Federal rule (Gulf federal waters) · Texas lists none of its own
NOAA SERO 2026 / Gulf Council 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Greater amberjackSlimmer, lower dorsal lobe, stronger amber stripe. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
Texas state record
TPWD State Records (Saltwater, Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-23
How to tell it
Deep body, dramatically tall and curved front dorsal lobe, darker overall than an amberjack. More on the almaco jack page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Almaco jack in other states9 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for almaco jack in Texas?
No size limit.
How many almaco jack can you keep in Texas?
Within 20-reef-fish aggregate (20 per person per day). Aggregate: 20-reef-fish aggregate.
When is almaco jack season in Texas?
Open year-round.
What is the Texas record almaco jack?
50.3 lb, Gulf of America (1996).
How current is this Texas almaco jack rule?
Source: NOAA SERO 2026 / Gulf Council 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
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