You can also not be ticketed and act like nothing happen, Similar to when this game warden got caught illegally poaching deer a few years ago.

Chris Fried and he is still working

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/jul/5/wounded-game-warden-avoided-felony-illegal-hunting/

That still makes my blood boil.

I wonder how it would taste?

This was a private pond correct?

It was in a public waterbody

I don't think anyone on here would get it swept under the rug like that dbag. He should be locked up not doing episodes of lone star law and handing out tickets.

If you're asking about the Oscar, I can report it tasted just fine. Like Tilapia.


Yep, it was in a pond at a public park. One of the ponds that gets stocked with trout.



I think you're quoting from the website, but the website sometimes doesn't use language that 100% tracks the statutes/rules. The statute and administrative rule I posted above prohibit not just possession, but also "place into the public water" and "release into the water."

See also... https://www.mrt.com/lifestyle/trave...is-taking-over-Texas-waters-15089443.php

Someone caught what was believed to be a piranha in Lake Lavon. I think it was late 90's or early 2000's.

Please read the TPWD guidelines and don't just trust what someone said on a public forum. TPWD can require you to kill/keep a fish and not release it. Crappie on certain water bodies during specific seasons, Invasive Tilapia. Just for a couple of examples.

I've read them through and through as I catch and release everything and don't want to run afoul of the law. I went ahead and messaged TPWD for further comment - here's my email and their response below.

Me: "If I were to catch an invasive species on rod and reel (Grass Carp, Tilapia, etc.), am I allowed to release it back into the water if I don't want to keep it to eat or use as bait?"

TPWD: "While tilapia and Grass Carp are prohibited species in Texas, catch and release fishing is permitted.

If these fish are kept, they must be beheaded or gutted upon possession--before putting them in a cooler or on a stringer.

If Grass Carp are caught in waters where they have been stocked, they must immediately be returned to the water unharmed. Here's a list of those water bodies: https://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/water/environconcerns/nuisance_plants/public_tgc_permits.phtml

Regards,

Monica E. McGarrity
Senior Scientist for Aquatic Invasive Species Management
Inland Fisheries Division - Habitat Conservation Branch
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
4200 Smith School Rd., Austin, TX 78744"

You are going to have to come up with a stronger source than the Midland Reporter Telegram.

Don't fish fork from December to end of February then!

Or Lake O' The Pines:


Or Squaw Creek - Special regulations that require retaining all Tilapia or leaving them on the bank.

Help yourself and help your water and take them out. The ones that do make it in the new environment are eating the resources and using cover that the natives need. Don't get me started on how they push out the natives of their spawning habitats! Ive released my share of Tilapia but now I take em smooth out and feed em to the raccoons, different passer byers or take em home myself if I've got my stringer or bucket. Help your local fish population!