The big fish of Texas just got shown up by a six-year-old. Ernst Toepfer V, barely tall enough to handle a fishing rod, has been awarded the coveted 'elite angler' status by The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department—the youngest to ever snag the title. The youngster has reeled in trophy-class fish in not one, but five different saltwater categories, a swimming success that runs in the family bloodline.
According to KENS 5, the prodigy's catches are impressive by any standard: a 21.75-inch sheepshead, 22.75-inch black drum, 21.25-inch ladyfish, 21-inch spotted seatrout, and a 14.88-inch sand seatrout. He's got the right teachers, fishing alongside his father, Ernst Toepfer IV, and grandfather, Ernst Toepfer III, both experienced anglers themselves.
Grace Simms, coordinator for the TPWD Angler Recognition Program couldn't be more pleased with the junior angler's achievements. "I always enjoy receiving applications from Ernst," she told KENS 5, reflecting on the photo submissions that evidence the kid's passion for fishing.
While Ernst is making waves with his catches, Texas waters are teeming with other record breakers. Cathy Johnson hauled in a 3.3-pound, 18.5-inch short bigeye, and nine-year-old Maggie Sojourner nabbed a blue catfish on Lake Grandview that came close to outweighing her, a hefty 26.37 pounds. And let's not forget Paul Hefner, who bagged a 207-pound, 90-inch alligator gar from Lake Corpus Christi, securing himself a Big Fish Award and a waterbody record.
