Trotlines and the Law in Texas
Anglers seeking to set trotlines in the waters of Texas are faced with a confusing legal status of the use of trotlines and the legal requirements for setting trotlines. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Code states, in relevant part: A person may not possess, use, or leave for use a trotline, jug line, limb line, trotline, or other device for taking fish of any type in the public waters of this state except as provided by commission rule. Tex. Parks & Wild. Code Ann. § 66.007. The rules promulgated under this statute authorize trotlines only in described bodies of water: The Texas Commission on Parks and Wild Life has authorized the use of trotlines in the following bodies of water in Texas: Because trotlines are only authorized on certain bodies of water, it is important that the angler setting trotlines check these regulations before setting trotlines. In addition to the statutory prohibition against trotlines, a permit is required for the use of trotlines. Tex. Admin. Code § 57.117. The only place a trotline tag may be purchased is the Park Headquarters at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, Texas. The cost of the trotline tag is $5.50, with 10% being paid to the local game warden.
Now that you know that trotlines are only allowed in certain bodies of water in Texas and a permit is required to set them, it is important to remember the penalty for violations of laws and regulations governing trotlines. It is noffense to possess, use or leave for use a trotline, jug line, limb line or other device for taking fish in certain bodies of water in Texas without a trotline tag issued by the department. Tex. Parks & Wild. Code Ann. § 66.007. A first offense will cost an angler $500.00. For a second offense, a fine of $1,000 . 00. For a third offense, a fine of $2,000.00. On a fourth or subsequent offense—well, it can get a little crazier. On a fourth or subsequent offense, the penalty will be the greater of: a $2,000 fine AND the offense being classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine, OR 30 days of community service. As an example, Joe goes trotlining on Lake Livingston, which is listed above as authorized for trotlines. Joe does not have a trotline tag, and he gets caught trotlining anyway. Joe, under the statute, will paid a $500.00 fine. This fine is not too bad, but we don’t just get caught once. So, the next month, Joe is trotlining again—this time without a trotline tag on Lake Livingston again. Joe may have learned his lesson, but his wallet hasn’t. Joe gets caught trotlining again, and this time the court double his fine—$1,000.00. Well, he should have learned his lesson, right? Well, Joe is a bit hard-headed. He goes trotlining again, and you guessed it, he gets pulled in for being trotlining—again without a trotline tag. Only this time, the court treats him like a habitual offense. In addition to a $2,000 fine, Joe will have his offense classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of no more than $4,000.00. I think we finally learned our lesson, right? Don’t intend that this section of the article be construed as providing any legal advice, but if I did, it would be this: www.tpwd.state.tx.us has lots of good information on the rules and regulations for fishing in Texas. So, before heading to the waters, look it up. It is critical that you do so. This could cost you a hefty fine or worse—potential jail time.
Trotline Laws in Texas
Trotlines may only be used on waters with a water surface area greater than 200 acres or on a water body designated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) executive director. These designated waters include: Lake Lewisville, Texoma (Lake Texoma), Lake Livingston, Lake O’ the Pines, Lake Ray Roberts, Lake Fork, Lake Tawakoni, Lake Palestine, Lake Naconiche, Lake Corpus Christi and Pala Verde Lake. The TPWD web site provides the area boundaries for each of these water bodies and an interactive map can be found here. You can only use trotlines to take fish on the TPWD designated trotline waters listed above, provided: You may only use trotlines for individual purposes. The waters surrounding places where commercial bait fish traps are set out have a 500 yard no-fishing area. It is illegal to possess more than 100 bait fish. A paddle or some object to propel live bait is required in order to take fish on waters where trotlines are allowed, unless you use a cast net or a minnow seine. The TPWD does not require a special permit for trotlines, but you must complete a trotline endorsement permitting you to use trotlines in Texas. Trotlines are unwitnessed lines used to catch fish.
Setting Up a Trotline Legally in Texas
Texas laws governing trotlines (also known as limb lines) are designed to protect the fishing resources of our state, including the safety and welfare of human beings, while also protecting the interests of persons engaged in the commercial and recreational use of trotlines and other types of fishing lines.
Now let’s break down the law into bite-size nuggets, and show you how to legally set up a trotline in Texas.
- Determine if you plan to legally set out a trotline on the waters of Texas: Correction: The only way for a person to legally possess more than the maximum limits listed below is for the person to be the holder of a valid commercial fishing license. See § 64.001(b); Parks & Wildlife Code § 47.003(a), (g).
- Purchase the following necessary items for your trotline: If you don’t have a boat from which to run your trotline, then you might consider hiring a local guide to take you to the area where you want to fish.
- Find an appropriate area along the waterway to legally set up your trotline: You must find an area along the waterway where your trotline does not obstruct private property such as docks or boat moorings, and is between two public rights-of-way (such as roads, bridges, or other accesses open to the public all over the property surrounding the body of water).
No limits apply to trotlines that are regenerated on the spot, are marked in the manner prescribed by the Parks and Wildlife Department and are being fished, handled, or collected from at any given time.
Step 4: Set the trotline and float the landings: Dead ending trotlines consist of a series of stationary loops with hooks on the end of each loop that are attached to the main line (the main line is the anchored line that starts 100 yards or more upstream and usually follows the waterway depending on the amount of current, obstructions, and terrain). A trailing or free floating trotline consists of the same components but is not anchored at both ends and is therefore always moving.
Always remember to comply with the statewide regulations that govern trotlines; if trotlines become legal, they will be added to the OutdoorsAnnex.com 2009 Texas Fishing Regulations Book to be up-to-date with the most recent changes in the law.
Penalties Associated with Illegal Use of Trotlines in Texas
Violating trotline regulations in Texas can lead to substantial penalties and fines. The state’s freshwater fisheries regulations are designed to ensure the sustainability and conservation of species and habitats, including through the responsible use of trotlines. Game fish violations can be prosecuted as Class C misdemeanors in the Municipal or Justice Courts. A conviction may lead to a fine of $25 to $500.
The Comptroller’s Office in Austin is responsible for collecting restitution on behalf of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department . The Comptroller’s Office provides the following list of restitution amounts in cases of violation:
For a one unit limit 10-20 fish $75
For a two unit limit 20-30 fish $150
For a three unit limit 30-40 fish $225
For a four unit limit 40-50 fish $300
For a five unit limit 50-60 fish $375
For a six unit limit 75-90 fish $450
For a seven unit limit 90-110 fish $525
For an eight unit limit 110-130 fish $600
For a ten unit limit 150-180 fish $675
For each additional 20 fish exceeding 200 fish $75
For each additional unit limit to number of units exceeding six $100
Each untagged catfish also carries a restitution cost with it. Penalties raise the more units used or number of fish involved, and restitution is generally assessed for each day of the offense. If fish are forfeited to the State, the restitution amount will be that listed above that most closely corresponds to that number of units/fish.
Fishing Tips for Trotline Success
Public safety and environmental stewardship are two key issues in managing trotline fishing on our Texas waterways. While trotlines can be an effective method for catching fish, the potential for injury to persons who grab or trip over trotlines beneath the water’s surface may lead to an accident. There is also the possibility that trotlines become entangled with other objects, causing harm to the environment. For these reasons, we encourage the following trotline fishing best practices. Fishing lines must either be marked with a non-absorbent floating material or have a large buoy (at least 12 inches long) at one end or both ends to indicate to recreational boaters and other water users that a trotline is present. Make sure the buoys float so they can be easily seen and avoid using absorbent materials, which can mark and cause damage to the hull of nearby boats. Trotlines must be secured to the bottom so they do not drift with the current. Hooked fish should be removed from the trotline and placed in a livewell or stringer as soon as possible to ensure the survival of the fish and minimize trauma to the fish. If the trotline is not checked for several hours, the hooked fish may die and attract wildlife to the trotline, resulting in another animal being hooked.
References for Texas Fishermen
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: The state agency responsible for conservation and regulation of fish and wildlife resources in Texas. Their website has detailed information on fishing regulations, including guidelines for trotlines.
Parks and Wildlife Code, § 62.023: The codified laws regarding trotline use in Texas, providing the legal framework for how trotlines may be deployed and utilized.
Angler’s Guide to Trotlines: A comprehensive resource from the Texas Cooperative Extension detailing the proper use and maintenance of trotlines in Texas waters.
Freshwater Fishing Regulations: Instructions on the more common methods of fishing in freshwater , most of which require a fishing license.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Fishing Regulations Handbook: A downloadable handbook that provides information on fishing regulations, advice on tackle, bait, and techniques, plus fishing close to home, as well as fish species and their biology.
Fishing Watch: A site monitored by the Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens, aimed at providing information to illegal fishing and hunting in an effort to minimize poaching.