Fish & Game

Get Ready for Red Snapper Season 

After fighting the winds of spring, Texas anglers can look forward to the opening of red snapper season in federal waters on June 1. The length of the season depends on how many fish are caught during the first few weeks; check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department news website for information on this year’s closing date. 

While anglers can fish for red snapper year-round in state waters (barring unforeseen closures), the best snapper fishing lies miles out on natural reefs in federal waters. Anglers venturing out into the deep blue to pursue the iconic fish can be thankful for longer seasons in recent years, thanks to an agreement between TPWD and the National Marine Fisheries Service. According to the agreement, TPWD can now establish the opening and closing of the red snapper fishery in federal waters off the Texas coast for private recreational anglers fishing from their own vessels.

State waters stretch nine nautical miles from the coast; federal waters go from nine to 200 nautical miles offshore.

For 2023, the minimum size limit for snapper in federal waters is 16 inches with a daily bag limit of two fish per person. The limit in state waters remains at four fish per person with a 15-inch minimum. Anglers fishing for red snapper with natural bait must use circle hooks when fishing with natural bait.

The hardest part of catching red snapper is simply getting to where they live. This fish loves offshore structure such as natural reefs, artificial reefs or oil platforms. Get offshore by taking your own boat, hiring a professional fishing guide or paying to go out on a “headboat” (a large vessel that can take out numerous anglers).

Once you make it out to the snapper grounds, it gets easier. Drop down a bait on a circle hook and wait for the bite, which usually doesn’t take long. Favorite baits include squid, cut fish and lures, specifically jigs.

There is a reason for the popularity of red snapper: They’re delicious. The flesh is mild and sweet and lends itself well to grilling, baking or frying. Season to taste.

Releasing Reef Fish: Reef fish often experience barotrauma (injuries caused by pressure changes) when brought to the surface and need special attention when being released. Federal regulations require anglers to possess a venting tool or a descending device while fishing for reef fish such as snapper in the Gulf.

Venting tools can be used to puncture a fish’s swim bladder, allowing gas to escape so a fish can swim back to the bottom.

Descending devices carry fish safely back down and release them at depth, allowing them to naturally recompress.