Texas Deer Association - Brush to Bay Fishing Tournamen

In early June of 2011, the Texas Deer Association (TDA)  held its first annual Brush to Bay Invitational Fishing Tournament at Bluffs Landing in Corpus Christi, Texas. 

The TDA is a non-profit organization founded in 1999. Their mission is to be the unified voice of deer enthusiasts who seek to share ideas and methods to improve the management and harvest of whitetail deer. The TDA is working toward the overall conservation and improving the quality of deer herds in the State of Texas.  They advocate wise management practices, promote research and technology regarding improvements to deer herds through the practice of controlled breeding and genetic enhancement .

The TDA recognizes that hunting and wildlife management are lifelong enterprises. From hunters seeking impressive racks to landowners working to provide improved wildlife habitat, everyone benefits from healthier deer and improved habitat.

Frede Edgerton, President of the largest TDA Region in Texas, was contacted by a from a fellow TDA member, Darrell Cox, who had an idea of having a TDA fishing tournament.

They chose a fishing tournament because it was totally different than what most of the TDA members do all year.

Friday evening was the Captains meeting and dinner.   

Saturday the fishing tournament was held.  No lines were allowed in the water prior to 6 a.m.  Anglers could fish all day but had to be back at the dock no later than 4 p.m. that afternoon for the weigh-in.   Boats left the marina at Bluff Landing in the early a.m. light in search of some rod bending action.

Saturday evening, the Awards Ceremony was held.   The ceremony began with a flag ceremony and National Anthem by Boy Scout Troop 144 from Kingsville. That was followed by introduction by the TDA Executive Director and a testimony by Combat Marine Outdoors.

 Everyone involved in the tournament had a blast at the event and the unbelievable friendships and camaraderie that exists within our organization was obviously demonstrated.  In addition to the fun and friendships, the TDA increased its membership by close to 40 new membership signups during the tournament and they were able to support our wounded American heroes by donating close to $30,000.00 to the Combat Marine Outdoors.