Ever wonder what happens to all those big and not so big fish caught at the fishing tournaments. Some captains keep their fish for food and even trophy mounting. But, many trophy mounts today are synthetic reproductions of beautiful fish using pictures, video and measurements. Some captains generously donate their catch to feed others.

Fishermen’s Chapel, a local church, together with volunteers and ministry partners, clean, portion and package fish to feed hungry families and individuals who are struggling to make ends meet. The local food pantry ministry, a large outreach ministry in East Houston, and a Ft. Worth based ministry spent time and effort to utilize the fish caught to bless others.

An average of 2-3 families or individuals who may have lost a job, had illness or injury or experienced other struggles will seek food assistance from the POC food pantry weekly. Some weeks there are more needs, but none are turned away. They will receive canned, dry and frozen food to feed themselves and their family through the tough time. Some come back several times before life levels out, and some land on their feet more quickly. The filets of fresh fish packaged from tournament donated fish are one of the ways we are able to help those in need.

Volunteers filleted fish until well after dark during both the POCO, Lonestar Shootout and Sharktooth tournaments. The generosity of those involved makes the food pantry work in our small community. You can help by making non-perishable food donations at Fishermen’s Chapel on Main Street in POC. Thanks fishermen, fish cleaners and others who helped make it all possible.