Texas state waters, out to 9 miles
Catch and release only in Texas waters.
TPWD 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 9 miles: federal waters Different rule
Must be released immediately without removing fish from the water; a limited FWC harvest program exists in Florida state waters only.
NOAA SERO 2026 / Gulf Council 2026 · checked 2026-09-20
Texas state record
TPWD State Records (Saltwater, Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-23
How to tell it
Enormous rounded tan-brown grouper with small eyes and faint bars; can top 500 lb. More on the goliath grouper page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Goliath grouper in other states11 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask3
Can you keep goliath grouper in Texas?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Texas. Release it in the water where you can. Catch and release only in Texas waters.
What is the Texas record goliath grouper?
551 lb, Gulf of America (1937).
How current is this Texas goliath grouper rule?
Source: TPWD 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.
In the appPoint the camera at a goliath grouper in Texas and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the app