Bowfishing for Catfish

[walking eagle]

04/06/2006
By a vote of 6 to 3, bowfishing for catfish was approved by TP&W Commissioners. Bag limits and size restrictions will be the same for all fishermen.
I guess this will add 3 new categories to the records system:
Channel Cat
Blue Cat
Flathead Cat.
Ron

[Ken Carter]

It's just for one year, isn't it? Sort of a trial period so TPWD can study how it impacts catfish populations.

[Hot4huntin]

According to TPWD news release, the Commission legalized bowfishing for catfish on an experimental basis for a year. Can the categories be added on an "experimental basis"? :?

[Tomme]

Wow a chance for another award at the banquet. Now it's not just for Mullet anymore....... :P

[tsadler]

When does that take effect?

A better question - how do you bowfish for cats?

[Hot4huntin]

Tracy-I believe it goes into effect on September 1, 2006. It will be up for renewal in a year. TPWD Commissioners really debated over the passage of this regulation.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/feedback/meetings/2006/0406/transcripts/regulations_committee/

Don't have a clue on the other. I've only seen one catfish while bowfishing.

I bet Mr. Collier can tell you!

[Chew]

I've bowfished Lake Conroe and Lake Houston this past year and saw a few really nice cats and a bunch of 1-2 pounders. You could definitely stock up on filets for a fish fry if the water is clear enough. THe guy I bowfish with has seen the monster flatheads at Conroe in 1 foot of water out around the islands. The ones I saw seemed to offer a much better shot because they didn't take off as quick as the gar and carp. I'm looking forward to it. I don't think bowfishermen will put any dent whatsoever in the overall population.