Texas regulations
Red Snapper Regulations in Texas 2026
Texas red snapper 2026 open seasons vary by 7 management regions. Pick your region in the rule table below. Sourced from TPWD.
Rules (17)
Coastal Water Areas (All The Salt Waters Of The State)
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
- Min size
- 15"
- Gear
- Single Pointed Hooks
Only circle hooks may be used when using natural bait.
Federal Waters
- Season opens
- May 22
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
- Possession
- 2 fish
- Min size
- 16"
Opens May 22, 2026
State WatersOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 4 fish per person daily
- Possession
- 4 fish
- Min size
- 15"
Year-round Anglers may not possess more than 4 red snapper while fishing in state waters.
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
- Largemouth Bass15 rules
- Crappie (Black & White)12 rules
- Stripers (Striped Bass)7 rules
- Redfish (Red Drum)6 rules
- Speckled Trout (Spotted Seatrout)6 rules
- Black Drum3 rules
- Bluegill (Sunfish)3 rules
- Tarpon2 rules
- Sheepshead2 rules
- Flounder2 rules
Frequently asked questions
When is Red Snapper season in Texas?
Red Snapper 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 Red Snapper in Texas?
Minimum size for Red Snapper in Texas is 15 inches in Coastal Water Areas (All The Salt Waters Of The State), per TPWD. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Red Snapper in Texas?
Daily bag limit for Red Snapper in Texas is 4 fish/day in Coastal Water Areas (All The Salt Waters Of The State), per TPWD.
Official sources cited
- https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20260501a
- https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/saltwater-fishing/red-snapper
- https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_l2000_1170b.pdf
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with TPWD before keeping a catch.