Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is seeking additional information to learn more about the practice of hand fishing for catfish in the state. Also known as noodling or grabbling, hand fishing was legalized in Texas in 2011.
“Because it is so new to our state, we are hoping to identify who hand-fishing anglers are and what their needs may be,” said Kris Bodine, a TPWD fisheries research biologist. “TPWD will be conducting a survey over the next 60 days to better understand the needs, opinions and characteristics of hand-fishing anglers in Texas.”
The survey should take five to 10 minutes to complete online at https://survey.tpwd.state.tx.us/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=8803304. Anglers may complete the survey any time between now and June 30.
The survey is voluntary, and no one has to answer any question they do not wish to answer. Responses to the survey will remain confidential.
Purpose of the survey is to improve catfish populations across the state as well as to ensure that the needs and opinions of hand-fishing anglers are included in future management plans.
