Category: Fishing

Football is considered a major religion in Texas. Even at the high school level cities spend millions of dollars to build Football cathedrals to show their reverence and devotion to a sacred tradition. Most boys on the field have the same dream. To perform under Friday night lights and earn their right to play at the next level. And for some athletes like Darius James, their dreams come true. But for Darius, there was always something else pulling and tugging at him just like a fish on a tight line with the perfect bait. Not only did this interest lead him to his wife, it led him to a purpose   higher than football and now has given him the means to give back to his community.

32-year-old Darius James is a devoted father, husband, and son. Born and raised in Dallas Texas, Darius graduated from JJ Pearce High School and then pursued his education and athletic career at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas. However, Darius’ love for fishing would often put him in hot water with his coaches. While other teammates were hitting the weights or practicing routes, Darius would sneak off to local creeks to fish.

His passion and love for the outdoors led to his recent launch of a nonprofit organization called Fillin’ Freezers Outdoors. The purpose of his organization is to give back by teaching black people the tricks and trades of outdoor life. He realized that although city life affords us all the comfort we can pay for, fishing and hunting are essential skills that everyone needs to help them survive in very challenging times, such as a pandemic and Texas’ latest winter storm. Fillin’ Freezers Outdoors will ensure that people of color are equipped with the tools and knowledge to survive and feed their families.

A crafty and skilled fisherman, Darius says the key to reeling in a big catch is simply knowing what the fish want. Often preparing his own bait using simple but effective ingredients such as liver and stink bait or a premade duck which sometimes consists of chicken-oil, strawberry Kool-Aid, or even jello. His love for fishing and hunting has taken him on different adventures in Kansas, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, or wherever he is invited to hunt and fish.

Darius thrives on teaching his family about living off the land. When asked what does outdoors mean to him, Darius summed it up in three words: appreciation, dedication, and love. Darius James is a true outdoorsman on a mission to serve and give back.

To keep up with more of Darius James exciting outdoor adventures of teaching lessons and filling freezer’s follow him on Facebook & Instagram at Fillin’ Freezers Outdoors!