TPW Commission Approves Statewide Changes to Spotted Seatrout Regulations, Adopts Creation of Oyster Advisory Committee
Jan. 29, 2024
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AUSTIN – 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.
The changes to bag and size limits follow emergency and temporary regulations enacted after Texas’ 2021 winter freeze and are based on multiple scoping efforts, including surveys and input from recreational anglers and guides. Biologists expect the new regulations to increase the population numbers of spotted seatrout since more mature fish will be left in the water.
The TPW Commission also adopted the creation of an Oyster Advisory Committee to adviseon matters pertaining to oysters. The committee will determine and execute appropriate strategies to maximize the long-term health of oyster resources and the additional habitat and ecosystem services they provide.
For the most up-to-date information about bag and size limits, check the digital Outdoor Annual on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s website or download the Outdoor Annual app.