Who in their right mind fishes with the motor on?
Please let the big fish go!!!!!

here is a question that a biologist will probably need to answer. most lakes in north and east texas are now drained almost every year to very low levels by the cities that get water out of them. are these lakes even capable of growing as many big fish as they used to before the water was sucked out of them by so many? it may not be so much of a fishing question as it is a water quality and amount of water question.

I was told by a guy who stocks ponds for a living that X amount of water is only capable to sustain X amount of pounds of fish living in that water. Basically he said that once you reach this point, theoretically you have maxed out on the growth of your fish. His answer was to take out the bigger fish so the smaller fish would be able to grow more.

I realize a pond and a lake are two completely different situations, but there could be some logic to what he says. Me personally, if I catch a big catfish over about 15 lbs. I will let it go after a few pics. The exceptions being if I hook it in the gills. Smaller ones head to the dinner table!

What everyone needs to do is call Kevin Storey (903-593-5077). He is the biologist for TPWD that is in charge of Tawakoni. When I started calling him years ago he said I was the only one who ever called him and expressed concern over the amount of catfish being taken out of Tawakoni. The last 3 or 4 years he has had some other people comment on the subject to him. The survey that is posted on a different thread was only taken at certain boat ramps at specific times in the middle of the day. He would not let me take the survey over the phone. I appreciate Spud and Salsa's comments on this topic very much. Salsa I too have for years taken it upon myself to try and protect the wonderful Lake Tawakoni. I have had heated conversations with people that have taken 70+ flatheads and 60+ blues out of Tawakoni on the same weekend. I agree that if you had fished this lake 5-10 years ago, fish were much easier to catch and there was only one catfish guide on the lake. I drive from Austin to fish Tawakoni about 12-15 days a year, but I have never posted a single fish on here that I have caught because of all the attention the lake gets already. I have learned over the years that fishing means more to me than all but a select few. So, I know that I can't expect most people to want to protect this great resource for the next generation to the extent that I do. But, is it too much to ask for one lake in the entire state of Texas to be protected and managed for tropy catfish?

Since you asked for my opinion I will give it .

Years ago if you were a cat-fisherman you were also a trot liner. If you were a trot liner, you kept every fish you caught. If you were good at running a trot line, you could catch hundreds of pounds per set. Jug lines became more popular and the total number of hooks in the water decreased. Jug lines are easier to run than a trot line so more people did it. At the same time the CPR mentality of bass fishing started creeping into the cat fish world. Sites like this started popping up and people started getting better at catching them on rod and reel. Tournaments became more popular and the sport became more high profile.

At the end of the day. I think people are better at catching them but compared to the old days of trot lining they catch and keep fewer fish. Change nothing, the lakes are taking care of themselves..

Lard goes well with Big Yellar-Cats.
Turn the Big Blues over 15lbs lose. Channels over 5, lbs as well.

depends on what lake and the fishing pressure it receives. Twok is so well known that it could easily be fished out as fishing pressure increases. personally, I believe in releasing >10lbs. I know a guy who keeps everything and kept a 52lber- caught from the bank and he kept and ate it. Said it tasted like leather. what a waste!

If anyone was genuinely concerned about fish populations they should first look to the issuance of $132 Fresh Water Guide Licenses. Fishing guides clearly put the majority of pressure on fish populations and dont pay their fair share for farming our public fisheries. Pretend all you want, but many guides are filling this forum with protest because these are "their trophy fish" and want to use them to stir up interest from clients. CPR is just marketing..not conservation. True conservation would ban commercial harvesting of our public lakes. And for all those that want more government regulation, be sure to vote democrat this year.... it's their moto dont forget.

Mr. RecFisher,

Welcome to the forum and what a nice first post. Thank you for your opinion.

I'm not a fan of keeping fish. I maybe kept 10 freshwater fish all of last year.

However at the same time I will never criticize a licensed fisherman for harvesting legal game.

If you have some beef then ask for stricter regulations, don't harass people who are keeping legal game.

Also agree with the guides thing. The guides are easily responsible for majority of the fishing pressure.

+1

Very well said and welcome to the forum!

OK, I'm just trying to figure out who's permission I need to ask before I keep a fish I catch legally. Oh and what size too? 5lb? 10 lb? Is it ok if it's between 9.5 lb and 45 lb? There's more opinions on here than Carter's got little Liver pills and not much science to back it up. Guides have been blamed, commercial fishing, jug liners and everyone but the little kid on the bank with a cane pole. I'm sure he's next.
Oh yeah, if your MY guide and I catch a legal fish of whatever species and I want to keep it... I'm keep it thank you.

Keep fighting that good fight.

Spud, let me also say i absolutely love guided fishing trips. Put you right on the fish and dont have to clean the boat after we are done. I learned all i know about striper fishing from guided tours on Texoma. Im not against fishing guides on our public lakes, but i am against commercial interests unduely influencing TPWD regulations.

I dont care what anyone says, after i get done cooking at 35 lb catfish... it tastes like cornmeal and hotsauce to me!