AUSTIN- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeks public input on proposed rules which, if passed, would change bag and size limits for spotted seatrout on the Texas coast. The proposed rules would reduce the spotted seatrout bag limit to three fish and restrict the allowable size to 15-20 inches, with one fish over 25 inches allowed daily.
The rule responds to public scoping and survey efforts by the department which found that many anglers wanted to see more restrictive measures to improve the fishery.
TPWD encourages the public to provide comment on the proposed regulation changes at one of several public hearings hosted on the coast, virtually or over the phone. The proposals will then be considered for final action by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission during the January 2024 Commission Meeting.
Opportunities to provide comments for or against these proposals include:
Public hearings– TPWD Coastal Fisheries staff will host several public hearings on the coast to receive input from anglers and constituents concerning the proposed regulation changes
- Jan. 9, 6-8 p.m. at the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Natural Resources Building, 6300 Ocean Dr., Corpus Christi.
- Jan. 9, 6-8 p.m. at the Greater Chamber of Harlingen, 311 E. Tyler Ave., Harlingen.
- Jan. 9, 6-8 p.m. at the Bauer Exhibit Building, 305 Henry Barber Way, Port Lavaca.
- Jan. 9, 6-8 p.m. at the Saltwater Pavilion at Rockport Beach Park, 210 Seabreeze Dr., Rockport.
- Jan. 10, 6-8 p.m. at the Bob Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center Dr., Port Arthur.
- Jan. 11, 6-8 p.m. at the Nessler Civic Center Captain’s Room, 2010 5th Ave N., Texas City.
Online– Provide official public comments on the changes until Jan. 23 on the TPWD public comment page.
Phone or email– The Coastal Fisheries Division at 512-389-8575 or cfish@tpwd.texas.gov.
Zoom webinar– TPWD Coastal Fisheries staff will present proposed fishing regulation changes and answer questions from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 8 in an online webinar. TPWD will also post the webinar on TPWD’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
