Feb. 2, 2021

Anglers Bag Two More Toyota ShareLunker Legacy Class Lunkers and Two Tournament Titles on Final Weekend of January

AUSTIN – The 2021 Toyota ShareLunker season continued its hot start after anglers reeled in two more Legacy Class Lunkers during the final weekend of January. That brings the total to four this year, equaling the amount caught during the 2020 season with two more months still to go. In addition, both anglers went on to win their respective tournaments due in large part to landing the Legacy Lunkers.

Annual Texas Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Dates Set for 2021

AUSTIN —Each February for 19 years, countless volunteers spend 10 days on the water along the Texas coastline searching the bays for abandoned crab traps left to foul shrimpers’ nets, snag anglers’ lines, “ghost fish,” and create unsightly views. To date, they’ve hauled off more than 38,000 of these derelict traps.

Jan. 29, 2021

CARES Act Fisheries Disaster Funding Application Now Available For Commercial Fishing Industry

AUSTIN- Due to the ongoing effects of the COVID – 19 pandemic, the commercial fishing industry is now able to apply for funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This bill was passed by Congress in March 2020 and includes $300 million for coastal states. Texas has been allocated almost $9 million to distribute to eligible commercial fishing sectors.

Jan. 21, 2021

Zebra Mussels Eradicated from Lake Waco in Central Texas

AUSTIN— The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has determined that invasive zebra mussels have been successfully eradicated from Lake Waco in Central Texas, preventing property damage, protecting water supply infrastructure and avoiding harm to the aquatic ecosystem. The department emphasized the vital importance of continued help from boaters, marina operators and others to Clean, Drain and Dry boats before moving them and remain vigilant to stop the spread.

Jan. 19, 2021

Big Bass are Back as Lake Austin Produces Second Toyota ShareLunker Legacy Class Entry of 2021

AUSTIN – In less than a week, the second Legacy Class largemouth bass of the 2021 Toyota ShareLunker season was reeled in at Lake Austin Thursday evening January 14. Angler CJ Oates, from Lago Vista, Texas, caught the 13.02-pounder just a few days after “ShareLunker 586” was claimed at Sam Rayburn.

Jan. 13, 2021

Sam Rayburn Logs First Toyota ShareLunker Legacy Class Bass Entry of 2021

AUSTIN – The second weekend of the 2021 Toyota ShareLunker season produced the first Legacy Class largemouth bass at Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Angler Travis Moore reeled in the 13.44-pounder using a Carolina rig during the Bass Champs tournament Saturday January 9.

Jan. 12, 2021

TPWD Closing Oyster Harvest in Galveston Bay

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is closing TX-1, TX-5, TX-6, TX-7 in Galveston Bay to commercial and recreational oyster harvest beginning at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 16, 2021.

Dec. 31, 2020

Toyota ShareLunker Program Launches 35th Season this Weekend

AUSTIN – The turning of the calendar to January signals the beginning of the 35th season of the Toyota Sharelunker program. The year-round Toyota Sharelunker program offers four levels of participation for catching bass over 8 pounds or 24 inches in Texas.

Dec. 17, 2020

Lake Buchanan Designated as “Infested” with Zebra Mussels

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has designated Lake Buchanan, located west of Burnet and north of Inks Lake in the Colorado River Basin, as “infested” with invasive zebra mussels. Infested status signifies that there is an established, reproducing population of zebra mussels in the lake. The designation is a result of recent sampling efforts that revealed new evidence of a reproducing population of zebra mussels in the lake.

Dec. 4, 2020

TPWD Sets Public Scoping Meeting to Gather Input on Crabbing in Aransas Bay

ARANSAS COUNTY- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking public input on potential changes to draft proposed rules impacting the use of crab traps in parts of Aransas Bay. TPWD is considering allowing the recreational use of crab traps from docks/piers in currently restricted sections of the shoreline in Aransas Bay.