It is getting that time of year when Sandbass make their run up the creeks and along with them Hybrids are in the mix. They can be a little difficult to identify. When in doubt release the fish to fight another day. The fine for keeping undersized fish should deter most fisherman. Do what is right, release the fish. It is frustrating to see fisherman intentionally keep hybrids that are undersize. We see it all the time not just up the creeks but also on the lake. So what is a fisherman to do when you see this happening? Just watch the news and you will see story after story of someone being shot when confronting a reckless driver. The same may hold true for fisherman who confront other fisherman for taking fish illegally. Things can go sideways quickly. What we can do is report this illegal activity. Do what is right, report it. Here is the number 800-792-GAME.

Here are the descriptions for Sandbass, Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass:

White Bass
Stripes faint, only one extends to tail
Body deep, more than 1/3 length
Has one tooth patch near the midline towards the back of the tongue


Striped Bass
Stripes distinct, several extend to tail
Body slender, less than 1/3 length
Has two, distinct tooth patches near the midline towards the back of the tongue


Hybrid Striped Bass
Note: For hybrids, all characteristics should be considered in combination, as characteristics in individual fish may vary.
Stripes distinct, usually broken, several extend to tail
Body deep, more than 1/3 length
Has two tooth patches near the midline towards the back of the tongue. Tooth patches may be distinct or close together.


For more details go to http://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/
There is a responsibility that goes along with being a fisherman. Take the time to learn how to identify your fish and obey the law. Rules are written for a reason.

While those who break the laws may not take the time to read posts or even visit something like TFF it is even more of a reason for other fisherman to be vigilant.
With our lakes coming up it is going to be a great year of fishing, be courteous and kind to other fisherman.

Good info Terry.

Agreed Terry. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. The hybrids are a non-renewable resource and are "created" and do not reproduce naturally. We in the RHSA are attuned to many things about stockings since it's what we do now to help the State stock. When you take into account the survival rates of the stocked fish the ones that do survive need to thrive. Thanks for an important post. Spring time is the time to have a refresher post like this.

You're correct that confronting a blatant poacher who is keeping undersized hybrids may be troublesome.

But, it often pays to chat up the person fishing near you - you can figure out whether they really know what they're doing, or they honestly don't know the difference. Makes it easy to educate them a bit & show them the difference in the types of fish.

Easiest way to start the conversation is when they ask you if they can keep that "big sandbass" that you're throwing back. Their response to your reply that it's undersized hybrid will tell you if it's worth talking with them further.

You be surprised how many people dont know this I was at the boat ramp the other day and there were several under sized hybrids that were cleaned and dump there

Great Post Terry. Great Info. I wonder how much it would cost to have signs made describing the difference and posting them by entry ways to the creeks and boat ramps? Any body in the sign business out there?

I had thought about how we could post on the Ramps on Hubbard?

800792GAME is in my phone! For most peeps that keep everything and anything most likely don't read this Forum! Sooo it's up to us that do care to report immediately on jackwagon folks that don't have a clue.
I've seen signs up before at public boat ramps around area lakes!! As far as posting signs in and around certain creek entrances would probably just be vandalized and or stolen. Please help keep eyes open on all Texas Game violators. Thanks Blue

Good info. Thank you

Or this guy will be around the corner.

Do any of y'all have a picture of the tooth patch of a hybrid you could post? I threw back either a couple real nice sandbass or small hybrids yesterday because i wasnt quite sure about them. They had some broken lines and the tooth patch looked joined together as though it were one but it looked like there was 2 bumps on it. I googled and found the "perfect" 2 separate patches but I'd like to see a photo of a hybrid that has 2 really close together patches or conjoined patches if that exists. Also maybe a photo of a sandy with broken lines if any of y'all catch one. I just want to be sure about what im keeping and I hope im not throwing back mags either. Thanks.

"You're correct that confronting a blatant poacher who is keeping undersized hybrids may be troublesome.

But, it often pays to chat up the person fishing near you - you can figure out whether they really know what they're doing, or they honestly don't know the difference. Makes it easy to educate them a bit & show them the difference in the types of fish.

Easiest way to start the conversation is when they ask you if they can keep that "big sandbass" that you're throwing back. Their response to your reply that it's undersized hybrid will tell you if it's worth talking with them further."

I saw 3 guys last spring in a boat while I was catching and releasing a lot of sand bass and small hybrids. they yelled 'man these sand bass are huge'! I noticed they were putting them in the live well, so I told them those fish were hybrids, they need to check the tongue patches. they said no they knew they had sand bass. As I picked up my phone, I said I'll just call the game warden and let them check for you. Then they asked how do you tell the difference, so I explained it to them. As I drove away they were looking in the fish's mouth and chunking them over board saying 'dammit' every time. lol. I have the warden on speed dial on my cell. I will not hesitate to call them on poachers. Our environment is fragile. We have to preserve it for our kids, so they can enjoy the sport and the best food the can consume. Don't be selfish, think of the future generations.

This is a Rowlett Creek hybrid caught today. Every hybrid right now that will be caught is undersized. They are running with the sandbass just like they have been doing on the main lake.



This is its toothpatch, sorry for the blurryness. But hope it clears them up.

Here is your standard looking hybrid, Both caught today within a cast from each other. Still very small and illegal.

Nice pics. Never seen that jig before. Did you make it?