Possible Tilapia Tournament

[JLittle44]

I should first reference this thread: http://www.spearboard.com/showthread.php?t=38555

I contacted the bio dept at Southwest... sorry Texas State University... and asked about tilapia in the San Marcos River. Dr. Bonner has given me permission to post his opinion, but I've deleted the email addys. They are easy to contact if you have any other questions. This is the email exchange:



John:

I’m not sure when tilapia were first introduced into the San Marcos River. Likely, they were introduced years ago (pre-1999) along with several other aquarium fishes including the suckermouth catfish. It seems suckermouth catfish (and maybe tilapia) became more abundant after the 1998 flood. Regardless, tilapia and other exotic fishes currently are very abundant in the San Marcos River. You can see a number of them in the river, especially around San Marcos River Pub.

I assume that tilapia will disperse a substantial distance downstream in the San Marcos River. I would not be surprised to find them 100 miles downstream of San Marcos. However, they only will sustain a viable population where water temperatures are regulated by spring flow (i.e., upstream from the San Marcos River/Blanco River confluent—protection from cold water temperatures).

Exotic fishes do not belong in the San Marcos River. Best of luck spearfishing all of them. Also, please send me the spearfishing web site link. Ultimately (it might happen), I would like to have a spearfishing tournament in the San Marcos River to rid the area of suckermouth catfish and other exotic fishes.

Thanks for your interest.

Tim
_____________________________________
Timothy H. Bonner
Texas State University-San Marcos
Department of Biology

Freeman Aquatic Biology Building
601 University Drive
San Marcos, Texas 78666
email: @txstate.edu
website:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Joseph R. Tomasso [mailto:@txstate.edu]
Sent: Monday, January 15, 2007 3:41 PM
To: Bonner, Timothy H
Subject: Fwd: Tilapia Question

Tim:

Can you handle this one?

Joe

Subject: Tilapia Question
Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 15:26:09 -0600
X-MS-Has-Attach:
X-MS-TNEF-Correlator:
Thread-Topic: Tilapia Question
Thread-Index: Acc468YzfoMoXF1lSrCakz64/9s8RQ==
From: "John Little" <JLittle@nationalrealty.com>
To: <@txstate.edu>
X-Proofpoint-Spam-Score: 0
X-OriginalArrivalTime: 15 Jan 2007 21:17:04.0071 (UTC) FILETIME=[80F9DD70:01C738EA]

Dear Sir,

I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting you, but a google search got me to your name. I’m a member of an online spearfishing message board where the topic of tilapia in the San Marcos River came up, and I was stunned. It was my belief that I had personally seen nearly every square foot of that river down to Martindale snorkeling while I was in college. (grad ’99) I’m curious as to when were tilapia introduced in that water, and how far downstream have they made it. Any information you have would be greatly appreciated.

Respectfully,
John Little
National Realty Consultants
4543 Post Oak Place
Suite 232
Houston, TX 77027




Ya'll, this sounds like a lot of fun to me. That river is the same temperature year round, so we could easily have a tournament late in the fall when we get blown off the gulf. That's also when good camping weather rolls in and the tubers are off the water and out of the way.

The people that have the power to organize this event will most likely be looking at this thread, so if you are interested in something maybe called The San Marcos River Exotic Fish Tournament post your support here.

[MichaelBaranows]

Call me when you want to go up there and do some scouting. Right now I don't have much weekend plans over the next few months. We was going to go up there this weekend to do a little diving the in the Springs but I am not sure if we are going to still go with the weather they are forecasting.

[Mattedhead]

I have a wedding this spring in Austin I will likely be forced to attend...this just might make it survivable. Is this near Austin at all?

[JLittle44]

Michael,

Will do. Tenatively Feb 2nd - 4th. If your dad wants to head up there too I've got plenty of kayaks. The plan is to slay everything at the damn by River Pub and maybe paddle up to Sewell park, do a leasurly float back downstream and shoot everything along the way. Dry off at the park by the damn and warm up at River Pub telling lies about giant hammerheads on the rigs to the locals. :D I'm taking a freeshaft and the polespear.

My bud just called from San Antone; he's in, and I'm trying to get my bro down from Austin. The dude has a Gulf XHD but doesn't even own a wetsuit.

Matthead,

Yeah, it's about 20min south of Austin. The water is crystal clear and 70 deg year round.

[MichaelBaranows]

That sounds good to me. The Island might be a little overkill so I will have to break out the Rhino. But the pole spear will probably be the best bet.

[Mattedhead]

Perfect...I can hear it now..."WTF?? why is there a speargun in your suit bag!?!?!" The little 75cm will pack nice!

[P_W]

Sounds like fun. Good target practice too.

[chasintail]

How is the vis in the river?

[FreeDiving-Los]

I'd be interested in helping you guys rid the San Marcos of exotics. How can I get involved?

[adriangarz1206]

We would definetly like to attend the slaying of helpless fish, please let me know via pm, even if its something small. I can come up with about 7 divers so if we can get about 15 people and put together a pot 10-20 dollars a person and award the top 3 we have a ourselves an afternoon full of fun while we get the year rolling in the gulf.


Cesar
Southh texas freedivers
www.stfreedivera.org/index.html

[JLittle44]

The visability is excellent and consistent. The water is spring fed and temperature is 70 degrees year round.

[Seth]

wish i was there, this sounds like perfect 75 - 90 cm hunting fun... hey.. should be a prize for the biggest gun used, i can just picture someone hopping in the river with a 60 inch gun to take on those super hard skulled tilapia :)


gonna be a big tilapia fryout at the end right???

[Seahuntress]

San Marcus River is a beautiful spring fed river. You all have fun! Sounds like a great adventure to be had.

[mrfish87]

Nick, pick me and Hartwell up on the way.

[bug_power]

I'm in! The only thing comparible to jetty jumping is River rock jumping. I can probably round up my stepdad or so. I can use the GUlf Mag and he can use the 38 spcl.

[BLACKFIN]

Tilapia?! Is this a joke?

I started a seafood wholesale company in San Diego when I was in college, called Pacific Fish Runner, servicing restaurants like the Chart House, Rusty Pelican, etc. This was in the mid-eighties. We laughed when salesmen tried to market them to us to sell in restaurants. Now I see them in every supermarket. Tilapia was considered garbage fish - some people were raising them in plastic tanks or even trash cans. They reproduce like crazy, eat anything and are very hardy. I did not realize there is a wild population in the US. I thought they are native to South America or Africa. Not really sure. But I know this, if they are in some river, eliminate those bastards because sooner than later they will overwhelm the area.

[JLittle44]

Blackfin,

You are right, they are not native. That is the whole point. The biology department at Texas State University is exploring avenues of getting rid of several exotic fish species that have been introduced to the San Marcos River. Getting a bunch of hibernating spearos riled up with blood lust is one of the things they are considering.

Your account and description of the tilapia is also accurate. There are a lot of people farming them now and they are heavily marketed. I think they even have their own co-op. To me, the fish really has no taste, but they take seasoning well.

But who cares, it's the middle of winter. There is clear 70 deg water, a solid supply of targets, and a chance to do a little bit of conservation and management.

[adriangarz1206]

I will to talk to the the gruop of spearos that I know and let's start talking about dates.


Cesar

[BLACKFIN]

If I know the Tilapia, it will be like trying to shoot flies off a turd.

[adriangarz1206]

Really, I figured it would be like shooting carp or knot heads in freshwater.


This might be funner than I thought, do you think they are as smart as Mangrove Snapper??

Cesar
South texas freedivers

[T.Scott]

I'm in for Feb. 2. I live about 20 minutes from there and have a kayak. Thanks for checking into this with the Doc. from the university. I'll help organize something for Friday, but have a commitment for saturday and sunday. If you need kayak rental info. or anything else, let me know.
YEEE HAAAA!
scott

[loOse1]

Really, I figured it would be like shooting carp or knot heads in freshwater.


This might be funner than I thought, do you think they are as smart as Mangrove Snapper??

Cesar
South texas freedivers

I don't think you'll have any trouble slaughtering tilapia. Alexander Springs in FL is infested with 'em, you can easily get within 2 feet of them, not at all skittish.

[chasintail]

I predict a horrible outbreak of redtide in the river soon.

[MichaelBaranows]

I had person PM on another forum that spearing in the San Marcos city limits is illegal. So John you might what to check on it before the plans get too far along. I am sure it would be great press to have a dozen guys in the Austin 10 o'clock news in wetsuits getting arrested.

[BLACKFIN]

Just out of curiousity, how big do Tilapia get in the wild? The farmed ones I saw back then reached no more than a couple pounds.

[westpalmspearo]

sounds like a good time to me i wonder if i could get some fla boys in on it

[T.Scott]

We've had a bunch of rain in San Marcos, and it is scheduled to rain the next five days. I can do some recon. as soon as is clears and let you guys know if I find any. I'll leave the riffe at home so I won't be tempted just yet. I'll also try to find out if it's legal to spearfish in San Marcos. If not, the river is long and will run outside city limits.

Cesar - if we pick a date that works for everyone, you can spend the night here. I'm about 20 minutes away.
scott

[Seahuntress]

The rivers are illegal, but I thought they said they would allow a spearfishing tournament to rid them. That's a beautiful place; don't party too much while your down there.

[JLittle44]

It is NOT illegal to spear in the lakes and rivers outside of state parks and a couple places specifically noted in the law. Please read the law... it's online for everyone to see; free of charge.

If it is illegal to spear within the city limits, I believe that would have to have been established by city ordinance. There may be some concern about public endangerment. Spearguns are not classified as firearms and we would be the only “public” in the water, so I don’t see any harm. Now in the middle of summer when there are tubers milling about, spearing would not be at all advisable, so that may be where the ordinance, or rumors thereof, came from.

There was also a rumor that it is illegal to spear in waters controlled by the LCRA. The dive shop owner there in San Marcos said the same thing. The owner of Windy Point said there was no such law. I called and personally spoke with a number of people at the TPWD and the LCRA. They both traded me back and forth and neither could find anything saying it was illegal. The one game warden I spoke with agreed with me.

State law clearly says that it is perfectly legal to use a speargun to shoot non-game fish in state waters.

Since there seems to be enough people involved, the Doc and Scott both checking into the city limit thing, we'll just rely on you guys. I don't want to bombard the PD with spearfishing inquiries and causing a panic.

Bottom line is, Scott is right. Even if there is some city ordinance, we still have miles of river south of SM all the way down to the Blanco to find them. I'm going to be there on the 2nd primarily to scout around and see what's there. Well... maybe I'll shoot a couple for dinner. :D

[JLittle44]

I've posted all this before, but it's been archived.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/annual/fish/legal_devices/


In fresh water, it is unlawful:

to take game fish and nongame fish from Community Fishing Lakes, sections of rivers lying totally within boundaries of a state park, the North Concho River from O.C. Fisher dam to the Bell Street dam, the South Concho River from Lone Wolf dam to Bell Street dam, and Lake Pflugerville with any other gear besides pole and line.

to take fish with a hand operated device held underwater except that a spear or speargun may be used to take NONGAME fish.



Speargun:
Any hand operated device designed and used for propelling a spear, but does not include the crossbow.
May be used to take NONGAME fish only.


http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/annual/fish/definitions/


Game Fish (includes hybrids or subspecies of fish on this list):

Bass: Guadalupe, largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, striped, white, yellow
Catfish: blue, channel, flathead
Cobia
Crappie: black, white
Mackerel: king, Spanish
Marlin: blue, white
Pickerel
Red drum
Sailfish
Sauger
Seatrout, spotted
Sharks
Snook
Spearfish, longbill
Swordfish, broadbill
Tarpon
Tripletail
Trout: brown, rainbow
Wahoo
Walleye

[JLittle44]

This didn't come out as well as I'd hoped.

*Edit: This map is better.

Map:

[JLittle44]

This is a public safety message for those most likely to be interested. In the summer months please observe hazardous road conditions.

[bug_power]

Last year I heard a rumor that they were changing the law about spearing catfish....specifically that you could bow hunt or spearfish for them.

[MichaelBaranows]

Spearfishing in Texas is misunderstood. I don't even think the TPWD has any idea what is legal.

[los mentirosos]

Jlittle's absolutly right about that dangerous stretch. I lived in Kyle in the early 80's and worked at the Pontiac/GMC dealer picking up parts. I bumped someone myself the first week right along that section. No harm done. Nowdays they would sue for millions. :eek:

[bug_power]

You guys think that is bad. Try being in 8th grade with a sister that is a High School Cheerleader. They go to the UCA cheerleading camp at TSU (SWT at the time). Imagine being a teenage boy with not only 500 high school cheerleaders, but college cheerleaders as well.

For some reason people couldn't figure out why it's 100 degrees outside and I've got a coat tied around my waist!

[bug_power]

You also need to be carefull if your shooting shaft in the area. While there are several prime tilapia, after a few drinks you might confuse them with some slimy catfish in the area.

[Seahuntress]

San Marcus is a great party town. I think that's what John Little really has on his mind. There are lots of college coeds in that area. But I don't know about bikini's this time of year. But I know the night life is great!

[JLittle44]

San Marcus is a great party town. I think that's what John Little really has on his mind. There are lots of college coeds in that area.

This is absolutely not true, my strict religious upbringing does not allow me to consume alcohol, look at or lust after scantily clad women. :liar:

[Seahuntress]

I think you guys should put a trip together and go have some fun. :p

[x-ring]

March 19th or 23rd I could do it. anyone up for that. Jetty jumper I will be camping on PINS that week and would love to hit the jettys with a local!

[P_W]

Here are some pics from just below the falls that I took a year or two ago to show the water clarity.

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/6512/img07498yu.jpg

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/4772/img07538co.jpg

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/8711/untitled1copy9ob.jpg

[gnominic]

I'll definatley come along if I'm off work (I'm getting a new job soon, so who knows). I always thought you couldn't spearfish in freshwater at all (I know otherwise now).

There are also lots of these little buggers in the Comal River. I've seen them a few times above the chute, but it's a big park, so even in the off season it might not be a good place to slaughter, I mean thin the populations....

-dennis

[Scubaru]

Just found this thread, I'm all over it. Nick, you & your boys should make a road trip, just don't pick up any cajuns along the way and we might have some fish left to shoot next year!

[Scubaru]

I think you guys should put a trip together and go have some fun. :p


I think that's the underlying meaning of this whole thread until 1 of the 3 women who reads Spearboard went and posted about all the extra-curricular activities around San Marcos :slap:

[MichaelBaranows]

That weekend is Superbowl Weekend so I am not sure if that would effect anyones plans.

[adriangarz1206]

I think we (Jlittle44) should set 3 possible dates and lets see what would be the best for everyone (when can we get the most attendance), from what this looks like we could have a full blown out tournament. I think we can even get some Sponsors for this and have some decent prizes. Who ever is organizing this, I would love to help, here is my number 956-266-1159 or reply to the thread or pm me with how I can do that. This would be the first freswater tournament ever in Texas, I'M SURE THAT spearfishing gear manufactures wouldnt mind showing their stuff at an event like this. I think this is a great opprtunity to get spearos together in Texas like they do in FL,AL,Hawaii, and louisiana. This could also be an ongoing event that get's us trough the winter.


Let me know how I can help
Cesar
South Texas Freedivers

[JLittle44]

Hang in there guys. They are already working on a tournament. If anyone wants to get together and do the throw $20 in a hat thing, that's great, and pretty easy to keep track of.

Tournaments take planning, and having the university organize it would give it a lot more credibility and positive exposure. I have told Dr. Bonner that we will be there to compete in any tournament they can organize, and that I would be more than happy to help. I'm sure many of you feel the same way, so let's just hang in there give them a chance to pull it all together.

In the meantime, I still want to do some scouting at least Friday (Feb 2nd) and Saturday. The game is Sunday evening, and that will not at all get in the way.

[adriangarz1206]

Sounds like a plan.....

[Seahuntress]

I think that's the underlying meaning of this whole thread until 1 of the 3 women who reads Spearboard went went and posted about all the extra-curricular activities around San Marcos :slap:

Your secret is safe with me. You know that ;) Go have some fun.

[Seahuntress]

That weekend is Superbowl Weekend so I am not sure if that would effect anyones plans.

They have the Superbowl there also Michael ;) Now, that's all the more reason for all you men to go.

[catfish]

if you think shoting tilapia will be easy,and they are stupid you will be quite suprised. They are very spookie and rarely give you a second chance. It's best to catch the big males on the bed and shoot befor he sees you. small guns and quick shots!!!!

[Seahuntress]

That will be good practice, and make you an avid hunter. I would think they will need some smaller guns thou. I don't think I would haul any Riffes there.

See you offshore, I'm not a Lake or River diver.

[DavidDW]

JLittle, I think having Dr. Bonner (Texas State) sponsor the tournament is a great idea, especially since the City of San Marcos has an ordinance prohibiting the use of spearguns in the San Marcos River. I use to live in San Marcos (now in Austin) and have done a little spearfishing within the city limits and was never stopped by anyone, of course it wad during the offseason for recreation. Maybe Dr. Bonner could get a waiver or variance to conduct a tournament. I am curious to know more about his plan to have a Tilapia "shoot out".

Let me know how we can help.

David
South Texas Freedivers

[JLittle44]

Whew, that sucker was tough to find. I had to call the legal department and it took them close to half an hour.

http://www.municode.com/resources/gateway.asp?sid=43&pid=11549

Sec. 58.068. Possessing of or shooting spearguns in San Marcos River.
(a) In this section, the term "speargun" means any type of device used for propelling a spear or any other type of projectile through water as a means of shooting or taking fish.
(b) It is unlawful for any person to possess or shoot a speargun while in or upon the San Marcos River.
(Code 1970, § 16-9; Ord. No. 1995-15, § 1 (16-5), 2-13-95)


I'm still planning on going this Friday. There are a few roads that pass over the river north of the Blanco and south of the city limits that should provide access. Dragging kayaks all over the place doesn't sound like a lot of fun, so I'll just be swimming. If anyone knows any specific public access points, feel free to speak up.

Dr. Bonner will be looking into getting a variance to this ordinance for purposes of a tournament. I don't think it will be too much trouble.

[bug_power]

Awsome keep us informed.

[T.Scott]

JLIttle - This access info. is from Fly-fising the Texas Hill Country 1996 by Bud Priddy.
1. Boat ramp at the San Marcos City Park.
2. Between Guadalupe and Caldwell Counties, CR101 crosses river south of town. Road runs between FM 621 and SH-80.
3. In Caldwell County, FM 1979 crosses river west of Martindale. There is 100 yards of public access along righ tof way. Overnight camping 512-499-8432
4. Guadalupe County - FM1977 crosses river east of Staples. 100 yards of shoreline and a dam just below crossing.
5. FM 20 crossing west of Fentress. 75 yards of public access along the right of way.
6. CR 249 west ouf of Prairie Lea. This is in Caldwell Coiunty. Turn to the right at a T Junction and follow CR 247, which crosses the river.
7. CR 116 crossing west of SH-80. Turn west; there is 30 yards of shoreline access along right of way.
8. CR 119 in Caldwell County west of Stairtown, TExas. Good access on southwest corner of bridge.
9. US90 crosses the river west of Luling. 100 yards of shoreline.
10. Luling city park of US-80 south of town. 1/2 mile public access.
Hope this helps,
Scott

[JLittle44]

Sounds to me like Mr. Bud Priddy kept a couple of places to himself. :cool:

I will too. :whistle:

[bug_power]

nothing a little Google Earth can't figure out!

[MichaelBaranows]

We were about to get in the water Friday and shoot a few fish. I will let John give the report and then I will make fun of John and post a few pictures.

[JLittle44]

Update:

From: Bonner, Timothy H
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2007 11:35 AM
To: John Little
Subject: RE: Fish Identification

John:

Thanks for the update and link to the discussion board. It was very informative.

Suckermouth catfishes (aka: plecos) are a serious problem in the San Marcos River. They are called “ecological bulldozers” by some researchers. They can have direct and indirect impacts on the system—direct by eating eggs attached to algae (fountain darters) and removing habitat for inverts and fish, indirect by trapping phosphorus (retained long term in their armor), which can substantially alter the nutrient cycles in the system.

We (several faculty and students at Texas State) are attempting to determine the level of impact that suckermouth catfish has on the San Marcos River system. I’ll keep you updated on our findings as they become available.

Plecos supposedly taste like lobster. An undergraduate student confirmed this although not much meat is available after cleaning (we use a hacksaw to sever the head).

Let’s continue working together to get this resolved. I agree, we might never eradicate the catfish from the San Marcos, but could eventually reduce their numbers to a manageable, less damaging level.

Tim

_____________________________________
Timothy H. Bonner
Texas State University-San Marcos
Department of Biology
Freeman Aquatic Biology Building
601 University Drive
San Marcos, Texas 78666

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: John Little
Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 11:49 AM
To: Bonner, Timothy H
Subject: RE: Fish Identification

Tim,

Here’s the story from the weekend. Michael should have some pics up later today.

http://www.spearboard.com/showthread.php?p=443895#post443895

We didn’t see any eels, and I was a bit disappointed at that. I had a good time though and will definitely get back.

I would really like to talk to you about the suckermouths. Am I safe in assuming that it is a total ecological disaster? What do those things eat? Please tell me they don’t eat other fish eggs and juveniles. We saw very few of the fish that are supposed to be in that water, and a whole heck-of-a lot of the fish that aren’t supposed to be there.

It is my opinion that a Spearfishing tournament to get rid of them will not nearly be enough. I would really like to talk to the city council and try to do something. We need to get that ordinance changed or modified, or at least a temporary variance if only to try and get rid of that one problem. I was thinking we could talk to the Dive Shop and get them to stock a good number of pole spears at a discount and try to find a way to get maybe fifty or sixty divers in the water for a two-day event with media coverage. Heavy media coverage if at all possible. It will not be possible to kill them all, ever. But maybe we can put a good dent in them long enough for other species to recover.

John





A couple of things had to get edited out because of pending meetings and conversations. But it looks good guys. Keep up your support and interest and maybe we will get to put a little hurtin' on those bad boys!

[MichaelBaranows]

There are so many sucker catfish I don't think you could kill enough to do much good. I think dynomite would probably be the onyl way to get enough of them.

[bug_power]

any new news on the tourn?

[spearstudtx]

Yep, I am doing it, bringing this thread back like Jesus.
I was wondering what came of the tourney?
Also, I am in San Marcos and always down for a spearing trip so give me a shout and I will go.
Secondly anyone know of other rivers in Texas that are clear water?
Lastly I finally have a little time to go offshore/saltwater, all the equipment, etc so if anyone ever wants to split gas and expenses, count me in.

Nathan

[Powers]

Down for the tournament as well. I would donate a hand-made hawaiian sling for the prize table. And I can round up several more divers.

[spearstudtx]

Since I have dove the SM river a couple times everyone should know that the biggest problem is going to be that we will not be able to spear in city limits without some kind of exception. This is a problem as most Tilapia are where the water is colder (w/in city limits) and that is also where the water is clearer. Any input is appreciated.

Nathan

[Powers]

That's a good point. Maybe if we did it in the name of conservation the city would take part. We could do it during the week to avoid crowds. There's also the Comal, though I don't know what the fish situation is there.

[spearstudtx]

Not so sure on fish in Comal. Water is pretty decent and no anti spearing rules. I think you may even be able to spear a species of cat now in TX. Ran into a couple guys spearing out of the park but need some info on where to go and someone to go with. When I went in only saw a couple bass and some perch.

[Powers]

I've been once and there are some mammoth plecostomus in there. I might give it a scout next week.

[adriangarz1206]

Im in, but we have to do it in the winter or once we cant dive the gulf ......plus that way we can avoid the crowds and water temp is the same all year or am i wrong ???


Cesar

[spearstudtx]

Water temp is same all year but it sure feels colder during the winter. The biggest thing is getting in touch with the San Marcos City to remove this ordinance for a couple days to let us spear in city limits. Any input is welcome as I don't even know where to begin.

Nathan

[JLittle44]

It took me a while to even find the ordinance in municode. No one I called knew anything about it other than it was probably illegal. The city council would have to vote on it. Get in touch with Dr. Bonner and see what he says. If you get anything organized, I'd be willing to shoot and help out.

[crawfish diver]

We just dove the San marcos river for the 1st time today and was a blast. Winter time would definitely be better. As fas as the Comal, we dive this river quite a bit but prior to us spearfishing it I had made several calls to CMA. 1st was with TPWD local game warden, he had no problem with us taking nonnative non game fish. He was exteremly supportive of the idea but refered me to the park authorites to futher CMA. So i spoke with the local Parks dept Ranger Head Hancho. Although they do have a no speargun rule in the parks, he didn't have a problem with us doing it in the off season. As long as I brought him some fillets. :thumps: I would suggest the same tack for the San Marcos. We live in New Braunfels and would defintely be in on any tournment. Let me me know if i can help. I would also suggest a Gold fish bracket i hear they are abundant in there as well and a Jr. class. for the mini Spearo kidos.

[JameyK]

I speared tilapia there almost every week the last two spring semesters when i was there, and yes all the tilapia hang in the city limits. Once you cross 35 the grass kinda stops and its like pleco city. During the week you have to watch out for the mid day canoe class. When they come I just swim to the edge of the river and lie low as they swim by. I have never brought a gun in the river. a pole spear should be plenty.

Also I have only been hassled twice. The first time was by a snooty "know it all" college couple in a canoe that waited for me to come up for air to angrily tell me that what I was doing was illegal. I proceeded to tell them that the river is an ecological disaster, and that the states regulations on said fish hold me in violation of the law if i fail to at least remove their intestines. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/annual/fish/general_rules/

The second time I was stopped it was my fault for being lazy and parking up stream, so after fishing I had to walk a mile back to my car, fish and spear in hand. A park ranger on a 4 wheeler Uturned as I passed him and came back to talk. (He spoke very little english, and myself little spanish so it was kinda tough) Basically he pointed at my spear and said "thats illegal". I tryed to plea a case about invasive species. He said "no spearguns". I said I didnt think my pole was a gun, but he said it counted. Then took out a small laminated list of park rules and pointed to the no spear gun rule for me to read, cause his english was weak. I asked him if I was in trouble or needed to get rid of the fish. He pointed at his list and said " some stuff we have to inforce, and some stuff we just tell people" :thumps:

Ive been very descrete ever since

[spearstudtx]

No doubt it can be done. In order to get a tournament going though clearly we would have to get some kind of special permission. If someone hasn't figured it out in the next couple months I will work on it when I get time.

[JameyK]

Hey as you talk to officials keep in mind that nobody there really knows about spearfishing. The regulations were put in place more as an effort to keep people out of the Texas Wild Rice ( the long green river grass)(endangered species). So just stress that all spearfisherman are very cautious and respectfull of the grass, and well aware of all the endanged species that inhabit the river (there are several)

[spearstudtx]

You are right about the grass and stuff. The problem is not convincing them though, it is following up with the myriad of people until you find the one that can make a decision and then following up with them so they can bring it to a vote and then following up with that. You get the picture. If anyone has suggestions or wants to pitch in on the idea let me know. I live in San Marcos and am willing to put a little bit of time into it but would be hard pressed to do it by myself (time wise).

Nathan

[los mentirosos]

I have done my own clean the river thing whenever I snorkel the river. I fill a rubber raft with cans and even some bottles. Even found my favorite hat 3 years ago. Maybe if we could "start out" with this kind of idea and slowly let them get to know us.........:cowboy:

[Cocoahunter]

I just found this googling tilapia spearfishing, i found a lake in brevard county filled with tilapia and i was wondering if they are legal to spear, i believe that they are legal because they are an invasive species and they are completly legal to bow fish. I cant wait to rip those Aliens out of the water. :gun: