An extraordinary fishing excursion on Stillhouse Hollow Lake recently unfolded as 11-year-old Brian Qi reeled in a black crappie that is poised to establish a new junior record for the waterbody. This remarkable catch, achieved alongside his father, Xuan Qi, highlights a significant moment in the young angler's budding career and underscores the joy of shared outdoor experiences. The event not only promises to rewrite the record books but also serves as an inspiring tale for fishing enthusiasts of all ages, celebrating patience, skill, and the thrill of the unexpected.
On March 19, Xuan Qi and his son, Brian, embarked on a fishing trip on Stillhouse Hollow Lake, a vast 6,400-acre reservoir in east-central Texas. Utilizing an electric motor, they were engaged in slow trolling, targeting white bass and crappies. Around 2 p.m., Brian experienced a robust strike on his small white swimbait, indicating a substantial catch. Having been fishing since the age of five, Brian possesses a keen understanding of when a significant fish is on the line. Recognizing his son's excitement, Xuan paused their trolling to allow Brian to manage the catch. Soon after, the fish was successfully netted and brought aboard their Tracker bass boat.
Upon examining the fish, Xuan immediately recognized its exceptional size, noting it was the largest black crappie either of them had ever encountered from Stillhouse Hollow Lake. This prompted them to investigate the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website, where they discovered the existing junior crappie record for the lake was a fish measuring 10.88 inches and weighing less than a pound. Convinced that Brian's catch far exceeded this benchmark, Xuan reached out to Bob Maindelle, a local guide from Holding the Line Guide Service, to inquire about the process for submitting a potential record.
Bob Maindelle, who conveniently operates an official TPWD weigh station from his own garage, was delighted to assist the father-son duo. During their meeting, Maindelle first confirmed the species as a black crappie. With his wife present as a witness, he then precisely measured the fish at an impressive 15 inches in length and weighed it on his certified scale, which registered 1.75 pounds. Subsequently, Maindelle guided the Qis through the necessary steps to complete the online record application via the TPWD website. Although the application is currently under review, all indications suggest that Brian's crappie will comfortably secure the new junior waterbody record. Following the successful completion of the application process, Xuan recounted that they promptly returned to their fishing activities, continuing to fill their cooler. By the end of their outing, they had successfully reeled in a total of eighteen crappies and a couple of white bass, all of which were filleted and enjoyed.
This fishing narrative beautifully illustrates the deepening bond between a father and his son, forged through shared outdoor adventures. The meticulous process of verifying the fish and submitting the record application underscores the dedication involved in recreational angling, while the eventual meal of their fresh catch brings a satisfying close to their memorable day. This event undoubtedly leaves a lasting impression on Brian, fostering his passion for fishing and providing a remarkable story to recount for years to come.