On September 1, 2009, the Texas Park and Wildlife Department will formally change the length requirements for a Majoremouth bass guitar on Lake Ray Roberts. Currently, regulation to preserve bass on the lake is under the slot from 14 to 24 inches. Bass caught by these parameters should be released immediately. Next week, the law will be changed to a state 14-inch minimum. Five bass over 14 inches can be stored by a licensed angler.
Lake Ray Roberts was opened to the public in January 1990, and was initially managed with a minimum size of 14 inches statewide. In the hope of increasing the number of bass trophies, Texas Parks and Wildlife imposed a limit on the number of slots in 1998. This management technique worked successfully on Lake Fork, where in 1992; Barry St. Clair wore an 18.18 pound state record. Lake Fork also released seven of the ten best bass caves in Texas and 243 accordions (bass weighing more than 13 pounds).
However, fishery data and biological research over the past eleven years have shown that Ray Roberts has not received similar results. Even though during this period, 14.59 pounds of bass (March 2000) were recorded during slot adjustment, only three other bass weighing 13 pounds or better.
Despite the fact that most bass fishermen and women are engaged in trick and release, the new management charter (at least 14 inches) will allow freelance players to weigh the bass they previously had to release. Many club and tournament schemes shy away from slotted lakes, because many of the lake bass population fall into the window from 14 to 24 inches. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife website, the bass in this slot can weigh from 1.45 to 8.52 pounds.
Starting this fall, however, more tournaments are planned, with the result that boats and fishing pressure will be added to the 29,000-acre Ray Roberts lake. Some local fishermen are delighted with the opportunity to catch these actors for box office events, while others are unhappy with the extra traffic. Last weekend, most of the boat ramps were filled with fisherman and women trying to find the perfect place for cash at these competitions. On a positive note, local companies must benefit from additional tournaments, as many anglers arrive a few days before the start of the competition.
Here is a look at some of the tournaments scheduled for this fall: Ray Hubbard Bass Club on September 5th; Bass Champs September 12; PBM Big Bass Bash September 19; Texoma Bass Club September 19; Texas Poorman Bass Club September 26; Christian English Bass Association October 10-11. In addition to these events, there are two weekly evening tournaments on the lake: on Tuesday evening they sail in a Pond Creek boat from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm; Wednesday night Stenger access ramp 6 pm-9:30 p.m.
Next spring should be interesting if Media Bass, FLW, Bass Champs or any other schemes should accept tournaments at Ray Roberts. Some fishermen believe that the lake can produce five fish limits of 30 pounds or better.
Remember that on September 1, it is also time to renew the fishing license if you have not acquired a license for the year from the purchase offered by the state. The Lake Texoma license is still valid since they operate from January to December. Successful fishing and tight lines.
