First I would like to say that I highly doubt the fish given to the "ruff looking group" in the pontoon boat was a legit DD. My guess is it was another 7-8 pounder that the guy "weighed" in his boat and called it a DD.

I would have released the fish but that is personal preference. However, giving the fish to someone after he catches it is his business and his alone. That's my 2 cents worth.

Here is the law in Texas

https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdo...ies-restitution