Fish & Game Profiles

Feature Story by CHESTER MOORE

THIS ISSUE WE BEGIN a series honoring our columnists, who provide us with such valuable content and inform us about their adventures in the great outdoors.

We are going to start with two of the first people I met when I began my career: Joe Doggett and Doug Pike. Both were so kind and helpful to this young writer that their kindness left a powerful impression on me on how to treat others when I got in their position.

Joe Doggett’s career as an outdoor columnist spanned 35 years at the Houston Chronicle, where he began in 1972 and retired in 2007. Throughout his tenure, Doggett covered everything from fishing to hunting and even surfing, reflecting his deep passion for the outdoors.

He was an early advocate for conservation efforts, particularly in promoting catch-and-release practices.

Beyond his newspaper work, Doggett contributed to national publications such as Field & Stream, where he served as a contributing editor for nearly a decade. 

Even after “retirement,” Doggett writes for Texas Fish & Game. He occasionally does freelance pieces for various

outdoor magazines, including Tail Fly Fishing Magazine, where he shares his experiences and insights from his fishing, hunting, and surfing adventures.

Close encounter of the Doggett kind.
(Photo: Joe Doggett)

His firsthand experiences, such as wade fishing alongside legends like Rudy Grigar, provide a unique perspective on the evolution of Texas inshore saltwater fishing. 

He also does a lot of super cool fishing. Our last conversation was about him flying to the Bahamas to fish for bonefish!

DOUG PIKE is a Houston native who has dedicated his career to sharing his passion for the outdoors and golf. He hosts “The Doug Pike Show,” which airs on SportsTalk 790. The show covers topics ranging from fishing and hunting to golf, appealing to both beginners and experts. It has been a staple for over twenty years.

Before his broadcasting career, Pike spent 23 years as an outdoors columnist at the Houston Chronicle, where he developed a reputation for writing informative, passionate pieces on a wide variety of outdoors topics.

Pike was involved in the epic waterfowl hunting on the Katy Prairie, which is, for the most part, a memory. His recollections of that area remind us of not only a bygone era but also the need to conserve the habitat we have now and inspire a young generation to hit the field with us.

Pike is bold in his writing for Texas Fish & Game and sometimes challenges outdoors lovers on their perspective of conservation as well as hunter and angler advocacy. 

And his work is always impeccable.

Joe Doggett and Doug Pike have significantly contributed to outdoor journalism in Texas. Their writing and media presence has inspired countless individuals to engage with the great outdoors.

And we are grateful to have them regularly contributing to Texas Fish & Game.

—story by CHESTER MOORE