Spanish Mackerel (also known as Spanish Mackerel, Spanish, Spanish Mack) in Texas. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit — verified against the TPWD guide, 2026.
In Texas, the minimum legal size for Spanish Mackerel is 14 in and the daily bag limit is 15 per person. There is no closed season in TX.
No closed season
Texas state waters in the Gulf extend to 9 nautical miles (not 3 nm). TPWD lengths are measured as total length. Texas state waters out to 9 nautical miles in the Gulf of Mexico; TPWD limits also apply to fish caught in the EEZ (9–200 nm) when possessed in TX waters or landed in Texas. Managed federally by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council in the EEZ. Species is Atlantic Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus).
These limits are pulled from the TPWD saltwater bag and length limits. Last verified June 2026.
Always check the official guide before keeping any fish. Regulations change. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department updates its guide annually and occasionally mid-year. Fines for over-bag or undersized fish are significant.
Texas requires a fishing licence plus a Saltwater Fishing Endorsement (stamp) to fish in public salt water. Texas fishing licences.
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