Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations smallmouth-mail order

Anybody know of a source of smallmouth bass that can be mail-ordered? I have been unable to find a source anywhere.

What are the Texas laws for importing fish? Every state that we deal with has its own set of rules, which has prevented us from offering our game & pan fish for sale via mail-order.

Mike Robinson
Keystone Hatcheries

Mike,

According to Larry E. Young, Chief of Fisheries Enforcement 512-389-4628 in response to a survey that was returned to me on 4-5-02 the following applies to importing fish into Texas:

Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, hybrid Striped bass, black Crappie, and walleye are considered commercially protected finfish in Texas and the person or business receiving the fish in Texas would need a Texas Finfish Import License.

The seller would need to purchase a Texas Retail Fish Dealer License (Even if you are not in Texas)to allow you to send the fish to Texas.

Texas Finfish Import License $75.00
Texas Retail Fish Dealer License $70.00

Other species like yellow perch, bluegill, redear, pumpkinseed, rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and channel catfish do not apply as they are not considered commercially protected finfish.

Corresponding Law Codes are Texas Parks and Wildlife Code 47.018, 66.020, 47.0181, 47.0182, and 47.0183

Believe it or not, according to Young this also applies to frozen fish of which I send to various taxidermists.

Interesting who signed this into law while govenor of Texas. None other than our current president. I guess his talk about less government regulations was only lip service.

I've sent out surveys to all 50 states regarding importing fish and you would be amazed at the variations. Some didn't bother to respond.

Cecil, thanks for the info. That's exactly why we don't offer game & pan fish via mail-order. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that the people that do sell game fish via mail-order are doing it illegally, and we're just not willing to take the risk.

As you said, some of the regulations out there are amazing. I now have to have 20 of each species examined by a Veterinarian in order to import into Wisconsin, even though I am literally on the state line. They (DNR is pressuring DATCP) are now considering requiring a test for Largemouth Bass Virus before fish are imported, even though Largemouth Bass Virus has been found in Wisconsin.

Cecil, any chance I could get a copy of your survey to the 50 states? I'd be happy to cover your costs.

Mike, question... What are your prices for various size smallmouth bass from your hatchery?

Thanks

Rowly

Rowly, they are expensive because of supply and demand. Smallmouth produce small amounts of eggs per spawn, making mass culture challenging. Their price ends up being about twice as much as Largemouth. The prices vary depending on size and quantity, but basically 3-5" go for $2.40 to $1.44 each and 5-7" go for $4.00 to $2.40 each. We have a very limited amount of 7-9" that are twice the price of the 5-7".