I was wondering if someone here might be able to help me out. I am very interested in getting out on my weekends and doing some collecting of native fish here in texas. I am interested in some of the native pupfish, killis and topminnows, as well as some of the livebearers. I have downloaded the checklist off of this site allog with that I have several books on native fish. I just want to know where I can find information on the laws conscerning collecting the fish. I want to make sure that when I do go out I dont collect anything your not suppost to be. I look forward to ready any replies.

Your best bet would be to check out your state's fishing regulations and pay special attention to those concerning the collection of baitfish. Here is a list of protected fish in Texas. Thats just for starters, finding out what laws exist for collection in terms of the aquarium hobby is difficult. You may end up having to contact a DNR agent. I'm sure there is an email address on that link somewhere.

Thanks for the tips. I have tried to look up any information on "bait fish" in the fish regs for texas and I have not found anything online. I will be stopping in to the local office on my weekend and picking up a paper copy and looking in it. If that does not work I will contact the DNR office and see what they say. Thanks again.

here are the rules for texas for nongame fish. TEXAS uses the words for baitfish as follows. there rules are real clear.

COPY AND PASTE FROM TDNR and texas state law.


http://www.tpwd.stat..._w7000_0798.pdf

Non-game Fish: All species not listed as game fish except endangered and threatened fish which are defined and regulated under separate rules.

http://www.tpwd.stat...sh/definitions/





http://www.tpwd.stat..._w7000_0798.pdf

http://www.tpwd.stat.../legal_devices/

Edited by CATfishTONY, 03 October 2009 - 06:52 AM.