Texas Pauses Fishing For This Fish

Get our free mobile app

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has put fishing for red snapper on ice. At least for now.

The Houston Chronicle reported on Friday that the season for red snapper will end sooner than it normally ends. Red snapper is one of the most sought-after fish in the Gulf of Mexico and apparently this season was very successful for anglers.

The pause will begin on Monday, November 20th. That's when all snapper fishing in Texas controlled waters will become illegal. Texas controlled waters extend 9-miles into the Gulf of Mexico. The good news is that the season will resume on January 1st.

According to the Houston Chronicle, anglers had a 93-day federal season that was successful.

“While we are disappointed to close state waters earlier than we had hoped, the pattern of prolonged federal seasons highlights the success of Texas’ state-managed red snapper fishery,” said TPWD Coastal Fisheries Division Director Robin Riechers in a news release.

“This year, anglers had a chance to take advantage of a 93-day federal season. Also, unusually calm offshore conditions in early June and July allowed anglers to catch red snapper at a higher rate than in 2022,” Riechers added.

According to the Chronicle, the Northern red snapper ranges in length from two to three feet and can live up to 100 years.