Carlos Correa surprises fans in Katy

KATY, Texas – Satuday dozens of young Astros and fishing fans got the surprise of a lifetime from one of Houston's favorites. 

Carlos Correa came to surprise children and encourage them and their families to take an interest in one of his favorite past times -- fishing. More than 100 people gathered at Bass Pro Shops in Katy to learn how to fish, but they weren't expecting his attendance.

Correa is more than just a World Series Champ, he is an avid fisherman who has been fishing with his family since he was six years old.

"I love fishing because it's a family tradition," Correa said. "My dad did it. My grandpa did it. It was always fun, and I have a lot of memories as a kid spending hours on the ocean, river or lake."

Correa and his fiancee Daniella Rodriguez were greeted with cheer. All activities seemed to stop when the couple walking into the Bass Pro Shops service entrance.

Correa spent the first couple minutes greeting fans and signing autographs, while Rodriguez tried her hand at the children's fishing activity.

"It was great, I don't have a lot of practice, but I was able to catch a fish, I keep saying mine was better -- I caught faster than he did!" Rodriguez said laughing.

The program is a partnership between the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, TakeMeFishing.org, Fishing’s Future and Bass Pro Shops.

"We teach families how to fish together. We're trying to save the family so for Carlos to come out here and say the value of family fishing is important -- it means the world," said Shane Wilson, founder of Fishing's Future.

Many families were ecstatic.

"It's so exciting! I got my shirt signed. My family has been doing the fishing program and we all recently got our licenses, but this -- Carlos Correa? Come on!" said Alicia Guzman, proudly pointing at her T-shirt.

Correa's mere presence brought superfan Joe Gambino nearly to tears. He comes from generations of Astros fans, especially Gambino's father who passed away in 2005.

"I've been an Astros fan my whole life. It's great seeing a guy like (Correa) -- that character he has for the team -- it's awesome," Gambino said.

Gambino said his father is smiling from heaven, watching his 11-year-old grandson, Joey, have his dreams come true. 

"Can I sign something for you?" Correa asked Joey.

"Yes, thank you!" Joey said.

"It's exciting! I've always wanted to meet an Astros player, and now that I can it's amazing," Joey said.

Correa hopes that these families continue to fish together and makes new traditions.

"Seeing the smiles on their faces is just awesome," Correa said. "Watching them learn how to fish is just perfect."

The newly-engaged couple said when they have a family they will be sure to make fishing a family tradition.