Fishing at the playa lakes is a great way to stay active outdoors during the summer months, but it’s critical to pay attention to the wildlife in that area, which are good for our ecosystem.
“This can include everything from the ducks and geese that visit, all the way to the crappie that are in the water and larger turtles. You can legally fish if you have your fishing license,” says Aaron Sims, Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Warden. “It’s kind of interesting that right in the middle of a big metropolitan area you have these sanctuaries for wildlife.”
That’s just one added bonus for those that enjoy the lakes, and even fish in them like Julian Barraza and his family. He and his kids comes out about 10 times a month during the summer to fish.
“At the lakes, I’ve seen catfish, perch, carp, and bass,” Barraza says. “We just come out here to have fun. It’s fun to catch anything we can.”
He even came across something new and shocking when recently fishing at Buddy Holly Lake.
“It was probably a good 25 to 30 pound turtle…the biggest I’ve ever seen and certainly the biggest I’ve ever caught,” he says.
“If you end up hooking a turtle with one of your hooks, be careful when getting it out, because some of those turtles are larger and they could snap. They can get your finger,” Sims says.
Barraza says he usually eats the fish he pulls out, but does not eat turtles. Instead, he unhooks them and lets them back into the water. Sims points out that the turtles in those waters are also not the safest.
“Turtles naturally contain salmonella, so anytime you even handle one, you’ll want to wash your hands thoroughly,” he says.
Sims also encourages everyone to pick up trash around the lakes to avoid causing any harm to the wildlife.
“Just realize, you’re entering their habitat, and it’s a critical habitat for the wildlife. They need that and they depend on that to survive. Even though we go there as humans for recreation and enjoyment, just remember that you’re also visiting their home. Respect them and they’ll respect you,” Sims says.
