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Texas regulations

Redfish (Red Drum) Regulations in Texas 2026

Texas redfish regulations in 2026: 20″ min size, 3 fish/day bag limit. Zone-specific exceptions may apply — see the rule table below. Sourced from TPWD.

TPWDOfficial source

About Redfish →

Rules (6)

Texas statewideCatch & release
Status
Catch And Release
Daily bag
3 fish/day
Min size
20"
Red drum, spotted seatrout, and sharks caught on a trotline may not be retained or possessed.
Verified · View official source ↗
Coastal Water Areas (All The Salt Waters Of The State)
Max size
28"
During a license year, one red drum over the stated maximum length limit may be retained when affixed with a properly completed Red Drum Tag and one red drum over the stated maximum length limit may be retained when affixed with a properly completed Bonus Red Drum Tag. Any fish retained under authority of a Red Drum Tag or a Bonus Red Drum Tag may be retained in addition to the daily bag and possession limit as stated in this section.
Verified · View official source ↗
Red River (Including Lake Texoma) And All Tributaries That Drain Directly Or Indirectly To The Red River On The Texas/Oklahoma Border In Cooke, Grayson, Fannin, Lamar, Red River, And Bowie Counties
Daily bag
3 fish
daily bag = 3
Verified · View official source ↗
Salt WaterOpen
Status
Permitted
Nongame fish, red drum, spotted seatrout, and sharks may be taken with a sail line.
Verified · View official source ↗

Other Texas fish regulations

Other regulated species in Texas with current rule pages — same TPWD source, same verification cadence.

Also known as

Redfish is also called Redfish (Red Drum), Red Drum, red drum. Anglers in different regions use different names for the same fish, and the rules on this page apply to all of them in Texas.

Frequently asked questions

When is Redfish season in Texas?

Redfish 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 Redfish in Texas?

Minimum size for Redfish in Texas is 20 inches, per TPWD. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.

What is the daily bag limit for Redfish in Texas?

Daily bag limit for Redfish in Texas is 3 fish in Red River (Including Lake Texoma) And All Tributaries That Drain Directly Or Indirectly To The Red River On The Texas/Oklahoma Border In Cooke, Grayson, Fannin, Lamar, Red River, And Bowie Counties, per TPWD.

Official sources cited

Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with TPWD before keeping a catch.

← All Texas fishing regulations