Texas Saltwater Fishing News

$1.5 million Federal Grant to Expand Texas Artificial Reef Program
The sand-bottom Gulf of Mexico provides almost no natural reefs for marine life, which is why the Texas Artificial Reef Program was created to provide structures for a thriving ocean ecosystem of aquatic invertebrates and the fish that feed on them. A $1.5 million federal grant will fund creation or enhancement of seven reef sites off the Texas coast in coming years. read more ->

Reminder: New Rules in Effect for November Flounder Run
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials are reminding coastal anglers that during November flounder fishing is allowed by rod and reel only, with no gigging allowed, and the bag limit has been reduced to two fish. read more ->

TPWD Increases License, Boat Registration Fees
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved increases to hunting and fishing licenses, as well as boat titling and registration fees. Most fees will increase by five percent and the increases take effect with the 2009-2010 license year, starting this fall for recreational hunting and fishing licenses. read more ->

Boaters Reminded About Registration, New Web Renewal Service Available
Boaters gearing up for summer fun on the water in Texas are reminded about the need for boat registration and boat and outboard motor titling. Also, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has a new Web service that started in March which allows boat owners to renew online. read more ->

New Web App Tracks Texas Tarpon
A new online tool created by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will help anglers find out where tarpon have been seen or caught in Texas waters, and will help biologists learn more about the "silver king’s" distribution and movements. read more ->

Head to Texas State Parks for Free Fishing!
Parents looking to save a few dollars by vacationing closer to home this summer might consider taking their youngsters to a nearby Texas state park, where they can try their luck at hooking a fish or two without worrying about needing a fishing license to do so. And, if you’re looking for how-to instruction and structured activities for your young angler, or simply want to brush up on your own fishing skills, more than a dozen state parks this summer are hosting special family fishing events. read more ->

TPWD Seeks Modest Increase to Licenses, Boat Fees
Most hunters, anglers and boaters in Texas could see a modest $2-$4 bump in license and boat registration/titling fees if a proposed 5 percent across-the-board increase is approved in May by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. read more ->

New Flounder Regulations to go into effect Sept. 1, 2009
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioners today approved a reduction in the recreational and commercial bag limits for southern flounder and set a reduced bag limit for the month of November with take that month limited to hook and line.... The new regulation reduces the recreational bag limit from 10 to 5 fish, and the commercial bag limit from 60 to 30 fish. Hook and line anglers will be permitted a 2 flounder daily bag limit during the month of November, with take by all other gear prohibited. read more ->

Galveston Island State Park reopening the bay side March 21, 2009
Galveston Island State Park, shut down for the last six months due to extensive damage from Hurricane Ike, will welcome day users to the bay side of the coastal park on Saturday, March 21. The beach side of the park, which sustained significant damage, remains closed to the public for facilities demolition and debris removal. read more ->