Local Navigation Links:
 

Update to Commercial Oyster Fishing Regulations

NOTICE: This page reflects changes that were approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission on August 24, 2017 and are effective November 1, 2017.

Commercial Oystering Season – Nov. 1 through Apr. 30 except in all private leases with permits from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department where there is no closed season. During the open season, oysters may be taken only from sunrise to 3:30 pm, Monday-Friday.

Commercial Oyster Limits – The bag limit is 30 sacks of oysters per day. A sack is defined as no more than 110 pounds of oysters (including dead oyster shell and the sack).

Legal Size Limits – Three (3) inches (greatest length of shell) or larger. Oysters ¾ inch to 3 inches are to be culled and returned to reef from which taken; provided, however, that each cargo may contain not more than 5 percent of oysters of this size. Not more than six sacks of unculled oysters are permitted on board while on a reef.

Legal Means and Methods – It is unlawful while taking or attempting to take oysters for pay or the purpose of sale, barter or exchange or any other commercial purpose to use more than one dredge, use a dredge which exceeds 48 inches in width and a two-barrel capacity, have more than one dredge connected in any manner to a winch, chain or other lifting device during the open public season; or have any additional dredge(s) on board unless secured below deck, to the wheelhouse or to the deck in such a manner as to be lashed, tied, shackled or chained as to prevent its immediate use. Commercial oyster boats limited to not more than 30 sacks of legal size oysters.

The following minor bays are closed to oyster harvest beginning Nov. 1, 2017: