We’ve all seen them, black and white photo’s of aged waterman holding sizeable speckled trout forging stories better suited for the fictional pages of a well written novel. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you view it, these trout still roam our waters just with less abundance – or so it seems.
On a recent podcast I recorded with East Matagorda Texas guide, Capt Brett Sweeny, he shared a story of his most productive day in recent memory which was 10 fish and that weighed almost 80 pounds. As the conversation carried on, I questioned my own personal production and whether I’ve caught 10 fish over 8 pounds in my life, let alone a single day. As a result, the Heavy Hitters Program was born.
This program has less to do with competition among other anglers (although there is a competitive component…more on that later) as much as it is an individual challenge for an angler to target and catch their heaviest 10 fish in a year (catch, weigh, release format).
For many of us, targeting big trout has become our angling life. To see the head thrashing of a sizeable fish that took every ounce of patience and intellect to catch is what fuels our drive. This program seeks to encourage that mindset and also challenge others to this approach.
Once entered into the Heavy Hitters Program, anglers of each state will pursue and catch their heaviest 10 trout over the next 12 months (1 Jan 24 – 31 Dec 24…see submission criteria for details). With each passing month, Speckled Truth will host a live webinar with others, also in the program, to help guide and assist you in achieving that next big bite. In addition, if an angler submits a fish during that month they will be entered into a live giveaway drawing for a variety of gifts from our sponsors. At the end of 12 months, Speckled Truth will recognize the overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd place weights, as well as, the heaviest weight in each state – thus earning the title as a Heavy Hitter.
So whether you’re a beginner or novice, if your passion is big trout and your committed to catching them then this program is for you. Our hope is that you not only grow as an angler but develop as a sportsman as you make memories that will one day take the place of those old black and white photo’s. In other words, challenge yourself now so future stories will be told of the big trout we catch today!
Hope to see you around & Tight Lines!
Capt Chris Bush
Owner, Speckled Truth
