Ah Yes, November!

November is here and we have more going on in the Texas outdoors than you can literally shake a graphite rod at!  Between outstanding fishing, deer and waterfowl seasons opening, along with all the other activities available; if you’re not planning to be outdoors this month I truly feel sorry for you!

The first topic I want to address here is oysters. You will likely recall all the headlines earlier this year when TPWD proposed closing the Ayres-Mesquite-Carlos bay complex permanently to commercial oyster harvest. The commercial oyster industry protested mightily, the upshot of which was the management decision getting delayed. But it is now back on the front burner as the 2022-23 oyster season opens November 1.

I would like to direct your attention to page 54 in this issue. Shane Bonnot, Advocacy Director of CCA Texas, has written an excellent piece that describes the efforts of TPWD, CCA Texas (and too many other NGOs to mention here) in this important matter.

To put it succinctly, the management of the Texas oyster resource is incredibly complicated. While oysters are a very valuable resource commercially, they also have enormous value ecologically. Oysters fit a unique niche, serving dual roles as a culinary delicacy as well as critical habitat for themselves and dozens of other species. So while millions of Texans wait anxiously for fresh oysters to become available, this must be balanced with the sustainability of the oyster resource and the ecological benefit they provide.

The TPWD commissioners will again address the oyster dilemma in their regular meetings November 2-3, 2022, and are again seeking public comment. I heartily encourage that all our readers participate. The easiest way to do this is by logging into their public comment portal at https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/feedback/public_comment/proposals/202211_oysters.phtml.

November is also the beginning of the long-awaited trophy trout season in Texas bays. While trophy action in the Lower Laguna may not hit full stride for another month, Capt. David Rowsey, our staff expert on all matters Upper Laguna-Baffin Bay, says that anytime water temperatures stabilize in the 60s, anglers can expect multiple big trout per outing, no matter what the month might be. I trust you will find his article in this issue informative.

I try not to get too political in this column; the best topics to avoid on the boat, I’ve been told, are politics and religion. Probably sound advice, but here goes anyway.

Tuesday, November 8, will mark general election day. I for one am very disappointed in the direction our country is headed. I’ve already seen enough of inflation, recession, and a failing economy. It’s time for change…a big change. Get out and vote!