The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ( TPWD ) is asking for public input on proposed changes to the coastwide Spotted Seatrout harvest regulation ( from CCA-Texas ).
Background
As you probably already know, emergency and transitory lowered harvest regulations were implemented in many bay systems following the February 2021 freeze event, which affected tens of thousands of Spotted Seatrout, with the aim of hastening the recovery of the favorite game fish. Previous statewide bag and size restrictions were reinstated after the temporary rules expired on August 31, 2023. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission ( TPWC ) instructed staff to publish a proposal ( click here to read it ) that seeks to change the bag and slot size for Spotted Seatrout after receiving an update from TPWD staff in November that included findings from public scoping meetings:
The gambling control from 15 to 25 inches should be changed, and the bag cap from five seafood to three fish per day. Each day, one fish larger than 25 feet could be kept and count toward the three-fish carrier. These rules may take consequence all over the country.
Position of CCA Texas
The CCA Texas Executive Board voted in favor of the TPWD proposal to change the gambling limit from 15 to 20 inches and lessen the bag limit to 3 fish per day. Until TPWD you implement a tag system for fish measuring 25 inches or larger, CCA Texas advises against including any allowance for large fish in the 3 fish bag. Click below to continue reading.
Second Actions
You may speak up in a variety of ways!
Online: TPWD is now accepting responses from the general public. To post your comments by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, visit here.
Zoom Webinar: TPWD Coastal Fisheries employees may provide proposed fishing regulation changes and respond to questions in an online webinar on Monday, January 8, 6–8 p.m. The conference will also be made available on TPWD’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
In-person Public Hearings: Prior to the TPWC meeting on January 25, 2024, the staff of the TPD Coastal Fisheries may hold a number of meetings along the coast to gather people feedback on the proposed regulation change.
- Tuesday, January 9, 6–8 p.m. at Texas A&M University’s Corpus Christi Natural Resources Building, 6300 Ocean Dr.
- Tuesday, January 9, 6–8 p.m. at the Greater Chamber of Harlingen, 311 E. Tyler Ave.
- Tuesday, January 9, 6–8 p.m. at the Bauer Exhibit Building, 305 Henry Barber Way, Port Lavaca
- Tuesday, January 9, 6–8 p.m. at the Saltwater Pavilion in Rockport Beach Park, 210 Foresail Dr.
- At the Bob Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center Dr., Port Arthur, on January 10, 6–8 p.m.
- The Nessler Civic Center Captain’s Room, 2010 5th Ave N., Texas City, Thursday, January 11, 6–8 p.m.
For your convenience, feel free to keep the appointment schedule graphic above!
We encourage fish to view the data during a face-to-face or virtual meet and post your feedback to TPWD online.
