Greater Amberjack (also known as Amberjack, AJ, Reef Donkey) in Texas. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit — verified against the TPWD guide, 2026.
In Texas, the minimum legal size for Greater Amberjack is 38 in and the daily bag limit is 1 per person. Season note: Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current Texas rules (including open dates, depth and area) before keeping fish.
Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current Texas rules (including open dates, depth and area) before keeping fish.
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. Federal Gulf greater amberjack uses a 34-inch FORK-length minimum (vs TPWD's 38-inch total length) and a separate, annually-set recreational season under the Gulf Council FMP.
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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