Texas state waters, out to 9 miles
One over 28 in per license year with Red Drum Tag, plus one with Bonus Red Drum Tag, in addition to daily bag.
TPWD 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 9 miles: federal waters Different rule
Harvest and possession prohibited in Gulf federal waters; state rules apply inside state waters.
NOAA SERO 2026 / Gulf Council 2026 · checked 2026-09-20
Often mistaken for
Black drumHas chin barbels, no tail spot. 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
Black spot (sometimes several) at the tail base, coppery-bronze back, no chin barbels. More on the red drum page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for red drum in Texas?
slot 20–28 in total length. Measured as total length: snout to the tip of the tail, tail lobes squeezed together.
How many red drum can you keep in Texas?
3.
When is red drum season in Texas?
Open year-round.
What is the Texas record red drum?
59.5 lb, Gulf of America (2000).
How current is this Texas red drum 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 red drum in Texas and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the app