Atlas Environmental exists to protect and clean spring fed waterways in Texas. In San Marcos, Atlas removes invasive fish, snails, nutria, and underwater litter out of the San Marcos Springs and River. In New Braunfels, Atlas removes invasive fish and nutria and out the Comal Springs and River. Atlas also hosts two spearfishing tournaments a year, both located in the San Marcos River.
How can I get involved?
Thank you so much for the support and interest! The best way to get involved is begin with the biannual polespear tournaments or the bounty. In the tournaments or bounty, you are able to practice spearfishing along with learning the rules and methods for documentation.
What is the HCP?:
HCP stands for Habitat Conservation Plan. The HCP initiative was created in 2013 with the goal of restoring and maintaining the native ecosystem of the San Marcos River. To learn more click the link to view the EAAHCP WEBSITE
What is an invasive species?
invasive species as: invasive species, also called introduced species,alien species, or exotic species, any nonnative species that significantly modifies or disrupts the ecosystems it colonizes. (Britannica.com)
Where can I learn more about the ecosystem within the San Marcos River? You can visit the Meadows Center located at Spring Lake, the headwaters of the San Marcos river. meadows center website Or, you can learn more online at the San Marcos River Foundation website: https://sanmarcosriver.org/our-river/
TOURNAMENT FAQ
Where can I sign up for the next tournament?
Tournament registration is now located on the Atlas website under the Tournament tab. COMPLETE REGISTRATION BY CHECKING OUT IN THE CART LOCATED IN THE TOP RIGHT CORNER OF PAGE.
What is a time slot?
A time slot is a 5 hour window that you choose to dive for the competition. Each participant chooses three, 5 hour timeslots. It is up to you how long you will dive during each time slot.
WhY ARE THERE time slotS?
THE TIME SLOT METHOD PROVIDES NON-CROWDED SPEARING CONDITIONS AS There are only two participants allowed in EACH section at a time. THE San Marcos RIVER IS HIGHLY RECREATED YEAR-ROUND AND THE TIME SLOT METHOD PROVIDES THE SAFEST SETTING FOR PARTICIPANTS AND OTHER RIVER USERS.
How do I pick my time slots?
After you have registered, email Nick at nickmattspears89@gmail.com to get the latest time slot chart to see what is available.
Can I change or make-up a missed time slot?
Yes, as long as there are open time slots available, you can make-up or change your time slots.
When and where do I pick up my t-shirt?
T-shirt pick up is at the Invasive Fish Fry at the end of each tournament. If you cannot make it to the Fish Fry, you can schedule a different time to pick up your t-shirt.
What are the targeted species?
Only INVASIVE species are targeted: Tilapia Armored Catfish Giant Ramshorn Snail Red Rimmed Melania Snail Underwater Litter
HOW DO I IDENTIFY THE targeted INVASIVE species?
Start with googling images of each invasive fish and take note of color, fin placement, shape, etc. Armored Catfish are easier to find and identify compared to tilapia. Armored catfish are usually on the river bottom and like manmade structures. Gray Redhorse Sucker can be mistaken for armored catfish. Tilapia like to hide in vegetation and can be mistaken for many other fish such as Rio Grande Chichlid and sunfish. it is very important to correctly identify the invasive fish before releasing the polespear. spearfishing is selective and should have practically zero by-catch. Contact Nick if you need further insight.
Am I allowed to spear alone?
NO. The tournaments operate on the buddy system. You must always dive with a partner – either in the water (he/she cannot be spearing unless on the schedule), on a kayak, or sitting at the river’s edge while you spear.
Can I bring a friend who is not registered for the tournament?
No one can spear who has not entered the tournament and signed the waiver. A friend who is not registered for the tournament can be your “safety buddy” but they are NOT allowed to spear.
Do I need experience to spearfish?
No experience is necessary. Like any sport, it is best to familiarize yourself with the gear and the basic instructions. There are many videos on the Atlas Environmental website and YouTube page showing examples of spearing in the San Marcos River. You can also contact Nick Menchaca via email, and he will be happy to answer any specific questions about spearfishing in the tournaments. nickmattspears89@gmail.com
What gear do I need to spearfish?
Necessary gear: Mask Snorkel Polespear (ONLY polespearS are allowed in the tournaments)
Optional but encouraged gear: Wetsuit Gloves Mesh bag to hold fish or litter Dive boots Fins Underwater light
WHAT LENGTH AND TIP OF POLESPEAR SHOULD I USE?
MOST USE A 5FT-6FT (LENGTH INCLUDES TIP) POLESPEAR WITH A BARBED 3 PRONG TIP. ANYTHING LONGER THAN 7FT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AROUND VEGETATION AND CURRENTS.
Do I need to buy gear to participate in the tournaments?
Taking the time to choose a mask and snorkel that fit your face, a comfortable wetsuit, boots, GLOVES, and fins can really make all the difference with your experience in the water.
I have registered for the tournament, now what?
THOROUGHLY read all rules and regulations posted on the website. View time chart table to find available time slots. Email Nick to pick your timeslots and ask any other questions. Sign and turn in waiver before your first time slot. nickmattspears89@gmail.com
Can I spear in the San Marcos River outside of the tournament?
Are the tacos at the Invasive Fish Fry actually free?
YES! The delicious fried tilapia tacos are completely FREE! If you get there on time you’ll even get the slaw, cilantro, lime, and hot sauce! The fish frys provide a way to unite the public at an event centered around our love for the San Marcos River. We celebrate the tournament participants and winners. Even though the tilapia are invasive, they are still a nutrient resource, and we honor the fish by sharing them with the community.
Bounty FAQ
The bounty was created as a legal option for those who wanted to spear when it was against city of san marcos laws/regulations. the city of san marcos has since created a permit for those who want to spear in the river within city limits. the bounty remains open year-round for anyone who would like to turn in invasive fish and win prizes.
What is the bounty? The bounty is A method of fish removal created for those that would like to spear outside of the tournaments. Invasive Species Bounty
How can I participate in the bounty? Email or call Nick (Nickmattspears89@gmail.com - 817 648 8339) to drop off your haul. Because the city now allows spearfishing with free permit, No need to schedule your spearfishing outing with Nick.
how much does the bounty cost to participate? The bounty is free to participate!
When does the bounty take place? The bounty takes place YEAR ROUND when the tournaments are not happening.
Who can participate in the bounty? Anybody over 18 year old can participate in the bounty!
What sections of the river can i spear in during the bounty? You can spear the same sections offered during the tournament. See tournament tab for maps of each section. You do not have to stay in a particular section during the bounty.
Where do I take the fish after spearing for the bounty? Please contact nick prior to arrival, let us know you are coming. you can bring the fish to the weigh station on the front porch at 305 Riverside Drive San Marcos, TX 78666 to get documentation. Lengths and weights of each fish along with a picture of the haul will need to be emailed or texted to Nick. You can leave the fish in the deep freezer on front porch. Contact Nick with any questions.
Can I keep the fish I spear to eat? YES! You can keep the fish to eat after you send Nick the lengths and weights along with a picture of haul. Fillet table is provided at weigh station. You can leave scraps and carcass in deep freezer to be composted.
How do I log my numbers to get prizes in the bounty? Keep a personal log and Nick will also keep a log of fish speared.
What prizes are available for the bounty? Currently we have a bounty t-shirt with the wanted poster on front and Atlas logo on back. To win this shirt you will need to remove 50 armored catfish. We also have a long sleeve San Marcos River Invasive Fish Hunter shirt. To win this shirt you will need to remove 100 armored catfish. More prizes will be made available soon! Contact Nick with any questions.
Can spearing in the bounty lead to other spearfishing opportunities? Yes! The more you participate in the bounty the more likely you are to be invited to spear in other areas such as landa lake.
