BOWERS CATFISH .... Continuing the Tradition

For over 20 years, Bowers Shrimp has produced the highest quality farm-raised Pacific White Shrimp in the country. Now, the Bowers family is proud to introduce Bowers Catfish. Our meticulous standard of farming and processing has produced another delicious, high quality Bowers product.

In 2004, the Bowers took over an existing farm consisting of 84 water acres. During the first year of new management, Bowers expanded the farm 15 acres and experimented with a hatchery which produced approximately 1 million fry. This endeavor proved to be both successful and profitable. In 2005, Bowers expanded the farm an additional 200 acres (65 acres of fry ponds and 135 acres of food fish ponds) bringing the total farm acreage to almost 300 acres. This same year, the hatchery expanded 12-fold, producing over 12 million fry. Our continued expansion over the years has led to more than 900 acres of catfish production.

QUALITY IS OUR PRIORITY

A family-owned business gives better service, has the best attention to detail, and is constantly raising the bar with a product that everyone trusts. Because we believe our products are the best and freshest, we put our name on all products, and stand behind them. We own our hatchery, farms, and processing plant. Bowers is in control of the whole operation so we can focus completely on the quality of the fish.

HATCHERY

During the hatchery season, eggs usually arrive mid to late April. Depending on egg maturity, the eggs usually hatch in 7-8 days. The baby fish are born with a sac containing nutrients and are called sac fry. Over an additional 7-8 day period, the yoke sac is absorbed and the fry begin to swim to the surface in search of food. At this point, the fry are considered swim-up fry. After all fry have surfaced and have eaten feed for a few days (usually 2-5 days), they are stocked in ponds. Stock pond densities usually range from 100,000-200,000 fry per acre. To accommodate fingerling customers, we vaccinate some fry in the hatchery before transferring them to the stock ponds. 

FINGERLINGS

After the fry are stocked in ponds, they are not seen for about 1-2 weeks. Upon close examination, the fry can be seen immediately after they are fed. At this point, they are considered fingerlings and are usually 1-2 inches. The fingerlings are fed three times a day for the first two months, and then fed twice a day for several more months. In about 45 days, the fingerlings will reach 3-4 inches. At 3-4 inches, the fingerlings are ready to sell, but are usually sold between the sizes of 3-9 inches.

BENEFITS OF HATCHERY

The implementation of the hatchery has been an additional benefit to the local fish farmers. In the past, local farmers were forced to purchase fingerlings from out of state. However, with a local hatchery, transportation costs are reduced and stress from lengthy transportation is almost eliminated. The fingerlings can be fed the day after delivery and the survival rate is increased. 

GROW OUT AND HARVEST

Bowers Fish Farm supplies fingerlings for themselves and other local farmers. Fingerlings are stocked directly into grow out ponds where they will remain for 6-10 months. Once the fingerlings reach about a pound in size, they are usually considered food fish. When the food fish reach marketable size (1½ -2 lbs),they are ready to harvest and process.The catfish harvest is approximately ten million pounds per year. 

TEXAS-BASED PLANT

We wanted to ensure that our catfish is nothing less than premium quality and available for everyone. In order to make this possible, Bowers built its own processing plant with state-of-the art technology and equipment. 

By doing our own processing, we can consistently monitor the temperature and conditions necessary to keep the fish fresh. Not only does this increase the quality of the catfish but it makes our products more affordable for all of our customers. 

PROCESSING AND QUALITY

Our catfish processing plant is an asset to all Texas catfish farmers. The processing plant significantly reduces freight costs andprovides a stable market for local farmers. Bowers ensures that Texas’ catfish can be distributed nationwide with the highest quality, flavor, and freshness. 

SALES – FRESH & FROZEN

Our catfish products are available to wholesalers, grocery stores, restaurants, and the public on a year-round basis. Frozen products are available for purchase, but fresh products are our main priority.