Texas Game Wardens Crack Down on Flounder Violations During Annual Closure

Texas Game Wardens have been vigilant in enforcing flounder closure regulations along the coast during this year’s annual flounder spawning season closure.

On November 6th, Game Wardens in Matagorda County cited a commercial Gulf shrimp boat for multiple violations, including possession of flounder during the closed season, possession of lightning whelks, and having fillets on board. A total of 38 flounder were seized during the incident.

On November 9th, two commercial Gulf shrimp boats in Matagorda County faced citations for similar violations, including possession of flounder during the closed season, possession of fillets, and possession of game fish. Between the two boats, a total of 35 flounder were confiscated.

On November 10th, Game Wardens in Jefferson County cited a commercial Gulf shrimp boat for possessing flounder during the closed season, resulting in the seizure of 8 flounder.

Continuing the crackdown, on November 12th, Game Wardens in Matagorda County cited two more commercial Gulf shrimp boats for possession of flounder during the closed season, leading to the confiscation of 52 flounder.

Most recently, on November 19th, Game Wardens in Matagorda County cited another commercial Gulf shrimp boat for possession of flounder during the closed season, seizing a total of 33 flounder.

A reminder for all anglers: Flounder fishing is closed from November 1st to December 14th, aimed at preserving fish stocks during their annual migration and spawning period. Furthermore, when flounder fishing is open, the limit aboard a commercial Gulf shrimp boat is restricted to the recreational limit of 5 fish per person, provided the captain holds a current shrimp boat license.