TPWD Considering a “Trophy Tag” For Speckled Trout

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Commission approved proposed rule changes to bag and size limits for spotted seatrout during its Jan. 25 meeting. We reported on that yesterday but incase you missed it, here are the official changes.

Spotted seatrout bag and size limits approved by the commission include:

• Three fish daily bag limit per angler
• A minimum size of 15 inches and a maximum size limit of 20 inches
• One oversized trout greater than 30 inches allowed as part of daily bag limit

Something to keep in mind on this is that TPWD says these rules will go into effect as soon as possible, with notice on the actual dates to be provided when that timeframe is known.

Most fisheries changes take place beginning Sept. 1 after decisions are made in Austin. Apparently, this one is different. We will post the information as soon as we get it.

Additionally, commissioners granted permission to publish a proposal to create a tag system allowing for the take of oversized trout.

They define this as greater than 30 inches and a tag would include one bonus tag per year, for an associated fee.

“The commission will pursue future public input and consider adoption of the proposed tag system in March.”

We will have more as we did deeper into this issue.