Game Wardens Seize Illegal Speared Largemouth Bass on Lady Bird Lake
Early on December 30, 2024, Texas Game Wardens reacted to a public tip regarding illicit fishing on Lady Bird Lake near Barton Springs. A Travis County Game Warden and captain game warden discovered two suspects: one actively spearing black bass with a pneumatic speargun while diving (in violation of Texas fishing regulations), and the other stationed onshore with a cooler and bag.
When wardens searched the cooler, they discovered 18 illegally captured largemouth bass (a violation of Ladybird Lake fishing regulations), weighing 76.05 pounds. Among their unlawful capture, 14 fish measured more than 18 inches, with nine topping 20 inches.
All of the fish, along with the spearguns and gear, were confiscated, and the bass were donated for consumption. The suspects have received many tickets for improper fishing practices and illegal possession of black bass. Fines and reparations penalties are pending.
Understanding Slot Limits and Daily Bag Rules for Bass Fishing Ladybird Lake
Harvests of this magnitude can have a significant negative impact on bass populations in a certain location. Ladybird has special harvest laws in place to ensure a healthy balance of fish species. For largemouth bass, there is a slot limit of 14-21″. Bass that are 14 inches or shorter or 21 inches or longer may be maintained. Only one bass larger than 21 inches may be preserved. The daily bag limit for all black bass species is five, in any combination.
Texas Speargun Laws: What Anglers Need to Know
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, a spear or spear gun can be used to catch nongame freshwater fish. Non-game fish are any fish that are not classified as a sport fish or a threatened or endangered species, such as carp, suckers, or sunfish. Harvesting gamefish with a spear or speargun is completely forbidden, even largemouth bass.
Protecting Our Fisheries
Every state and fishery has legislation in place because illegal fishing activities, such as spearfishing largemouth bass, can devastate localized populations, disrupting the balance and health of a fishery. Programs such as Texas Parks and Wildlife laws are in place to protect bass populations while providing recreational opportunities for all ethical fishermen.