Fish Texas – November 2022

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Rainbow Trout Are on the Way

angler holding trout, video link

Fall weather has arrived, or as we like to call it – trout weather! We'll start stocking rainbow trout on Nov. 23 in Neighborhood Fishin' ponds and other waterways – about 170 locations in all.

Any age or skill level can enjoy the thrill of catching rainbows, so grab grandma and the kids when you go. These trout are meant to be eaten, so bring something you can use to take your catch home. For tips on how to reel in these feisty fish, watch our short video Tips for Catching Rainbow Trout

Take a look at Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine's trout tips, and check the stocking schedule to see when you can expect rainbow trout to arrive at a pond near you. Enjoy!


Your Need-to-Know Info

happy female angler with green sunfish on the line
  • Flounder season is temporarily closed from Nov. 1 through Dec. 14 to allow the species to spawn. You may not catch flounder by any means during this time.
  • Digital tagging is now available as an option with select 2022-23 resident Super Combo licenses, including the Super Combo, Senior Super Combo and Lifetime Super Combo. Each of these digital licenses allow you to digitally tag your oversized red drum harvest, as well as deer and turkey.

See the Outdoor Annual for more of what's new for fishing in 2022-2023 and fishing regulation information, including length and bag limits for saltwater and freshwater species. Download the app to keep it all at your fingertips.  


Tips for Saltwater Fishing From Jetties

Man and boy walking out on a jetty with tackle

Interested in some Gulf fishing from shore? Try jetty fishing. Jetties are rock piles extending into the water. They have structure, current and bait fish – the essentials for attracting fish like black drum and redfish (red drum). Now is your best chance to catch a big redfish, since the bull run begins anew each fall.  

Find out what's biting where by signing up for weekly Gulf Coast fishing reports

Pro tip: If you're not having much luck, try the other side of the jetty – there's usually a difference in wave action and current. For more tips on where to go, when to go and what gear to take, see the magazine story Jetty Jackpot.


Legacy Class ShareLunker Season Coming Up

Female angler with Legacy Class Sharelunker

Texas is famous for its super-sized largemouth bass that weigh in at 13 lb.+. These hawgs are usually caught Jan. through March, so now's the time to plan your strategy. Especially since last year was one of the best years in Texas ShareLunker history.  

If you reel in one of these Legacy Class ShareLunkers, loan it to the Toyota ShareLunker breeding and stocking program. In exchange, you'll receive a catch kit filled with merchandise, a replica mount of your Lunker and much more.

Check out the Texas ShareLunker Archives to see where the Legacy Lunkers were caught last year. Our press release Toyota ShareLunker Program Completes Monumental Collection Season has even more information.

Legacy Lunkers are not the only bass we value. The Toyota ShareLunker program is year-round and offers you 4 levels of participation for catching bass over 8 lb. or 24" in Texas. Start planning that bass-fishing trip of a lifetime today.


Watch for Blotchy Bass and You May Win

Bass exhibiting black spots from BBS

Anglers across the nation are being asked to report signs of Blotchy Bass Syndrome (BBS). It creates inky, black spots on the skin of bass (see photo), but otherwise the fish appear to be in great condition. These fish are safe to eat when properly cooked.

To encourage your participation in BBS monitoring, Bass Pro Shops donated gift cards for weekly drawings, including $3,000 in gift cards going specifically to Texas anglers who participate. 

To be eligible for the prizes, Texas anglers who suspect that a bass fish has BBS must email the following to Cynthia Fox-Holt at cynthia.fox@tpwd.texas.gov

1. Photos of the fish

2. Name of the waterbody where the fish was caught

3. Date of the catch

Photos will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Dec. 31. You'll find more information in our press release TPWD Encourages Anglers to Report Blotchy Bass Syndrome.


#OptOutside on Black Friday

two anglers in boat, fall color in background

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving when online shopping hits its stride. Escape from your screen this year! Grab a friend or family member and spend Black Friday fishing and enjoying the outdoors. Use the lake finder in the Outdoor Annual app to locate a fishing spot close to home – less driving time means more fishing time. #OptOutside 


Messages from Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine advertisers:

Witte Museum Monster Fish exhibit

Marine Max ad with link

The Fish Texas newsletter is made possible in part
by the generous support of Toyota. 

Toyota

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