Texas Game Wardens Recover Over $100K in Stolen Boats and Equipment at Fishing Tournament
The Texas Game Warden Marine Theft Investigation Unit seized more than $100,000 worth of stolen boats, trailers, and fishing equipment during a two-day "saturation patrol" at the recent 40th annual Sealy Big Bass Splash Tournament at Sam Rayburn Lake in Jasper, Texas.
Hundreds of participants from across the country competed for the best catch at the reservoir, located 70 miles north of Beaumont in the Piney Woods, making the tournament the largest amateur fishing event in the state.
Assisting in the inspections were game wardens from San Augustine, Sabine, Angelina, Jasper, Tyler, and Nacogdoches counties, who checked approximately 300 boats, 243 boat engines, and 100 boat trailers over the course of the two-day operation.
Jasper County Game Warden Justin Eddins stated that no arrests have been made as of yet, and the investigation is ongoing.
Founded by renowned Texas angler Bob Sealy in 1984, the Big Bass Splash is considered the world's largest amateur hourly big bass fishing tournament and was held from April 19 to 21 this year.
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