New (Old) Middle and Lower Coast Trout Regulations

September has arrived. The 23^rd will mark the first official day of fall, but don’t expect a sudden change in the weather. If the past two months are any indication, and unless we might see some tropical weather developments, I’m willing to bet the current heat wave could continue through the majority of the month. In the meantime; keep a stiff upper lip. Fall brings fabulous fishing, even if it takes its good old time getting here.  

Spotted seatrout regulations are once again grabbing headlines. Effective September 1, the temporary three fish daily limit on Middle and Lower Coast bays enacted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (TPWC) in response to the February ’21 freeze, will expire and revert to the prior five fish daily limit. The size of trout anglers can retain will also revert to 15- to 25-inches, with one per day longer than 25-inches.

Why so soon – the fishery is just now showing solid signs of recovery? Excellent question, and there’s an easy answer, but it’s not popular with conservation-minded anglers, even less so with anglers who yearn to see more upper-class fish in the population…see also Yours Truly.

What it boils down to is that the temporary regulations were enacted in statute, which requires a sunset provision. Hence, the old regulations being reinstated. Does this make me as a concerned angler happy? No! I, like many, would have preferred another year, maybe two, but that’s not going to happen.

Was there benefit derived during the time the temporary regulations were in effect? Indeed, I believe there was, and I will enumerate.

First is the fact that Lower Coast bays made significant strides in recovery as seen in TPWD’s gill net surveys. There have also been remarkable strides in recruitment, new year classes, also recorded in population sampling, especially in the Matagorda bay system that got absolutely clobbered during the freeze. Also noteworthy is the debunking of the old myth; TPWC only takes…never gives back. Last but not least; fishing guides who said reducing trout limits will put me out of business. That didn’t happen.

So, where do we go from here? My personal plan is to continue fishing very conservatively. My friends and I will continue practicing CPR, except for occasional trout not likely to survive after release. I urge you do the same.

Make your voice heard. Attend TPWD public scoping meetings. TPWD maintains a comment portal, get online and tell them what you want to see in future management of the fishery. Join CCA Texas; they have been leading the way in fisheries conservation since 1977.

September is the beginning of cast and blast season. Get your kids involved!