TPWD looking for anglers to help with Lake Tawakoni catfish survey

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is asking Lake Tawakoni catfish anglers to participate in a brief survey to determine opinions, characteristics and experiences of catfish anglers with emphasis on the blue catfish fishery.

Signs and laminated posters promoting the survey have been distributed at boat ramps and businesses at Lake Tawakoni.  The survey can be accessed online at: https://survey.tpwd.state.tx.us/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=ll13988.

A printed copy of the survey is also available upon request. The survey will remain open through June 2014.

Information from the survey will supplement sampling techniques designed to collect information on blue catfish in the lake and on the anglers who target them for recreation and consumption. Input from a broad spectrum of catfish anglers will help TPWD make informed  management decisions for Lake Tawakoni’s blue catfish fishery.

Lake Tawakoni is renowned for the quality of its blue catfish fishery, attracting anglers in large numbers.  In 2001, the Texas Legislature declared West Tawakoni the “Catfish Capital of Texas.”

Texas’ catfish fisheries have been receiving greater attention from the TPWD Inland Fisheries Division as biologists work to develop a statewide catfish management plan.  Results from this survey will help shape catfish management throughout Texas.

For more information or a printed copy of the survey, contact Kevin Storey, 2122 Old Henderson Highway, Tyler, TX 75702; (903) 593-5077; Kevin.Storey@tpwd.texas.gov.