Red drum Fishing in Texas
Best lakes, limits and records for red drum in Texas.
- 59.5 lbstate record
Photo: Steve Hillebrand, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain
About red drum in Texas waters
In Texas, red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) counts as a saltwater species. A 59.5 pound fish from Gulf of America, set in 2000 holds the Texas rod and reel record.
When and where to find red drum in Texas
When
Spawns mid-August through mid-October in the Gulf near passes; Fall "bull redfish run" to Gulf beaches, especially during stormy weather; Concentrations in rivers and tidal creeks in winter
Where they hold
Shallow bay edges (1-4 ft) with seagrass, soft mud and oyster reefs; Lives in bays/surf for first 3 years, then moves to the Gulf
Red drum facts from the TPWD species profile.
Statewide rules for red drum
| Rule | Daily bag | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red drum | 3 | 20 in | 28 in | 20-28 in. slot |
Lakes with their own rules for this fish: Calaveras Lake.
Red drum limits from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (valid Sep. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027).
Official Texas marks for red drum
| Category | Weight (lb) | Length (in) | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| fly fishing | 12 | 31.5 | Calaveras | 2002 |
| fly fishing | 41.5 | 46.5 | Matagorda Bay | 2019 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 36.83 | 44 | Fairfield | 2001 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 59.5 | 54.25 | Gulf of America | 2000 |
Red drum records: TPWD state records list, October 2026.
Where TPWD stocks red drum
- Calaveras1,705,513 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Victor Braunig837,939 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
Red drum stocking by water body, TPWD, 2024 to 2026.
Bays and piers for red drum
Bay pages worth a look for red drum: Oso Bay, Trinity Bay, Baffin Bay, Redfish Bay, Christmas Bay, Lower Laguna Madre, Copano Bay and West Bay (Galveston).
- 61st Street Fishing PierGalveston, $10
- Horace Caldwell PierPort Aransas, $2
- Lute's Marine & RVLiverpool
- Rio Hondo Public Boat RampRio Hondo
- Padre Island National Seashore – Bay side
- FM 2918 Boat Ramp
- Crabbing Pier
- Fin & Feather Marina, $2
- 8th Street Pier and Beach
- Quintana Beach County ParkQuintana
Red drum spots: Texas General Land Office pier and coastal access inventory.
What to know about red drum in Texas
Where is good shore fishing for red drum in Texas?
Piers and jetties along the coast hold them, and 61st Street Fishing Pier and Horace Caldwell Pier are two of the GLO listed piers on this page.
What bays hold red drum in Texas?
Start with Oso Bay, Trinity Bay and Baffin Bay, which have pages covering piers, ramps and guides.
Can I hire a guide for red drum in Texas?
212 inshore guides are listed across the coast on the bay pages.
What is the Texas state record red drum?
The all tackle rod and reel record is 59.5 pounds, caught at Gulf of America in 2000.
What size and bag rules cover red drum in Texas?
The daily bag is 3 statewide with a 20 inch minimum.
What season do red drum bite in Texas?
Spawns mid-August through mid-October in the Gulf near passes.
Where do red drum hold?
Shallow bay edges (1-4 ft) with seagrass, soft mud and oyster reefs; Lives in bays/surf for first 3 years, then moves to the Gulf.
Are there lake exceptions for red drum in Texas?
They include Calaveras Lake.
Are red drum stocked in Texas?
TPWD stocked Calaveras most heavily from 2024 to 2026.
Can I fish for red drum in Texas without a license?
Adults targeting red drum need a Texas license plus the saltwater endorsement.
By what scientific name are red drum known?
Sciaenops ocellatus.
What rules apply to red drum from a state park pier?
Saltwater limits for red drum still apply, though no license is needed in the park.
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