Snapper Bag & Length Limits

Valid Sep. 1, 2023 through Aug. 31, 2024.

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

  • Texas regulations now require all commercial and recreational anglers fishing in state waters to use a venting tool or rigged descending device on reef fish exhibiting signs of barotrauma. Barotrauma is a pressure-related injury fish experience when reeled up from depths of approximately 50 feet or greater. Some fish species are prone to barotrauma from shallower depths. Per the 2022 DESCEND Act, similar requirements are also in place for boats fishing for reef fish in federal waters.
  • 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 that are
    • caught in the public waters of Texas out to 9 nautical mile in the Gulf of Mexico
    • caught between 9 and 200 nautical miles in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
    • possessed in state waters, or
    • landed in this state.
  • For freshwater finfish species caught in the public salt waters of this state, statewide freshwater limits apply.
  • 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.