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Fishing regulations at Matagorda Harbor, TX
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in Texas can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Regulations for top species
Red drum
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
Spears
Harvest of this species by "spearing" is prohibited. Spearing includes the catching or taking of a fish by bow hunting, gigging, spearfishing, or by any device used to capture a fish by piercing the body.
During a license year, 1 red drum over the stated maxiumum length limit may be retained when affixed with a propertly completed Red Drum Tag and one red drum over the stated maximum length limit may be retained when affixed with a properly completed Bonus Red Drum Tag. Any fish retained under authority of a Red Drum Tag or a Bonus Red Drum Tag may be retained in addition to the daily bag and possession limit.
Spotted seatrout
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
The maximum number of trophy individuals legally harvested per harvester per day. A trophy is any individual of a length greater than the max size limit. Trophy individuals are included in the daily bag limit unless stated otherwise.
Spears
Harvest of this species by "spearing" is prohibited. Spearing includes the catching or taking of a fish by bow hunting, gigging, spearfishing, or by any device used to capture a fish by piercing the body.
Hook and line only.
Clarification: During a license year, one spotted seatrout over 28" may be retained when affixed with a properly completed Spotted Seatrout Tag and one spotted seatrout over 28" may be retained when affixed with a properly completed Bonus Spotted Seatrout Tag. Any fish retained under authority of a Spotted Seatrout Tag or a Bonus Spotted Seatrout Tag may be retained in addition to the daily bag and possession limit as stated in this section.
Possession Limit: Double the daily bag limit
For more information, see <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/saltwater-fishing/bag-length-limits/seatrout-bag-length-limits#:~:text=Clarification%3A,double%20the%20daily%20bag%20limit.">TPWD Spotted Seatrout</a>.
Northern red snapper
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
Circle Hook Only
It is unlawful to use any kind of hook other than a circle hook when using natural bait.
Descending Device/Venting Tool
Anglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use. Take a short 15‑minute training to learn how to properly use required release gear and access it at a discounted price through returnemright.org.
Descending Device/Venting Tool
Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready is required when fishing for reef fish, and use such device if releasing a fish that suffers from barotrauma. Get descending device gear for FREE by completing a 15-minute training from Return 'Em Right. Get started here: returnemright.org
Red Snapper Season in Texas State Waters
Open: Year-round
Applies to: Private recreational anglers in state waters.
The federal for-hire season opens June 1, 2025. Anglers fishing from federally-permitted for-hire vessels in federal waters may retain 2 fish per person with a 16-inch minimum size limit.
For more information about Red Snapper regulations in Federal Waters of the Gulf of Mexico, see Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.
Red snapper may be taken using pole and line, but it is unlawful to use any kind of hook other than a circle hook when using natural bait.
All commercial and recreational anglers must possess a venting tool or a rigged descending device on their boat while fishing for reef fish in federal water. This is improve the proportion of released fish that survive.
For information about Red Snapper regulations see TPWD Red Snapper and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.
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