Free Fishing Event on August 9th! Let’s Go Fishing!
LUBBOCK, TX, August 3, 2026 – To encourage children and families to enjoy more family time and the sport of fishing, Los Hermanos Familia (LHF), an organization whose mission is “Strengthening Families, Building Community,” is made up of volunteers who value God, family, and community. They will hold the 17th Annual “Vamos a Pescar, Let’s Go Fishing” FREE event on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Fishing will begin at 6 a.m. and end at 2 p.m. Pre-registration is encouraged and is free, which includes lunch till they run out – for registered participants only. No fishing license is required for registered participants. An adult must accompany all children aged 17 or younger. Families can pre-register online at www.letsgofishinglubbock.com.
“We use fishing as a hook to bring families together, as well as to strengthen families and build community – many partners, volunteers, and sponsors work collectively to bring this event into fruition,” said Christy Martinez-Garcia, event chair.
She shared how her husband, Frank Garcia, whose father, the late Gonzalo Garcia Sr., a farmer, had made a last request to go fishing with the entire family after a heart bypass recovery. Sadly, he died the next morning.
“We know families are busy, but my father-in-law’s work as a farmer often prevented him from participating in family outings and activities. As such, we are fulfilling his last request and using fishing to bring families together,” she said.
Martinez-Garcia said that this year, among the many activities for children and their families, will include the “Be In Touch, Touch a Truck” with first responders, including police cars, an ambulance, fire truck, and the Aerocare helicopter!
The Lubbock Police K-9 Unit will hold a demonstration, as well as a presentation by the Science Spectrum. Two players from the Lubbock Matadors will have a demonstration of soccer and sign autographs. Medical students will also be conducting free blood pressure checks and offering information about sunscreen and diabetes. In addition, sponsors and vendors will be located in the Children’s Area that includes games and activities, a hydration station, and more!
This year, in commemoration of 17 years of the event, volunteer photographers will take family photos at the VAP signs!
“The photos will be placed on our Facebook page for families to access,” she said, adding that the event is calling on families who came as kids to return with their own families.
There will be many other highlights on-site – only for registered participants.
In observance of their mascot Frankie the Fish’s birthday celebration, the final hour will include a foam finale by Mega Foam parties.
In addition to Frankie’s Birthday observance, Los Hermanos Familia will observe Purple Hearts Day to honor and remember military personnel who were wounded or killed in action. Purple Hearts 0900 of the South Plains will provide Veteran resources.
LHF also joins area Knights of Columbus Councils to include the fishing event as part of their KOC Family Week list of activities – recognizing the vital importance of families as the foundation of family values. Many councils also help prepare and serve the food at the fishing event.
Martinez-Garcia said that organizers work tenaciously to ensure participating families have a safe and fun time. They work hard to keep the fishing event free so as not to hinder families from encouraging participation.
“We are committed to creating opportunities for families to build their relationships and memories and have a good time. We like to say that we put UNITY in commUNITY.”
She further added that the lake will be stocked with over 500 pounds of hungry catfish raised at Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery in Oklahoma. LHF raises the funds to cover the cost of fishing in hopes that it increases the kids’ chances of catching fish, but also to help replenish what they take.
“We can’t guarantee that they’ll catch fish, but we do believe that they’ll create memories and have a good time.”
A reminder that no fishing license will be needed during that designated time and in the designated area only for registered participants. Participants are encouraged to bring fishing gear and necessary items to protect themselves from the elements and enjoy a day out fishing.
An adult must accompany child(ren).
Los Hermanos Familia has a limited number of loaner poles for use during the event.
The first 500 kids and the first 500 adults will be given a swag bag at check-in. Also, kid projects, a backyard bass, and other fishing games will be on hand to ensure outdoor fun for everyone!
Interested participants are encouraged to pre-register online at www.letsgofishinglubbock.com, or they can register onsite at the fishing event to be held Saturday, August 8, 2026, between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Buddy Holly Lake, N. University & Cesar Chavez Drive in Lubbock, Texas.
Los Hermanos Familia takes pride in providing their annual fishing event, which they said is made possible thanks to their sponsors – including their 2026 Title Sponsor Glasheen, Valles, Inderman Injury Lawyers; 2026 Angler Level Sponsors: Latino Lubbock Magazine. Our 2026 Fishermen Level Sponsors: Starcare Specialty Health Systems, the Knights of Columbus, and Lamar Advertising Company. Our 2026 Frankie’s Friends Sponsors: The City of Lubbock, Blue Sky Restaurants, HEB, Premiere Cinemas, Leprino Foods, The Texas Game Warden’s Association – Lubbock Chapter, BJ’s Restaurant, Fishing Future, the LBK County, Unifirst, KLBK/KAMC!
A special thanks to these additional contributors: First Baptist Church Lubbock, Frank Garcia & Christy Martinez-Garcia, Marcos Belgara & Family, Knights of Columbus 11807, Knights of Columbus4542, Knights of Columbus 12292, Knights of Columbus16358, Knights of Columbus7590, Knights of Columbus 8097, Knights of Columbus12803, Israel Ruiz, and Alicia & Severo Sanchez.
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