Red snapper Fishing in Texas
Limits, state records, TPWD lake ratings and stocking for red snapper.
- 38.75 lbstate record
Photo: Geeklikepi, CC BY-SA 3.0
Texas red snapper at a glance
Texas lists red snapper, or Lutjanus campechanus, among its saltwater species. The Texas rod and reel record is 38.75 pounds from Gulf of America, set in 2014.
Seasons and habitat for red snapper in Texas
When
Spawns June through September
Where they hold
Adults near structure in deeper water: reefs, rigs and snapper banks; Juveniles over muddy or sandy bottom
Red snapper facts from the TPWD species profile.
What you can keep: red snapper
| Rule | Daily bag | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red snapper (state waters) | 4 | 15 in | Open year-round in state waters; circle hooks required with natural bait | |
| Red snapper (federal waters, private anglers) | 2 | 16 in | 2026 federal season opened May 22; closure date set in-season (page said still open as of Oct 5) |
Red snapper limits from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (valid Sep. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027).
Texas state records for red snapper
| Category | Weight (lb) | Length (in) | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| fly fishing | 18.65 | 32.75 | Gulf of America | 2022 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 38.75 | 40 | Gulf of America | 2014 |
Red snapper records: TPWD state records list, October 2026.
Getting offshore for red snapper
Most red snapper in Texas come from a charter or party boat working offshore.
- Port Aransas8 offshore or party boat operators
- Galveston3 offshore or party boat operators
- Freeport3 offshore or party boat operators
- South Padre Island1 offshore or party boat operator
- Port Isabel1 offshore or party boat operator
- Lake Jackson1 offshore or party boat operator
- Port Bolivar1 offshore or party boat operator
- Angleton1 offshore or party boat operator
- Sabine Pass JettiesJefferson
- Matagorda Ship Channel JettiesMatagorda
- Texas City DikeGalveston
- Quintana Jetty (Freeport south jetty)Brazoria
- Colorado River Jetties (Matagorda Jetty Park)Matagorda
- Packery Channel JettiesNueces
Red snapper ports: operator websites and directories, October 2026. Jetties: Texas General Land Office.
Red snapper in Texas, answered
Which harbor should I use for red snapper in Texas?
Port Aransas has the most offshore and party boat operators on this site, followed by Galveston and Freeport.
Are red snapper ever caught from shore in Texas?
Rarely, since red snapper are mostly a boat fish in Texas, though the big jetties give up a few.
Who sets red snapper rules offshore of Texas?
NOAA Fisheries manages red snapper in federal water, which starts 9 nautical miles out.
How big is the Texas record red snapper?
38.75 pounds, caught at Gulf of America in 2014, in the all tackle rod and reel category.
Is there a limit on red snapper in Texas?
The statewide limit is 4 a day with a 15 inch minimum.
When are red snapper most active in Texas?
Spawns June through September.
What cover do red snapper like?
Adults near structure in deeper water: reefs, rigs and snapper banks; Juveniles over muddy or sandy bottom.
What license do adults need for red snapper?
Anglers 17 and older targeting red snapper need a license with the saltwater endorsement.
How do biologists name red snapper in Latin?
Lutjanus campechanus.
Can I fish for red snapper from a park pier without a license?
Saltwater red snapper limits apply, and Texas state parks waive the license requirement.
The rest of the Texas species
See how red snapper stacks up with other Texas species.