Texas Porch

Saltwater / Snapper

Red snapper

The deep-water favorite with two sets of rules.

Different limits depending on whether you're in state or federal water.

Recently changed

The federal-water season is reset every year. Check TPWD and NOAA before you go offshore.

Daily limit

State waters: 4 per day, open year-round. Federal waters: 2 per day, during the federal season.

Size limit

State waters: 15-inch minimum. Federal waters: 16-inch minimum.

Good to know

  • Texas state waters reach 9 nautical miles from shore and stay open year-round. Past 9 miles you're in federal water; the 2026 private-angler season opened May 22 and closes only when TPWD announces the in-season date. Check the live page before every offshore trip.
  • Fish caught in federal water count toward your Texas total - you may not have more than 4 while fishing.
  • In federal water, use a non-stainless circle hook with natural bait and keep a descending device or venting tool rigged and ready when fishing for Gulf reef fish.

Source to confirm: TPWD Red Snapper

More saltwater fish

Others to target

Snapper

Lane & vermilion snapper

Smaller reef snappers with size minimums but no daily cap.

Daily:
No daily limit.
Size:
Lane: 8-inch minimum. Vermilion: 10-inch minimum.
Details & official link ->

Drum

Red drum (redfish)

Tightly managed with a slot limit and a trophy tag.

Daily:
3 per day.
Size:
20 to 28 inch slot (keep only fish between those sizes).
Details & official link ->

Trout

Recently changed

Spotted seatrout (speckled trout)

A coastal staple with a tight slot to protect breeding fish after hard winter freezes.

Daily:
3 per day.
Size:
15 to 20 inch slot.
Details & official link ->

Flatfish

Recently changed

Southern flounder

Great on the table, and the one you can also gig at night.

Daily:
5 per day - except November 1 to December 14, when the season is closed and you can't keep any.
Size:
15-inch minimum.
Details & official link ->

Official sources

Fishing rules for red snapper come from Texas Parks & Wildlife. Confirm the size and bag limit before you keep one.

Data vintage:
Built on the 2025-2026 license year
Last reviewed:
July 10, 2026

Before you act: Sizes and bag limits change, and saltwater rules change the most. The official TPWD pages are the final word. How to use Texas Porch carefully.