Waco BASS Elite Pro Alton Jones has felt the excitement of winning the biggest bass tournament in the world, the 2008 Bassmaster Classic. But he said he never had a day like he did on Oct. 12, during a trip he donated to raise funds for Legacy Outfitters.

Legacy Outfitters is a Christian organization that “outfits” men to be the best husbands, fathers and spiritual leaders they can be. Jones works closely with the group, even to the point of wearing its patch on his tournament jersey.

“My previous best was bringing 279 fish into the Skeeter in one day,” Jones said. “But we beat that by almost 100 fish. The four of us caught 365 bass. It was unreal.”

Pat Curry (left) holds a big bass he caught from an East Texas private like while fishing with bass professional Alton Jones (right). Curry, Jones and two other fishermen caught 365 bass in one day.
Pat Curry photo

The most amazing thing to the other participants may not have been all those fish, although each set personal bests that day. For the other anglers — Charlie Rigney, Legacy Outfitters founder Jeff Fritscher and myself — the coolest part was watching one of the best anglers in the world get giddy as he neared, then far surpassed, his personal best.

Rigney, city president of Independent Bank in Waco, and I were the winning bidders at the Legacy Outfitters auction in September.

Legacy Outfitters brings together men who share a passion for the outdoors and gives them the perfect place to share life-shaping experiences in a positive, encouraging environment.

Jones is on the board of directors and continually provides support.

Legacy Outfitters got its start here and Waco remains the location of the home office.

At the national banquet, 850 men had their chance to fish with Jones when the Texas Legends Fishing Trip came up for auction.

National Football League Hall of Famer and former Dallas Cowboys great Randy White also participated in the trip.

“I’ve never had a day like that,” Jones said. “By the end of the day, my hands were bleeding from unhooking fish. It was just incredible.”

Fritscher supports Jones’ statements. Having spent fishing practice days with Jones, he has seen his commitment to the sport.

“He goes from daylight to dusk,” Fritscher said. “I bring a pillow. One time he caught about a 4-pounder and came back and slapped me in the face with its tail while I was asleep. I said, ‘I’m enjoying my day so you enjoy yours.’ ”

The group caught its load of fish in a 350-acre private lake in East Texas that featured a distinct weedline that ended in about 12 feet of water.

The average size of the fish caught was 3 pounds, and the largest was nearly 7 pounds.

Even though all of the anglers were throwing the same lures, it was obvious who the pro was on this trip who caught bass Nos. 299 and 300 on a single cast — one on the front hook and one on the back hook of a Fat Free Shad.

“I always wanted to go to Lake Guerrero in Mexico,” Fritscher said, “but I don’t need to do that now.”

“We were giggling like a bunch of 6-year-olds,” Jones said. “Three-hundred-sixty-five bass in one day. I still can’t believe it.”