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
Texas state record
TPWD State Records (Saltwater, Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-23
How to tell it
Blue line under the eye, small black side spot, pointed anal fin; red tail edge. More on the mutton snapper page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Mutton snapper in other states10 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for mutton snapper in Texas?
18 in total length. Measured as total length: snout to the tip of the tail, tail lobes squeezed together.
How many mutton snapper can you keep in Texas?
5 per person within 10-fish snapper aggregate. Aggregate: snapper aggregate.
When is mutton snapper season in Texas?
Open year-round.
What is the Texas record mutton snapper?
18 lb, Gulf of America (2004).
How current is this Texas mutton snapper 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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