Given the recent increase in abusive and destructive fishing behavior on the Texas coast, we have now reached a point where doing nothing is no longer an option. If you care about the long term health of our coastal flats fishery, here are a few ways that you can get involved.

The Sportsman's Rights Act

Section 62.0125 of the Texas Parks & Wildlife code is an adaption of the Sportsman's Rights Act. It basically states that:

• No person may intentionally interfere with another person lawfully engaged in the process of hunting or catching wildlife.
• No person may intentionally harass, drive, or disturb any wildlife for the purpose of disrupting a person lawfully engaged in the process of hunting or catching wildlife.
• A person who violates this section commits an offense. An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.

Interpretation of this law is subjective, but in theory it could be used against someone who maliciously “burns” a flat or shoreline to prevent others from catching fish. It can also be used against someone who intentionally runs their boat in a harassing/disruptive manner around others that are fishing.  To report violators, contact your local Game Warden or call (800) 792-4263.

Herding or Harassing Fish

According to the Texas Administrative Code, it is unlawful to use a boat or vessel to herd or harrass fish. This law can be applied to those that run shorelines and shallow flats in attempt to push fish into deeper water where they can be more easily pursued. It can also pertain to the practice of locating fish by running shallow flats and spooking or "bumping" them. Violation of this law is a Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500. To report violators, contact your local Game Warden or call (800) 792-4263

Texas Parks and Wildlife Code on Irresponsible Boating

TPWD code: Chapt. 31

§ 31.094. RECKLESS OR NEGLIGENT OPERATION.  No person may
operate any motorboat or vessel or manipulate any water skis,
aquaplane, or similar device in a wilfully or wantonly reckless or
negligent manner that endangers the life, limb, or property of any
person.

Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 1405, ch. 545, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1975.          

§ 31.095. EXCESSIVE SPEED.  (a) No person may operate any
boat at a rate of speed greater than is reasonable and prudent,
having due regard for the conditions and hazards, actual and
potential, then existing, including weather and density of traffic,
or greater than will permit him, in the exercise of reasonable care,
to bring the boat to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead.

§ 31.096. RECKLESS OPERATION AND EXCESSIVE SPEED.  No
person may operate a vessel or manipulate water skis, an aquaplane,
or a similar device on the water of this state in wilful or wanton
disregard of the rights or safety of others or without due caution
or circumspection, and at a speed or in a manner that endangers, or
is likely to endanger, a person or property.

Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 1405, ch. 545, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1975. 
Amended by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 267, art. 3, § 10, eff.
Sept. 1, 1985.

§ 31.098. HAZARDOUS WAKE OR WASH.  No person may operate a
motorboat so as to create a hazardous wake or wash.

The Redfish Bay State Scientific Area

This area, established in 2006, is a 50 square mile flats fishery that is bounded by the towns of Rockport, Port Aransas, and Ingleside (South Bay, Lighthouse Lakes, Brown & Root, Estes Flats, etc). In an effort to prevent habitat destruction the RFBSSA makes it illegal for anyone to uproot seagrass within the boundaries of the study area. For boundary maps and more information, please click here.

Economic Pressure

If you find a publication, tournament, guide, or boat/tackle manufacturer that is promoting destructive or unethical fishing or boating behavior, we encourage you to send them an email or letter that explains our cause.

Let them know that you will not be buying/supporting their product or service because their ads, website, articles, or videos are sending an irresponsible message to current and potential coastal anglers. One letter may not influence their tactics, but several letters may force them to consider their bottom line.

Letter Writing

A well-composed letter from one person is easily ignored. A flood of well-composed letters might eventually persuade action. Below, you'll find links to a sample letter, and the current Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission. A few stamps and a few minutes of your time might go a long way toward furthering our cause.

Sample Take Action Letter

TP&WD Commisioners

Executive Director - Carter Smith

Coastal Fisheries Director - Robin Reichers

Questions & Comments for TP&WD

TP&WD Commision Meetings & Agendas