Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations A gathering in Texas

Last saturday I had the privilege to attend a gathering in Southeast Texas at Todd Overton's place. First off, there were several Pondboss friends there (Fireishot, Zep, Todd to name a few), some whom I had never met in real life (BillyE and others) and it was good to meet them in person.

Todd, his family and crew were very nice hosts. Todd allowed us to fish in several ponds and most had a great time fishing and laughing. I stood around asking questions (who would have thought)! Todd and his father (Walt) answered a lot of questions and remained patient throughout!!

There was also other experts willing to talk about nutrition and other topics. Fly fishing was demonstrated as well!!

Todd talked about all subjects openly. He allowed us to see the complete operation. The grow out tanks, his aquaponics set up, his ponds, his water distribution system and all. I could have stayed there asking questions for days. Todd even managed to have a Bald Eagle show up for the day!!



Guessing the number of minnows in a ten gallon tank was one of the first "games" for the guests. The winner got a a new fishing rod. I had to string it for her later that night!! I was told in no uncertain terms who's fishing rod it was. I Understood completely!! I can't wait for her to use it in Goergetopia later this month (it's an ultralight rod)!!

Todd's crew cooked up a great lunch featuring Fish they raised. Needless to say, it was great!!

Both before and after lunch, there was time to gather and talk about pond, fish and everything that goes along with them. Here is a picture of some of the attendees. Sitting in the center, Nicky is having a great time. Sitting on her left is one happy guy!!




Then it was time to have the frog race!! Everyone got involved!! From the youngest to the oldest, everyone was welcome to race!!





And here is one of the faster frogs!!



All in all, Todd's gathering was a great time and a great learning experience. I was able to talk to experts and learn about up coming opportunities to make my ponds better in the future!!

I have to say, Todd's attention to detail shows in his operation and his fish!! What a blast!!

Awesome report!!

That sounds great!

Brian I agree it was a fun day. Watching kids catch their first fish is such a joy. Always good to see Pond Boss friends. Todd, his wife, Clint, and the rest of the staff at Overton's Fisheries really know how to throw a party.

Thanks for the report. Biggest fish ?

Looks like you had better weather than we had up here! Thanks for the report. Sorry that I missed it!

Eric, that might be one of the coolest parts, no one was keeping score!! I saw three young children catching their first fish, at that point, nothing else mattered!! If I had to guess, either Dusty or Mark probably caught the biggest fish, but don't quote me on that.

Scott, it was not too hot and not too cold. We would get the sun shinning through at times, but all in all, it was very good weather for the gathering.

Brian, I heard you won the frog race!!

Man, I totally forgot about Clint.

Hopefully, he didn't make anyone smell his fingers.

Sue, my frog came in 2nd place. It was a valiant effort, but in the end, he just ran out of gas!! if only he did not want to turn left the whole time, he would have been able to go the distance without stopping and resting!!

Sunil, Clint was a complete gentleman( he even washed his hands before lunch). He is a really nice guy to talk to about ponds and everything that goes along with them.

Maybe he has always dreamed of being a Nascar driver!

Rob C

Thanks for posting pictures. Great to see a picture of George!

I hope someone got a picture of George fly fishing.
The man can still do it well! I saw him bring in
at least one nice fish.

Pretty Cool!

Thanks for posting!

I am pretty sure other pictures exist!! I'll see if they can make it here, but I know he landed at least three very nice fish using that fly rod.

Fishtruck, I thought that look like the number 3 on his side!!

Wow what a difference a week makes! Last Saturday a perfect day at Overton's Fisheries. Today it's currently 37 degrees, wind howling, and raining off/on. Todd glad you picked last week!

This was the alt weekend IIRC. One out of two is good if the first one is nice.

Thanks for posting this thread, Brian!! We hired a professional photographer for the day and so I will post some of the pics when I get a chance. Thanks to all who were able to come to our first Fish Fest!

Post those pics Todd !

George Glazener and Dusty Abney.

George Glazener and family were my guests of honor. Dusty I wish you could have stayed longer. Nice fly casting skills by the way...makin' it look easy..


Brian and Heather Hoffman.

Thank you for coming! Congrats on the winnings! Gonna be a good solid winter to test your pond project.


Bob Pickle and Todd Overton

Nice job catchin' those catfish but your missed a hell of a fish fry.

George, Nicky, and son Stan Glazener are all looking good.

Big Blue Catfish

Zep
Hammered the Bass

George Glazener testing the waters, Nicky has his back.

Walt Overton is Professional. Showin you how it is done.

Allen and Robbie Hall. Fly Fishing Couples Are So Cute....LOL...Thanks for coming!

Walt and Mary Sue Overton

Classic George Glazener

Fisheries Biologist Clint Wilson

Bootz Overton

Keagan Wilson

Todd Overton with new TFO setup.

Edgar and Family hammered the fish

Karli learning some skills

And it pays off

Billy Elmore - Nichol Scales.

Tom Calhoun and Family. Thank you so much for coming!

Todd, thanks for having us, it was a blast. I had a thousand hatchery questions to ask you, but those can wait til Spring. Lucky you.

Robbie and I spent a lot of time with Dusty fly fishing, and he brought a 3# fly rod for me to try. I might have to pull the trigger on one of those. It seems perfect for BG.

As always, it was good to see George, Brian, Mark and the gang.

Todd, I agree!! We had a great time. You and your family were great hosts and it was a lot of fun to see the children catching their first fish!!

I'll post what I know as I know it. I fear this cold snap as I only got the heater in the day before, so there was little residual heat. But that is okay, its all about the learning. Besides, I know where to get more Tilapia from a great source if needed!!

Now I need more solar power, thanks for the excuse!! Georgetopia and the other topias will be getting the upgrade this winter!! I am getting ready for a banner year next year, a long with the other experiment in extratopia.

That was a great report, Todd!

I like how you put Clint's picture in black & white....

Brian
It was great meeting and talking to you at Todds. And yes, that's my mom trying to encourage the frog to jump by blowing on it. I was not going to stop her, as she does not have a pond, so if she won, the first prize was going to go in my pond, (Camelot Bass).

The best part was when you threw the big bull frog in my daughters lap, at least everyone but her thought it was funny, I think that was you, I was too busy laughing to notice who did it.

Todd put on a great day and we look forward to the next one.
The food was fantastic.

Remember, if you or any of the pond boss family are ever in Cleveland Texas, look me up and stay the night.