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Debra Hengst at a WBT Tournament event

WELCOME

Debra Hengst is an accomplished professional angler fishing some of the best known tournament trails on the bass fishing scene. Her love of the sport and some natural instincts are what make her a top-level fisherman.

As a born and raised pure Texas lady, Debra has become well known for her catches on some of her favorite bodies of water which are Falcon Lake, Choke Canyon, and Lake Amistad. Over the years, many outdoor writers have sought her out and written about her proven techniques for finding large trophy fish.

While you are here, please take some time to browse the other pages to see which lakes she'll be fishing, shows she'll be working, and updated sponsor information.

 

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“This lake is going to be incredible in two or three years,” said WBT Pro Debra Hengst.

January 2009

Falcon: It's Only Getting Better

“This lake is going to be incredible in two or three years,” said WBT Pro Debra Hengst. Was she talking about Pickwick? Neely Henry? Some stock tank in south-central Texas that was recently loaded up with freak show Florida-strain bass left to feed on cattle that come down to the bank for a drink?


Debra's contribution as
written by "Ron Henry Strait" - Express News Sports Writer

November 2008

Old Lakes Like New Again

DEL RIO — There are two new lakes on the U.S.Mexico border, both of which have familiar names and have been around for decades.What has created new lakes from familiar old trophy-bass haunts on the Rio Grande is water, lots of water.


Debra's contribution as
written by Wired2Fish

July 2008

Hengst on Falcon
WBT and Strike King Pro Debra Hengst knows Falcon Lake as well as anyone. While the Wired2Fish staff was out at ICAST slaving away she caught this 8 plus pounder at Falcon and had to rub it in. Is that worm the new Anaconda from Strike King? Great job Debra!

We Fish Strike King
print ad

June 2008

We Fish Strike King! Shouldn't You?
Strike King Lure Company - #1 in fishing lures.


Debra's contribution as written by "Ron Maloney - The Gazette-Enterprise "

April 2008

KID FISH event offers tips and fun for family
SEGUIN — A few years back, Jeep Kiel had breakfast with another fishing fan after fishing Lake Amistad over near Del Rio. Kiel didn’t say Saturday who’d had the best luck or caught the biggest fish, but if it wasn’t him — at least that time — it would be understandable. Because the other fisherman wasn’t just any fishing fan — she’s fishing pro Debra Hengst, who competes on the national Women’s Bassmasters Tour.


Debra's contribution as written by "Pete Robbins"

April 2008

No Place Like Home for Hengst
WBT pro Debra Hengst is never at a loss for words, especially when it comes to her favorite topic – Falcon Lake. She's been singing the praises of the big pond on the Texas/Mexico border for twenty years, through low water and high water, but no one outside of Texas seemed to care. Now the word is out….big time.

Debra's contribution as written by "Steve Wright"
ESPNOutdoors.com

April 2008

Anyone Can Do It
What we were going to do on our day off was obvious after Thursday's weigh-in at the Bassmaster Elite Series Lone Star Shootout at Falcon Lake. It was as obvious as the 42-pound, five-bass limit Aaron Martens weighed in that day.

Debra's contribution as written by "Pete Robbins"

February 2008

Will Falcon Re-Write the Record Books?
Texas WBT Pro, Debra Hengst Gives the BassZone Viewers Her Take

Debra's contribution as written by "Ron Henry Strait" - Express News Sports Writer

February 2008

Hauling Bass
This weekend's Bassmaster Classic championship tournament at Lake Hartwell near Greenville, S.C., marks the end of last tournament season and/or the beginning of this year's BASS series of fishing competitions.

Debra's contribution as written by "Pete Robbins "

February 2008

Choke Canyon Predictions
When 64 PAA pros descend on Choke Canyon Reservoir later this week for the season-opening tournament, many of them will have their minds on Lake Fork. After all, while there’s the opportunity to earn a good check in this event, the ultimate prize is a berth in the upcoming PAA Toyota Texas Bass Classic at Fork.

Debra's contribution as written by "Ron Henry Strait" - Express News Sports Writer

January 2008

Time to put a spin on winter bass fishin
January and February are wind-down months for hunters, but they are warm up time for anglers. On South Texas lakes, the bass fishing warms up quickly in January, even though the air retains its chill.


Debra's contribution as written by "Pete Robbins "

November 2007

Reports Make the Grade With Sponsors
Once you’ve grabbed the brass ring of sponsorship, the fun has just begun. Now you have to prove to your sponsor that you’re worthy of their continued support. One critical link in that endeavor is consistently and comprehensively reporting what you’ve achieved on their behalf.

Click here to listen to Debra's interview

Posted on BassFan.com November 2007

WBT Pro Debra Hengst talks about 2007, WBT Angler of the Year, and the first woman in the classic.

Skeeter/Strike King Press Release

October 2007

Strike King Pros Receive "Royal" Treatment With Addition of Sports Medicine Team
Huntsville Hospital & The Orthopaedic Center provide unique service and medical edge to team.

Debra's contribution as written by "Ed Harp staff writer for ESPN "

October 2007

Modify Your Popper
Fall brings clear water, shallow fish and great topwater bassin'. In some parts of the country, this bite will last well past Thanksgiving. Taking advantage of the opportunity often requires creativity, however.

Debra's contribution as written by "Matt Williams" outdoors writer for the Daily Sentinel

October 2007

Lady Bass Anglers Weigh In on Classic Announcement
BASS recently took the next step towards nurturing its Women's Bassmaster Trail into something special. In mid-October, the Florida-based tournament giant announced a new format that will reserve one of 51 slots at the 2009 Bassmaster Classic for the 2008 WBT Angler of the Year.

Debra's contribution as written by "Ron Henry Strait - staff writer for the San Antonio Express News"

March 2007

Mask helps many save face in
brutal conditions

Product proves popular among anglers and soldiers.

Debra's contribution as written by "Ron Henry Strait - staff writer for the San Antonio Express News"

February 2007

Breaking the Mold
Interest in pro bass angling among women skyrockets.

The Outdoor Radio Network features Debra Hengst in "Let's Talk Outdoors"

February 2007

Click here to listen to PODCAST
Professional Angler Debra Hengst talks about the techniques she uses on the Women’s Bassmaster Tour

Debra's contribution as written by "Ed Snyder/Ed Snyder Outdoors
"DATSIMA - Reflections
of Excellence "

Posted on Fishingworld.com
January 2007

*PDF Version

Slowly throttling past the high walled dam to view the grandeur of the double eagles of the Puente International border crossing for Estados Unidos, Mexicanos and The United States of America, one among us noticed the reverse lettering spelling out DATSIMA, which became a mirrored image of the aquatic treasure we had just spent four wonderful days fishing on, a perfect finale for experiences gathered from "The Big Friendly".

Click here to listen
to Debra's interview

Posted on Bassfan.com
November 2006

Debra Hengst, Strike King and WBT pro gives radio interview with BassFan.com as she talks about the first year with the WBT and her sponsorship involvement.

Debra's contribution as written by "Ed Snyder/Ed Snyder Outdoors
"A Boat Named Boo"

Posted on Fishingworld.com
November 2006

*PDF Version

"Well, what do you think I should name her, Debra solicited, while standing there in the crisp air of a new day gazing at the sleek ’07 model of her new Skeeter bass boat. Pal maybe,.. How about Buddy or Vixen, or why not Boo? Boo immediately generated flash-back recall of an "Oldy-Goldy" pop tune about a minstrel touring the country with a dog named "BOO". So be it......... Welcome Boo!

Debra Hengst's contribution as written by Ashley Rainer, contributing writer for
Boating World "Meet the New Contenders".
(November 2006)

Boating World
November 2006

Yamaha anglers Debra Hengst and Mary DiVincenti represent the changing face of professional bass fishing.

Debra Hengst's contribution as written by Larry D. Hodge, contributing writer for Texas Parks & Wildlife
"Triple Play".
(October 2006)

Texas Parks & Wildlife
October 2006

After a decade of drought, it rained bass on three South Texas reservoirs.

Debra Hengst's contribution as written by Senior Writer "Robert Montgomery" of Bassmaster Magazine
Filling Up At Falcon Lake.
(December 2005)

Bassmaster Magazine
December 2005

The bass are biting well on this day. Using spinnerbaits, crankbaits and soft plastics, we catch more than 30.But Texan Debra Hengst is more pleased by what she sees than by what we bring to the boat.

Debra Hengst's contribution as written by Senior Writer "Robert Montgomery" of Bassmaster Magazine
The Comeback of Choke Canyon.
(June 2005)

Bassmaster Magazine
June 2005
Anglers found spawning bass during a late summer tournament on Choke Canyon Reservoir, a sure sign that the fish once again are eager and energized. A two day winning weight of 47.10 for 10 bass provided ample evidence as well.

Debra's contribution as written by "Ed Snyder/Ed Snyder Outdoors"
"Maybe Next Time"

Posted on Fishingworld.com
March 2005
It was the day before the Everstart Tourney when "fishnn-amigo" Debra Hengst dusted down my driveway from San Antonio. Fresh from her hardships of fishing Lake Amistad, Debra trailered in with Lucky, her faithful Skeeter bass-rig, along with her hind-sight 20/20 sneeze, cough, and fever she had acquired while fishing in the Texas Tournament Trail there.

Debra Hengst and Ray Hanselman's contribution as written by Senior Writer "Robert Montgomery" of Bassmaster Magazine
"Lake Amistad's Deep Grass Lunkers"

Bassmaster Magazine
February 2005
Guide and Tournament angler Ray Hanselman stares in wonder as he motors along the shoreline of massive Lake Amistad, located in Texas on the United States-Mexico border. Flooded willows, salt cedars, mesquites, and thorn trees beckon to both bass and anglers.

Debra's interview for sponsor "Strike King Lures" "Being a Female Angler"

The Strike King Journal
September 2003
Being a female angler in bass fishing right now is wonderful. I believe a woman can break into bass fishing. It does take a lot of support from sponsors. Too, more women need participate in bass fishing for it to really grow as a female sport, even though there are more women participating in professional bass fishing than ever before.

Debra's contribution as written by "Ed Snyder" "The Muy Grande's of South Texas - A Tale of Two Lakes"

Posted on Fishingworld.com
January 2002

*PDF Version

An unbelievable fishing adventure, incredible outdoor vistas, and wonderful wildlife images awaited me as I cruised south on I-59 through Houston, Victoria, and Beeville until finally turning into the crossroads community of Three Rivers, Texas.

Debra's contribution as written by "Patty Schaffer/Lakecaster Magazine" "The Passion of the Woman Angler"

Posted on Fishingworld.com
December 2001

*PDF Version

"It's because of Tommy Jenkins that I'm here today, Debra misted from happy but sad memories, "because of the love and passion he instilled within me for this sport, I'm continuing on and hope to excel in this great sport of bass tournament fishing."
 

San Antonio – Gateway to the Best Fishing on Earth
By Pete Robbins

Bass anglers who want their shot at the trophy of a lifetime, or multiple trophies, used to book trips into interior Mexico, where inconsistent lodging and questionable safety oftenprovided stumbling blocks to a good time. But that’s no longer necessary since the fishing world has discovered the big ponds of south Texas.  Now the best fishing for the most popular gamefish on earth is almost spitting distance from the Alamo.

There’s gin clear Amistad in Del Rio, with gorgeous bluff banks and miles of fish-holding hydrilla. A few hours down the Rio Grande is Falcon International Reservoir, where the Bassmasters set all-time records last April. Closer to San Antonio is Choke Canyon, which may be the sleeper among the three.

San Antonio-based professional angler Debra Hengst is like a kid in a candy store when she has time to fish for fun, drawn one way, then the other, to each of these fabulous lakes, where it seems like a ten pounder is ready to strike on every cast.

Read more...