done

Hate to say it but if they are illegals most GW don't want to deal with it.

I'm not sure it lets me sign it/post it. It keeps asking for donations and then to share or makes me view other petitions. Doesn't seem to progress past step 2 at the top.

What then would be a reasonable solution given that without control the tilapia would become 100% of the biomass?

My thoughts too. I mean, I can’t stand it when I’m fishing one of the few pockets and an old beater ski boat rolls up and 10 guys jump out with complete disregard of me and start firing nets everywhere where I’m fishing. At the same time the tilapia population is out of control out there and I’ve caught some giant ones dragging c-rigs around.

I think it should be regulated, especially during Bass spawning months, but even with all the dangers I see such as over loaded boats, no life vests, drownings and such what’s the answer to the tilapia issue.

I sent a buddy out there once, who had never fished Fayette, and when I texted him to see how it was going he said they were just fishing down a bank catching a few here and there and the rolled up on a dead body from a boat sinking the night before. Crazy.

Done

JP, as you probably know, there is only 1 TPWD game warden for that county. Also, there are LCRA rangers who patrol Fayette. I'm assuming you immediately reported all the illegal activity you saw.

SJ, the creel survey doesn't ask any questions about cast netting or any opinions on cast netting. The survey is about the general rod and reel fishery. However, the location and number of cast netters will be noted.

Bump, really close to the goal!

What does the money go to and how does it help?

tp@w not interested in cast netters because if they give them a ticket they wont pay it so no money in it for them an the wheel keeps turning watch lone star law an see some of the mental giants they deal with.

Ban netting and allow bowfishing!

Done!

Correct on the creel survey; however, TPWD is aware of the grumblings and discussions around cast netters. I've talked to several biologists about it in person. In fact, I sent this petition to them directly for their awareness and here is a small part of our conversation: "In conjunction with getting a feel for angler and angler data, we will be observing cast netter prevalence and behavior."


In my humble opinion, this will be more about enforcement.

Lets say this gets done.

What happens when the lake is over ran with an invasive species (Tilapia) that thrives in a warm water and also lives in the same areas as bass??? I say this because I have all the evidence I need on Calaveras lake that was once a thriving bass lake and decent once the introduction of redfish were stocked but now I can maybe catch 2-3 bass per year.

So before we go asking for this to stop an limiting catch numbers maybe we should consider other ways to go about this issue.

Interesting and fair point. i think that is why it would be good to restrict cast netting during bass spawning months but allow it other times of the year. Or maybe only allow certain areas of the lake around the ramps for cast netting.

To be honest, my initial thought was cast netters are evil and they are destroying the lake, but the more biologist I speak with, they don't seem to think it is as big of an issue as we do. We being, common anglers, but not highly educated in marine science or ecosystems.