Red Snapper Fishing in the Galveston Area

Highly regarded in southeast Texas for its flavor, red snapper is also one of the most prized catches among the fishermen who ply the waters off the coast of Galveston--and Texas in general--according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

  1. Where to Find

    • Adult red snapper are located primarily in deeper waters--which are typically at least 25 miles from Galveston--near underwater structures, such as oil rigs and artificial reefs. These are home to the squid, crab, shrimp and small fish on which the snapper feed.

    How to Catch

    • The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recommends using fresh bait, such as squid, cigar minnows, pigfish and trout, though artificial lures also can work.

    Fishing Season

    • Red snapper fishing is allowed year-round in Texas waters, but these only extend nine miles from shore and most snapper are caught much further out. Beyond the nine miles is federal waters and fishing is subject to federal red snapper restrictions. The dates change depending on estimates of the fish population. In 2009, the red snapper season was only 76 days. In 2010, it was even shorter--53 days.

    Bag and Length Limits

    • In state waters, the limit is 15 inches with a bag limit of four. In federal waters, it is 16 inches and two fish.

    License Requirements

    • A fishing license--for state and federal waters--is required for anyone between the ages of 17 and 70 (65 for Texas residents).