Can I Keep?Red snapper Regulations in Texas (2026)
Recreational red snapper rules in Texas saltwater, as published by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Limits differ by area — the summary below is the first published rule; see every rule underneath.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Red snapper rules in Texas
- Where
- Federal waters (ocean)
- Size limit
- 16-in minimum
- Bag limit
- 2 fish per person daily
- Possession
- The possession limit is equal to double the bag limit unless otherwise noted.
- Season
- Opens: May 22, 2026 | Closes: In-season harvest will be monitored to determine the closure date. Follow TPWD media for the most up-to-date information. | As of October 23, the 2026 Private Recreational Angler Red Snapper Season in Federal Waters Remains Open.
- Applies to: Private recreational anglers in federal waters.
- Where
- State waters
- Size limit
- 15-in minimum
- Bag limit
- 4 fish per person daily
- Possession
- The possession limit is equal to double the bag limit unless otherwise noted.
- Season
- Open: Year-round
- Red snapper may be taken using pole and line, but it is unlawful to use any kind of hook other than a circle hook when using natural bait.
- Applies to: Private recreational anglers in state waters.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- State waters
- Size limit
- Minimum Length (inches): 15; Maximum Length (inches): No limit
- Bag limit
- Daily Bag Limit: 4
- Possession
- Possession limit: 8
- 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). Red Snapper: Year-round
- Red snapper: May be taken using pole and line, but it is UNLAWFUL to use any kind of hook other than circle hook when using natural bait.
- 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.
- TPWD adopted the provisions of the federal individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for Gulf red snapper and Gulf groupers and tilefishes (50 CFR §622.21 and 622.22).
- No person aboard any vessel may take, possess, land, or sell red snapper, grouper, or tilefish in or via Texas waters, unless that person possesses a valid federal commercial vessel permit with applicable endorsements.
- If fishing in Texas waters for these species, a commercial Finfish Fisherman’s license is required, and the stricter of the regulations (state or federal) for the species would apply.
Quick answers
What is the red snapper size limit in Texas?
16-in minimum (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many red snapper can I keep in Texas?
2 fish per person daily (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is red snapper season in Texas?
Opens: May 22, 2026 | Closes: In-season harvest will be monitored to determine the closure date. Follow TPWD media for the most up-to-date information. | As of October 23, the 2026 Private Recreational Angler Red Snapper Season in Federal Waters Remains Open.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Red snapper limits in other states →
More reef fish in Texas
- Black grouper
- Gag grouper
- Goliath grouper (formerly called Jewfish)
- Gray triggerfish
- greater Amberjack
- Lane snapper
- Nassau grouper
- Vermilion snapper
All Texas saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Most anglers need a Texas saltwater license or registry: get one here.