Texas Fishing News & Reports
Riechers Named TPWD Coastal Fisheries Director
AUSTIN — Following an extensive nationwide search, Robin Riechers has been selected to lead the Coastal Fisheries Division at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Riechers began his career with TPWD in 1988 and has served in various roles within coastal fisheries, most recently as the Science and Policy Director.
Riechers assumed his new position Feb. 1.
"Robin brings a wealth of institutional knowledge about the key issues and challenges facing our state’s coastal fisheries resources," said Carter Smith, TPWD Executive Director. "He has demonstrated strong leadership skills and the ability to bring consensus among diverse stakeholder groups."..Read More
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Fly Fish Texas Coming to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Ctr
ATHENS, Texas — Whether you are an experienced fly-fisher, a rank beginner or someone just wanting to find out more about "fooling fish with feathers," you need to be at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) in Athens on March 13.
The annual Fly Fish Texas event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is designed to teach everything from tying a fly to catching a fish in one day. All Fly Fish Texas activities are free with regular paid admission to the center......Read More
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Texas Tackle Factory to Produce 'Hackberry Hustler'
Team Texas Tackle Factory has announced a new partnership with Hackberry Rod & Gun. TTF and HR&G are teaming up to release the legendary "Hackberry Hustler" soft-plastic lure.
HR&G has been hand-pouring this dynamite bait for years, using it to catch of big speckled trout and redfish. TTF has begun the process of molding the Hustler for mass production...Read More
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Texas Fisheries Biologists to Hear of Changes Coming
ATHENS, Texas — Texas fisheries biologists know their jobs are changing. On January 22 a trio of experts will give them a glimpse of what the future may hold at the annual meeting of the Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society.
The meeting will take place in the Richard M. Hart and Johnny Morris Conservation Center at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center here.
Dr. John Nielssen-Gammon, Texas State Climatologist, will address the topic "Texas Climate: Past Changes and Future Projections." Dr. Karl Eschbach, Texas State Demographer, will discuss the changes taking place in the Texas population. And Dr. Scott Bonar, leader of the Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, will address the topic "An Evolving Profession: How Fisheries Management Has Changed in the Far West."....Read More
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Coastal Anglers Asked to Assist During Freeze
AUSTIN, Texas – Coastal anglers are asked to be mindful of conditions during extreme cold weather, particularly the impacts a saltwater freeze event can have on game fish populations.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists and game wardens are closely monitoring the saltwater freeze event along the Texas coast and while it does not appear severe enough to warrant closing certain fishing areas, there are things anglers can do to help protect red drum, spotted seatrout, snook and other aquatic resources.
Game fish, including spotted seatrout, red drum, sharks, snook and triple tail may only be taken by pole and line, and it is unlawful to take or attempt to take a fish with one or more hooks attached to a line or artificial lure used in a manner to foul-hook a fish (snagging or jerking).
In addition to killing game fish in shallow bay waters, a hard freeze can also cause surviving fish to congregate in a few deeper areas where they become sluggish and prone to capture.....Read More
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Red Tide Update - Jan 8, 2010
Staff of the Texas Department of State Health Services continued their shellfish monitoring this week, finding low cell concentrations at the University of Texas pier, Ingleside-on-the-Bay, and the Packery Channel boat launch. One site, Redfish Bay at Highway 361 near Fin and Feather, did not have any cells. High cell concentrations were found inside the Corpus Christi marina, where the water was clear enough to see dead mullet sitting on the bottom. Visible bloom was seen along most of the Ocean Drive shoreline. DSHS will collect samples again early next week.
Red Tide Update - Jan 6, 2010
Very low concentrations of Karenia brevis have once again been detected by the Imaging Flow CytoBot at Port Aransas. Analysis has been done on the water samples collected from last week’s fish kill in the Corpus Christi Inner Harbor. Five samples were collected, from Viola Turning Basin, the navigation lift bridge, Avery Turning Basin, the mouth of the harbor and Tule Basin; all samples had moderate to high concentrations of cells.
Red Tide Update - Dec 31, 2009
The TAMU-CC Center for Coastal Studies collected water samples yesterday from Corpus Christi Bay. Cell concentration analysis is pending. The CCS reported aerosols, along with numerous comb jellies, all along the Ocean Drive shoreline, from Cole Park to the naval air station. Old dead mullet were also seen near the naval air station.
TPWD investigated a relatively large fish kill within the Corpus Christi Inner Harbor, stretching for approximately 6 miles from the Avery Turning Basin to the end of the channel at Viola Turning Basin. Water samples were collected from five locations throughout the length of the kill and contained varying concentrations of K. brevis cells. The dead fish consisted mostly of striped mullet, along with ladyfish (skipjack), Atlantic moonfish and black drum.
Red Tide Update - Dec. 30, 2009
TPWD received a report this morning of dead fish in the Corpus Christi inner harbor. Biologists are investigating and suspect red tide to be the cause of the fish kill. TDSHS staff saw patches of discolored water yesterday in the Cole Park area of Corpus Christi Bay. Recent samples collected by TAMU’s Imaging Flow CytoBot at Port Aransas had not contained any Karenia brevis cells, but low levels of cells were detected today.
Red Tide Update - Dec. 29, 2009
TPWD has received no reports of dead fish or aerosols from the Corpus Christi area in the last week. Biologists will resume sampling on Wednesday, December 30, taking water samples from the Blind Oso bridge, Ropes Park and Cole Park.
Padre Island National Seashore has rescinded its ban on dogs in the park. However, park authorities strongly recommend that visitors keep pets from eating dead fish or other marine life on the beaches to reduce the risk of illness.
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TPW Seeks Public Input on Snook Limits
CORPUS CHRISTI — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department coastal fisheries officials will be hosting a series of public scoping meetings in January to obtain public input regarding potential changes to fishery regulations.
The department is seeking public input on a possible regulation change to lower the minimum size limit for snook.
TPWD is also considering changes to regulations separating commercial fishing from recreational fishing....Read More
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Red Tide Update - Dec. 22, 2009
The Imaging Flow CytoBot continues to record low concentrations of Karenia brevis coming through the pass at Port Aransas. TPWD Coastal Fisheries staff were out on Corpus Christi Bay yesterday and saw discolored water stretching from the Naval Air Station to Cole Park.
No impacts have been reported from South Padre Island in recent days.
Red Tide Update - Dec. 21, 2009
Crews from the City of Corpus Christi collected 60 bags of dead fish (mostly mullet) along the Cole Park shoreline that had washed in due to the red tide.
Red Tide Update - Dec. 18, 2009
This week began with no reports of red tide-related fish kills. By Thursday, dead mullet had begun to be seen at locations around Corpus Christi Bay, including the Texas State Aquarium, Ropes Park and Cole Park. High cell concentrations were found in the water near the Aquarium.
South Padre Island has seen a decline in cell counts recently. No cells were seen in the water samples collected Wednesday from the Queen Isabella causeway at Port Isabel or the gulf beach at the UT-Pan American Coastal Studies Lab. Low cell concentrations were found inside Brazos-Santiago Pass.
Red Tide Update - Dec. 15, 2009
Red tide continues to kill fish in Corpus Christi Bay. Birds were seen feeding today in front of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and dead mullet were found near the Texas State Aquarium. Low concentrations of red tide cells were found over the weekend at the Port Aransas jetties by TAMU’s Imaging Flow CytoBot.
UT-Pan American and Texas Sea Grant staff have been conducting daily red tide monitoring around the South Padre Island area. The past four days’ efforts have found consistent low cell counts at their three sampling sites: the Queen Isabella Causeway at Port Isabel, inside Brazos-Santiago Pass, and the gulf beach in front of the UT-Pan American Coastal Studies Lab.
No aerosol effects have been reported from anywhere along the Texas coast.
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Nominations Sought for Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame
ATHENS, Texas — Individuals or organizations that have made a lasting contribution to freshwater fishing in Texas may be nominated through February 26 for induction into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.
Nominations may be made in the categories of industry, angler or media. The nominee must be a Texan or Texas organization...Read More
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Red Tide Update - Dec. 9, 2009
Padre Island National Seashore officials have recommended that visitors do not bring their dogs to the park until further notice. Coyotes and dogs have recently become sick and/or died, possibly caused by brevetoxin accumulation from eating fish that had washed up on the beach from the red tide. More information is available on the PINS website.
Red tide has once again begun killing fish in the Corpus Christi area. Biologists investigated a fish kill today in Rincon Channel, off of Nueces Bay, that was comprised mostly of bay anchovy. Water samples confirmed K. brevis as the cause.
A second red tide-related kill, consisting mostly of striped mullet, occurred along Indian Point in Corpus Christi Bay. County workers performing maintenance on the pier reported the typical irritations associated with red tide.
Very low concentrations of K. brevis cells continue to be found around the South Padre Island area.
Red Tide Update - Dec. 8, 2009
Red tide monitoring continues around South Padre Island. No fish kills have been seen in recent days and water samples collected today contained very low concentrations of red tide cells.
Red Tide Update - Dec. 7, 2009
Red tide cells continue to be found in water samples collected at Port Aransas by TAMU’s Imaging Flow CytoBot. A fish kill was reported in the area of Wilson's cut and is under investigation to determine whether it is related to the red tide.
Further south, water samples were collected from around the South Padre Island area over the weekend and again Monday. Very low cell counts were found inside Brazos-Santiago Pass and inside the Laguna Madre at the west end of the causeway. No cells were found on the gulf beach at Isla Blanca Park near the UT-Pan American Coastal Studies Lab.
Red Tide Update - Dec. 3, 2009
A TPWD biologist rode along in a Coast Guard aircraft this morning to get an aerial view of the red tide bloom. The Gulf of Mexico looked clear of any discolored water or evidence of red tide except for some extremely small patches of discolored foam along the 40 to 50 mile marker area of Padre Island National Seashore. The shorelines of Corpus Christi Bay and Nueces Bay looked clear of any bloom discoloration. Likewise, the Lower Laguna Madre from Mansfield Pass to Port Mansfield was clear of any discoloration. Some streaking was observed just south of the Old Bridge in Port Isabel. No discoloration was observed along the shoreline between Laguna Vista and Port Isabel.
The Texas Department of State Health Services continues to monitor the oyster reefs in the wake of the red tide. Yesterday crews traveled out of Port Aransas approximately one mile into the Gulf of Mexico during the outgoing tide and found no K. brevis cells present in their sample. Low cell concentrations were found at the UTMSI pier, portions of Redfish Bay and Corpus Christi Bay, and at Island Mooring. No cells were present at the lighthouse on into Aransas Bay or in the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway at Redfish Bay. Salinities have dropped significantly, ranging from 23 to 25 ppt.
Moderate cell concentrations were found today at Brazos-Santiago Pass. No cells were found on the Gulf beach near the UT-Pan American Coastal Studies Lab.
Red Tide Updates - Dec. 2, 2009
Staff of the UT-Pan American Coastal Studies Lab and Texas AgriLife Extension collected water samples around South Padre Island today. No aerosols were reported at any of the sites. Low numbers of red tide cells were found at the west end of the Queen Isabella Causeway and the north jetty of Brazos-Santiago Pass. No cells were found in water collected from the beach in front of the Coastal Studies Lab, Beach Access 5 or Beach Access 6.
Today’s overflight has been postponed due to weather.
The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) website now has an Imaging Flow CytoBot Phytoplankton Gallery. The site features archived and current images as well as information about the study site and the CytoBot.
Red Tide Updates - Dec. 1, 2009
Though no new dead fish have been reported from South Padre Island, red tide cells continue to be found in samples taken from the Brazos-Santiago Pass and the gulf beach near Sandpiper Pavilion.
Red Tide Update - Nov. 30, 2009
The red tide bloom persists along South Padre Island area beaches. Cell counts have risen and fallen repeatedly in recent weeks, but the bloom has not subsided. Fresh dead fish were reported in the Brownsville Ship Channel on Friday, but upon investigation only old dead fish were found.
Biologists are hopeful that recent rains will begin to dissipate the bloom in the Corpus Christi area.
Red Tide Update - Nov. 25, 2009
Reports along the Gulf beach continue to come in from South Padre Island. Aerosol irritation have been reported from Access Road 6 south to Brazos Santiago Pass. An ongoing fish kill has been reported along the affected area dominated by striped mullet.
Patches of discolored water along the Corpus Christi shoreline is confirmed to be Red Tide. A continual near shore patch was observed from the breakwaters of the Corpus Christi Marina to Ropes Park, extending offshore to Swatner Park. Another near shore patch was observed in Corpus Christi Bay along the TAMU-CC shoreline and confluence of Oso Bay. Light aerosol irritation was observed at Ropes Park and TAMU-CC. One Small fish kill was observed at Ropes Park dominated by striped mullet.
Reports of fish kills associated with red tide continue to be investigated in the Lower Laguna Madre. Reports include kills near the East cut of Mansfield Pass, the western shoreline near the land cut, the southern shoreline from Holly Beach to Laguna vista. All kills in the Lower Laguna Madre continue to be dominated by striped mullet, followed by hardhead catfish.
Red Tide Update - Nov. 23, 2009
Red tide was observed along the northern shore of Nueces Bay approximately 3 miles west on the Portland Causeway near Corpus Christi.
An area of discolored water was observed along the shoreline of Corpus Christi from the Corpus Christi Ship Channel to Dodridge Park, and the mouth of Oso Bay into Corpus Christi Bay. TPWD biologists will be collecting samples to determine if the discolored water in red tide. No fish kills were observed.
Light aerosol is present on South Padre Island from the Brazos Santiago Pass to Access Road 6. A fish kill was observed along the shoreline consisting of mullet, ladyfish, hardhead catfish, YOY sandtrout, and crabs started washing ashore this morning.
Fish kills attributed to red tide in the Lower Laguna Madre included a small kill located along the shoreline from landcut south to Port Mansfield. Larger fish kill consisting mainly of large striped mullet was investigated 5 miles south of Port Mansfield. No discolored water reported for this area, however light aerosol was experience briefly at one location.
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Winter rainbow trout fishing offers entry-level fishing opportunities for Texans
AUSTIN, Texas — For Texans in search of convenient fishing, it doesn’t get much better than winter trout season in Texas.
From December through mid-March, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will stock more than 270,000 hatchery-reared rainbow trout at 120 sites across the state. Many of the fish stockings will be conducted at small community fishing lakes, state park lakes and popular river tailraces that offer easy angling access.
TPWD has been stocking rainbow trout each winter since the 1970s, offering Texans a convenient and inexpensive opportunity to go fishing...Read More
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REPORTS
Salt Water
Fresh Water by Region
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Over the past few years, artificial shrimp such as the DOA Shrimp have become more and more popular among coastal fishermen. However, a number of questions always arise as to the best way to rig and fish artificial shrimp. Here are a few of the more popular and productive methods.... 
As January dawns, the weather is cooling and fish in our bays are heading for their deepwater winter homes. This transition sends most saltwater anglers across the Texas coast are rummaging for heavier heads and thinner soft-plastic tails - something that will get down deep a little faster. From now through early spring, many hours will be spent bouncing touts and tails across the bottom in areas of deeper water. Of course, this tried and true method does produce fish during the colder winter months, but so will a number of other deep water tactics.
With its silvery sides, bright yellow chin and deeply-forked black tail, the Florida pompano is one of the more tropical looking species found in the Gulf of Mexico. And, despite its name, anglers don't need to travel to the Sunshine State in order to tie into this popular light-tackle quarry. However, relatively few Texas anglers take advantage of the well-established pompano fishery along the state's southernmost stretch of beach..... 
Many coastal anglers think of winter and wading as mutual exclusive terms. The fact that fish will feed in relatively shallow water during the coldest portion of the year may sound strange, but it's true. And, a growing number of saltwater pluggers are taking advantage of the uncrowded bays and getting in on the hot winter flats action.
Recent years have seen an entirely new lure type - creature baits - become increasingly popular among bass fishermen. In fact, there are literally hundreds of models on the market today. However, picking the right one - and knowing when to throw it - is still a necessity for anglers hoping to score stringers of big bass.
During the first few months of the year, Texas sees boat and fishing shows staged across the state. Although many Texas anglers fish year around, there are plenty of 'bad weather days' in January and February when shows offer a nice alternative to spending a day on the water. And, as most fishermen know, shows are often a good place to pick up good deals on boating and fishing equipment. Here's a sample of some of the most popular annual events held during the winter months in the Lone Star State... 
As 2010 gets underway, WaveSpin Reels and Texas Weekend Angler will be rewarding the first record fish taken from Texas waters in the new year with a new WaveSpin Spinning Reel. Water body, fly, all-tackle, and age class records are eligible. Anglers catching a potential record fish should email their name, address, phone number and fish information (species, length, weight) along with a photo of the fish to 
When most people think of winter fishing along the Texas coast, they think about fishing slow and deep. While this long-standing stereotype of Texas winter fishing does hold true, a more accurate way to view the winter pattern is summer fishing in reverse.
Most folks know that cold weather push fish to deeper water. And, this holds true in Texas' Lower Laguna Madre as well. For that reason, the relatively few deep water haunts in Deep South Texas will hold plenty of fish when the weather turns cold. Areas such as the ICW, Brownsville Ship Channel, and Port Isabel Turning Basin will have trout and snook stacked up for much of the winter. 
Recent years have seen an explosion in the popularity of swimbaits. Bass fishermen, in particular, have gone head-over-heels for supple soft-plastic baitfish imitations. And, although virtually every lure manufacturer has rolled out a version of a soft-plastic swimbait in recent years, one swimbait that predates them all can still hold its own with the modern lures.
Officially, December 22 is the first day of winter. However, plummeting water temperatures often precede this day, putting trout in a `winter' pattern weeks before winter truly begins. But, regardless of when trout make that transition, the winter pattern typically means one thing - the fish will be finicky. 
Jerkbaits: Virtually every bass fisherman has heard of them. However, a relatively small percentage of fishermen actually use them. This is partially due to the perception they are only effective in very specific instances. While it is true these baits aren't the best choice for many circumstances, when the conditions are favorable, few artificial lures will out produce a suspending jerkbait.
For several years, this industrial port has had a reputation as a top-shelf winter snook spot. However, there is much more than linesiders sharing this water with ships and oil rigs during the winter months. In fact, the Brownsville Ship Channel is a surprisingly diverse fishery. Anglers can reasonably expect to encounter snook, mangrove snapper, ladyfish, speckled trout, redfish, black drum, sheepshead, jack crevalle, lookdowns and more on a trip up the channel....
Tap-tap-tug. The tell-tale take of a tarpon was unmistakable, but not unexpected. After all, fishing partner Danny Torres and I had been pinning swimbaits in the maws of 3- to 4-foot tarpon for over an hour at this point. However, seconds after setting the hook on this particular `poon, I realized this was no 4-footer. 
On June 2, 1932 George Perry used a Creek Chub Fintail Shiner to fool a 22 pound, 4 ounce black bass. That fish remains the world record today. However, it's hard to say what is more surprising - that the record has stood for so long or that Perry used an artificial lure to set record. After all, artificial lure fishing was still in its infancy during the Depression Era. Sure, Creek Chub, the brand used to set the record, had been in business for over two decades at the time. And, a handful of other manufacturers were also offering artificial lures to fresh water fishermen. But, the overwhelming majority of anglers during that time utilized natural baits as opposed to artificial ones.
Each year, as fall moves closer to winter, Laguna Madre area anglers are treated to a “run” of good mangrove snapper fishing. Although these feisty fighters are found year around in our waters, late fall is perhaps the best time to target them.
Halloween is undoubtedly the signature event of October. And, as virtually everyone knows, `trick-or-treat' is the battle cry for millions of costumed revelers on Oct. 31. However, as fall begins in earnest, `trick-or-treat' is a fair credo for flats anglers as well. For the tenth month is a time when redfish are tempted both by tricks - artificial lures - and treats - natural baits. Combining the two can also be effective. Here are just a few of the top tricks and treats for taking spot tails during the Halloween season....
Following the publication of its highly popular illustrated Texas freshwater fish identification section, Texas Weekend Angler has added a saltwater fish ID section. The new Texas Weekend Angler illustrated saltwater fish identification section contains illustrations and basic information, including state bag and size limits, on several popular saltwater species. To learn more about each species, simply click on the name of the fish in the index...
If you have a tip for fall fishing in Texas - whether it's fresh or saltwater - now's the time to share! During the month of October, Texas Weekend Angler is soliciting fishing tips from readers as part of our '