Common snook Fishing in Texas
The Texas limits, records and top lakes for common snook.
- 57.5 lbstate record
Photo: Bob Care – Florida Keys NMS, Public domain
Common snook across Texas
Common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) is a saltwater species in Texas. The top rod and reel fish in Texas weighed 57.5 pounds from Gulf of America, set in 1937.
When common snook bite and where they live in Texas
When
Spawns June or July in the Gulf, probably around passes
Where they hold
Tropical; range set by water temperature; Most often caught in the lower Laguna Madre near pilings and structure
Common snook facts from the TPWD species profile.
Texas limits for common snook
| Rule | Daily bag | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snook | 1 | 24 in | 28 in | 24-28 in. slot |
Common snook limits from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (valid Sep. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027).
Texas common snook records by category
| Category | Weight (lb) | Length (in) | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| fly fishing | 12 | 37 | Lower Laguna Madre | 2013 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 57.5 | Gulf of America | 1937 |
Common snook records: TPWD state records list, October 2026.
Where to catch common snook on the Texas coast
Start with these bays for common snook: Boca Chica Bay, South Bay, Lower Laguna Madre, Laguna Madre (whole), Baffin Bay, Upper Laguna Madre, Oso Bay and Corpus Christi Bay.
- Pirates LandingPort Isabel, $2.17
- Queen Isabella CausewaySouth Padre Island
- Rio Hondo Public Boat RampRio Hondo
- Adolph Thomae Jr County Park
- Laguna Port Recreation AreaPort Mansfield
- Honey Hickman Public Fishing DockPort Mansfield
- Fred Stone ParkPort Mansfield
- Riviera Beach PierRiviera
- Riviera BeachRiviera
- Kaufer-Hubert Memorial Park
Common snook spots: Texas General Land Office pier and coastal access inventory.
Common questions on Texas common snook
Can I fish for common snook from a Texas pier?
Piers and jetties along the coast hold them, and Pirates Landing and Queen Isabella Causeway are two of the GLO listed piers on this page.
Which Texas bays are good for common snook?
Start with Boca Chica Bay, South Bay and Lower Laguna Madre, which have pages covering piers, ramps and guides.
Is there a guide service for common snook in Texas?
212 inshore guides are listed across the coast on the bay pages.
How heavy is the record common snook in Texas?
The all tackle rod and reel record is 57.5 pounds, caught at Gulf of America in 1937.
How many common snook may I keep a day in Texas?
The daily bag is 1 statewide with a 24 inch minimum.
When should I fish for common snook in Texas?
Spawns June or July in the Gulf, probably around passes.
What structure holds common snook?
Tropical; range set by water temperature; Most often caught in the lower Laguna Madre near pilings and structure.
Which endorsement do I need for common snook?
Adults targeting common snook need a Texas license plus the saltwater endorsement.
How are common snook named scientifically?
Centropomus undecimalis.
Do I need a license for common snook on a state park pier?
Saltwater limits for common snook still apply, though no license is needed in the park.