2026 Club Awards Program
An important component of the Houston Big Game Fishing Club is the Annual Awards Program recognizing our members’ big game angling accomplishments offshore the coast of Texas and other fishing destinations around the world. The program starts January 1, 2026 and ends December 31, 2026. Participants must have renewed their membership with the HBGFC by March 15th 2026 to be eligible to count catches as of January 1st, 2026. The Annual Houston Big Game Fishing Club Banquet is held each spring where beautiful trophies will be awarded to the winners of the year long program. Categories include Top Male Angler, Top Female Angler, Top Junior Angler, Top Captain, Top Mate, Top Private Boat, Top Outboard Boat, Top Charter Boat, Top Blue Marlin, Top Swordfish, Top Yellowfin, Top Wahoo and Top Dolphin. 2026 Rules and Regulations are available in the Reel Time App along with registration and membership.
Starting January 1st, 2026, we strongly encourage all members, sponsors, and or donors to register their membership using the FREE Reel Time Member Management app. This membership will then be eligible for autorenewal and effortless transfer of information into the Lone Star Shootout, thus saving you tons of time.
The Houston Big Game Fishing Club Scholarship Trust has been established to provide financial aid to qualified students who plan to attend a Texas university or college. The Board of Directors and Scholarship Committee will award scholarships each year, including one recipient designated as the Randy Bright Scholar, along with additional selected recipients. Scholarship amounts will be determined at the Club’s discretion and may be applied toward tuition, campus housing, or other university or college expenses.
Scholarships will be awarded in such amounts and to such students as determined appropriate by the Club. The following criteria will be considered:
The candidate must be a high school or GED graduate. Preference may be given to students pursuing degrees in marine sciences or conservation. Candidates must be accepted at a recognized university or college in the State of Texas and must pursue a course of study leading to an undergraduate or graduate degree. The minimum enrollment requirement is 12 hours per semester.
Personal qualifications considered will include, but are not limited to, evidence of general aptitude and ability in the area of study, the character of the candidate, and previous academic accomplishments. The committee will also consider the candidate’s relative financial need when compared with other applicants.
Completed scholarship applications must be received by the March 15 deadline of each application cycle. Questions may be directed to info@hbgfc.com.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
A COMPLETED SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM
TRANSCRIPT
High school and/or college transcripts.
PERSONAL ESSAY / LETTER (MAXIMUM TWO PAGES, DOUBLE‑SPACED)
FIRST‑TIME APPLICANTS SHOULD INCLUDE:
- Explanation of choice of university or college.
- Explanation of proposed degree.
- Explanation of financial need (a Student Aid Report may be submitted at the applicant’s discretion).
- Description of active participation in extra‑curricular, community, or charitable programs.
- Disclosure of any family members working in marine‑related industries (captains, mates, marine mechanics, marine biologists, game wardens, etc.).
PREVIOUSLY AWARDED APPLICANTS SHOULD INCLUDE:
- Explanation of degree progress over the past year and any changes in academic plans.
- Explanation of how prior scholarship funds were used and how future funds would be applied.
- Description of extra‑curricular, community, or charitable involvement over the past year, including participation in HBGFC activities.
- Updated financial need information.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Two (2) letters of recommendation from an advisor, school official, or someone familiar with the applicant’s character and academic qualifications. Letters should address character, personality, ability, scholastic performance, and extra‑curricular involvement. Optional for previously awarded applicants.
Applicants must also provide the names, addresses, and positions of the individuals submitting recommendations.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Completed applications must be submitted electronically (do not mail) and received by March 15 of the application year. Questions may be emailed to info@hbgfc.com. Applications or letters of recommendation received after March 15 will not be considered.