Black Drum (also known as Drum, Puppy Drum, Bull Drum) in Texas. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit, slot rule — verified against the TPWD guide, 2026.
In Texas, the minimum legal size for Black Drum is 14 in and the daily bag limit is 5 per person (possession 10). A slot limit applies: Harvest slot 14–30 in; one fish over 52 in may also be kept per day. There is no closed season in TX.
Harvest slot 14–30 in; one fish over 52 in may also be kept per day.
No closed season
Gulf of Mexico, all Texas state waters. STATE waters (Gulf, to 9 nm). No separate federal recreational fishery; same limits apply broadly.
These limits are pulled from the TPWD saltwater bag and length limits. Last verified September 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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