Hi guys!

I was reading the TPWD 2012-2013 Outdoor Annual Hunting and Fishing Regulations handbook and I noticed that Lewisville Lake is included in the "Exceptions to Statewide Freshwater Harvest Regulations" table with the exception code "Ctfsh7".

Ctfsh7 is described as (For blue catfish, length limit is a 30- to 45-inch slot. Blue catfish 30 inches and less or 45 inches or greater in length may be retained. Only one blue catfish 45 inches or greater may be retained each day. Daily bag = 25 blue and channel catfish in any combination)

This topic can be found on pages 41-45. Link to the handbook

I am just curious and would like to ask if some of you guys know the significance of this slot limit for the Blue Catfish?

Thanks

Breeding

They are trying to make it a trophy blue lake.

Check it out if you catch a catfish bigger than 5 pounds just kissem on the mouth and throw him back, if it is bigger than 45 inches be sure to put him back and tell us exactly where you caught him so we can go see if they are still biting.

It is a good program

Needs to be a state reg

Yep. Also, theres no minumum size on lewisville.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/action/fishregs2.php?water=0301

There's no exemption to the minimum length limit on Lewisville. I read that wrong the regulation doesn't state that there is a MLL on blues, I don't know if it's still enforced or not.

Caribou I thought there was a 12" minimum. Is that just for channels?

I learned from Michael Littlejohn that a blue cat isn't even capable of reproduction until its 24 inches long or so.

I think the idea is to keep the good genetic lines going, so the trophy fish can make new future trophy fish more reliably.

Seems like a win win to me, more reliable big fish for the future, more money in local economies as tourist come to catch a dream fish, and healthier ecosystems in lakes.

Take a picture, we'll believe you lol.

I've also heard the big ones don't taste good anyway.

This sure needs to be usa regulated.

Yes Kenny, 12 in minimum on channels, 18 in min on flats, and no minimum on blues. Just the slot.

The slot is to protect the breeders and allow those slot fish to reach maturity and possible trophy status.

I cannot see any reason why you would keep a less than 12" fish.

For me there is really no reason to keep a fish above 30" on any lake. I can fill my freezer just harvesting fish between 12 and 30". Cleaning a big fish is a pain in the butt if you ask me.

Ain't much meat on a 12" fish, much less one smaller.I've been throwing back anything under 12" and will continue to throw them back.

I had no idea there was no minimum on lewisville. Not that I'd keep one that small anyway.