Well crap Alligator Gar Bag Limit to go into Effect Sept. 1, 2009 AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission today approved a number of proposed changes to freshwater fishing regulations, including the state’s first measure aimed at protecting alligator gar. The prehistoric-looking predators can live as long as 75 years and are the largest freshwater fishes in Texas. The statewide regulation on alligator gar will change Sept. 1, 2009, from no length or daily bag limit to a one fish per day bag limit. The bag will apply to both recreational and commercial fishing.... Public comment on the alligator gar proposal was 167 comments against the department’s recommendation and 233 comments in favor of the regulation, with the majority of concerns raised by bow and commercial fishermen....
I even put in my comments to the TPWD. The vast majority who commented were against the regulations. There simply is no scientific reason to impose the limit. It's a knee jerk reaction and personally from what I've seen/heard that guy Phil D. has some sort of stiffy for you Texas bowfishers. He's the same dude that supported limiting bowfishing for common carp on Ladybird Lake. What is his issue? Is he just clueless? Are the CAG guys giving him cash or do they have compromising photos of him or something? Is he appointed or elected? Either way he need to be removed. Grr.
Sucks, but still aint keeping me from trying my hardest to head that way still. Atleast the Gar Guys working behind the scenes as well as at the meetings got them to NOT go through with the catch/release only (no bowfishing) or the 7 ft minimum length (also eliminates bowfishing) that were both proposed as well....It wasn't a TOTAL loss compared to what could have happened if those yahoos got their way.
