We met Criss D and buddy here at TFF while they were serving our country in Iraq. Our soldiers have to leave families at home and do not get to participate in their children's development while they are overseas. Well Criss D has returned from his tour and his fellow soldier (sorry too little sleep to recall his name) and his son Jason awaited his Dad's return. Their number one desire was for Jason to be able to catch his first red. These guys having handled Iraq heat decided they and their families could handle camp at Fairfield the middle of this week, to try their prior TFF red fishing suggestions.

Two guys who have served this county in Iraq deserved a sure fire or high probability heads up on where and how to catch reds. I had been lure fishing for the past several months, and did not have a high probability spot to suggest they try and had been set up for bait fishing for 10 months.

I have known many a great Texan, gracious hospitality is common thread among them. About a year ago I came to know a fellow who bait fished Fairfield very well, but he never knew of TFF, and of course had no ID. That man (Dewayne H) posted here for the first time about a week ago. I asked Dewayne if he could give Criss some heads up on that he thought would work and where and got them in touch with each other.

Well instead of giving them suggestions Dewayne H hitches up drives to Criss D camp site, loads the whole crew in his boat and, takes them out. Last I saw them Dewayne was instructing on casting net technique. They then took off down lake.

Meadowlark and I intending to try and better his pending fly fishing C&RR we launched 30 minutes later, and without my cell phone. We went buzzing up the lake staying on the far opposite side from where I had known guys to bait fish. Well Dewayne had a new one I had never seen used, and I probably drove right over their baited line. And, did not even know I had done it for several more minutes until I looked back down that shoreline. Guys I apologize, for that position run-over I had no clue you could be there, did not even have my cell phone until 11 PM to apologize with.

Hearing Criss' mid-day Friday cleaning table fishing stories today despite my mistake Dewayne went on to have them land several reds, one as big as 41", and Jason did land his first red. I assume Dewayne H even delivered them back at their camp site. Dewayne then refused to accept any gas money, even while threatened with bodily harm by two of the US' finest soldiers. Using Dewayne's teachings Criss D crew went out this morning to land what looked like a high 30's inch red and several others. They are now headed for their duty station, Fort Hood.

Guys welcome one heck of a Texas fisherman Dewayne H to our group and know he is one of Texas' finest examples of gracious hospitality, and I am proud to say I know and respect him.

Great story!

Way to go DH, that is what the TFF is all about. Welcome to the forum.

All,
Don is right...Dewayne is ONE GREAT GUY. He is also a heck of a redfisherman. He did everything possible to put us on fish. when we got back to the ramp (started at 6:30 pm and ended at 11:45 pm), he asked us how we wanted the fish cleaned. We told him that we were just going to take them back and we'd come down and clean them. He wouldn't take that for an answer. He got out his electric knife and went to cleaning. He bagged them up and took us back to the site. Although it was never talked about, Ron and I both felt that after all he had done for us, we needed to give him something for his gas and knowledge. After 3-5 minutes of arguing, we just gave up, as he is as hard headed as he is a great guy!! lol. I just want to thank him again here publicly for all he did.
In addition, don't let Don fool anybody....he and I exchanged correspondence for approximately 4 months on how to catch the fish and he too would have done what it took to put us on fish as you can see by him hooking us up with Dewayne. Thanks again to BOTH of you great TEXANS. I'll be seeing you both again!

Way to go DH and welcome to the TFF , and a heartfelt thank you Chris and Ron for your service.