Window Closing To Comment On Trout Regs

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking public input on the proposed rules changing bag and size limits for spotted seatrout on the middle and lower Texas coast. A series of public hearings we reported on have passed and the window for public comment online or by phone closes Jan. 26.

The proposed rules would reduce the spotted seatrout bag limit to 3 fish and restrict the allowable size to 17-23 inches for two years. The goal of this rule is to leave more spawning fish in the water for two spawning seasons in order to help the populations recover quickly from the 2021 winter storm. These regulation changes would only affect Matagorda Bay, San Antonio Bay, Aransas Bay, Corpus Christi Bay, and the Upper and Lower Laguna Madre systems.

The public is encouraged to provide comment on the proposed regulation changes. Opportunities to provide comments for or against these proposals include:

• Online: Official public comments of the changes can be provided on the TPWD public comment page until Jan. 26.

• Phone or Email: The Coastal Fisheries Division at 512-389-8575 or cfish@tpwd.texas.gov