SHOOTING SPORTS ANNUAL INSIDE June 26, 2026
Texas’ Hunting and Fishing Newspaper Since 2004
shooting
ADVERTISING SECTION
sports texas ANNUAL 2026
Gunning for ’28 PAGE 15
Volume 22, Issue 21
TPWD data breach impacts millions Personal information stolen by hackers through license sale records By Conor Harrison Lone Star Outdoor News
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department notified Texas hunters and anglers recently via email of a data breach involving the li-
cense system vendor that handles the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. More than 3 million license holders were impacted. The investigation by the Texas Cyber Command uncovered hackers may have obtained driver's license information, passport numbers (if provided), email addresses, phone numbers and residential addresses. Social Security numbers, dates of birth and financial information, including credit card details were not obtained from this inci-
dent, according to TPWD. Multiple messages were left at the TPWD media office requesting more information, but were not returned. Texas hunters and anglers were not amused. Many took to social media to air their grievances, while others contacted LSON directly. One of the biggest complaints was hearing about the breach from someone other than TWPD, as many never received the email or notice. The lack of de-
tails in the press release also bothered many. “I didn’t appreciate the fact that the state attempts to take no blame for the data leak,” said longtime license holder David Sweet. “They hired the vendor, they are responsible. I believe that (TPWD) should have to answer tough questions as to how the selection of the vendor was made, and what security precautions were in place to protect individuals’ data. I don’t like that the state just sent out an email with very little details Please turn to page 11
All over Redfish of all sizes in both shallow, deep water By Nate Skinner
For Lone Star Outdoor News From the marshes and back lakes to main bay waters, channels, passes and the beachfront, anglers have been catching redfish of all sizes using a variety of tactics. Both natural and artificial bait presentations have been producing plenty of bites from bull reds and slot-sized red drum. Avid redfish tournament angler Brian Frederick said shell reefs and humps in the back lakes and marshes surrounding Sabine Lake have been loaded with redfish of all sizes lately. The best action has been taking place during an incoming tide when water levels have been up. “The fish have been striking a variety of baits,” Frederick said. “Shallow diving square-billed crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics rigged under a popping cork have all been working well.” When water levels have been up, anglers have been hooking up with redfish on the edges of flooded grass lines along the banks of main bay shorelines and marsh ponds up and down the coast. Square-billed crankbaits are putting lots of fish in the boat. Photos by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
Early morning bite
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID DALLAS, TX PERMIT 3814
Please turn to page 9
Set alarm for summer bass By Corey Byrnes
Will Anderson Jr. with a 10.10-pound bass he caught while fishing grass with a swimbait. Photo by Matt Beggs.
With Texas having a mild spring and start to early summer, anglers are reporting that bass are settling into an early summer pattern, with some lakes having an excellent early morning bite in the shallow grass. On Sam Rayburn Reservoir,
Grip & Grin . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 Fishing reports . . . . . . . . . Page 10 Sun, Moon & Tides . . . . . . Page 12 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Datebook . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 18 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . Page 18
INSIDE
CONTENTS
Time Sensitive Material • Deliver ASAP
For Lone Star Outdoor News
Rick Caldwell with Fishing with Rick is making sure to be on the water early. “I’m on the water at 5:30 in the morning, sitting on a point, and make sure it’s a point that has deep water close to it,” Caldwell said. “It’s pretty easy to catch 30 fish real quick. The best points are ones on the windward side of the lake with 6 to 8 feet of water. That transition zone is where the bass have been crashing baitfish.” Caldwell has found a small
swimbait has been the most productive during this time. “I’m using what they call pearl blue by Cross Baits,” Caldwell said. As the sun comes up, Caldwell is pushing back from the bank and switching to a 1.5-inch square-billed crankbait in a sexy shad color. He will keep moving out until he is on the deep brush piles out in 20 to 30 feet of water where he prefers a 10-inch worm in pumpkin magic or purple. He is Please turn to page 17
HUNTING
FISHING
Timely moisture (P. 4)
Look deep for crappie (P. 6)
Much of the state sees good rain.
Summer patterns for bigger fish.
Don’t film wildlife (P. 5)
Tournament time (P. 7)
Drone videos may be illegal.
Events taking place all over.