Since 1981, the Gibbons Creek Reservoir has been providing the Brazos Valley with a watering hole known for fishing.

For 28 years, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department has stocked the lake with over one million fish and the Gibbons Creek Park Ranger knows all about them.

Don Hamilton has patrolled the shorelines of Gibbons Creek for three years and he's seen some big fish in his day.

"Ninety-six pounds, that's a pretty good size catfish. That's the record that's come out of here. I personally have weighed several 50's and 40 pound fish. You'll get them once in awhile," Hamilton said.

The chance to catch anything from a bass to a catfish brought Melissa Gibson and her two children out from College Station.

"We just have a good time, it's an event. We pack and we get all our stuff together and we come out and see what we can do," said Gibson.

However, there's also a designated swimming hole. That's great news for Nicole Tubbs and her two kids.

"We just appreciate how clean and unkempt they keep it up. Especially for the kid's sake," said Tubbs.

The best part about the lake is the price.

"For about a tenth of what it costs to go to a movie for three hours, you can come out here and spend all day. You don't have to worry about the kids playing video games and watching TV. You can come out and see mother nature up close and personal, while seeing a lot of wildlife. Maybe even get lucky and catch a fish," said Hamilton.

Once folks are done swimming and fishing on the Gibbons Creek Reservoir, they come to Yankee's Tavern. A very uniquely named place, but the name didn't come how you thought it might have. But it's close.

"Well the owner, his nickname is Yankee because he's from up north," says Heather Barron, a bartender at Yankees.

She says folks come out to Yankee's Tavern for one reason...

"Most people come out for burgers," said Barron.

That's what brings Jonathan Mitchell to Yankee's, well that and the occasional fish tale.

"There are a lot of folks that come out here after fishing to come by and eat," said Mitchell.

Even Don, the park ranger, will stop by the tavern, but he can't finish the burger on his own.

"If you want a good hamburger, order one. You'll order one the first time, the next time you go in there, you'll order one and split it with your wife," joked Hamilton.