Fishing For Catfish In Texas - Will Fewer Fishing License Mean Less Fish?

How could fewer fishing license sales impact the fish population in Texas. Will the economy get better? What impact did the drought and wildfires of 2011 have on our fishing habits? Is there anything we as fishing and outdoor enthusiasts do to help?

Being a long time angler located at this time in central Texas I am very concerned about what effects the economy and the drought will have on our lakes and rivers. This stands true for most of the states where fishing and the great outdoors are a major pastime.

We as anglers can spend hours of pleasurable and relaxing time on the rivers and lakes at our favorite hot spots. Many of us are fishing for catfish among other varieties. It has come to my attention that the funding for the state programs that stock the Texas lakes and rivers is drying up. Texas Parks and Wildlife budget is running with a huge deficit. The fish hatcheries department will not have the funds to stock the lakes. Fishing License sales are the primary income for the state fish hatcheries program. I have read that fishing licenses sales were down in 2011 from the previous years.

Of course, last year’s drought, record breaking heat and deadly wildfires had a big impact in our outdoor habits. Many of the lakes across the state has lower lake levels due to the drought. Many of the boat ramps were not accessible. On the brighter side - I believe because of the wet winter and all the rain this February we will have a better year but again that depends on how much more wet weather we have this spring. I have checked some of the area lakes and was very pleased to see that the lake levels were way up from late last summer. That means everyone, like myself, can start making catfish catching plans for spring break. Be sure to stop by your local bait shop or outdoors center before you head go cat-fishing and get your fishing license if you did not get them last September.

By purchasing fishing license you're helping to protect, preserve and enhance the sport of fishing for today and for generations to come. The license you buy will help pay for the fishery and hatchery budget along with many other valuable programs. You will need to purchase fishing license in the state of Texas if you are 17 and older although if fishing in Texas State Parks a license is not required. Let’s all get our fishing license, get out on our favorite lake or river and catch the big catfish among others.