Red Snapper (also known as American Red Snapper, Sow Snapper, Genuine Red Snapper) in Texas. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit — verified against the TPWD guide, 2026.
In Texas, the minimum legal size for Red Snapper is 15 in and the daily bag limit is 4 per person (state waters; 2 in federal waters). 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 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 before keeping fish.
Gulf of Mexico. State/federal boundary at 9 nautical miles offshore. Texas state-water limits (4 fish, 15 in, year-round) are more generous than federal (2 fish, 16 in, short annually-set season). STATE waters (Gulf, to 9 nm): bag 4, 15-in minimum, open year-round — MORE liberal than federal. FEDERAL waters (>9 nm): bag 2, 16-in minimum, season set annually. Circle hook required when using natural bait.
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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