» 2013 SALTWATER FISHING FORECAST
Under the
THERE’S MORE TO TEXAS
SALTWATER FISHING THAN
REDFISH AND SEATROUT.
T Sea
exas anglers are becoming more dependent on redfish and
spotted seatrout as a measure of angling success. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department creel surveys, anglers are targeting these species more frequently than
they did in the 1980s and ’90s, and landings of these two species account for a larger
percentage of the total recreational catch.
“We’d like to see anglers
become less dependent upon
reds and trout, and target
other species,” says Mark
Fisher, TPWD marine science
director. “When one of these
species has a low abundance
year, like trout in 2010, then
angler satisfaction declines.”
Fortunately, trout and reds
continue to flourish, but
there are abundant other
species available as well.
Fisher notes that spotted
seatrout birth and survival
rates have been very good
the past four years. It takes
two years for a trout to reach
legal size, so anglers should
see strong trout numbers in
Clean Your Boat. Save Your Lake.
Zebra mussels are small invasive species that can spread from lake
to lake by hitching a ride on your boat and trailer. One female
can have up to a million microscopic larvae. They mature quickly, attach to hard
surfaces and can damage your boat and engine. They hurt aquatic life, ruin
ecosystems and fisheries — even affect your water supply. You can keep that from
happening by cleaning your boat, motor, trailer and gear of all debris and draining
it of all water. Then dry it for at least a week or wash it all with hot, soapy water
before boating in another waterbody. Learn more at www.texasinvasives.org.
TEXAS PARKS
& WILD L I F E
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