When he says he’s been fishing since before he can remember, he’s almost telling the truth. It may sound like the start of another fish story, but the way Remington Stewart tells it, he landed his first fish on an outing to Boerne Lake for his fifth birthday.
“That’s actually when I caught my first fish, and it’s just been up since then,” the 14-year-old recalls. “It was pretty fun, and now I’m hooked on it.” (He doesn’t even acknowledge the pun.) Since then, Remington has made a bit of a name for himself in the local fishing community. He’s a member of the Bass Club of Champions and was recently named “Angler of the Year” for 2022/2023 by the Faith Angler Network.
Supported by his family — dad Michael, mom Gretchen, sister Riley, and brother Ryker — Remington now competes in tournaments year-round and casts his line all over Boerne, South Texas, and the world. Fishing is not a solitary sport, he says. “One of my favorite parts about it is whenever we have tournaments, it’s not just my partner and me, it’s our school team.”
Don’t misunderstand — Remington likes to win. He’s currently dreaming about landing a 10-pound bass to one-up his friend. He says when it comes to fishing, being patient and trusting your gut are key. But ultimately, “It’s the people for me. There are so many good people involved that I know… It’s just one big community, and I get to be a part of it.”
It makes sense then that we asked Remington to share his favorite local (and beyond) fishing spots and give us the tips we need to know to be a future bass pro — or at least feel like one for a long weekend.
Cibolo Creek Nature Center
Pros: The water is very clear; not many people fish here.
Cons: Stay clear of people swimming and recreating
Fish: Large-mouth bass, bluegill, catfish.
Tips: Keep it simple: if you use worms and a small hook and you can catch anything.
Guadalupe River State Park
Pros: Lots of space along the river for fishing
Cons: A lot of people go there to swim or hike, so it can be difficult fishing for novices.
Fish: Trout, bass, bluegill, catfish.
Tips: Enjoy an experience-focused fishing trip, and take the opportunity to introduce kids and others to fishing.
Port Aransas
Pros: Huge diversity of fish; can fish in the surf, from piers and jetties, or take a boat off-shore.
Cons: Fishing spots can become crowded.
Fish: Trout, flounder, penfish, snapper, dogfish, and so many more!
Tips: Local shrimp can be a very effective bait; make sure to be aware of your surroundings — swimmers, boaters, etc.
Costa Rica
Pros: What’s not to love about a trip to a tropical destination?
Cons: It could be outside your comfort zone.
Fish: Tuna, mackerel, amberjack, shark, and more.
Tips: Connect with a local guide. Whether they have a huge yacht or a small boat, they know the area and can show you how to enjoy it