Texas saltwater fish size limits. Recreational anglers must have a Texas. Texas saltwater fish size limits

 
 Recreational anglers must have a TexasTexas saltwater fish size limits  Fishing year begins Oct 1

Stock Assessment of Blue Crabs in Texas Coastal Waters ( PDF 1. Bow Fishing Regulations. Pompano are not the largest of gamefish, but on semi-light tackle they’re a blast to catch and are a perfect treat for kids to reel in. NOTE: Possession limit is twice the daily bag EXCEPT as listed below. Austin, TX 78744 (512) 389-4800 (800) 792-1112Valid Sep. 2009 regs from Virginia to Texas. Changes include the required use of specialized devices on reef fish exhibiting signs of barotrauma, returning to previous bag and size limits for spotted seatrout on the coast, lowering the bag limit for cobia and adding shortfin mako sharks. The cost of a non-resident fishing license is $58 for a year and $16 for a one-day license. The limits and restrictions in this guide apply to aquatic life caught in the public waters of Texas out to 9 nautical mile in the Gulf of Mexico, and to aquatic life caught between 9 and 200 nautical miles in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and possessed in state waters or landed in this state. Anglers fishing more than 9 nautical miles off the coast of Texas are in federal waters and are subject to rules and regulations that may differ from those in state waters. Here is a list for each Gulf State: Texas. modified fishing regulations for community fishing lakes and applied these regulations to additional waterbodies. And yet pompano are so unknown in Texas, there isn't even a daily bag limit on them. Report online, via the mobile app, or by calling 800. You can keep one fish over 52 inches. 00, respectively, while a non-resident can purchase them for $58. Pompano, African T Minimum Size Limits: • 24" fork length Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • 2 per harvester per day, not to exceed 2 per vessel per day Permit T Minimum Size Limits:Alligator gar can reach lengths of 10 ft. Louisiana is known around the world as a premier sport fishing destination. A. 903-603-3793. Inshore/Nearshore Fishing; Offshore Fishing; Shark Fishing; Fly Fishing; Kayak Fishing; Sight Fishing; Youth Fishing; Opinion & Narrative. State & Federal Waters. Valid Sep. Perfect length. See definitions of daily bag and possession limits. You can keep one fish over 52 inches. Minimum Length: 15 inches. Recreational saltwater fishing regulations | Mass. Other Names Striper, Rockfish, Lineside Description Game fish - see statewide bag & size limits and lake-specific exceptions The striped bass is the largest member of the sea bass family, often called "temperate" or "true" bass to distinguish it from species such as largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass which are actually members of the sunfish. Impact97. Chronic Wasting Disease. Science & the Sea; Coastal Birding;. 2023 – Starting Sept. Specific dates are listed below under the Gulf of Mexico regulations. The general criteria set forth in this section apply to surface water in the state. – 8 p. Limits and Restrictions. Bag and length limits apply to listed saltwater species. Refer to nmfspermits. Re: quick question: size and bag limit on whiting? [ Re: lou7 ] #4999269 06/21/10 12:07 AM. See definitions of daily bag and possession limits. See definitions of daily bag and possession limits. Included in the 3 grouper aggregate daily bag limit. Medium-size croaker from Sabine Lake. Minimum size length of 17 inches. Starting Sept. I’ve tried to find the answer on the Florida Fish and Wildlife website but. Sep. It is important to check the regulations for the specific location you plan to fish in to ensure compliance. Red snapper: Limit in waters under Texas' jurisdiction is four fish per day with 15-inch minimum length. Lacks dark spots on back and barbels on lower jaw. If you get caught throwing a net over 7', they will take the net and give you a friendly reminder to the tune of about $200. If you need the speckled trout regulatio. For marine fish, a saltwater stamp must also be purchased. Possession Limit. See Exceptions to Statewide Limits. You must report all recreational landings of swordfish to NOAA Fisheries within 24 hours of landing at the dock. See definitions of daily bag and possession limits. Size limits. The forearm (propodus) is the largest section of the claw assembly that has both a moveable and immovable finger and is located farthest from the body of the crab. Modifications include length limits and harvest regulations at some. Easy to identify your catch with the full color fish images. Recreational anglers must have a Texas fishing license and saltwater endorsement to possess in state water or land in Texas any fish taken in federal waters. Legal Devices, Methods & Restrictions. INCLUDES NEW flounder size limit!The wahoo is a large, predatory mackerel that lives in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. Redfish are found on the coast of Texas. legal fish sizes in texas. Texas has a minimum size limit of 15 inches and a daily bag limit of 5 per person for sheepshead. TEXAS– Starting Sept. Look for them in thick,tall grass or at night under lights. This endorsement is automatically included as. m. Jan. Sturdy gloves; Wet towel(s) Pliers, wire cutters, hook remover; Bolt cutters; Camera(s. 1 – 14, when it is 2 fish (flounder may be taken by any legal means, including gigging). 1, changes to saltwater fishing regulations will take effect for the 2023-24 license year. Certain areas may be temporarily closed to alligator gar fishing when optimum spawning conditions occur. Pompano are a popular member of the jack family sought by both recreational and commercial fisherman throughout the Gulf of Mexico. * Bag limit comprised of any single species or a combination of listed grouped species. These coordinates approximate the 20-fathom depth contour. Closed season is Nov 1 – Dec 14. Kim Amendola: Southeast Recreational Fishing and Communications Specialist, kim. Minimum size: 16″ to 26″ Anglers can keep one fish over the 26-inch limit per day out of the three total redfish allowed per day. Snapper Bag & Length Limits. Fishing License For Alabama: Annual: $23. Life is Good. Most sharks with an interdorsal ridge caught in Georgia waters will be included in the “prohibited” or “no harvest” categories. A freshwater, saltwater, or all -water license package is required to bow fish in Texas public waters. This flathead fish is a popular dish in many seafood circles, and a fun fish to spend the day trying to catch. S. Changes to freshwater fishing regulations for 2020-21 season (scroll down for saltwater) The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopted multiple changes to the freshwater fishing regulations for the upcoming 2020-2021 season at the meeting held virtually May 21. Statewide Bag & Length Limits. Commercial, Recreational Affected Species. 1 KB) "takemefishing" Houston brochure ( PDF 538. No changes to the federal commercial management measures are being made. For more information visit NOAA Fisheries Southeast Region website. Texas speckled trout size regulations allow for a limit of five fish per day and a slit size of 15 to 25 inches, with the ability to keep a fish larger than 25 inches long. The Fish Finder Rig: How To Master Best Rig For Surf Fishing. Additional requirements may be applicable. Size Species Bag (Inches) (Inches) Amberjack, greater 1 34 No Lim. ’. See catfish comparison and identification. Definitions. September 1, 2023. ) Possession prohibited: June 16 – Sept. General Fishing Rules & Regulations. The goal of. Texas record is. : col. 80. Typical size of pompano taken on wintertime surf trip. The fish shown on this card are 60 commonly landed saltwater fish species in the state of Texas including inshore, near shore, and offshore species. Georgia State Speckled (Spotted) Trout Laws. The lower lethal limit for adults is 43° to 54° F, though they become lethargic once temperatures fall to 65° F and can begin to die at just 60° F. ill. While positioning the fish's head, ensure that the mouth of the fish in closed. Game Fish Size And Bag Limits. 50 in total* including a maximum of 20 cockles. Those regulatory changes are scheduled to sunset in August of 2023. Bag Pocket and Size Guide Limits to of Saltwater and Crabs Fishes Effective Expires September August 31, 1, 2014 2013 For Texas further Parks information & Wildlife on. 50 Purple Heart Basic Fishing $9. The limits and restrictions in this guide apply to aquatic life caught in the public waters of Texas out to 9 nautical mile in the Gulf of Mexico, and to aquatic life caught between 9 and 200 nautical miles in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and possessed in state waters or landed in this state. 10 per person per day. Explore Texas' saltwater fishing limits and have a blast reel-ing in the fun! Discover the different types of fish you can catch, the limits for each species, and tips for making the most of your fishing trips. The previous minimum was 14 inches and was changed after being adopted by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission in May. 4200 Smith School Rd. Bag & length limits, gear restrictions & fish identification. 31, 2023. Average size is about 2. Florida Saltwater Fish Limits: Top 50 Game Fish; Florida Fishing License: A Guide How To Get Yours; Top 9 Best Fishing Piers in Florida: Discover the Perfect Spot; Redfish Size Limit Florida: Incredible Best Practices for Staying Legal; Texas Saltwater Fish Limits: Top 30 Game Fish; North Carolina Saltwater Fishing Regulations: Top. Science & the Sea; Coastal Birding;. Select a water body to see a summary of site. Pompano are not the largest of gamefish, but on semi-light tackle they’re a blast to catch and are a perfect treat for kids to reel in. Science & the Sea; Coastal Birding; Fishy Facts; Conservation; TP&W Field Notes; Plastic & Water Don't Mix; Regulations; Locations. Redfish limits in Texas. The limits and restrictions in this guide apply to aquatic life that are. Vessels must have a valid HMS Angling or HMS. 1, changes to saltwater fishing regulations will take effect for the 2023-24 license year. Daily Bag: 5. Florida Saltwater Fish Limits: Top 50 Game Fish; Florida Fishing License: A Guide How To Get Yours; Top 9 Best Fishing Piers in Florida: Discover the Perfect Spot; Redfish Size Limit Florida: Incredible Best Practices for Staying Legal; Texas Saltwater Fish Limits: Top 30 Game Fish; North Carolina Saltwater Fishing Regulations: Top 47 Game Fish The fish shown on this card are 60 commonly landed saltwater fish species in the state of Texas including inshore, near shore, and offshore species. Nj Saltwater Fishing Size & Catch Limits 2021. Speckled Trout: 4 fish per person per day. Harvest Limitations: State waters only; From March 16, 2022 through Aug. During the winter months when everything seems slow and desolate, I always set a few rods for pompano and you may be very surprised at the results. All Authors & Guides; The View from Matagorda; Mid-Coast Bays with the Grays; Hooked Up with Rowsey; Wayne's Port. Creation Information. Bag and length limits apply to listed saltwater species. A red drum tag will be issued at no additional charge with each saltwater fishing endorsement. Guide to bag and size limits of saltwater fishes and crabs listed by species and effective from September 1, 2014 through August 31, 2015. Marlin Bag & Length Limits. Public Hunting. Possession & Transport of Exotic Aquatic Species. com or call 888-872-8862 for updated information. Listing of bag and length limits of saltwater fishes and crabs as well as noting limit changes. Distinguishing characteristics include a dark gray or green back and silvery-white below, with distinct round spots on back, fins and tail; black. Current state creel and size limits allow anglers to keep five redfish per day that are between 16 and 27 inches in length, which are considered juveniles. 22. Bag and length limits apply to listed saltwater species. Whenever water temperatures on the coast are predicted to fall below 40°F, the TPWD executive director may close one or more of the sites listed below for saltwater fishing until the threat from the freeze event is over. Below is the most common Virginia saltwater fish size limits for 30 popular game fish: It’s essential to check the Virginia Marine Resources Commission website for the most up-to-date and specific…Here’s a sneak peek at some of the size and possession limits for Alabama’s top game fish: Red Drum (Bull Red): 16″ – 26″ Slot Size, Possession Limit: 3 fish per person per day. Possession limit = the daily bag. TPWD Elite Angler. September 1, 2023. Guide to 78 saltwater fish that live along the Texas Gulf coast with species information and fishing tips and illustrations of each one. Bow Fishing Regulations. 41 pounds, 24. Hunting and fishing regulations are addressed in the Texas Administrative Code. just leave the little guys to grow to about 10 inches so they'll have a chance to reproduce. 24 mm in diameter. 00; Non-Resident Saltwater Fishing Package: $63. 4200 Smith School Rd. Exceptions to Statewide Harvest Regulations. Upper Coast; Mid Coast; Lower Coast; Tips and Tricks. No other publication matches our coverage of hunting, fishing, guns, gear, tackle, conservation, outdoor news, and wildlife subjects. Posts: 836. No more than one spotted seatrout over the maximum limit of 25 inches may be retained per day, and it. Shrimp Regulations & Restrictions. Reaching up to 8 feet and 180 pounds, this species is larger than any other non-tuna in the mackerel family. Biologists expect this regulation change to result in an increase in population numbers since. Shark Bag & Length Limits. Fishing in state waters is open year-round, while fishing in federal waters is limited to around 60 days per year. Daily Private Recreational Bag limit: 5 fish per person, or 30 fish per vessel, whichever is less. There are no bag, possession, or length limits on game or nongame fish, except as listed in this guide. 1-30 when limit is two per day; 14-inch minimum length. They were plentiful, much bigger on average than today, easy to catch from shore, tasty and fed the masses. Legal Devices, Methods & Restrictions. meehan@noaa. The commercial quota is divided into two 6-month fishing seasons. In effort to further boost spawning biomass, bag limits would be reduced to 3 trout per day with a slot limit of 17- to 23-inches. See definitions of daily bag and possession limits. 24 in FL. Shark Regulations. The changes include an extension of the season by 12 fishing days to October 9, 2022, and decreasing the minimum size limit by a half inch. Spotted seatrout males average 19 inches (48 cm) in length. 6 KB) Bow Fishing in Texas (regulations summary) HTML version. The size limit minimum length is 14 inches, and the size limit minimum length of 30 inches. The 2020 rules are still in effect. Saltwater anglers in Texas enjoy healthy flounder bag limits for most of the year. k. The possession limit is equal to double the bag limit unless otherwise noted. Fishing with a Boat. Shrimp may be taken for personal use (bait or food) with a recreational fishing license but may not be sold. Current Golden Tilefish Specifications (November 1, 2022–October 31, 2023). This makes them especially vulnerable to over-fishing. SEDAR 49 2016. Clarify red snapper bag limits when fishing in Texas and federal waters. There is no possession limit for Sand Trout in Texas. Cobia. No fish over 23 inches. Federal law also regulates species between 9. N. Texas Saltwater Fishing Regulations 2022 . The Texas black drum limit is 5 fish each day, and they must be between 14 and 30 inches in size. Licensing, equipment, what to catch & where to fish. Shark Bag & Length Limits. : col. Posts: 227. Stone Crab Measurement. May only be taken by rod & reel and gig. In the Gulf of Mexico, if the catch limit is. In addition to the above, the DEC announced in late April new recreational saltwater fishing regulations for the summer flounder season that started May 1. 30. Youth-Only Sept. Sec. -Changing the minimum length for largemouth bass from 18-inch minimum length to the statewide 14-inch limit for largemouth bass, modifying the harvest regulations for Brushy Creek Lake. all salt water fishing guides and salt water fishing pier operators shall submit written monthly records of activity to the. Report by Captain David Dillman, Galveston Bay Charter Fishing. This allows anglers to harvest more fish. 31, 2023 and revert back to previous rule. Pelvic fin yellow in color. Shellfish Regulations. 25 pounds (1976). Spotted Seatrout: 12″ Min, Possession Limit: 25 fish per person per day. Mullet Bag & Length Limits. What are the flounder size limits in Florida? In Florida, you can legally catch 5 flounder each day. 20-inch TL. On the back are reminders of protecting seagrass and ethical angler practices. *3 fish bag limit. 4 Acknowledgments Some. This includes a size limit change for flounder. SPORT ANGLER BAG AND LENGTH LIMITS OF SALTWATER FISHES AND CRABS. The daily bag limit is two, and the minimum length is 37 inches. Daily Limit: 1* Minimum size: 18″ to 27″ Northeast Regional Bag Limit – Except as provided for in Rule 68B-22. The minimum size limit for sheepshead in Florida is 12 inches, with a daily bag limit of 8 per person and a vessel limit of 50 per trip during March and April. Guide to bag and size limits of saltwater fishes and crabs listed by species and effective from September 1, 2014 through August 31, 2015. – 27″ Max, Possession Limit: 5 fish per person per day. Five per day except Nov. This slot limit is 17-23 inches and a three fish daily bag for the Laguna Madre. 25 inches, 50. Maximum Length: 33 inches. Red Snapper Fishing In Federal Waters. From March 16 to August 31, 2023, the spotted seatrout bag and size limits south of FM 457 will be: Three fish per day per angler ; A minimum size of 17 inches and a maximum size limit of 23 inches ; No fish over the maximum length may be retained. These modified regulations are a continuation of changes made by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission that began April 1. Maximum size length of 23 inches. As a Texas resident, you have the choice between getting a freshwater fishing license, a saltwater fishing license, or a combination of the two. For whitе bаѕѕ, minimum length = 10 inсhеѕ аnd dаilу bag is 25. There are no bag, possession, or length limits on game or nongame fish, except as listed in this guide. Texas' state-record sand trout, caught from Galveston Bay in 1972, measured 23. Seatrout Bag & Length Limits. com or call 888-872-8862 for updated information. Vermilion Daily Bag: No limit Min Length: 10 inches Max Length: No limit TPWD Approves New Saltwater Regs. FishVerify helps users identify hundreds of Freshwater & Saltwater fish with the click of a camera, simultaneously providing local fishing regulations. As an angler, the decisions you make and your catch. Game fish may be taken only by pole and line (which includes rod and reel), except as otherwise provided in this guide. The regulations are set to expire Aug. Similar to Florida, redfish is a very popular game fish in Texas, but the bag limits are slightly more generous. So barracuda might not be prized as a commercial fish in Texas waters, and there may not be a Swim with Barracudas! attraction at SeaWorld, but the great barracuda puts up an excellent fight and is consequently esteemed by some anglers as a gamefish. Spread the love. The proposed rules would reduce the spotted seatrout bag limit to 3 fish and restrict the allowable size to 17-23 inches for two years. Regulated nongame species - see bag & size limits. INCLUDES NEW flounder size limit! The wahoo is a large, predatory mackerel that lives in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. For example, black bass must be at least 14 inches long, and anglers can keep five per day. There are also limits on the number of fish that you can keep, so make sure to check your state’s regulations in this article for more information. SUBCHAPTER A. South of FM 457. Florida's 2023 Gulf red snapper season will open on June 16 and run consecutively through July 31, 2023. These changes will take effect on April 1 and are valid for up to 120 days, but may be extended another 60 days if warranted. Daily Bag: No limit. If you’re planning on saltwater fishing in Texas in 2022,. 001. Popular places to catch Sand Trout in Texas include East Matagorda Bay,. I was reading that some people say that they taste a little like flounder. Note: On many waters, bag and length limits differ from the statewide rules. On the back are reminders of protecting seagrass and ethical angler practices. Its distinguishing characteristics include three to five pairs of small barbels or "whiskers" on their chins to help them feel for food on the sea floor; a lateral line that extends to the tip of its caudal (tail) fin; inferior mouth. Bag and length limits apply to listed saltwater species. Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks MUST be used when fishing for sharks in state waters. Any person who takes or attempts to take fish, mussels, clams, crayfish or other aquatic life in the public waters of Texas must have a current Texas fishing license with the. The following changes to the 2021-22 Statewide Recreational Fishing Proclamation have. Tuna8,14. 25, 2024 May 1 - 31, 2024. This flathead. 5284 posts · Joined 2008. Freshwater Regulations. 00, $63. Harvest Limitations: Remains Catch-and-release only south of state road 64 (Manatee County) to Gordon Pass (Collier County); Snook permit required for harvest; No snatch hooks and spearing. New Jersey recreational marine regulations apply to all fish species when they are possessed in state waters or landed in New Jersey regardless of where they are caught. 2022 NJ Recreational Size Limits, Possession Limits & Seasons. Fishermen are responsible for obeying fishing rules in full. from. The Texas record is 52. Florida Redfish Catch & Bag Size Limit. Anglers in Texas are allowed one shark per person per day with a two-shark possession limit. The A-1 gas wells off the ship channel near Brothel. Texas Redfish Limits A redfish must be at least 20″ but no more than 28″ in length to be legally harvested. Fluke, Stripers,. Lake Texoma Min Length: none. Alabama Redfish Catch & Bag Size Limit. Snapper, Gray (Mangrove) p. The average size is two to five. TPWD is implementing a limit of three fish per bag per day with a slot limit of 17 to 23 inches. Medium-size croaker from Sabine Lake. Changes include the required use of specialized devices on reef fish exhibiting signs of barotrauma, returning to previous bag and size limits for spotted seatrout on the coast, lowering the bag limit for. When releasing sharks, the following tips will help protect both anglers and fish. Croaker Cravings. Anglers fishing for tunas in Louisiana state or federal are subject to both state and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Lake Texoma Bag Limit: 10, possession limit: 20. Contact; Advertising;4200 Smith School Rd. Wahoo are also known as ono, after the Hawaiian word for ‘delicious. Recreational anglers must have a Texas. See MyFWC. The Lore & Legend of Texas Saltwater Fishing; According to Scott; Education. 00, and $40. 63 inches, caught in June 2006 in the Lower Laguna Madre, and the IGFA all-tackle record is 8 pounds 4 ounces, caught in October. Not more than 5 per vessel per trip. New in Fishing for 2023-2024. To my knowledge, there is no length or bag limit on stingrays. Minimum size limit to allow fish time to mature and spawn. com 2023 Freshwater Fishing Season Dates and Limits • FREE PequestSaltwater fishing licenses are $35 for adults or $17 for those 65 and older, and $63 for non-Texas residents. The common snook is by far the most abundant. modified blue and channel catfish harvest regulations for five lakes. Summary. This flathead fish is a popular dish in many seafood circles, and a fun fish to spend the day trying to catch. May 25, 2023. All species, their hybrids and subspecies. Fоr ѕtriреd and hуbrid striped bass, minimum length limit = 18 inches аnd dаilу bag limit = 5 in аnу combination. The office is open to the public from 8 a. News. These devices, subject to restrictions listed, may be used to take fish and other aquatic life in Texas public waters. Daily Posession Limit: 10. Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine has been the source of some of the most. SPORT ANGLER BAG AND LENGTH LIMITS OF SALTWATER FISHES AND CRABS NOTE: Possession limit is twice the daily bag EXCEPT as listed below. “speckled trout”) during a 20-year span between 1998. There are no bag, possession or size limits on fish or crabs EXCEPT as listed below. I don't see Whiting in the list, so keep all the Whiting that you need but save some for seed. the. Texas Fish & Game Magazine. There are no bag, possession, or length limits on game or nongame fish, except as listed in this guide. Residents and nonresidents under the age of 16 are exempt from needing a license in addition to residents aged 65 and overTexas Parks & Wildlife Department biologists have recommended the following special trout regulations. Grouper Bag & Length Limits. Managing fishery resources to achieve the greatest harvest year after year while ensuring the health of fish stocks, ecosystems, and habitat. 25 (w) Spotted sea trout. In federal waters off the east coast of Florida, the minimum size limit is 12 inches fork length. ms. What is fresh water?. This caught me by surprise since I had caught a 4. Potential fishing regulation changes in store for 2023-24 - Texas Farm Bureau. S. Coastal old-timers sometimes recall when the croaker was a respectable fish on the Texas coast. Texas Parks and Wildlife Coastal Fisheries will soon make a proposal for the emergency regulations to be extended further, or revert to the former regulations of 5 trout per day, 15” minimum, one of which may be over 25”. Here is a quick Texas regulation bag and size limit chart for the U. State game wardens check licenses, the sizes, and fish caught per licensed fisherman. ’. With the recent legal size change in the Gulf for spotted sea trout to a minimum of 15 inches, we were wondering what the size limit is for ocean sand trout? I don’t think I have ever seen a 15 inch sand trout. Texas Resident Fishing License. There are no bag, possession, or length limits on game or nongame fish, except as listed in this guide. Saltwater Freeze Events. One black drum may be retained up to 52 inches per day in state waters. The Lore & Legend of Texas Saltwater Fishing; According to Scott; Education. The surf is red hot on fire from East Beach all the way to Surfside for speckled trout, redfish and an occasional shark on live bait. The surf is red hot on fire from East Beach all the way to Surfside for speckled trout, redfish and an occasional shark on live bait. Some of the top species I target include red drum, speckled trout, flounder, kingfish, and black drum. The app provides up-to-date rules & regulations on size and bag limits based on your GPS location. On March 23, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved all the proposed changes to the saltwater fishing regulations. It is important to have a valid license while fishing, as it can result in hefty fines and penalties. 31, 2024. I have mentioned several times in this column the evolution of land-based shark fishing over the past couple of decades. 4200 Smith School Rd. Biologists expect this regulation change to result in an increase in population numbers. This will also be effective January 2007 and it is our understanding it includes blue and white marlin. Stone crab claws must measure at least 2 7/8-inches in length measured by a straight line from the elbow to the tip of the lower immovable finger. Recreational anglers must possess a Texas fishing license with a saltwater endorsement to land fish in state or federal water. Red drum is a fast growing fish reaching approximately 11 inches and one pound in its first year, 17-22 inches and 3 1/2 pounds in two years, and 22-24 inches and 6-8 pounds. 38 lbs in the record books. com AUSTIN – Starting Sept. 30 except in lower reach of the Savannah River (2 per person per day year round; see Freshwater Fish Size & Possession Limits for details.