AUSTIN, TX - A public tip led Texas Game Wardens to uncover illegal fishing activity on Lady Bird Lake near Barton Springs, where two individuals were found spearing black bass, violating state fishing regulations.
The investigation, conducted on Dec. 30, revealed that one suspect was snorkeling and using a pneumatic speargun to catch the fish while another remained onshore with a cooler. Game wardens discovered 18 black bass in the cooler, weighing a total of 76.05 pounds and measuring 348 inches combined. Of the fish, 14 exceeded 18 inches, with nine larger than 20 inches.
All fish, along with the suspects’ spearfishing equipment, were seized. The black bass were later donated for consumption. Authorities issued multiple citations to the suspects for illegal fishing methods and possession of black bass, with fines and restitution charges pending.
“Harvests of this magnitude can be very detrimental to bass populations in a localized area like this,” Texas Game Wardens stated.
The public is encouraged to report violations to Operation Game Thief at 800-792-4263.
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