Ethical Angling: Conservation Tips for Texas Fisheries

Here in Texas, fishing is more than a hobby—it’s a deep-rooted tradition. From the big bass lakes of East Texas to the coastal flats of the Gulf, we are blessed with some of the best fisheries in the country.

As a Texas Fishing Guide, I see firsthand the pressure our waters are under. To ensure that our children and grandchildren enjoy the same incredible fishing we do today, we must all commit to being Ethical Anglers.

Ethical angling goes beyond just following the law; it’s about good stewardship and respect for the resource. Here are my essential conservation tips for responsible fishing practices, catch-and-release, and habitat preservation across Texas waters.

1. Master the Art of Catch-and-Release

Whether it’s a slot-limit Redfish or a trophy Bass, knowing how to safely release a fish is the most direct way you can contribute to healthy populations.

Use the Right Gear:

  • Barbless or Crimped Hooks: Crimping the barb on your hook (or using barbless hooks) makes hook removal incredibly quick and minimizes tissue damage to the fish’s mouth.
  • Circle Hooks: Whenever using natural bait, especially in saltwater, switch to circle hooks. They are far more likely to hook the fish in the jaw rather than the gut, dramatically increasing survival rates.
  • Proper Landing Nets: Use a rubber-coated or soft, knotless mesh landing net. These nets protect the fish’s protective slime layer, scales, and fins, reducing the risk of infection.

Handle Your Catch with Care:

  • Wet Your Hands: Always wet your hands or use a wet cloth before touching a fish. Touching a fish with dry hands removes the protective mucus (slime coat), leaving the fish vulnerable to bacteria and fungus.
  • Minimize Air Time: Keep the fish in the water as much as possible. If you must take a photo, keep the fish out of the water for no more than 3-5 seconds (the length of time you can comfortably hold your breath).
  • Support the Weight: When lifting a fish, particularly large bass, trout, or reds, support their body horizontally with two hands—one hand gently gripping the lower jaw (for species where this is safe) and the other hand supporting the belly or tail. Never hold a large fish vertically by the jaw or lip grippers alone, as this can damage its spine and internal organs.

The Release:

  • Resuscitation: If a fish is sluggish or exhausted, gently hold it upright in the water and face it into a mild current. Move it back and forth gently (the “Figure Eight” pattern) to force water over its gills until it regains enough strength to swim away on its own.

2. Respect the Aquatic Environment (Leave No Trace)

Healthy fish need clean, stable habitats. As an angler, you are the front line of defense against pollution and habitat destruction.

Be a Clean Water Advocate:

  • Never Litter: This sounds simple, but it is the most crucial rule. All trash—especially plastic and food waste—must be packed out.
  • Properly Dispose of Line: Monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided lines are deadly to birds, turtles, and other wildlife. Always secure old line and dispose of it in a designated recycling bin or your trash at home.
  • Manage Bait Wisely: Never release live bait, especially non-native species, into the water. This prevents the spread of harmful viruses and invasive species that can devastate native fish populations.

Protect Spawning and Habitat Areas:

  • Avoid Seagrass and Spawning Beds: In coastal waters, avoid boating in shallow seagrass areas that act as vital nurseries. In freshwater lakes, know when fish are spawning (often indicated by shallow, clear patches of gravel or fanned-out areas called “redds”) and avoid wading on or casting directly to them.
  • Clean Your Gear: If you fish multiple bodies of water (especially moving from lake to lake), thoroughly clean your boat, kayak, trailer, and wading gear to prevent transporting invasive plants (like hydrilla) or organisms (like zebra mussels) that choke out native habitats.

3. Support & Follow the Regulations

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) sets regulations (like size limits and bag limits) to manage fisheries for long-term health. Your job is to know them and abide by them.

  • Know the Rules: Before every trip, consult the current Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual. Regulations can change based on the specific lake, river, or bay you are fishing.
  • Understand Slot Limits: A slot limit (e.g., the 20- to 28-inch limit for Redfish) is a conservation tool. It encourages the release of small, growing fish and large, reproductively valuable fish (the broodstock) while allowing harvest of those in the middle. Respecting the slot limit protects the species’ ability to reproduce.
  • License Power: Remember that the revenue generated from your fishing license directly funds the TPWD’s crucial conservation efforts, including fish stocking, habitat restoration, and fisheries research.

Become a Steward, Not Just a Catcher

We fish because we love the environment. By practicing ethical angling—focusing on safe release, protecting habitat, and respecting the regulations—we actively work to preserve the incredible resources we have in Texas.

Let’s keep our waters clean and our fisheries strong for all the generations of anglers yet to come.

Ready to book a guided trip and learn responsible techniques firsthand?

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