WINNSBORO, Texas — Fishermen groups from across the Lone Star State are coming together to support the family of Kale Robinson, a young East Texas angler who passed away from the weekend.
The Winnsboro High School junior died suddenly after a fish weigh-in over the weekend at a tournament.
"He grew up racing go carts and his grandad and dad were catfish fishermen," Winnsboro Fishing Team President Terry Hayley said.
Robinson spent most of his childhood on a boat doing what he loved the most - fishing.
"He’s an avid fisherman. He lived and breathed it and that’s what he wanted to do." Hayley said. "When he found out about high school fishing, he told his dad when he was in junior high school, ‘I gotta to learn how to bass fish ‘cause when I get in high school I wanna be on the fishing team."
Hayley said fishing was more than just a hobby for Robinson, it was his passion. This past Saturday, Kale caught his best stringer ever.
"At 22 plus pounds and he had his personal best big bass with an eight exact pound fish," Hayley said.
Robinson and his dad had a bet on who was going to catch the first eight-pounder.
"And daddy still says, ‘I owe him a $100 bill,'" Hayley said.
A photo of Robinson showing off his fish was taken just minutes before he collapsed.
"He walked around to look at the TV screen of the weight to see where he’s at and the next thing we know he’s lying on the ground and we started CPR," Hayley said.
Joseph Shipley sold Robinson tackle for the fish and offered him advice in his early fishing career.
"It wears on you hard, we’re a very tight community when it comes to fishing," Shipley said. "My first thought was what can I do, what can I do to show my condolences and help."
Shipley along with many other fishing organizations across will come together to host a two-day fundraiser at the Lake Fork Marina for Robinson's family.
"Went to work with it yesterday morning and it blew up and took off real quick," Shipley said.
In just a few hours, the outpour of support was compelling.
"I’ve been overwhelmed, I’m not going to lie to you. I’ve been overwhelmed with the support of the fishing industry and the family that we are," Hayley said.
It's that same fishing community that will miss the best of Kale.
"He strived to do better at everything he did when he was go cart racing, when he was fishing. And we all pray and hope that everyone can heal from it, but it’s a hole in all of our hearts," Hayley said.
SATURDAY, FEB. 22, 2024: SHOTGUN TAKEOFF
There will be a shotgun takeoff at the Titus County Waterpark on Lake Bob Sandlin Saturday morning at sunrise organized by his high school fishing team. There will be an optional $10 half day bass tournament. All proceeds will go to the family or to a scholarship in his name.
SATURDAY, MARCH 16-17, 2024: KASTING FOR KALE MEMORIAL BASS FISHING TOURNAMENT AND FUNDRAISER
Saturday, March 16: There will be a cook-out at the Lake Fork Marina starting at 7 p.m. in addition to live music and raffle.
Sunday, March 17: There will be a memorial fishing tournament in honor of Kale Robinson at the Lake Fork Marina. Registration starts at 5:30 a.m. with the first cast at 7 a.m. while the last cast is at 3 p.m. followed by a weigh-in. All proceeds will go to the Robinson family.
For those interested in volunteering or donating, they can visit the Texas High School Bass Association website or contact Joseph Shipley at 972-551-9246.