Key Speckled Trout Regulating TPWD Seeks
18 December 2023
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission ( TPWC ) will take into consideration a proposal to change the bag limit and slot size for the threatened spotted seatrout fishery in order to increase the biomass of spawning stock and aid in the fisheries ‘ recovery. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ( TPWD ) staff briefed the TPWC in November after hearing from concerned recreational anglers at their public hearing in August, and they then directed staff to publish a proposal to change the coast-wide bag and size restriction on spotted trout to the three-fish bag restriction, which would include an allowance of one fish over 25 inches.
The CCA Texas Executive Board has decided to support the TPWD plan to lower the carrier limit to three fish per day and change the slot limit from 15 to 20 inches. Until a label program for fish 25 inches or larger can be implemented by TPWD, CCA Texas advises against including any allowance for large fish in the 3 fish bag.
According to Shane Bonnot, CCA Texas Advocacy Director, the Commission was concerned about the residual effects of the 2021 ice, increased resource pressure, and the fishery’s general course during their conversation with TPWD staff. The Matagorda and San Antonio Bay Systems ‘ spring gill net catch rates have decreased by about 30 % from the previous 10-year mean over the past three years, and that alone warrants prompt action.
As it stands, the proposed regulation change would increase the fishery’s spawning stock biomass by an estimated 26.7 % over the lifetime of a trout ( 7–8 years ), with the aim of recovering the industry from recent declines and improving its capacity to withstand mounting pressure. At future public hearings and on their virtual public opinion portal, TPWD will give the public the chance to see the fishery data and offer their feedback on the proposal.
Rocky Chase, the president of the CCA Texas Government Affairs Committee, said,” We look forward to participating in the public comment process before the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting on January 25, 2024.” ” In early January, we may properly inform our membership of this opportunity and motivate recreational anglers to attend the coast-wide people meetings.”
