Possible changes
Here is a synopsis of the four catfish regulations TPWD is considering, how the regs would work and a few examples of where “special limits” might be applied to manage blue catfish, channel catfish, their hybrids and subspecies:
1. Statewide limit: Daily bag of 25 fish in any combination, no more than 10 fish 20 inches or longer. Eliminates the minimum length limit and has the potential to increase numbers of quality-size fish in some reservoirs. Applicable for waters with abundant blue/channel cat populations in situations where more restrictive regulations aren’t desired or appropriate. About 80-85 percent of Texas’ reservoirs and rivers fit the bill. Biologists say eliminating the 12 inch minimum length limit makes it less likely that new and casual anglers might accidentally break the law by retaining short fish.
2. 25 fish daily, no minimum length limit; no more than five fish 30 inches or longer.
Limits the take of large numbers trophy class fish on waters where catfish populations are robust, growth is good and anglers routinely harvest lots of fish. The rule is not designed to improve catfish populations, just to protect what is there. It is well-suited for a small number of large reservoirs, generally in East Texas, where trotlines, jug lines and other passive techniques are used to harvest large numbers of catfish. Sam Rayburn and Livingston are among the possible candidates.
3. 15 fish, 14 inch minimum length limit.
Applicable for waters where spawning and recruitment is low, or where excessive harvest is a possible problem. Suited for only about 5 percent of the state’s reservoirs. Lakes Calaveras and Braunig are among the possible candidates.
4. 25 fish daily, no minimum length limit; no more than five fish 20 inches or longer, only one of which may be 30 inches or longer.
Data indicates this regulation would impact mostly blue catfish anglers. Designed to increase fish upwards of 20 inches, especially those over 30 inches. Applicable on lakes where anglers want to target trophy fish. Directs harvest toward smaller fish while protecting quality-size fish in the 20-30 inch range, resulting in increased numbers of quality and trophy blue catfish. Suited for about 5-10 percent of the state’s reservoirs. Lakes Lewisville and Waco are among the possible candidates.