This is FALCON LAKE
World’s Premier Bass Fishery
Tourism brings new money into an area and a major fishing tournament brings in
tourists. That’s why Zapata County has been angling for professional bass
tournaments for several years. We have been successful over the years in
attracting area and state wide tournaments; however, not until now could we get
the big ones to drop an anchor in Falcon Lake.
Past tournaments have been a success and usually exceed tournament operator’s
expectations. But all of the efforts of many locals have finally come to
fruition. FLW Outdoors Stren Series and Bassmaster Elite Series have been a
great success on Falcon Lake.
The Tournaments also give Falcon Lake area tremendous exposure. FSN and ESPN2
which televises the events have over 82 million viewers and outdoor enthusiasts
which put Zapata County in front of a big national audience. Viewers see the
scenery and lake. It’s like an hour long commercial. This type of exposure is
what generates return visits and new visitors to the area. It also means that
Falcon Lake is recognized as one of America’s top bass fisheries. We are one of
the smaller communities hosting these tournaments and it is a big deal for a
rural county.
You may be thinking that while the tournaments have a positive impact on the
economy, is it at the cost of Falcon Lake’s fish population? These tournaments
only fish for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. It’s a CATCH AND
RELEASE event. Anglers only keep 5 fish and the fish have to be alive when
they weigh-in. An angler is penalized for a dead fish. The fish are released
after weigh-in. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Inland Fisheries monitors the
lakes fish population and works closely with local officials and residents to
determine restocking efforts.
Whether you are a fishing fan or not, the excitement of a professional sports
event is sure to get you hooked.
This is FALCON LAKE
World’s Premier Bass Fishery
Tournament Successes on Falcon Lake 2008-2009
The Bassmaster Elite Series- April 2008
- The Premier Professional Fishing Series
- 110 anglers and 110 co-anglers
- 1-hour televised show on ESPN2
- Event @ Zapata Public Boat Ramp
The FLW Outdoors Stren Series- Jan 2008
- The Premier Professional Fishing Series
- 150 anglers and 150 co-anglers
- 1-hour televised show on FSN
- Event @ Zapata Public Boat Ramp
Whiskers and Tail – Kids Fishing Tournament
- The Kids Fishing Tournament
- 80 Kids
- Event @ Zapata Public Boat Ramp
The FLW Outdoors – East/West Shootout - November 2008
- The Premier Professional Fishing Series
- 110 anglers and 110 co-anglers
- 1-hour televised show on FSN
- Event @ Zapata Public Boat Ramp
The FLW Outdoors – Stren Series - January 2009
- The Premier Professional Fishing Series
- 110 anglers and 110 co-anglers
- 1-hour televised show on FSN
- Event @ Zapata Public Boat Ramp
State, Regional, and Local Opens – Year Around
San Antonio Metro Bass Clubs Championship
Texas Assn of Bass Clubs State Championship
- Amateur anglers in bass clubs
- From 20 Up to 300+ anglers
- 1-2 day Tournaments
- Over 30 Tournaments annually
- Bass Clubs Team and Individual Tournaments
Bass Champs – April 2009
Divisional Tournaments and State Championships
- Tournaments around the state
- Top divisional anglers qualify for Championship
