Seems like a very high % of the fish make it back to the lakes. Sucks to see one die, but can't say the SAL program hasn't improved big fish possibility over the years. So many factors to what could have caused the fish to eventually die. Sometimes stuff happens.

With all due respect, endless stocking is a bigger waste of time and money than the SAL program. Supplemental stocking only makes a difference when there is a serious lack of spawning habitat, major fish losses from a catastrophic event or severe over-harvest of fish leading to poor reproduction. There are not many cases where that's actually going on. There are several studies showing that hatchery-raised largemouth bass very rarely reach legal size when stocked on top of existing "wild" populations.

Plus, I imagine if you looked at the books it would be clear that they are focusing more effort and money into stocking programs than the SAL program. Raising sportfish is expensive. I've worked at the Athens hatchery and have seen both programs at work.

So, just to clarify, you are saying TPWD should not improve Texas Freshwater Fisheries in any way, and instead we should embrace anarchy, and hope that the poachers are offset by the sport fishermen (who by the way, do not at all reflect a 0 mortality towards bass) and that we just consider all of this "natural"....



I think the TPWD does an excellent job and our fisheries reflect that. I also believe you break a few eggs to make an omelet. I also think half the trophy bass donated to SAL would've ended up taken home to Bubba's house to show off and been guaranteed to die, which is a whole hell of a lot less fortunate for our fisheries than it being sent off to breed stocking fish to continue pumping into our lakes.

I also think implying hey should put less focus on OWR/SAL and should stock more is completely misguided thought as they operate the SAL program to stock lakes, with the best possible genetics sampled at current lakes. How does it makes sense to cease SAL to enhance lake stocking, when that is what SAL is? I think a few people should do a lot less fussing and a lot more researching if they honestly care as much as they seem to.

plant grass grow giant bass. hydrilla works

Need to stock trout or something like in California!

More focus needs to be directed towards poaching and people fishing unlicensed and not conforming to the game laws.

Those meat hunting poachers kill many more big fish during the spawn when the fish get in their wheelhouse, on the banks....

Such a shame to lose three out of five SALs this season. Personally, if I ever catch a teener she is going right back into the lake. Her reproductive success would be much higher in her home water where she belongs. I see no reason to place such a beautiful fish under undue stress on a gamble that it is pure florida strain and an additional gamble that she will successfully spawn in captivity. All so I can get a free replica. I have spent thousands and thousands of dollars on this sport I can very well afford a $400 replica myself.

Oh well, TPWD seems to have it all figured out and so many fisherman are in support of the program so what do I know.

Like I said on Facebook... That fish would die. Before they ever picked it up. SAL is killing these huge fish at an alarming rate.

I wonder what they do with them when they die

It's a shame there isn't an "on the spot" genetic test TP&W could do before ever taking her away. This wouldn't prevent the Florida strain SALs from dying but at least the non-Florida bass could be released right back into the lake without making the long trip to Athens.

I agree, but TP&WD will never incorporate hydrilla into a management strategy. It's "not native" to Texas. Never mind that neither is the man-made reservoir in which it grows.

Use 3-4 lb fish, could be handled with better survival rate.

How many 13 plus pound fish die, naturally, in lakes every year???? Some time these "OLD" fish, just die...they can't live forever......I think TPW is doing a great job....

Fish fry...