March 4, 2011 - In a historic move, Louisiana and Texas will soon adopt consistent recreational fishing regulations governing their bordering waters. Biologists from the two states have agreed upon regulations that are biologically sound and consistent on both sides of the boundary.

“This monumental event results from cooperation between the two states along with the support of state Rep. James Armes,” said Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Assistant Secretary Randy Pausina. “Our department is committed to working with our state partners to provide a better fishing experience for Louisiana anglers.”

The two states share waters along most of their common border, supporting excellent recreational fisheries and attracting thousands of anglers each year. The line between the two states follows the Old Sabine River down through the middle of Toledo Bend, so anglers currently must abide by two sets of laws.

The potential for error for even the most conscientious angler is extremely high. For example, an angler with a legal fish in Louisiana can simply drift over the state line into Texas waters and be in violation of their regulations. Unfortunately, many anglers have been cited because of the unnecessary confusion.

The Texas Wildlife Commission has approved a Notice of Intent to make necessary changes on their end. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has now given official notice they intend to make the necessary changes for Louisiana.

Anglers are encouraged to provide their input regarding the changes. Louisiana public hearings will be scheduled in the Minden, Many and Lake Charles areas. Meeting dates and specific locations are being finalized and will be released soon.

With positive public approval and passage by both the Texas and Louisiana Commissions, the regulations are to be implemented on September 1, 2011.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana's abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.gov on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.

For more information contact Ashley Wethey at awethey@wlf.la.gov (225)765-5113.

Does this mean LA is adopting Texas' strict regulations or that Texas is dropping 3 redfish / day & going up to LA's 5 or is this just to help anglers fishing near the border & having issues crossing state lines

Don't forget about the trout and flounder regulations la has too, not just the redfish

Flounder is a touchy subject, we have been collecting & donating flounder for breeding & restocking efforts for years now. Efforts from the folks at TP&W & Sea Center of Texas have successfully released over 10,000 juvenile flounder into the bays both in West Bay & the Sabine Lake area just last year. The problem with flounder is that their genetic make up changes from location to location. A flounder caught in Sabine is not the same as one caught in Galveston area... A thus it is the same around the Gulf Coast, their survival rate is not where it should be. They have been breeding Trout & Redfish for years and just recently started with Flounder. ALL males are less that 14" in length, meaning the large fish that we target 15" (minimum in Texas) are all females. We receive special permits to collect flounder that are around a foot in length in order to provide them with more males for breeding. Flounder is a hot topic here in Texas lately. The proposed & adopted rules effectively have reduced the bag limit from 10 flounder to 5 / day. Gigging of flounder is outlawed during the month of November during the annual Fall Flounder Run where a large percentage congregate at the jetties & bay entrances as they move out of the bays to deep water (the gulf) a large number still do stay they don't all leave however for about a good month its a gauntlet that these fish run. I, myself support gigging, its a pastime and something that can only be done on optimum conditions, at night etc. You actually have to see your target not just happen to have a lure bounce in front of a waiting fish. Flounder have been decreasing in numbers but lately at least in the areas I fish I have seen an increase, hopefully this is the same around the coast. With continued efforts of volunteers and folks like the Sea Center we'll have plenty of resources for generations to come.

West end angler do u precipitate in the Sabine lake flounder round up. I believe that there is one. How does someone get started in a program like that. I have fished Sabine lake for years and really enjoy catching flounder. I would like to help increase our flounder population down here.

Where is the sea center located?