Why limit the program to only certain months of the year. I know the idea is to have the fish spawn in captivity but why not take a fish that is SAL size caught in May or June (or when ever) and put that fish on a special diet that would help ensure healthier/more offspring?

I'd just like to jump in here and say THANK YOU TPWD for all you do for our lakes! Texas is home to some of the best fisheries in the world thanks to their efforts. I support whatever TPWD decides to do, including the SAL program.

1. No one here knows for a fact either way if the SAL program is "working" or not. There are too many variables. We can guess, but that's all it is, a guess.

2. As others have stated, its your fish, do what you want with it. It doesnt matter if you want to use a barbless hook and not lift the fish out of the water, and wear rubber gloves before you touch it, or if you want to pull it out, drop kick it to bottom of your boat, and leave it there for an hour. If the fish is legal it is yours to do what you want with.

3. There is no proof to many of the statements made. There is no proof more fish die after being turned in than turned loose. There is no proof that more of the eggs in the lake make it to fingerling size if the fish is left there than the number of fingerlings put in the lake later on. There is no proof that the decline in 15 lbers has any more relation to the SAL program than the 100 other variables that could cause a decline. There is also no proof that the program has caused an increase in fish size.



I have turned one in, and I have also not turned one in. I dont regret either decision. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to make those choices. People should be free to do what they want. If you get the opportunity yourself, do not feel like any of these post are telling the whole story. These post are a bunch of people giving information that is such a small percentage of the entire set of variables, that they hold no weight in determining the future of bass fishing in Texas.

Decide what you want when your chance comes. If the free replica, banquet, apparel, publicity is something you would like, then turn the fish in.

If you would feel better putting the fish back in the water, do that instead.

CA....10 or more 20+lb fish

TX...none at or above 20 lbs.

trout are the key.

Two reasons. Increased fish mortality in warmer months. It costs LOTS of money to feed BIG bass. Money TPWD doesn't have.

I understand the fish mortality part could be an issue to consider although I believe the way the fish are handled are the real problem with the mortality and not sure if the warm water aspect would add to it. I don't see cost as an issue. I keep hearing that SAL is funded by Sponsors and does not cost the state or TPWD anything. Is this not the case?

I understand the fish mortality part could be an issue to consider although I believe the way the fish are handled are the real problem with the mortality and not sure if the warm water aspect would add to it. I don't see cost as an issue. I keep hearing that SAL is funded by Sponsors and does not cost the state or TPWD anything. Is this not the case?