Texas offers many great opportunities for fishing, whether saltwater or freshwater fishing, no matter where you are from or how old you are. However, you must know the fishing laws in Texas to avoid the risk of penalties, fines, or even jail time. That is where Boat Stop Marina comes in. We know the fishing laws and can help you understand them so you can avoid potential setbacks in your fishing excursion. Let’s look at them now.
General Fishing License Requirements
Texas requires fishing licenses with the appropriate endorsement for all residents and non-residents to fish in public waters. Licenses are valid from the purchase date to August 31 of the same year. If you purchase a freshwater package, you can buy the saltwater endorsement and vice versa.
Exceptions for Texas Residents
A fishing license is not required for residents under 17 years of age, a person born before January 1, 1931, a person with an intellectual disability and fishing is a part of their therapy, or a person with an intellectual disability fishing under the supervision of a licensed angler.
Exception for Non-Residents
As a non-resident of Texas, you do not require a fishing license if you are under 17 years of age, if you are a resident of Louisiana with a valid Louisiana Recreational fishing license and are 65 or older, or an Oklahoma resident 65 or older.
Fishing License Packages
You can choose from three types of fishing license packages: saltwater, freshwater, and all-water. The saltwater and freshwater packages come with a fishing license and the appropriate endorsement. The saltwater endorsement also comes with a Red Drum tag.
Species-Specific Regulations
If you are inshore saltwater fishing, certain fish have bag and length limits. For example, Red Drums have a minimum length requirement of 20 inches and a maximum length of 28 inches. The bag limit for Red Drums is three per day. If you are offshore deep-sea fishing, most of these fish have limits that follow federal regulations.
If you are freshwater fishing in Texas, bag and length limits also apply. For example, White Bass have a minimum length requirement of 10 inches with no maximum length. The bag limit for White Bass is 25 per day.
Bag and size limit regulations help maintain fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing practices.
Fishing Seasons and Closures
Fishing laws in Texas list seasons and closures to protect fish during vulnerable spawning times and help maintain healthy fish populations so that you and others can continue fishing year after year. Texas has different closures and seasons for different species and the water where you are fishing. Season closures for specific fish mean that you can’t catch that type of fish during that time.
Generally, there are no official closed seasons for freshwater or saltwater fishing in Texas. However, Texas may implement closure on certain fish species if the quota for that period has been met, for example, they do this with Bluefin Tuna.
Gear and Method Regulations
According to the fishing laws in Texas, you can use many different methods for fishing.
Pole and Line: A person can use a pole with an attached line and hook, including a rod with a reel, to catch gamefish and nongame fish.
Cast Net: A net thrown by hand over a designated area can be used for nongame fish, crab, crayfish, and shrimp, though some restrictions apply.
Jugline: A fishing line with five or fewer hooks is attached to a floating device with the appropriate gear tag. It can be used in freshwater only to catch nongame fish and specific kinds of catfish.
There are many more legal fishing devices and methods available. Check with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to ensure there are no exceptions or restrictions on your preferred method or gear.
Exceptions and Restrictions
Here are a few of the exceptions and restrictions on fishing devices and methods:
Unless otherwise noted, you can fish with multiple poles or other devices.
If you are freshwater fishing, you can fish with multiple devices. However, having more than 100 hooks on the devices is unlawful.
When freshwater fishing, if you are using a spear or spear gun for gamefish, you must use a handheld device underwater to take fish.
These are just a few of the limitations you may encounter when reviewing fishing laws in Texas.
Penalties and Enforcement
If you violate any of the fishing laws in Texas, you may be penalized depending on the severity of the violation and the number of offenses you have committed. For example, you could be charged with a misdemeanor and get fined.
Class C misdemeanor fines are between $25 and $500. Fines for Class B misdemeanors are between $200 and $2000, and you can receive jail time up to six months. A Class A misdemeanor includes fines of between $500 and $4000, and you can receive up to a year in jail time.
You could also be fined with state felonies if you are fishing in private waterways without consent from the landowner, and it is your second offense. Felony penalties include fines between $1,500 and $10,000, and you can receive up to two years of jail time. You can also get your fishing license suspended or revoked for up to five years and forfeit your fishing gear.
How To Stay Updated on Fishing Laws
To stay updated on fishing laws in Texas, contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. You can also visit them online for new updates to fishing laws. You could subscribe to their newsletter for information on law changes, or follow them on their social media channels.
Texas Outdoor Annual App
Another way to stay informed is to download the Texas Outdoor Annual App. This app shows you everything from bag and size limits to where to find a retailer that sells fishing licenses.
Learn the Fishing Laws in Texas with Boat Stop Marina
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is your best resource for fishing laws, but you can also ask experienced anglers, fishing shops, or marinas. If you review and follow the laws, no trouble will arise. If you have questions or want to know more about the fishing laws in Texas before hitting the water, contact us at Boat Stop Marina today.
Catch-and-release fishing is just what it sounds like. You catch a fish and release it in the same water you caught it in. When finishing in Texas, whether you are keeping the fish or going out for some fun catch-and-release fishing, you must have a Texas fishing license with the proper endorsement. If you are fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, you need a saltwater endorsement, and likewise for freshwater lakes, rivers, etc. So, the real question is, “Can you catch and release fish out of season in Texas?” Let’s find out.
How Do You Catch and Release Fish Without Killing Them?
Catching and releasing fish is a fun way to spend the day if you know how to avoid killing the fish in the process. Here are some equipment tips and fishing strategies to avoid killing fish during your catch-and-release fishing expedition.
Equipment
These equipment tips will lessen the stress on fish and help them survive after their release.
Use circle or barbless hooks, or crimp the barb down on hooks for easier release.
Use non-stainless steel hooks, as they will corrode over time and fall off the fish if you cannot remove them or the fish breaks your line.
Ensure your tackle is strong enough to land the fish quickly so it does not exhaust itself fighting.
If needed, use a wet, soft mesh net or rubber net to prevent any disturbance to the fish’s mucus coating, eyes, fins, gills, etc.
You should also invest in a dehooker or other release tool to minimize handling the fish. A release tool also makes it easier to release the fish without taking it out of the water.
Best Practices for Catch and Release
Here are some best practices for catching and releasing fish for its best chance of survival.
If possible, release the fish in the water. If you cannot, keep air exposure to 60 seconds or less.
If you must handle the fish, make sure your hands are wet and do not touch the fish’s eyes or gills.
If you have to remove the fish from the water, support its body with your hands. Avoid holding the fish by its lip or mouth.
When releasing a fish, hold the fish’s belly. If it does not swim away quickly, you can resuscitate the fish by holding its mouth toward the current until it can swim away independently.
Also, if the fish swallows the hook or you cannot remove it easily, cut the line as close to it as possible.
What Happens if You Accidentally Catch a Fish Out of Season?
If you accidentally catch a fish out of season, you need to release it immediately with the least amount of harm. Do not attempt to keep the fish. Violating Texas fishing laws is a misdemeanor, either class A, B, or C, that can result in fines up to $4000 and up to a year of jail time, depending on the severity of the offense.
Boat Stop Marina Helps You Understand if You Can Catch and Release Fish Out of Season
Can you catch and release fish out of season in Texas? Yes, but if you do, release them right away without causing the fish harm. Punishment for violating Texas fishing laws can result in hefty fines and/or jail time. If you are visiting Corpus Christi and want to learn more about Texas fishing laws and tips and tricks for catch-and-release fishing, contact us at Boat Stop Marina.
The vast expanse that is the Gulf of Mexico holds a large diversity of fish due to its many different ecosystems and habitats. There is offshore fishing in the depths where you can find tuna, marlin, and swordfish. However, inshore fishing is where you can catch more common fish from reefs, jetties, and marshes. Let’s dive in and discover Gulf of Mexico fish species that are fun to catch, and that our taste buds will enjoy, too.
What Types of Fish Are in the Gulf of Mexico?
Fishing in these waters can be fun and exhilarating. You can catch inshore or offshore fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Here are some of the Gulf of Mexico fish species you may encounter on your fishing expedition.
Inshore Species
Inshore fishing in bays or estuaries brings a unique experience to any individual, even seasoned anglers. The following fish are just a few examples of common fish in the Gulf of Mexico.
Redfish or Red Drum
Redfish or Red Drum are popular in the Gulf of Mexico, and you can catch them year-round. They are known for their challenging fighting nature. According to Texas regulations, the minimum length must be 20 inches, and the maximum length must be 28 inches. The bag limit for Red Drum is three per day.
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout are delicate fish that should be handled with finesse and patience. They are abundant in bays and estuaries. Texas regulations state that the minimum length for Speckled Trout is 15 inches, and the maximum is 20 inches. The bag limit for Speckled Trout is three per day.
Red Snapper
Red Snapper is perhaps one of the most sought-after types of fish in the Gulf of Mexico. You can usually find these fish near reefs or other structures, and they can weigh up to 30 pounds. You can catch Red Snapper year-round in state waters, and any you catch must be a minimum of 15 inches in length. The bag limit for Red Snapper is four per person per day.
Flounder
Flounder is another common fish in the Gulf of Mexico. They like to dwell at the bottom of the Gulf and bays near the shoreline. The meat is delicious. When you catch flounder, they must be a minimum of 15 inches in length, and there is no maximum length limit. The bag limit for Flounder is five per day, except between November 1 and December 14, when the fishery is closed.
Offshore Species
Offshore or deep-sea fishing is a different adventure in and of itself. Here, you will find many Gulf of Mexico fish species that like to put up a good fight. Let’s look at a few examples now, and do not forget your fishing gloves!
Tuna
You may encounter several types of tuna in the Gulf of Mexico, including Yellowfin, Albacore, Bigeye, Skipjack, Bluefin, and more. Bag limits and size requirements are different for all species of tuna. Tuna season is generally year-round except for Bluefin tuna. But if the quota is met, they will close the Bluefin tuna season.
Albacore and Skipjack tuna do not have a minimum length requirement or bag limit. Bigeye and Yellowfin tuna must be a minimum of 27 inches in length. There is no bag limit for Bigeye tuna. However, Yellowfin tuna has a bag limit of three per person daily.
Wahoo
Wahoo is a fast and agile game fish. Its body shape resembles a torpedo, offering a quick and furious fishing experience. You can only catch this fish with a hook and line. There is no bag limit or minimum size for Wahoo.
Mahi-Mahi
A favorite among sports fishermen, the Mahi-mahi or Dolphin Fish has bright, vivid colors and a fun fight. You can catch Mahi-mahi year-round in Texas, but the best time of year for catching these fish is May through September. There are no bag limits or minimum length for Mahi-mahi in Texas.
Sailfish
The fastest fish in the ocean, the Sailfish, is known for its dorsal fin, which looks like a sail. They are speedy and agile. If you land one of these Gulf of Mexico fish species, you are in for one high-energy, exhilarating adventure. The Sailfish must be a minimum length of 84 inches. There is no maximum length or bag limit for Sailfish in Texas.
What Is the Tastiest Fish in the Gulf of Mexico?
With so many Gulf of Mexico fish species, how do you really know which fish are the tastiest? By listening to seafood experts, that’s how. Let’s look at some of the most delicious fish you can land in the Gulf of Mexico.
Red Snapper
Red Snapper offers lean, moist meat with a mild, distinct flavor. Even large ones taste great. This is why Red Snapper is highly regulated and has strict bag limits. Cooking this fish on the grill or a quick pan fry with no seasoning or just salt and pepper makes it taste great. Over-seasoning this fish will cover up its natural flavor, making it less delicious.
Yellowfin Tuna
The Yellowfin tuna has a mild, meaty flavor. Its meat is leaner than that of Bluefin tuna and has more flavor than Albacore. A dark lateral line runs through the Yellowfin tuna’s meat, which you can remove for a milder flavor profile. In addition, you can marinate the tuna steaks in your favorite white wine and brown sugar to make them even more flavorful.
Red Grouper
Red Grouper has white, mild, firm meat with large flakes. The meat is moist and lean with a mild, distinct flavor. Along with being a top tasty Gulf of Mexico fish species, the Red Grouper has lots of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B6 and 12, potassium, protein, and more. Three ounces of this fish raw gives you 100 calories and 20 mg of protein.
Discover Gulf of Mexico Fish Species with Boat Stop Marina
When it comes to types of fish in the Gulf of Mexico, species are abundant, and you can fish inshore or offshore, depending on what you want to do for the day. Ensure you have your Texas fishing license and review the regulations for the types of fish you want to catch so you do not violate any laws. If you have questions or want to learn more about Gulf of Mexico fish species, contact us at Boat Stop Marina.
Texas is one of the world’s most targeted destinations for tuna fishing. It is one of the most popular fish for fishers and anglers in Texas, and you can catch tuna from the shore, a pier, or a boat. Knowing this, let’s dig into the details of tuna fishing in Texas, the best months for tuna, and how many you can keep in Texas.
When Can Yo Go Tuna Fishing in Texas?
fresh from the ocean yellow fins tuna
Tuna fishing is allowed year-round in Texas. You can even go night fishing for tuna without a problem, as tuna tend to bite well at night. Some of the best places for tuna fishing in Texas include Galveston, Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, and Corpus Christi Bay. These are just a handful of the possible locations, so choosing the right one for you is important.
Types of Tuna in Texas
There are three main types of tuna you can find in Texas, including
Yellowfin tuna
Bluefin tuna
Blackfin tuna
When tuna fishing in Texas, Yellowfin and Bluefin tuna are the most common to catch. Blackfin tuna are less common, but catching them with the correct tackle, conditions, and patience is possible.
What Month is Best for Tuna Fishing in Texas?
Peak tuna season in Texas is from July to October. The type of tuna you are looking to catch is a significant component of determining the best time of year for your fishing expedition.
Yellowfin Tuna
July to October are the best months to catch Yellowfin tuna when the water temperature is between 70 and 90 degrees. Although they may enter bays and be along the coastline, they are most often seen in the Gulf of Mexico. The worst months to fish for Yellowfin tuna are January to May, November, and December.
Bluefin Tuna
Like Yellowfin tuna, Bluefin tuna are most often caught in the spring and summer months in the Gulf of Mexico.
Blackfin Tuna
Fishing for Blackfin tuna is best from June to October when the water temperature is between 71 and 80 degrees. You can find Blackfin Tuna around the Texas coastline, near-shore reefs, floating grasses, and jetsam. The worst months to fish for Blackfin tuna are January to March, November, and December.
How Many Tuna Can You Keep in Texas?
It is important to follow any Texas regulations regarding the number and size of fish you catch, including tuna. There are also federal regulations you must be aware of.
Federally, catching, tagging, and releasing Yellowfin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico is allowed. Texas regulations state that a bag limit of three Yellowfin tuna can be kept a day and that they must be at least 27 inches long.
NOAA Fisheries states a bag limit of one Bluefin tuna a day on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The bag limit is zero on the remaining days of the week. These limits are effective from July 1 through November 30, 2024.
Currently, there are no bag or size limits for Blackfin tuna.
Choose Boat Stop Marina for Your Tuna Fishing in Texas
When it comes to fishing, you have chosen the right place. Texas is one of the leading tuna fishing destinations in the world. It is important to remember the time of year when you want to go tuna fishing and state and federal regulations.
Boat Stop Marina can help you determine the best time of year for tuna fishing in Texas, inform you of state and federal regulations, and provide a safe, secure place to put your boat in the water.
Contact us today to get your Texas fishing trip underway.
Having good manners and being courteous to others is important wherever you are, especially on boat ramps, because of the many hazards launching and retrieving a boat can cause. Boat ramp etiquette is the unwritten rules and courtesies you extend to others at a boat ramp for a safe and efficient boat launch or retrieval. Now that we know the general meaning of boat ramp etiquette let’s look at some of its top essentials.
Preparing Your Boat
First things first, do not head straight to the boat ramp. Stop in the parking lot or staging area (at larger facilities) to get everything in order before starting to launch. You need to take your time to make sure you have all the essentials needed and taken care of, including
Put all safety and other gear on board, such as life jackets, a fire extinguisher, fishing equipment, food, water, etc.
Mount your navigation lights.
While prepping your boat in the staging area or parking lot, you should also ensure that the boat’s drain plug is in place and that the battery and motor are in proper working order.
Turn Off Your Headlights
Next, once you are in position, you want to ensure your headlights are off and use your parking lights to back your boat down the ramp. The ramp’s angle and water can shine your headlights into the eyes of other drivers launching or retrieving their boats, causing a hazardous situation. The boat launch area will have plenty of lighting to launch and retrieve your boat safely and efficiently, no matter the time of day.
Follow Ramp Rules and Regulations
It is important to follow the rules and regulations of the boat ramp you are using. You want to move with caution and approach the boat ramp slowly. Do not cut in line at the queue. You should wait your turn like everyone else. The boat ramp you use will have the rules and regulations posted on-site. Ensure you read them and follow them closely. Not following them could result in a hazardous situation for you and others.
Quick and Efficient Launching
When you are getting ready to launch your boat, you want to spend as much time on the water as possible. Launching your boat quickly and efficiently allows you to do this and extends that to other boaters as well.
Tips for Launching Your Boat Quickly and Efficiently
Here are some tips to help you launch your boat as efficiently as possible.
Once the boat and trailer are in the water, start the engine before releasing it from the trailer.
If you have a friend with you, have them put on their life jacket and get in the boat so they can move it as soon as it is released.
If you do not have a friend with you, attach dock lines to the boat so you can pull it to a safe area out of the way of others trying to launch.
Once the boat is released and in a safe location, get in your vehicle and park it in the parking lot so other boaters can use the ramp.
Avoid Hogging the Ramp
Some boat ramps have clear markings or dividers between ramp lanes. However, some do not have any. If you have questions about using the boat ramp, you can park in the staging area and ask another boater about the boat ramp etiquette of the boat ramp you are using.
You want to ensure you are far enough over that another boater can launch or retrieve their boat while you are using it. Also, do not park the tow vehicle in front of the ramp, whether anyone else is there or not. If another boater shows up while your vehicle is parked at the entrance of the boat ramp, this prevents them from being able to launch or retrieve their boat.
Retrieving Your Boat
When retrieving your boat, wait to pull it up to the ramp until the boat trailer is in place. Also, wait to back the trailer down the ramp until the boat is ready to be loaded.
Tips for Retrieving Your Boat
Here are several tips to make retrieving your boat as quick and efficient as possible.
The tow vehicle driver can get in line for their turn to back down the ramp.
Once the boat driver sees the trailer backing down the ramp, they can get the boat in position to load it on the trailer.
Once the boat is loaded, secure the winch and safety chain to the boat’s bow.
The tow vehicle driver can get in the vehicle and bring the boat to the staging area, where the boat driver can get out and help unload the gear onboard.
Before heading home, you will want to make sure that you connect the trailer lights and secure the tie-down straps at the staging area.
Clean, Drain, Dry
Another essential step of boat ramp etiquette is CDD (clean, drain, dry). Before leaving the staging and heading home, you want to clean any weeds from the boat or trailer, drain the blige, and drain any live or bait wells. This helps prevent invasive species like zebra muscles or milfoil from spreading. The CDD process may be posted at the boat ramp you are using. It is also important to note that this practice is a requirement in most states, and you could face fines for failing to follow regulations.
Learn Boat Ramp Etiquette from Boat Stop Marina
Boat ramp etiquette includes the common courtesies of quick and efficient launching and retrieving of your boat at all boat ramps. It also gives guidance on how to remain in the good graces of other boaters at boat ramps. By following these essentials of boat ramp etiquette, you and everyone else can have a fun and safe experience out on the water. If you have questions or need to discuss boat ramp etiquette, contact us at Boat Stop Marina. We can help you navigate the wonderful world of boating.
