State Of The Gulf’s Speckled Trout Fishery

Speckled trout regulations are changing all over the Gulf with major changes happening in the last six months in Louisiana and most recently Texas.

In the latest episode of the TF&G-sponsored Higher Calling Wildlife® podcast we take a deep look at the trout fishery from several perspectives.

You can listen here or subscribe via Spotify, Apple, Musuic, Amazon and IHeartradio.

Here are a few questions we ask.

1. What role does habitat play in the decline of trout?
2. Has there been a decrease on record-sized trout production in Texas bays and across the Gulf? When were records last broken?
3. Is it possible for certain trophy trout genetics to be wiped out?
4. Why is TPWD rushing these regulations into place? (They will go into effect before Sept. 1)
5. Is there a benefit to a trophy trout tag?

In case you missed it.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW) Commission approved proposed rule changes to bag and size limits for spotted seatrout during its Jan. 25 meeting.

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

These rules will go into effect as soon as possible, with notice on the actual dates to be provided when that timeframe is known.

Additionally, commissioners granted permission to publish a proposal to create a tag system allowing for the take of oversized trout (greater than 30 inches), including 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.