Texas rivers, lakes, and even brackish coastal bays. Recognizable by their silver-gray bodies, rounded humps, and downturned mouths, gaspergou feed primarily on the bottom and are known for their distinctive “drumming” sound, which gives them their name. Though not as
Fishing The Piers of Coastal Texas
Fishing from piers along the Texas coast is a favorite pastime for anglers of all skill levels, offering easy access to productive waters without the need for a boat. From the bright lights that draw in speckled trout at night to the structure-loving tripletail and the brute strength of big redfish cruising the surf, these
Texas House and Senate Strike Last-Minute Deal on Judicial Pay Raises, Lawmaker Pension Increases
State judges will get their 25 percent pay raise after the Texas House and Senate resolved their differences in a standoff over elected official pension benefits tied to the base judicial salary. Under the deal, judicial base pay will rise to $175,000, and that number will also serve as the basis for lawmaker pensions. However,
Rep. Tony Tinderholt Announces Retirement After Six Terms in Texas House
As Texas’ 89th Legislative Session came to a close on Monday afternoon, state Rep. Tony Tinderholt (R-Arlington) announced his retirement from public office after having served for six terms — drawing bipartisan congratulations, support, and gratitude on the House floor. “Arguably, my 12 years here has been one of the more difficult combat zones I’ve
