I don't think anyone sees a need for more regulation on Whitney for species health. However, there is no doubt that catching big girls in the 20 pound and 20+ pound is virtually non-existent. That wasn't always the case at Whitney. I personally don't keep stripers below 20 inches because I don't think the 18-20 inch guys make a good filet, it has nothing to do with fish management. But, I rarely catch anything over 25 inches in length and because of that, I would change the keep limits to 5 fish with only one over 24 inches.

I just don't understand why a lot of folks reaction to good fishing is "we need more regulation"!

Historical stocking numbers are more than enough to sustain Texas hybrid/striper fisheries. My concern is lack of funding and reduced or eliminated stocking. The effort seems to be underfunded and disorganized as compared to historical data (lake stocking history).

After spending a great part of my life chasing these fish all over state of Texas I can assure you that natural phenomenon have a greater impact on white bass, hybrid, and striper populations than fishing pressure. Assuming the stocking rate is consistent.

Drought- Has a great impact on white bass recruitment. Especially on lakes without a major river it. Even an exceptional lake like Richland Chambers saw extremely reduced numbers in 2014 after years of drought.

Golden Algae- It takes 10 years in my estimation to establish a healthy population of 15# fish

Flooding- Not sure just how many fish get washed downstream, but I know it happens. Lake Livingston and below the Livingston dam has a decent population of hybrids because of the heavy spring rains 2017 and 2018. I think most people assume more washed down stream than what actually do. Reality is that the fishing pattern typically changes for 3 months to a year. Folks think the fish are gone and then they magically re-appear.

Mysterious Kills- The white bass kill on Lake Palestine a couple years ago is a good example.

CenTexan,
You said you 'went North of the islands'....
Did you mean the BIG island or is there a Group of 'Islands' in front of McCown somewhere?

I don't think anyone sees a need for more regulation on Whitney for species health. However, there is no doubt that catching big girls in the 20 pound and 20+ pound is virtually non-existent. That wasn't always the case at Whitney. I personally don't keep stripers below 20 inches because I don't think the 18-20 inch guys make a good filet, it has nothing to do with fish management. But, I rarely catch anything over 25 inches in length and because of that, I would change the keep limits to 5 fish with only one over 24 inches.

I think it's all lack of respect for the resources, and yes the blooms don't help.
I have fished several areas around the country that are cpr only, and hope we don't have to go that far.
Maybe we can find a balance. With more and more new anglers it may be challenging.
I agree with Davis, personally 10# is my limit also no matter which species, anything larger is returned only a few eater size kept if wanted.

Lack of respect for the resource ! I see these post/ photo nice meat haul" makes me want to puke. Its totally out of control, turned into a live video game and the fish have no chance. Its all about the $$$$, screw the resource!