The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is proposing changes to fishing regulations for several fisheries including alligator gar, cobia, oysters, sharks and spotted seatrout. Below is a brief summary of each proposal.
Alligator Gar
- Institute a 4-foot maximuim lenght limit on the Trinity River from the I-30 bridge in Dallas downstream to the I-10 bridge in Chambers County.
- Create a limited entry draw system that would allow selected anglers to harvest one alligator gar over 4-feet in length per year by any lawful means.
- Prohibit nighttime bow fishing for alligator gar statewide.
- Require all anglers harvesting alligator gar statewide to report their harvest via online or mobile app.
The statewide one-fish per day bag limit would remain in effect. Anglers harvesting alligator gar from Falcon Lake will still be allowed to keep five fish and would be exempt from reporting their landings. Click Here to learn how these proposals will help to protect these large female alligator gar.
Cobia
- Increase the minimum size limit to 40 inches to match recent federal regulation changes.
Oysters
- Close oyster restoration areas in Galveston, Matagorda and Copano Bays for 2 harvest seasons.
Sharks
- Require the use of non-offset, non-stainless circle hooks when fishing for sharks in state waters (to match recent federal regulation changes).
Spotted Seatrout
- Extend the 5 fish bag limit for spotted seatrout to the upper coast, creating a coast-wide 5 fish bag limit.
CCA Texas supports TPWD’s efforts to conserve each of these fisheries and encourages members to participate in the public comment period through 8:00 AM March 20, 2019.
Click here to provide public comment on the alligator gar proposal.
Click here to provide public comment on the proposals for cobia, oysters, sharks and spotted seatrout.
Public Meetings
TPWD staff will host several public hearings across the state to receive input from stakeholders and constituents concerning the proposed regulation changes.
Texas City – Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Nessler Civic Center 2010 5th Ave N, Texas City, TX 77590
Port Arthur – Thursday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Port Arthur Civic Center 3401 Cultural Center Dr; Port Arthur, TX 77642
Conroe – Monday, March 4 at 7 p.m. at The San Jacinto River Authority 1577 Dam Site Rd, Conroe, TX 77304
Athens – Tuesday, March 5 at 7 p.m. at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center Hart-Morris Conservation Center, 5601 Peninsula Point Rd., Athens 75752.
San Antonio – Tuesday, March 5 at 7 p.m.at the Lions Field Adult and Senior Center, 2809 Broadway St, San Antonio, TX 78209.
Livingston – Wednesday, March 6 at 7 p.m. at the Polk County Judicial Center, 101 W Mill St Livingston, TX 77351.
Facebook Live Webinar
TPWD Coastal Fisheries staff will present proposed fishing regulation changes and answer questions in a Facebook Live webinar at noon Feb. 27 on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Facebook page.
