Black Drum Slot Limit Texas
- Black Drum Slot Limit Texas A&m
- Black Drum Slot Limit Texas Longhorns
- Black Drum Slot Limit Texas Holdem
- Black Drum Slot Limit Texas State
Falling for Redfish
Fall season is without a doubt the BEST time to catch Redfish while fishing the Galveston waters. It’s the annual fall migration of big bull reds as they head from the bays into the Gulf to spawn, and you’re sure to see a line of anglers in the pass with lines in the water ready to snag a bull! Here’s everything you need to know about fishing for Redfish in October while visiting Galveston, Texas.
Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are members of the Drum family. This family gets its name from their propensity and ability to make a unique drumming/grunting sound when pulled from the water. Redfish are identified by a large, ringed spot (or spots) on the upper part of the body at the start of the tail. Their colors can run from silver to copper red which fades to white on the bottom. They are similar to black drum, but Redfish have no barbels (or feelers), and the Black Drum never have the spot near the tail.
All along the Texas Coast, heavyweight drum course through deep-water channels in sizable schools. Fishermen are restricted to a “slot” limit that allows for the retention of five fish per day, none less than 14 inches long and none over 30 inches. A clerical error made last year in converting a table chart to text in the Texas Administrative Code inadvertently omitted the 30-inch maximum length limit for black drum.
Redfish are usually bottom feeders, which is why the migratory season is so hot. They are on the move in mass and are easier to target. You know the saying “like fish in a barrel”? It’s *almost* like that… they are running from the nearby bays (Galveston Bay, West Bay, East Bay, and Trinity Bay) into the Gulf of Mexico and have to travel through either Galveston Pass or San Luis Pass. Just anchor down, and get ready to have your reels screamin’!
Multiple rods improve your chances for a great catch. You could go sight fishing for Redfish, which involves light tackle and fly rods in shallow waters… but during their migration we recommend drift fishing with several rods. Drift fishing is when you toss your bait just past the fish and let the fish discover the bait on their own as it passes by. When you get a hit, set the hook and hang on! The advantage of drift fishing while Redfish are migrating is that it feels natural for the Redfish to grab a bite while traveling, and with any luck the thing they’re snacking on is your bait!
Redfish Baits and Tackle
Redfish like small crustaceans such as shrimp or crab, as well as baitfish like mullet, pinfish, or lizardfish. Live or cut bait is usually best, but you can also land Redfish with artificial lures. When choosing a lure for your Redfish fishing trip, try spoons, spinnerbaits, or topwaters.
If you do decide to go sight fishing for Redfish, stay near shallow waters and watch for the flick of their tail against the top of the water. Again, use either a spoon or spinnerbait that will get the attention of the fish. Be sure to wear your polarized sunglasses when sight fishing, as they will help with the reflection off the water.
Black Drum Slot Limit Texas A&m
Fly fishing is another popular technique for catching Redfish in shallow waters. Redfish are great for fly fishing enthusiasts, as they are easy to see when they flick their tails on the topwater. And Redfish are extremely fun to catch on the fly! Use either a 8-wt or 9-wt rod and throw flies the Reds can see, such as the Chernobyl shrimp.
Redfish Regulations
Before heading out, be sure to check Texas Parks & Wildlife’s website (TPWD) for regulations; the Lone Star State has a daily bag limit and slot limit for Redfish. Currently (and until August 31, 2020) each angler can keep 3 Redfish that are within 20” to 28”. Each year the state also allows anglers to purchase a Bonus Red Drum Tag, allowing the angler to keep one Redfish that reaches more than 28 inches. These Bonus Tags are available at local retail stores that sell fishing gear and supplies.
Once you’ve landed your Redfish, it’s time to clean & fillet your catch to start preparing a delicious meal. You’ll want to cook it as soon as possible for the freshest dinner possible. Smaller Redfish tend to have a much better texture and taste than the larger Bull Reds. The larger fish tend to be more coarse and stringy, and the meat doesn’t have as good of flavor. Make sure to cook the fish all the way through, such as fried or grilled; do not serve raw for sashimi or ceviche as Redfish may contain parasites. However you cook Redfish, get ready for one of the most delicious and moist white meats with sweet & mild flavor.
If you haven’t experienced fishing for Redfish in Galveston during the fall migration season, get yourself a rod in hand and get out there! Whether you’re fishing solo from the shore, or hire a Professional Fishing Charter, it’s an experience not to be missed. Get your lines ready for a Red October in Galveston!
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Search TripsSize & Catch Limits for Saltwater Fish
- TL = Total Length
- FL = Fork Length; See How to Measure a Fish.
- AIW = Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway
State Waters extend from the saltwater-freshwater dividing line to the 3-mile limit.
Federal Waters extend from the 3-mile limit to 200 miles offshore (international waters).
All species in this section must be landed with head and tail intact.
Update to Red Drum Regulations (effective July 1, 2018)
The South Carolina General Assembly has passed a new law intended to reverse Red Drum overfishing. The lowered bag limit allows two fish per person per day and no more than six fish per boat per day. The previous catch limit was three fish per person per day, with no boat limit. The slot limit (15-23 inches) remains unchanged.
Slot Limit:
Black Drum Slot Limit Texas Longhorns
- 15-23 inches (total length)
Bag Limit:
- 2 per person per day, and no more than 6 per boat per day
Inshore Finfish
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Shad | No closed season for recreational hook & line harvest; For all other gears, seasons as for commercial harvest | 10 shad per person per day except in Santee River and Rediversion Canal (20 per person per day) | Licensing, permitting, and gear requirements. | |
| Herring | Herring Closures | 1 U.S. bushel of herring per person per day | Licensing, permitting, and gear requirements. | |
| Black Drum | 5 per person per day | 14-inch to 27-inch TL | ||
| Bluefish | 15 per person per day | |||
| Flounders (Southern, Summer & Gulf) | 10 per person per day not to exceed 20 per boat per day | 15-inch TL |
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| Red Drum | Cannot be harvested by gig Dec. - Feb. | 2 per person per day (state waters) Not to exceed 6 per boat per day 0 per person per day (federal waters) | 15-inch to 23-inch TL |
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| Saltwater catfishes (Hardhead & gafftopsail catfishes) | Possession prohibited | Possession prohibited |
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| Sheepshead | 10 per person per day not to exceed 30 per boat per day | 14-inch TL | ||
| Spotted Seatrout | Cannot be harvested by gig Dec. - Feb. | 10 per person per day | 14-inch TL |
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| Striped Bass | Possession prohibited: June 1 – Sept. 30 except in lower reach of the Savannah River (2 per person per day year round;) | Possession prohibited: June 1 – Sept. 30; 3 fish per person per day: Oct. 1 – May 31 except in lower reach of the Savannah River (2 per person per day year round) | 26 inch TL except in lower reach of the Savannah River (27 inch TL) |
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| Hybrid Bass, White Bass & Combinations | In lower reach of the Savannah River: 2 per person per day All other saltwaters: no bag limit | In the lower reach of the Savannah River: 27 inch TL All other saltwaters: no size limit | ||
| Tarpon | 1 per person per day | 77-inch FL |
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| Tripletail | No associated regulations | |||
| Weakfish | 1 per person per day | 12-inch TL | ||
| Atlantic Croaker, Spot, Whiting | 50 per person per day aggregate bag limit |
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Offshore Finfish
An operator or crew member onboard a for-hire or commercial vessel must have a valid Operator Card when underway fishing for Dolphin/Wahoo.
These species are also managed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) in federal waters. Regulations may change. Please contact the SAFMC at 843-571-4366 or safmc.net to get the most up to date regulations on these species.
The harvest and possession of coastal migratory pelagic species by commercial and recreational fishermen will be limited to the recreational bag limit within the Special Management Zones.
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cobia | May 1 to May 31 in state waters south of 032° 31.0 N latitude (Jeremy Inlet, Edisto Island) In federal and all other state waters, closed when Annual Catch Limit (ACL) is met | 1 per person per day and no more than 3 per boat per day in State waters south of 32.31, 1 per person per day and no more than 6 per boat per day Federal waters and State waters north of 32.31 | 36-inch FL |
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| Dolphin | 10 per person per day not to exceed 60 per boat per day. Headboats have no boat limit | 20-inch FL |
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| King Mackerel | 3 per person per day | 24-inch FL |
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| Spanish Mackerel | 15 per person per day | 12-inch FL |
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| Wahoo | 2 per person per day |
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Atlantic Tunas
A Federal Highly Migratory Species Permit is required to fish for these species except for the Other Tunas. Check current federal regulations by phone at 1-888-USA-TUNA (1-888-872-8862) or https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/.
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albacore, Skipjack | No associated regulations | |||
| Bigeye Tuna | 27-inch curved FL | |||
| Bluefin Tuna | NOAA Fisheries has adjusted the Atlantic Bluefin tuna daily retention limits which applies to vessels permit- ted in the Highly Migratory Species Angling category and the HMS Charter/Headboat category. Visit https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/ bulletin/bluefin-tuna-angling-category-daily-retention-limit-adjustment for detailed information regarding bag limits prior to fishing. | 27-inch to 73-inch curved FL |
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| Yellowfin Tuna | 3 per person per day per trip | 27-inch curved FL | ||
| Other tunas: Blackfin tuna, Bonita, and Little tunny | No associated regulations | |||
Billfish
Black Drum Slot Limit Texas Holdem
A Federal Highly Migratory Species Permit is required to fish for these species. All billfish to be released may not be removed from the water. All recreationally caught Atlantic billfish landed must be reported to NMFS within 24 hours of landing at the dock. Anglers can report by calling 1-800-894-5528 or by visiting https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/. Recreationally caught billfish may not be sold.
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Marlin | 99-inch FL from lower jaw |
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| White Marlin | 66-inch FL from lower jaw |
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| Sailfish | 63-inch FL from lower jaw |
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| Swordfish | 1 per person per day not to exceed 4 per vessel per trip | 47-inch FL from lower jaw |
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| Roundscale Spearfish | 66-inch FL from lower jaw |
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| Longbill Spearfish | Possession prohibited |
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Snapper Grouper Complex
Many of these species are managed under annual catch limits. Seasons may be closed when catch limits are met. Visit http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov for the latest information on the status of annual catch limits.
These species are also managed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) in federal waters. Regulations may change. Please contact the SAFMC at 843-571-4366 or www.safmc.net to get the most up to date regulations on these species.
You can also download the FREE mobile application Fish Rules. Fish Rules is available for both Android and Apple products.
Recreational and commercial fishermen are required to use dehooking tools when fishing for snapper grouper species. Non-stainless circle hooks are required when fishing with natural baits for snapper grouper species.
Sale of snapper grouper under the recreational bag limit is prohibited.
For-hire vessels must have a Snapper Grouper permit to fish for these species in federal waters.
The harvest and possession of snapper grouper species by commercial and recreational fishermen will be limited to the recreational bag limit within the Special Management Zones. See 'Special Information' (page 47) for information on SMZs.
Sea Turtle Release Gear Requirements: For-hire vessels fishing for snapper grouper species and possessing a federal for-fire permit must have onboard NMFS approved sea turtle release gear and follow release protocols. For more information, call 727-824-5312 or visit, http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_sa/turtle_sawfish_release/index.html.
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Amberjack | 1 per person per day | 28-inch FL |
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| Hogfish | 2 per person per day | 17-inch FL | ||
| Wreckfish | Closed: January 1 – June 30 and September 1 – December 31 | 1 per vessel per day |
Seabass
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Sea Bass | In federal waters, closed when Annual Catch Limit (ACL) is met | 7 per person per day | 13-inch TL |
Porgies and Snappers
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Porgy | 3 per person per day | 14-inch TL | ||
| Vermillion Snapper | 5 per person per day; excluded from 10 snapper per person per day limit | 12-inch TL | ||
| Red Snapper | Possession prohibited | Possession prohibited | ||
| Lane Snapper | 10 per person per day from this group | 8-inch TL | ||
| Black, Blackfin, Cubera, Dog, Yellowtail, Gray, Mahogany, Schoolmaster | 12-inch TL | |||
| Silk and Queen Snapper | 12-inch TL | |||
| Mutton Snapper | 5 per person per day, included in the above group limit of 10 per person per day | 18-inch TL |
Grouper and Tilefish
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gag & Black Grouper | Closed: Jan. 1 - Apr. 30 | Included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit; Maximum of 1 gag or black grouper (but not both) per person/day | 24-inch TL | |
| Scamp, Red, Yellowfin, & Yellowmouth Groupers | Closed: Jan. 1 - Apr. 30 | Included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit | 20-inch TL | |
| Golden Tilefish, Blueline Tilefish, and Sand Tilefish | Blueline Tilefish closed Sept. – April | Included in 3 grouper bag limit; Blueline tilefish - 3 per person per day (May-August only) Golden tilefish - 1 fish per person per day | ||
| Misty Grouper, Yellowedge Grouper | Included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit; Maximum of 1 gag or black grouper (but not both) per person/day | |||
| Coney, Grasby, Red Hind, & Rock Hind | Closed: Jan. 1 - Apr. 30 | Included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit | ||
| Snowy Grouper | September – April | Included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit; Only 1 fish per vessel per day (May - August only) | ||
| Warsaw and Speckled Hind | Possession prohibited | Possession prohibited | ||
| Nassau and Goliath Grouper | Possession prohibited | Possession prohibited | If caught must be released by cutting the line and not removing the fish from the water. |
All Other Snapper Grouper Complex Species
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Including but not limited to: Lesser Amberjack; Cottonwick; White Grunt; Scup; Almaco and Bar Jacks; Margate; Whitebone, Knobbed, Jolthead, Saucereye and Longspine Porgies; Banded Rudderfish; Sailors Choice; Bank Seabass; Rock Seabass; Ocean Triggerfish | Almaco Jack, Banded Rudderfish, and Lesser Amberjack closed in Federal waters effective August 9, 2016. Will reopen Jan 1, 2017. | 20 per person per day aggregate bag limit |
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| Gray triggerfish | Included in 20 per person per day aggregate bag limit (Lesser Amberjack; Cottonwick; White Grunt; Scup; Almaco and Bar Jacks; Margate; Whitebone, Knobbed, Jolthead, Saucereye and Longspine Porgies; Banded Rudderfish; Sailors Choice; Bank Seabass; Rock Seabass; Ocean Triggerfish) | 12-inch FL | ||
| Spadefish |
Sharks
A Federal Highly Migratory Species Permit is required in federal waters. All sharks must be landed with fins, head and tail naturally attached. Recreational anglers may only catch sharks using a rod & reel or handline. Additionally, anglers fishing recreationally for sharks are required to use non-offset, non stainless steel circle hooks whenever they are fishing, except when fishing with flies or artificial lures. All other gears prohibited. Current federal regulations and shark identification guide.
Black Drum Slot Limit Texas State
| Shark in this table are a Grouping - 1 Shark per vessel per from this group. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
| Blacknose, Blacktip, Blue, Bull, Finetooth, Lemon, Nurse, Porbeagle, Spinner, Thresher, Tiger and Oceanic Whitetip Sharks | 1 shark per vessel per day from this group | 54-inch FL | ||
| Great Hammerhead, Scalloped Hammerhead and Smooth Hammerhead Sharks | 78-inch FL | |||
| Shortfin Mako - Females | 83-inch FL | |||
| Shortfin Mako - Males | 71-inch FL | |||
| Species | Closed Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogfish (spiny & smooth) | No associated regulations | |||
| Atlantic Sharpnose | 1 per person per day | |||
| Bonnethead | 1 per person per day | |||
| Atlantic Angel, Basking, Bignose, Dusky, Galapagos, Longfin Mako, Narrowtooth, Night, Caribbean Reef, Sandbar, Sevengill, Caribbean Sharpnose, Silky, Bigeye Sixgill, Sixgill, Smalltail, Bigeye Thresher, Bigeye Sand Tiger, Sand Tiger, Whale and White Sharks | Possession prohibited | Possession prohibited |
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The 2018-2019 Saltwater Fishing Regulations are provided in the Adobe® Acrobat® (PDF) format.