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 amberjackGrows far larger, stronger eye stripe. Tell them apart
Almaco jackDeeper body, tall sickle dorsal. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Small seriola: juveniles banded, adults show a white-edged tail; often mis-called amberjack. More on the banded rudderfish page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Banded rudderfish in other states9 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for banded rudderfish in Texas?
14-22 in fork length slot. Measured as fork length: snout to the fork of the tail.
How many banded rudderfish can you keep in Texas?
5-fish jacks aggregate (with lesser amberjack). Aggregate: jacks aggregate.
When is banded rudderfish season in Texas?
Open year-round.
How current is this Texas banded rudderfish 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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