Texas Porch

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.

Size limit

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

Good to know

  • 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

Others to target

Snapper

Lane & vermilion snapper

Smaller reef snappers with size minimums but no daily cap.

Daily:
No daily limit.
Size:
Lane: 8-inch minimum. Vermilion: 10-inch minimum.
Details & official link ->

Drum

Red drum (redfish)

Tightly managed with a slot limit and a trophy tag.

Daily:
3 per day.
Size:
20 to 28 inch slot (keep only fish between those sizes).
Details & official link ->

Trout

Recently changed

Spotted seatrout (speckled trout)

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

Daily:
3 per day.
Size:
15 to 20 inch slot.
Details & official link ->

Flatfish

Recently changed

Southern flounder

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.
Details & official link ->

Official sources

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

Data vintage:
Built on the 2025-2026 license year
Last reviewed:
June 15, 2026

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

Spot something that needs a Texas check? This first pass is built to be polished over time. Send the page name, county, parcel context if relevant, and the official source you are looking at. Email Texas Porch.