SETX Bass Size limit change goes into affect

Special to The Leader

ORANGE — Beginning September 1st, Southeast Texas anglers will be able to keep largemouth bass measuring 12 inches or greater. Previously only largemouth bass 14 inches or greater were legal to harvest. The daily bag limit will remain at five fish and at eight fish for the Sabine River. This new rule will be applied to the Sabine River in Newton and Orange counties, and in Chambers, Jefferson, and Orange counties.

Local civic leaders and sportsman frustrated over the “one size fits all” regulation for largemouth bass suggested this change. Representative Dade Phelan filed and passed HB 1979 out of committee and onto the floor for a vote. At that point, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department offered to perform a detailed scientific analysis of the waters in Southeast Texas in lieu of legislation and committed to the new rule if the results justified modification. Their examination concluded that 12 inches is the appropriate size for harvesting largemouth bass for this area.

“I want to thank Texas Parks and Wildlife for their diligent efforts in ensuring the study was a fair and open process. One that considered not only the data but public opinion as well.” Representative Phelan continued, “This was an idea brought to me by John Gothia, Ida Schossow and other leaders in our community. It was an honor to work with them to make a positive impact on local fishing regulations.”

SportsPlus

Bridge City

Election brings Vidor ISD bond passage, new and returning leaders

Bridge City

Bobcats tame Cougars: Bobcats now District 10-3A Division 1 district champions

Bridge City

Jail inmate charged with criminally negligent homicide

Local

Rebranding Orange, highlighting its attributes, community

Bridge City

Weber recognizes hero cops for life-saving efforts

Local

Groundbreaking kicks off Orangefield ISD bond construction

Bridge City

DPS releases name of woman killed in Orange County rollover crash

Bridge City

Vidor smashes Liberty

Bridge City

LSCO Sets Record Enrollment for Fall 2024

Bridge City

Account setup to help with funeral services for girl, 15, shot to death in Orange

Bridge City

Last week’s recap — WO-S dismantles Shepherd

Bridge City

Female, 15, dies from gunshot wound in Orange

Bridge City

Pet of the Week — Princess looking for furever home

Bridge City

Orange church wrangles in new opportunities with new arena

Bridge City

PHOTO GALLERY — Shangri La’S Sip and Stroll

Bridge City

Early voting begins Monday, also includes local races

Local

Orange Police vehicle involved in crash

Bridge City

UPDATE: DPS releases name of man killed in officer involved shooting

Bridge City

Sean, “The Movie Guy:” Better Late Than Never for “White Bird”

Bridge City

DPS: Suspect pointed weapon at officers before he was shot

Bridge City

Orange police chase ends with shooting, suspect death

Bridge City

Bobcats squeeze out win over Coldspring

Bridge City

Taryn it Up: Doiron, Bees Buzzing to High Standards

Bridge City

Kevin Bacon and brother, Michael, to perform at Lutcher Theater