From the TPWD page: describing rules governing different methods of taking GAME and NONGAME fish.

Pole and Line: A line with hook, attached to a pole. This gear includes rod and reel.

-May be used to take GAME AND NONGAME fish.

-It is unlawful to take or attempt to take fish with one or more hooks attached to a line or artificial lure used in a manner to foul-hook a fish (snagging or jerking). A fish is foul-hooked when caught by a hook in an area other than the fish's mouth.


Here is the link the entire rules and regulations: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/annual/fish/legaldevice.phtml

After reading the above, it looks like its illegal to snag ANY fish in Texas waters. Which it should be IMO.


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Anyone who fishes sould take the time to read the rule book from the state you are fishing in. Capt. Steve www.txfishingguide.com

When it comes to non-game fish in Texas, you can spear'em, you can gig'em, you can gaff'em, you can shoot'em with an arrow, you can dip'em up with a net, but you CANNOT SNAG'EM!

Those of you who think you can are WRONG!

Funny thing is, I've bowfished Lake Austin a bunch, and have gotten some big carp and buff, but have not gotten nor even seen a grass carp....

Looks like you are correct AustinTXAngler. I am pretty sure that line in the guide used to read "game fish" rather than just fish. I would imagine that change came about because it would be difficult for a warden to prove a person wasn't trying to snag a carp when they accidentally snagged the bass he saw them snag.

And to captain steve, perhaps I am taking what you said the wrong way. If I am not, your condescending attitude is not needed.

Capt. Steve - I had always thought (heard) that it was illegal to snag any fish. When the wrong info is put forth it is up to those in the know to refute it. I, for one appreciate your input on this thread. I also have heard that it is illegal to leave fish to die out of the water without making good use of them - includes rough fish, of course fertilizer for the wife's flower bed may well qualify.

TNT, please keep looking on Austin. I'm sure you'll be able to find some before long. Hell I'll go with ya some time just to try and spear some of those grass bastards.

SkeeterMark .. let's go ! Ever bow fished ? I have a rig set up and extra bows... I go about 1 time to every 10 times I go reel fishing... but if you wanna go let me know !

Oh well- I will continue to snag them and let them go to live- rather than shoot them with a bow and arrow and kill them.

Just a note: If ya want to see some fish being snagged, go to the deck below lake lavon dam in the spring when they are letting water out,and watch the huge buffalo coming in. I'd say tons of them every year. You stand on that deck for a couple of minutes and you'll see it, I guarantee that. I've done it till my shoulder was killin me.

Hi Willie,

I assume & hope all you Snaggers have a Fishing Licenses? I think the TWPD is working hard for all us CPR Rod & Reel Anglers & Bow Fisherman chasing a 40-60lb (maybe bigger?) Carp or Gar. Maybe you'll should pursue your Pleasures as Snaggers by asking the State to make it Legal.

Texas is a big State w/ room for all.

Tight Lines, Straight Arrows, & No Snagging,

Ralph Bushell http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TexasCarpAndBuffaloEvents/

Well for the bows ... had a great night on Lake Austin last night... total of 7 fish, 2 carp (10 and 18 lb) and 5 buffalo (18, 25, 35, 40, 46 lb) .. that was a TON of fish and shot or caught, they FIGHT !

Hello TNT,

You last wrote:

Well for the bows ... had a great night on Lake Austin last night... total of 7 fish, 2 carp (10 and 18 lb) and 5 buffalo (18, 25, 35, 40, 46 lb)

Wow what a night! I'm glad you only bow fish 1 out of 10 Night! Carp & Buffalo like above give us freshwater Rod & Reel bank fishing Anglers the fight of a lifetime of fishing! For me I can't afford a boat or barely sometimes a day trip out Port Aransas in the Gulf for a Bigger Fight.

I hope we meet up sometime soon & compare our pleasures!

Tight lines & Straight Arrows 1/10 trips,

Ralph Bushell http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TexasCarpAndBuffaloEvents/

Hey TNT,

Good catch! What did you do with the fish you caught?

I was wondering the same thing...