Texas Black Bass Unlimited (TBBU) is a non-profit dedicated to the future of Texas lakes. For three of the past four years, the Houston chapter has identified the lakes in the most critical need and mobilized the fishing community to provide direct financial aid.
A History of Success: 1993–1996
TBBU’s impact on the Houston area has been consistent and significant:
| Year | Event Location | Project Goal | Funds Raised |
| 1993 | The Woodlands Executive Conference Center | Lake Livingston: Channel Marker Project for boater safety. | $46,000 |
| 1994 | Greenspoint Wyndham | Lake Livingston & Conroe: Habitat restoration in partnership with USACE and TPWD. | $44,000 |
| 1996 | Sam Houston Race Park | Habitat Completion: Finalizing the ecosystem projects started in '94. | (Consolidated) |
Export to Sheets
1997 Goal: The Lake Houston Accessibility Project
This year, TBBU has set its sights on Lake Houston at Duessen Park. The goal is to build a state-of-the-art fishing pier specifically designed for:
- The physically challenged
- The elderly
- Underprivileged youth
The total project cost is estimated at $60,000. TBBU aims to raise $30,000 at the upcoming Gala, with matching funds already promised by the City of Houston, Texas Parks & Wildlife, and Operation Kidfish.
More Than Just a Pier: Mentorship for Youth
The pier is only the beginning. TBBU is pledging ongoing support for Houston’s youth through monthly instructional fishing seminars. Volunteers from local bass clubs will teach young people the art of fishing, providing a healthy and productive alternative activity.
The '97 Houston Gala Details
Join us for an evening of conservation and community at the Marriott Greenspoint.
- Date: Saturday, November 8, 1997
- Schedule: * 5:00 PM: Cocktails and Auction Display
- 7:00 PM: Banquet Dinner
- 8:00 PM: Live Auction (Boats, vacation trips, and high-end gear)
- Platinum Sponsors: Mercury Outboards, Astro Boats, Champion Boats, Fisher Boats, Nitro Boats, and ProCraft Boats.
Tickets: $25.00 for General Admission.
As Steering Committee Chairman Patrick D. McCarty notes, "We hope to exceed prior years’ attendance at this year’s exciting event. Everyone is personally invited."
For reservations, contact Pat McCarty at 409-856-8537 or visit www.tbbu.com.
Archive Insights:
The Web Era: Note the inclusion of a website address—in 1997, having a functional .com for a fishing non-profit was very cutting-edge!
Financial Impact: Seeing those $40k+ numbers in mid-90s dollars is impressive. Adjusted for inflation, that $46,000 in 1993 would be over $100,000 today.
Transition to Accessibility: This marks a shift in the organization's focus from purely "biological" habitat work to "social" work—ensuring that everyone, regardless of physical ability, has a place to fish.
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