Can I Keep?Hammerhead shark (smooth, great, scalloped) Regulations in Texas (2026)
Recreational hammerhead shark (smooth, great, scalloped) rules in Texas saltwater, as published by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Size limit
Min Length: 99 inches; Max Length: No limit
Bag limit
1 per person
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Hammerhead shark (smooth, great, scalloped) rules in Texas
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Min Length: 99 inches; Max Length: No limit
- Bag limit
- 1 (in any allowable combination) - Special regulation: The daily bag limit is one fish for all allowable shark species including Atlantic sharpnose, blacktip and bonnethead.
- Possession
- The possession limit is equal to double the bag limit unless otherwise noted.
- Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks MUST be used when fishing for sharks in state waters.
- See Shark Limits and Identification for identification tips.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Minimum Length (inches): 99; Maximum Length (inches): No limit
- Bag limit
- Daily Bag Limit: 1
- Possession
- Possession limit: 2
- Season
- Commercial seasons for red snapper, sharks, and king mackerel in Texas waters run concurrently with commercial seasons established in federal waters of the EEZ (more than 9 nautical miles offshore). Sharks: Typically year-round, however open fishing seasons vary depending on available quota and other factors, NOAA Fisheries with give no less than 4 days’ notice of such closures.
- Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks MUST be used when fishing for sharks (including prohibited shark species) in state waters.
- A Finfish Fisherman’s license is required for taking saltwater fish from the coastal waters of Texas for commercial purposes.
- While fishing in Texas waters a person may not possess more than the daily bag limit.
- It is UNLAWFUL to buy, sell, offer to buy or sell, or possess for sale, transport, or ship for the purpose of sale, or advertise for sale, a shark fin regardless of where the shark was taken or caught.
Quick answers
What is the hammerhead shark (smooth, great, scalloped) size limit in Texas?
Min Length: 99 inches; Max Length: No limit.
How many hammerhead shark (smooth, great, scalloped) can I keep in Texas?
1 (in any allowable combination) - Special regulation: The daily bag limit is one fish for all allowable shark species including Atlantic sharpnose, blacktip and bonnethead..
More other species in Texas
- Atlantic sharpnose shark
- Blacktip shark
- Bonnethead shark
- Other allowable shark species
- Prohibited shark species
All Texas saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Most anglers need a Texas saltwater license or registry: get one here.