HCR75 - Designating Hemphill as the official Bass Fishing Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.

      H.C.R. No. 75       HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION          WHEREAS, Nestled in the beautiful Piney Woods of East Texas,   the city of Hemphill is renowned in the Lone Star State and beyond   as a premier destination for bass fishing; and          WHEREAS, The seat of Sabine County, Hemphill is situated   between Toledo Bend Reservoir on the Sabine River and Sam Rayburn   Reservoir on the Angelina River; these two immensely popular   locations regularly rank near the top in ratings of bass fishing   sites, and in recent years, each has been recognized as the best   bass fishing lake in the nation by Bassmaster Magazine ; and          WHEREAS, The reservoirs contain a variety of fish species but   are best known for their thriving populations of largemouth bass;   an analysis of fishing tournament results published in Texas Parks   and Wildlife noted that the lakes were among the state's best in   terms of the size and availability of bass, and the reservoirs   attract legions of recreational and professional anglers seeking   trophy catches; and          WHEREAS, Serving as the hub of this prime fishing area,   Hemphill is home to marinas, bait and tackle shops, guide services,   restaurants, hotels, and a host of other enterprises catering to   visitors; these fishing-related businesses help drive the local   economy, and the city has a deep and long-lasting connection to the   culture of the outdoors; residents of Hemphill and the wider region   demonstrate a strong commitment to conservation and responsible   fishing practices, and through their dedicated environmental   stewardship, they are working to ensure that water resources are   protected and preserved for future generations; and          WHEREAS, That mission is furthered by the public agencies   that help oversee the reservoirs; these include the Texas Parks and   Wildlife Department, which manages the stocking of fish and guides   vegetation management for both lakes, and the Sabine River   Authority of Texas, which has helped install fish habitat   structures in Toledo Bend Reservoir and is developing new   facilities, such as Sabinetown Park, a world-class venue for   fishing tournaments, boating, and other recreational activities;   and          WHEREAS, Bass fishing is integral to the heritage and   prosperity of Hemphill, and the sport has brought the city a level   of national acclaim that is a source of pride to all Texans; now,   therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas   hereby designate Hemphill as the official Bass Fishing Capital of   Texas; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of   Section 391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in   effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is   finally passed by the legislature.     Shofner       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.C.R. No. 75 was adopted by the House on May   1, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 119, Nays 22, 5 present, not   voting.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House                 I certify that H.C.R. No. 75 was adopted by the Senate on May   14, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate      APPROVED: __________________                   Date                       __________________                 Governor