Saltwater / Snapper

Red snapper

The deep-water favorite with two sets of rules.

Different limits depending on whether you're in state or federal water.

Recently changed

The federal-water season is reset every year. Check TPWD and NOAA before you go offshore.

Daily limit

State waters: 4 per day, open year-round. Federal waters: 2 per day, during the federal season.

State waters: 15-inch minimum. Federal waters: 16-inch minimum.

Texas state waters reach 9 nautical miles from shore and are open year-round. Past 9 miles you're in federal water, where the season is set each year (in 2026 the Texas private-angler season opened May 22).
Fish caught in federal water count toward your Texas total - you may not have more than 4 while fishing.
Use a circle hook with natural bait, and carry a descending device or venting tool to release reef fish safely (a federal requirement).

Source to confirm: TPWD Red Snapper

More saltwater fish

Snapper

Smaller reef snappers with size minimums but no daily cap.

Drum

Tightly managed with a slot limit and a trophy tag.

Trout

A coastal staple with a tight slot to protect breeding fish after hard winter freezes.

Flatfish

Great on the table, and the one you can also gig at night.

Daily:: 5 per day - except November 1 to December 14, when the season is closed and you can't keep any.
Size:: 15-inch minimum.

Official sources

Fishing rules for red snapper come from Texas Parks & Wildlife. Confirm the size and bag limit before you keep one.

Caution: Sizes and bag limits change, and saltwater rules change the most. The official TPWD pages are the final word.

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