Yes they had just stocked 500 lbs of this size or larger along with 9000 lbs of 16 in beauties. All from a private hatchery and paid for by Lake Casitas. Can't think of a better use for my camping fees. And yes it did just cruise the shore in front of me. I twitched it with my pole to send it out to deeper water ( I would come back next day with my boat and get it, for sure ) Well the next cast went out 75 ft and I just started to retrieve when I got bit. When I saw it I wanted to be very careful and loosened the drag. People were offering nets and encouragment. I drug it on shore and pounced on it. I put it in my cooler chest and the sucker bounced out and was headed for the lake. One last leap, on my part and it was back in the chest - tail hanging out !