Photo Courtesy of John Blaha
“Emergency Spotted Seatrout Regulations Extended 60 Days in Laguna Madre”
“The data from our Coastal Fisheries biologists clearly shows declines in spotted seatrout populations in multiple Texas bays. While the 60-day extension of regulation changes is warranted now in the Laguna Madre, additional focus on trout fishery recovery in the San Antonio and Matagorda Bay systems is needed as well. The Department’s next step is working with the TPW Commission this fall to further evaluate the data, to solicit additional public input, and ultimately to secure Commission guidance on what management and regulatory actions may be necessary to facilitate the quickest recovery possible.” – Carter Smith, TPWD Executive Director
“The extension of the emergency rule will take effect on July 30 and are valid for another 60 days running thru September 27.”
These temporary regulation changes for spotted seatrout in the bays and beachfronts of the Upper and Lower Laguna Madre bay systems include:
- a three fish bag limit,
- a minimum size length of 17 inches
- a maximum size length of 23 inches and;
- no fish over 23 inches may be retained.
Read more from Texas Parks and Wildlife – https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20210721a
