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.
NOAA SERO 2026 / Gulf Council 2026 · checked 2026-09-20
How to tell it
Five dark bars, tuning-fork mark on the forehead, dark saddle on the tail base. More on the Nassau grouper page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Nassau grouper in other states11 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep Nassau grouper in Texas?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Texas. Release it in the water where you can. Catch and release only in Texas waters.
How current is this Texas Nassau 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 Nassau grouper in Texas and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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