Snapper Bag & Length Limits

Valid Sep. 1, 2022 through Aug. 31, 2023.

Lane

Daily Bag:
No limit
Min Length:
8 inches
Max Length:
No limit

 

Red

Red Snapper Season in Federal Waters

Bag limit: 2 fish per person daily
Size limit: 16-in minimum
Applies to: Private recreational anglers in federal waters.

Red Snapper Season in State Waters

Bag limit: 4 fish per person daily
Size limit: 15-in minimum
Applies to: Private recreational anglers in state waters.
Means & Methods: Red snapper may be taken using pole and line, but it is unlawful to use any kind of hook other than a circle hook when using natural bait.

 

Vermilion

Daily Bag:
No limit
Min Length:
10 inches
Max Length:
No limit

Limits and Restrictions

  • The possession limit is equal to double the bag limit unless otherwise noted.
  • Bag and length limits apply to listed saltwater species.
  • There are no bag, possession, or length limits on game or nongame fish, except as listed in this guide. See definitions of daily bag and possession limits.

State & Federal Waters

  • For freshwater finfish species caught in the public salt waters of this state, statewide freshwater limits apply.
  • Recreational anglers must possess a Texas fishing license with a saltwater endorsement to land fish in state or federal water.
  • The limits and restrictions in this guide apply to aquatic life caught in the public waters of Texas out to 9 nautical mile in the Gulf of Mexico, and to aquatic life caught between 9 and 200 nautical miles in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and possessed in state waters or landed in this state.
  • Federal law also regulates species between 9 and 200 nautical miles managed under a Federal Fishery Management Plan. See Transfer & Importation of Wildlife.
  • It is unlawful to possess aquatic life in Texas waters that was illegally taken in Federal waters.

Offshore Reefs

Fishing on state-sponsored offshore artificial reefs is subject to the same regulations as other offshore locations.