Pat McCarty is the kind of person you’d be lucky to meet once in a lifetime. A tournament angler for over 25 years, Pat is not only one of the best fishing guides East Texas has to offer, but also the publisher of the premier fishing and boating publication in the state. Today, Pat is bringing Texas bass fishing to the world stage by expanding his media empire to the internet.

A Career Built on the Water

McCarty’s illustrious career began 25 years ago when he started competing in B.A.S.S. tournaments on Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn, and Lake Livingston. After a five-year stint in the professional circuit, he stepped away to pursue a successful career in construction in Houston.

However, his passion for the water eventually brought him back. Today, he lives in Shadow Bay with his wife, Paulette, and daughter, Kelly, where he can fish right off his back porch in Weir’s Creek.

Tournament Success and Sponsorships

The "fishing bug" never truly left him. Pat eventually returned to the competitive scene, pursuing Angler’s Choice Team Circuit titles across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

"I love tournament fishing for the satisfaction I get from competing against other top anglers," Pat says. "In the Pro-Am Division, I get to compete against national touring pros like David Wharton, Harold Allen, Lyndell Martin, and Tommy Martin."

Pat remains a formidable competitor, securing four top-10 finishes this year and qualifying 12th for the Super Team Classic. His success is backed by major sponsors, including:

• Boots Follmar Marine & Astro Boats
• Mercury Motors & Motorguide Trolling Motors
• Quantum Tackle & Castaway Rods
• Lowrance Electronics

Weir’s Creek Guide Service

For the past 11 years, Pat has shared his expertise as a licensed guide on Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston, Gibbons Creek, Richland-Chambers, and Sam Rayburn. Through his business, Weir’s Creek Guide Service, he offers "Tournament Tune-ups," using his deep knowledge of lake structures to help other anglers improve their game. While he specializes in black bass, he also guides for white bass, crappie, and catfish.

The Evolution of Texas Sportsguide

In just five years of ownership, McCarty has grown The Texas Sportsguide from a local flyer to a statewide publication with a circulation of 20,000. Under his leadership, the magazine has expanded into the digital frontier.

The publication is renowned for:

• Expert Contributors: Tips from legends like Bill Cannan, Jim Binns, and Captain Bill Pustejovsky.
• Photography: Excellent visuals captured by Pat himself, a professional photographer.
• Essential Info: Coverage of environmental issues, aquatic vegetation, and boating legislation.

Pat’s background in CAD software, accounting programs, and computer graphics—honed during his construction days—led him to found ImageBuilders Advertising, Inc. He now uses these skills to design first-rate digital and print media for the fishing industry.

Commitment to Conservation

Beyond his professional pursuits, McCarty is a dedicated supporter of Texas Black Bass Unlimited (TBBU). He has assisted in major fundraisers for the Channel-Marking Project on Lake Livingston and Habitat Restoration Projects for Houston-area lakes.

Looking Ahead

In 1996, Pat plans to expand the print edition of The Texas Sportsguide while developing the online edition to include international content. Whether he’s behind the camera, the computer, or the steering wheel of his Astro Stealth 20DC, Pat McCarty continues to shape the future of Texas fishing.