Texas state waters, out to 9 miles
Federally prohibited shark (silky) — release in the water with minimal injury.
TPWD 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Dusky sharkTaller first dorsal, shorter pectorals. Tell them apart
Sandbar sharkVery tall first dorsal set forward. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Slim, dark gray-bronze with long pectoral fins and a low first dorsal set behind the pectorals; smooth-feeling skin, an interdorsal ridge. More on the silky shark page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep silky shark in Texas?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Texas. Release it in the water where you can. Federally prohibited shark (silky) — release in the water with minimal injury.
How current is this Texas silky shark 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.
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