1. Proposed Tawakoni catfish regulation a compromise solution

This is a busy year for fishing regulation changes in both fresh and salt water in Texas.

Along with a change in the regulations for blue and channel catfish on Lake Tawakoni Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to modifying harvest regulations for largemouth bass on Lake Naconiche in Nacogdoches County from an 18-inch minimum length limit to a 16-inch maximum.

The department has also proposed minimum length limit for largemouth bass to drop to 12 inches on the Sabine River in Newton and Orange counties, and in Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, and Orange counties.

Another change would replace the 12- to 15-inch slot limit and three-fish daily limit for smallmouth on Lake Meredith with a 14-inch minimum length limit and five fish daily limit.

TPWD has also proposed modifying saugeye harvest regulations to remove the current 18-inch minimum length limit and change the daily bag limit from three to five, only two of which may be greater than 16 inches. That limit mirrors the state’s regulation for walleye.

In a housekeeping measure, the department is clarifying the maximum size limit for black drum is 30 inches and minimum total length limit on amberjack is 38 inches to align with new federal regulations that utilize a different measurement guideline.

The department is also seeking to clarify that snagging or foul hooking any fish using pole-and-line in fresh and salt water is prohibited.

Modify regulations to mirror legislative statute change; the tail of a shark may no longer be removed prior to final destination or delivery to a licensed dealer. It will still be lawful to remove the head of broadbill swordfish, king mackerel, and sharks prior to final destination.

Comments on the proposed black drum and amberjack rules may be submitted by phone or e-mail to Jeremy Leitz (512) 389-4333; e-mail: jeremy.leitz@tpwd.texas.gov , Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744.

Comments on the proposed clarification of snagging rules, and the prohibition on removing the tail of a shark may be submitted by phone or e-mail to Brandi Reeder (512) 389-4853: e-mail brandi.reeder@tpwd.texas.gov, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744.

Comments on the proposed bass, catfish, and saugeye rules may be submitted by phone or e-mail to Ken Kurzawski (512) 389-4591; e-mail: ken.kurzawski@tpwd.texas.gov , Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744.

Comments may also be submitted through the department’s Internet web site www.tpwd.texas.gov.

Public hearings on these proposals are scheduled for 7 p.m. on March 1 in Emory at the Emory City Center on Hwy. 19 North, and at 7 p.m. on March 2 in Beaumont at the Jefferson County Courthouse.

A live online public hearing via webinar will also be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 3. Details and instructions for participation in the online public hearing webinar will be made available on the TPWD website.