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.
