Somerville Lake

LAKE SOMERVILLE STATE PARK AND TRAILWAY – NAILS CREEK UNIT Visit www.tpwd.texas.gov/outdoor-annual for the most current regulations. Other info: www.texasstateparks.org 6280 F.M. 180 • Ledbetter, TX 78946-7036 (979) 289-2392 FISHING tip sheet Local Emergency: Lee County Sheriff’s Department (979) 542-2800 Where to Fish: There is ample shoreline access for fishing as well as a small pond (Kid Fish Pond) stocked with largemouth bass and catfish within the park’s boundaries. In addition there are two seasonal fishing sites – Cedar Creek (within the park) and Newman’s Bottom (along the Trailway – inquire for directions). Licenses and Restrictions: A fishing license is not required of anyone who fishes from the pier or shoreline inside a state park. License requirements must be observed if you fish from a boat and all size and bag limits apply whenever fishing. HARVEST REGULATIONS SPECIES DAILY BAG LIMIT LENGTH: MIN-MAX 5 (in any combination) Min: 14” - Max: No Limit Bass: hybrid striped 5 Min: 18” - Max: No Limit Bass: white 25 Min: 10” - max: No Limit Bass: yellow No Limit No Limit In lake: 25 In kids’ pond: 5 In lake: Min: 12” - Max: No Limit In kids’ pond: No Limit 5 Min: 18” - Max: No Limit 25 (in any combination) Min: 10” – Max: No Limit No Limit No Limit Bass: largemouth Catfish: channel, blue and hybrids Catfish: flathead Crappie: white, black Sunfish All other fish: statewide bag and length limits apply. SPECIES FISHING OPPORTUNITIES © 2019 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. POOR FAIR GOOD EXCELLENT Largemouth Bass Catfish Crappie White & Hybrid striped Sunfish TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. PWD LF P4505-121D (10/19) HA N DY FISH ING BASICS HOW TO TIE A FISHING KNOT NATURAL BAIT HOOK PLACEMENT The palomar knot is very strong and easy to tie. HOW TO MEASURE FISH Pinch the tail together and take the longest measurement from nose to tail. Freshwater fish TIPS FOR RELEASING FISH SAFELY 1. For safety for you and a quick release of fish, mash down the barb of the hook with pliers. 2. Quickly play and release fish as soon as possible (take photos quickly). 3. Remove hook with pliers or cut line if the hook has been swallowed. 4. Gently place fish back into water. 5. Revive fish by holding upright in water and facing it into the current, gently forcing water through gills. Saltwater fish 6. If you don’t intend to eat the fish, NEVER place it on a stringer. FISHING ETHICS SAFETY • Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your head, eyes and skin. • Use insect repellent – but keep off hands, as you will be handling bait and live fish. • Look behind you before each cast to avoid hooking someone or getting caught in a tree (practice casting before you go fishing). • Bring plenty of drinking water to prevent dehydration; soft drinks encourage dehydration. • Wear a life jacket if you cannot swim or you are uncomfortable around the water. Supervise young children: it only takes a second for them to slip under the surface. Kids under 13 must wear life jackets if fishing from a boat. Before doing anything, ask yourself the following questions: • • • Is it legal? Would it be good if everyone did it? Would it make you proud? Ethical behavior is more than just following the fishing regulations. Ethical people go beyond what laws require and demonstrate good judgment and behavior for everyone – even if no one sees you do something ethical. Ethical behavior includes picking up trash around the area you have been fishing, calmly and politely explaining to others if they are breaking fishing regulations, and respecting the rights of other anglers and those that use the water in other ways.