Flounder proposal passed, amended
Flounder: The new regulations adopted by the TPW commission today are an attempt to reverse a long-term downward trend in the abundance of southern flounder. TPWD Coastal Fisheries Division data shows that the relative abundance of flounder has fallen by about 50 percent since the early 1980s. 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.
Modeling suggests that the new regulations will result in an increase of spawning stock biomass of slightly more than 80 percent over six years, with the majority of that recovery taking place in the first several years....
Commentary coming soon...
Congradulations and thank you, Chester you have led a great drive to a productive outcome. You're a great American and a good Man. Keep up the good work.
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Any word out on when the 5 fish bag goes into effect?
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WONDERFUL! I am glad to read that the TPWD passed this.
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The reduction in the flounder limit should of be enforced a long time ago. We can't count how many times we've seen the inside of other people's coolers and saw nothing but barely legal flounder and some even questionable. On our boat we have had a 15 inch minimum as well as what we refer to as a "Freedom Fish" which is, what we consider a nice size fish who gets her freedom back on that day and we release her. That's a really nice feeling. Besides a really nice picture last forever, alot longer that fillets for supper! We would rather have 1 trophy flatty than 10 barely legal ones. Let the babies grow up some,to catch them another day.
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I'll take it ..... it is better than a closed season.
Hopefully fewer commercials fisherman will decide the money for the license is just not worth it, and sell back their license as well.
In the next six years we will see how this effects the over populations.
Great job Chester getting the word out
Bryan
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Well, we knew it was coming. Mixed feelings. If the commercial guys will just lay off! As usual, sports fisher-persons contribute 90% of the revenue and keep 10% of the fish. Commercials pay virtually zilch and keep 90%. PWD never seems to catch those guys. Oh, well, I can't eat more than one per day anyway. Let the brother go! I know one thing PWD needs to keep an eye on certain restaurants and fish houses. By God, this year, I'll give them a hand!
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