Those Hoping to Fish Along the Coast Will Have to Wait For Freezing Temps to Pass

By THC Staff | January 2, 2018

 

Many Texans are too busy bundling up to even think about going outside, but those who have some time off and want to spend it fishing might consider braving the freezing temperatures to catch fish along the coast. They should note that KRISTV says the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has instated fishing closures along the Texas coast from Tuesday, January 2 to Wednesday, January 3.

While many fish will die in shallow waters due to the hard freeze, the fish that head for deeper waters will become sluggish and easier to catch. Fishing in these areas would disrupt the population greatly. Robin Riechers, director of TPWD’s Coastal Fisheries Division, further explains, “The high mortality that a freeze can cause may deplete fish stocks for years. Protection of the surviving fish during the few days when they are especially vulnerable to capture would likely shorten the time period for overall recovery of coastal species, especially spotted sea trout.”

For a full list of the places along the Texas coast that will be closed for fishing, see the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s official website here. Those who see fish kills or a group of cold-stunned fish should call TPWD’s Law Enforcement Communications office at (281) 842-8100 or (512) 389-4848.