AUSTIN, Texas — Two people are facing charges after game wardens caught them illegally fishing for black bass in Lady Bird Lake near Barton Springs.
Game wardens were alerted to the issue on a tip, and located one person snorkeling in the lake, killing bass with a pneumatic spear gun. The other was found stationed on shore with a cooler and a bag.
Wardens opened the cooler and discovered 18 illegally caught bass, weighing over 76 pounds in total. Fourteen of the 18 basses were larger than 18 inches, and nine were longer than 20 inches.
Wardens seized the fish, the spearguns and gear used, and the bass were donated for consumption.
Both individuals are charged with multiple counts of illegal fishing methods and unlawful possession of black bass. They each face pending fines and likely restitution charges.
Game wardens say that harvests of this magnitude can be harmful to bass populations in a localized area like Lady Bird Lake. Snorkel fishing with a speargun also violates state fishing laws.
While fishing in general is legal at Lady Bird Lake, there are size and bag limits in place.