Texas regulations
Black Drum Regulations in Texas 2026
Texas black drum regulations in 2026: 14″ min size, 5 fish/day bag limit. Zone-specific exceptions may apply — see the rule table below. Sourced from TPWD.
Rules (3)
Coastal Water Areas (All The Salt Waters Of The State)
- Max size
- 30"
No more than one black drum over 52 inches may be retained per person per day and counts as part of the daily bag and possession limit.
Other Texas fish regulations
Other regulated species in Texas with current rule pages — same TPWD source, same verification cadence.
- Channel Catfish24 rules
- Blue Catfish23 rules
- Flathead Catfish19 rules
- Red Snapper17 rules
- Largemouth Bass15 rules
- Crappie (Black & White)12 rules
- Stripers (Striped Bass)7 rules
- Redfish (Red Drum)6 rules
- Speckled Trout (Spotted Seatrout)6 rules
- Bluegill (Sunfish)3 rules
- Tarpon2 rules
- Sheepshead2 rules
- Flounder2 rules
Frequently asked questions
When is Black Drum season in Texas?
Black Drum season in Texas is set by TPWD. Some zones may have specific open windows; see the rule table above.
What is the size limit for Black Drum in Texas?
Minimum size for Black Drum in Texas is 14 inches, per TPWD. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Black Drum in Texas?
Daily bag limit for Black Drum in Texas is 5 fish/day, per TPWD.
Official sources cited
- https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_l2000_1170b.pdf
- https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/saltwater-fishing/bag-length-limits/
- https://tpwd.texas.gov
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with TPWD before keeping a catch.