The conservation community lost one of its true visionaries with the passing of Coastal Conservation Association founder Walter W. Fondren III last week in Houston.

       A passionate conservationist, avid hunter and skilled fisherman, Fondren was a driving force in the grassroots movement to save red drum and speckled trout populations along the Texas coast in the late 1970s, and was one of the first to fully grasp the potential of anglers as stewards of marine resources with the creation of the Gulf Coast Conservation Association (now CCA).

   “Walter was one of those unique individuals who saw the whole chessboard,” said Venable Proctor, chairman of CCA.

       “When he saw a problem with fisheries on the Texas coast, he helped build a national organization to safeguard those resources for generations to come. He grew up hunting and fishing, and fully understood that it is the responsibility of all who enjoy such privileges to leave things better than they found them. He lived his entire life by that principle and infused it into every aspect of CCA.”

   As chairman of CCA, the organization reported he helped guide the growth into a national presence with 17 state chapters and almost 100,000 members on all three coasts.

    “Walter was the right man at the right time to organize anglers to fight for conservation,” said Bob Hayes, CCA’s long-time general counsel.

   “He really helped shape the ethic of responsibility and stewardship in recreational angling at a time when everyone knew there were problems, but no one was sure how to attack them. Walter brought together a diverse group of individuals in a common cause, without a care for recognition as long as the job was done. We have lost one of the true leaders of saltwater angling, and a great friend, too.”

   Fondren was inducted into the International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame in 2004 and served as an IGFA trustee for many years. In 2005, he was named one of the 50 legends of fishing by Field & Stream magazine and he was the first recipient of the CCA's Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.

   “He was a remarkable person, as comfortable meeting the president of the United States as he was sight-casting to redfish with his grandkids,” said Patrick Murray, president of CCA.

   “From every local chapter committee to the national board of directors, we will ensure that his remarkable legacy lives on.”

    Now onto the report…

    North Sabine---The Entergy Outfall has been the mainstay for anglers this winter with consistent report of reds and sheepshead on dead shrimp. Very few reports from other spots this week due to weather.

    South Sabine---Very few reports.

    Sabine Pass---Anglers have been avoiding the channel due to the oil spill. The jetties have been consistent for drum and sheepshead on crab and shrimp.

    Sabine River---Anglers are starting to report catching stripers on crankbaits both lipless and deep diving. Catfish are good around the run-off in the bayous.

    Calcasieu (Big Lake )---Anglers are starting to catch some nice trout along the eastern shoreline and by drifting plastics over shell. A few reports of flounder are starting to come in. Reds are good around the bayous.

    Sam Rayburn---Guide Roger Bacon reports the lake is stained with muddy, cold runoff. Anglers are having their best luck fishing 18 to 30 feet of water on ledges, points and brush tops on Carolina rigs and dropshots in watermelon/chartreuse and black/blue. Very few reports of crappie and catfish.

    Toledo Bend---Holly Park Marina reports catfish are good on cut and prepared baits. Very few reports of bass or crappie with the murky water conditions dominating the scene.

    Hunting---Very few hunters taking part in the late goose season and very few geese in Southeast Texas.



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TOLEDO BEND: Normal Pool Level: 172.0 Current Pool Level: 168.84 Was 168.75

RAYBURN LAKE: Normal Pool Level:164 Current Pool Level: 162.38 Was: 162.33

B.A. STEINHAGEN: Normal Pool Level: 85 Current Pool Level: 81.47 Was: 81.66

    Chester Moore, Jr. is The News Outdoors Editor.