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Thread: Changes in Regs

  1. #1
    cpowell
    Guest

    Changes in Regs

    From the TPWD

    Aug. 31, 2007

    Saltwater Anglers Reminded of Changes in Regs

    AUSTIN, Texas -- Starting Sept. 1, new fishing regulations for spotted seatrout in the Lower Laguna Madre and offshore fishing statewide go into effect.
    The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission April 5 approved lowering both the bag and possession limits for spotted seatrout in the Lower Laguna Madre from 10 to 5.
    The reduction in the limits addresses a downward trend in the spawning stock biomass of spotted seatrout in the Lower Laguna Madre -- a trend that runs counter to steadily increasing populations elsewhere on the coast.
    Of particular concern to TPWD biologists is that spotted seatrout spawning stock biomass currently is about half what it was at the time of the 1983-1984 freeze, which resulted in a major kill of spotted seatrout and other species along the lower coast. A greater number of reproducing fish can help stocks recover faster after such a catastrophic event.
    The new regulation applies to the entire Lower Laguna Madre, from Marker 21 in the Landcut, to South Bay and including the Brownsville Ship Channel and Arroyo Colorado. The new regulation applies to "inside waters," waters landward from the shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf beaches are not included in the area, but any boats fishing in Gulf waters and landing their catches within the boundaries are subject to the lower bag limits.
    The 80th Texas Legislature also passed a bill requiring anyone landing fish caught in the Gulf of Mexico in Texas to possess a valid Texas saltwater fishing license and saltwater stamp endorsement. The bill, introduced as H.B. 3765, was rolled into H.B. 12 and signed into law by Gov. Rick Perry June 15.
    Previously, anglers fishing in federal waters -- often on "party" or "head" boats, but on private boats as well -- were not required to have a Texas fishing license. Anglers exempt from the requirement to hold fishing license and saltwater stamp endorsement (for instance, anglers under the age of 17 or those born before Sept. 1, 1930) also are exempt from the new law.
    Also, beginning Sept. 1, anglers are reminded that:
    --The minimum length limit for sheepshead has increased from 12 inches to 13 inches, and will continue to increase in one-inch per year increments until the minimum length for possession is 15 inches.
    --The minimum length limit for tarpon now is 85 inches.
    --Circle hooks are required when fishing for red snapper in state waters.
    ---
    On the Net:
    http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/annual/

  2. #2
    NewCaneyFishingLady
    Guest
    "Anglers exempt from the requirement to hold fishing license and saltwater stamp endorsement (for instance, anglers under the age of 17 or those born before Sept. 1, 1930) also are exempt from the new law."


    Are they crazy??? Some of us won't live to see age 77 and if we do, well, I don't think I will be going fishing. No wonder it is free.

  3. #3
    Ole Bill
    Guest
    what do you expect from Austin

  4. #4
    Ole Bill
    Guest
    the laws on fishing lic for the disabled are ludicrous too

  5. #5
    Senior Member FishingTX Angler Supreme
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Posts
    385
    Sue my mom is 83 and I still get her to go fishing.Not as much as she did a few years ago but she still get out 3 or 4 times a year.
    You can't fix ,but you can vote it out!

  6. #6
    NewCaneyFishingLady
    Guest
    Quote Originally Posted by Charles Ellis
    Sue my mom is 83 and I still get her to go fishing.Not as much as she did a few years ago but she still get out 3 or 4 times a year.
    That is fantastic, Charles. It is good that she maintains an active life. Good for you, for taking her.

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