Photo by Shane Bonnot
Please read the update below from Texas Parks and Wildlife. You can also view their full release by clicking here.
CCA Texas supports the current TPWD proposal to help the spotted seatrout fishery recover from the February 2021 freeze. Alternatively, CCA Texas supports any other slot size and bag limit change that would achieve equivalent increases in spawning stock biomass.
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From Texas Parks and Wildlife:
AUSTIN- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking public input on the proposed rules changing bag and size limits for spotted seatrout on the middle and lower Texas coast. The proposed rules would reduce the spotted seatrout bag limit to 3 fish and restrict the allowable size to 17-23 inches for two years. The goal of this rule is to leave more spawning fish in the water for two spawning seasons in order to help the populations recover quickly from the 2021 winter storm. These regulation changes would only affect Matagorda Bay, San Antonio Bay, Aransas Bay, Corpus Christi Bay, and the Upper and Lower Laguna Madre systems.
The public is encouraged to provide comment on the proposed regulation changes. Opportunities to provide comments for or against these proposals include:
- Public hearings: TPWD Coastal Fisheries staff will be hosting several public hearings on the coast to receive input from stakeholders and constituents concerning the proposed regulation changes.
- Tuesday, Jan. 11 from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. at the Natural Resources Center (Room 1003), Corpus Christi, TX 78412
- Tuesday, Jan. 11 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Port Isabel Event and Cultural Center, 309 Railroad Street, Port Isabel, TX 78578
- Wednesday, Jan. 12 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Aquarium at Rockport Harbor Education Center, 706 Navigation Circle, Rockport, TX 78382
- Thursday, Jan. 13 from 6 p.m. -8 p.m. at the USDA Bauer Building, 186 Henry Barber Way, Port Lavaca, TX 77979
- Online: Official public comments of the changes can be provided on the TPWD public comment page until Jan. 26.
- Phone or Email: The Coastal Fisheries Division at 512-389-8575 or cfish@tpwd.texas.gov
- Zoom Webinar: TPWD Coastal Fisheries staff will present proposed fishing regulation changes and answer questions in an online webinar on Jan. 10 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. The webinar will also be posted on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission will vote on the adoption of these rules during the January 2022 Commission Meeting.
