Federal rule (Gulf federal waters) · Texas lists none of its own
Vessel limit, not per-person: no more than 1 speckled hind per vessel per day.
NOAA SERO 2026 / Gulf Council 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Red hindRed spots on pale body — the inverse pattern. Tell them apartNot listed by Texas: the default applies (No size limit, no bag limit).
Keep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
Texas state record
TPWD State Records (Saltwater, Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-23
How to tell it
Chocolate body absolutely covered in tiny white speckles. More on the speckled hind page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Speckled hind in other states11 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for speckled hind in Texas?
No size limit.
How many speckled hind can you keep in Texas?
1 per vessel per day within 4-grouper aggregate. Aggregate: 4-grouper aggregate.
When is speckled hind season in Texas?
Open year-round.
What is the Texas record speckled hind?
43.9 lb, Gulf of America (2016).
How current is this Texas speckled hind 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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