Have you ever thought about legacy? This is the long-lasting impact of particular events or actions that take place in a person’s life. Legacy is woven into the fabric of our lives in countless ways. It shapes communities, cultures, and individual identities. We see legacy within family traditions, in mentorship, in community leadership, and in our case, educational influence.

Take Wes Campbell, for example – a former Outdoor Adventures student whose love for the outdoors became both his legacy and his livelihood. His journey began with a fishing rod in hand and a passion nurtured by his father, who introduced him to the serenity and thrill of the water.

That passion continued to grow under the mentorship of Roger Gray, who not only shared his knowledge of fishing on Lake Lewisville and Lake Tawakoni, but also ignited in Wes a hunger for learning. After a successful career in education and coaching, Wes took a leap and turned his part-time summer guiding business into a full-time pursuit. Now, guiding isn’t just his career – it’s his calling, one that lets him channel his coaching roots and competitive spirit to continually improve and offer the best experience on the water. 

Wes’ story is also a testament to the enduring impact of Outdoor Adventures and how powerful outdoor education can be. As a student in the early 2000s, Wes already had a foundation and interest in the outdoors, but the impact that an educational curriculum can have on a student is never ending. At the Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation, we take pride in seeing former students like Wes go on to contribute to the outdoors community whether in passion projects, or in their career. 

Wes’ legacy doesn’t stop with fishing trips. His love for the outdoors and commitment to community recently intersected in a heartwarming way. At Lake Ray Roberts, Wes volunteered to take retired fishing boat captain Joe Surovik on a fishing trip – a man who had lost his home and livelihood to Hurricane Harvey years before. After years away from the water, Joe was reconnected with his lifelong passion, thanks to Wes, who donated his time, boat, and expertise. It was an act of generosity that embodied the spirit of giving back and paying forward the joy that fishing has brought him. 

You can watch the full Youtube feature on Wes and Mr. Joe here: 

Today, Wes is a full-time fishing guide specializing in hybrid stripers, white bass, and catfish on Lake Lewisville and Lake Ray Roberts in Texas through his business, BendaRod Fishing. His journey is a reminder that a love for the outdoors doesn’t just shape one life – it can inspire and uplift through generations. Legacy is a gift that keeps growing.

You can keep up with Wes Campbell and BendaRod Fishing on Instagram and Facebook. For more information on fishing trips in North Dallas, you can visit the BendaRod Fishing website here. The featured image is courtesy of Wes’ Facebook page.   

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