Merry Christmas from TSFMag!

December is a great time to be outdoors in Texas; there’s something out there for everybody. Hardcore anglers view it as the official start of winter’s trophy trout season, deer and waterfowl hunters can’t wait to be in the blind, upland bird hunters will be looking for quail and pheasants, and small game enthusiasts will be in the fields chasing squirrels and rabbits. Everything we wait for all year will be in play. Topping it off is the greatest holiday of the year as we gather to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. We at TSFMag want to wish our readers the best of success on the water and in the fields, and the merriest of holiday celebrations.

Spotted seatrout continue to dominate headlines, and at the risk of sounding like a broken record, given the importance of this matter I want to provide a recap of the most recent developments.

During a round of public scoping meetings held in October, wherein TPWD Coastal Fisheries staff received overwhelming support for a 3-fish daily limit for trout with retention slot of 15- to 20-inches; last week, the Commission directed staff to publish notice of same in the Texas Register and conduct another round of public hearings to advise the general public they are considering enacting it into regulation as early as April 2024. A caveat added by the Commission would allow anglers to retain one fish per day longer than 25-inches, as part of their 3-fish limit – not a bonus fourth fish.

So, once again, I am encouraging anglers to participate in the public hearings and voice their opinions. If by chance you might not be unable to attend in person, you may also participate via email to [email protected]. This is your fishery. Do not pass up the opportunity to express your opinion of how you would like to see it managed.

Another timely topic is getting others involved in the outdoors. There’s no better time than the holidays to include family and friends in your fishing and hunting plans. Kids will be out of school and itching for excitement. It might require a bit of extra planning, but it could very well turn out to be a life changer for them. If you have no youngsters of your own, consider nephews or nieces, or those of a friend. Instilling a passion for the outdoors could be the greatest Christmas gift they will ever receive.

Wintertime boating safety is serious business and every year we hear of folks making poor decisions. Don’t be one of them. Prepare for every outing by first checking the weather forecast and making sure your boat is in top operating condition.

Merry Christmas and Take a Kid Fishing!