--- title: "Texas Saltwater Regulations · Brazosport Fishing Guide" description: "Texas bag limits, size limits, and seasons for Brazosport-area saltwater species: redfish, trout, flounder, red snapper, and more. From TPWD and NOAA." canonical: https://brazosportfishingguide.com/regulations/ source: https://brazosportfishingguide.com/regulations/ --- 1. [Home](https://brazosportfishingguide.com) 2. Regulations Know Before You Go # Texas Saltwater Regulations. Bag limits, size limits, and seasons for the species you'll target around Freeport and the Brazosport area. Always confirm the current rules with TPWD before you fish. Last verified **May 25, 2026**. Limits change. Confirm at [tpwd.texas.gov](https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/general-rules-regulations/general-fishing-regulations) before fishing. Species Daily bag Size limit Season Source [Redfish](/species/redfish/) 3 per angler per day 20–28 inches (slot); one oversized red over 28" allowed with a tag Open year-round [Texas Parks & Wildlife Department](https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/saltwater-fishing/bag-length-limits/drum-bag-length-limits) [Speckled Trout](/species/speckled-trout/) 3 per angler per day 15–20 inches (slot); one over 28" allowed per day Open year-round [Texas Parks & Wildlife Department](https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/saltwater-fishing/bag-length-limits/seatrout-bag-length-limits) [Red Snapper](/species/red-snapper/) 2 per angler per day (federal for-hire) 16 inches total length minimum June 1 – October 26, 2026 (federal for-hire) [NOAA Fisheries](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/bulletin/noaa-fisheries-announces-2026-gulf-america-red-snapper-recreational-federal-hire) [Flounder](/species/flounder/) 5 per angler per day 15 inches minimum Fully closed November 1 – December 14 (no fishing by any method) [Texas Parks & Wildlife Department](https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/didyouknow/coastal/flounderfishing.phtml) [Cobia](/species/cobia/) 2 per angler per day 40 inches minimum (fork length) Open year-round (peak March–May) [Texas Parks & Wildlife Department](https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/general-rules-regulations/general-fishing-regulations) [Sheepshead](/species/sheepshead/) 5 per angler per day 15 inches minimum Open year-round [Texas Parks & Wildlife Department](https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/saltwater-fishing/bag-length-limits/sheepshead-bag-length-limits) [Spanish Mackerel](/species/spanish-mackerel/) 15 per angler per day 14 inches minimum Open year-round (peak late spring–fall) [Texas Parks & Wildlife Department](https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/saltwater-fishing/bag-length-limits/mackerel-bag-length-limits) [Pompano](/species/pompano/) No state daily bag limit (verify current TPWD rules) No state minimum size (verify current TPWD rules) Open year-round [Texas Parks & Wildlife Department](https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/saltwater-fishing/bag-length-limits) Black Drum 5 per angler per day 14 to 30 inches (slot); one over 52" allowed per day Open year-round [Texas Parks & Wildlife Department](https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/saltwater-fishing/bag-length-limits/drum-bag-length-limits) King Mackerel 3 per angler per day 27 inches minimum (fork length) Open year-round [Texas Parks & Wildlife Department](https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/saltwater-fishing/bag-length-limits/mackerel-bag-length-limits) Tarpon 1 per angler per day 85 inches minimum Effectively a catch-and-release fishery; a harvest tag is required to keep one. Open year-round [Texas Parks & Wildlife Department](https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/general-rules-regulations/general-fishing-regulations) ## Go deeper on the rules - How the [9-mile line splits Texas state and federal waters](/guides/state-vs-federal-waters-texas/), and why the same fish has different limits in each zone. - The [flounder size and bag limits, gigging rules, and the November closure](/guides/flounder-regs-gigging-texas/) explained in full. - The [red snapper season dates and state vs. federal limits](/guides/galveston-red-snapper-season/) for the current year. - What a [Texas fishing license and saltwater endorsement](/guides/texas-fishing-license-charter/) cover, and when a charter handles it for you. Know the limits and ready to fish them? Compare trip types and submit your details on our [charter guide](/fishing-charters/), and a local captain will handle the boat-side rules on the water. This page is an informational summary for the Brazosport area and is not legal advice. Texas Parks & Wildlife and NOAA Fisheries are the authoritative sources; regulations can change mid-season. Verify current rules before every trip. Plan the Budget ## What Will a Charter Cost?