Spotted seatrout Fishing in Texas
Limits, state records, TPWD lake ratings and stocking for spotted seatrout.
- 15.6 lbstate record
Photo: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, CC BY 2.0
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Texas spotted seatrout at a glance
Texas lists spotted seatrout, or Cynoscion nebulosus, among its saltwater species. The Texas rod and reel record is 15.6 pounds from Lower Laguna Madre, set in 2002.
Seasons and habitat for spotted seatrout in Texas
When
In shallow bays during spring and summer; moves to deeper bay water and the Gulf as water cools in fall
Where they hold
Shallow bays and estuaries with seagrass and oyster beds; Spawns within bays, estuaries and lagoons
Spotted seatrout facts from the TPWD species profile.
What you can keep: spotted seatrout
| Rule | Daily bag | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spotted seatrout | 3 | 15 in | 20 in | 15-20 in. slot |
Spotted seatrout limits from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (valid Sep. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027).
Texas state records for spotted seatrout
| Category | Weight (lb) | Length (in) | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| fly fishing | 15.6 | 37.25 | Lower Laguna Madre | 2002 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 8.31 | 28.5 | Nueces River | 2009 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 15.6 | 37.25 | Lower Laguna Madre | 2002 |
Spotted seatrout records: TPWD state records list, October 2026.
Texas bays that hold spotted seatrout
Each of these bays has a page: East Bay (Galveston), Tres Palacios Bay, San Antonio Bay, Aransas Bay, Carancahua Bay, Upper Laguna Madre, Drum Bay and Baffin Bay.
- 4th Street PierPalacios
- Demi-John Boat Ramp
- Bastrop Bayou Boat Ramp
- Puerto Del Sol R.V. ParkCorpus Christi
- Quintana Beach County ParkQuintana
- Little Chocolate Bayou ParkPort Lavaca
- Crabbing Pier
- Six Mile Park & Boat Ramp
- South Bay Marina & Offshore Adventures, $3
- Bayshore ParkSan Leon
Spotted seatrout spots: Texas General Land Office pier and coastal access inventory.
Spotted seatrout in Texas, answered
Where can I catch spotted seatrout from shore in Texas?
Try the coastal piers and jetties, including 4th Street Pier and Demi-John Boat Ramp from the GLO list on this page.
Where on the coast should I look for spotted seatrout?
Look at East Bay (Galveston), Tres Palacios Bay and San Antonio Bay, each covered with piers, ramps and guides.
Are there guides who target spotted seatrout in Texas?
The bay pages list 212 inshore guides along the coast.
How big is the Texas record spotted seatrout?
It weighed 15.6 pounds, caught at Lower Laguna Madre in 2002 on rod and reel.
Is there a limit on spotted seatrout in Texas?
3 a day statewide with a 15 inch minimum.
When are spotted seatrout most active in Texas?
In shallow bays during spring and summer; moves to deeper bay water and the Gulf as water cools in fall.
What cover do spotted seatrout like?
Shallow bays and estuaries with seagrass and oyster beds; Spawns within bays, estuaries and lagoons.
What license do adults need for spotted seatrout?
From age 17, spotted seatrout anglers carry a license with the saltwater endorsement.
How do biologists name spotted seatrout in Latin?
Cynoscion nebulosus.
Can I fish for spotted seatrout from a park pier without a license?
Keep them under saltwater spotted seatrout limits; the state park covers the license.
The rest of the Texas species
See how spotted seatrout stacks up with other Texas species.