Datebook

Continued from page 8

JANUARY 1

NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION

Permian Basin Chapter Odessa Country Club (432) 230-4399 nwtf.org

JANUARY 5-8

DALLAS SAFARI CLUB

Convention & Sporting Expo Kay Bailey Huchison Convention Center (972) 972-9800 biggame.org

JANUARY 8

DSC PRAYER BREAKFAST

Omni Hotel, Trinity Ballroom christian-sportsmen.org

JANUARY 13-14

DEER BREEDERS CORP

Annual New Year’s Auction Horseshoe Bay Resort (972) 289-3100 dbcdeer.com

JANUARY 14

WEST TEXAS SCI

West Texas Hunting Extravaganza Midland County Horseshoe Pavilion info@westtexassci.com sciwesttexas.godaddysites.com

JANUARY 17

DELTA WATERFOWL

Leon County Banquet Leon County Expo Center, Buffalo (903) 388-4705 deltawaterfowl.org

JANUARY 28-29

TEXAS GUN & KNIFE SHOWS

Gun Show Abilene Convention Center (830) 285-0575 texasgunandknifeshows.com

FEBRUARY 1

DUCKS UNLIMITED

Tri-County Hereford Dinner Hereford Country Club (806) 240-1184 ducks.org

FEBRUARY 3

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION

Victoria Banquet Victoria Community Center (361) 649-4751 rmef.org

FEBRUARY 4

NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION

Houston Banquet Houston Distributing Company (713) 515-7796 nwtf.org

DUCKS UNLIMITED

Mexia Dinner The Cowboy Club (254) 625-1111 ducks.org

FEBRUARY 11-12

TEXAS GUN & KNIFE SHOWS

Gun Show Fredericksburg Fairgrounds (830) 285-0575 texasgunandknifeshows.com

While in college, Sanchez helped start a science club at a local high school, and he was able to develop positive relationships with kids who were struggling with school, and motivate them to take their education seriously.

“I saw students that, even though they grew up around it, didn’t know anything about the coastal resources and the science that goes along with it, take an interest in the things that I was passionate about — the local bay systems and fisheries,” Sanchez said. “This really motivated me to become a teacher.”

While in school, Sanchez continued to fish as much as possible with the goal of one day becoming confident enough in his skills to become a guide. He was successful in some fishing tournaments, and was able to secure a sponsorship with KWigglers, and eventually became their pro-staff coordinator. In October of 2021, he became a licensed fishing guide and started his charter fishing business.

“Getting involved with KWigglers allowed me to meet some experienced fishing guides that really became important mentors for me,” Sanchez said. “Without friends like Capt. Ernest Cisneros and Capt. Wayne Davis, along with several others, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish my goal of becoming a fishing guide.”

Sanchez’s passion for teaching and passion for fishing comes full circle. In his classroom, he tries to be as hands-on as possible, and comes up with captivating lab projects for students to participate in that relate to the local fishery. On the water, he strives to show others new ways to achieve success, and wants them to end their trip with him having learned something that will help them become a better angler.

“At the end of the day, if I can expose someone to something that causes them to learn and grow, then I’d call that day a success,” Sanchez said. “Whether that’s teaching students about the fish that thrive within the estuary that surrounds their hometown, or teaching anglers how to catch fish on lures for the first time, that’s why I do what I do.”

Capt. James

Sanchez fights a speckled trout while wade-fishing near Corpus Christi. Photo from James Sanchez.

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