Fishing in Federal Waters
Fishing is under federal jurisdiction beginning at 9 nautical miles off the coast of Texas. Texas Parks and Wildlife attempts to maintain regulations consistent with the federal rules, but occasionally there are differences. Either of the two sites listed below can provide rules and regulations for federal waters, including the latest changes.
Red snapper fishing is regulated by the state within the first 9 nautical miles from shore. That season is not closed and regulations for fishing within state waters are found on this site. However, in federal waters, red snapper fishing is regulated by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The red snapper season in federal waters is usually open from April 21 to October 31 each year. If those dates change, the new information will be posted on this site and provided as a news release to papers across the state.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744