Common to 6 pounds; may reach 8 pounds. 25 inches; 1989. The species is harvested from Virginia to Texas, but primarily off Florida’s west coast. Bass Bag & Length Limits. Of course, average sizes vary and can be smaller or bigger, depending on where you fish for pompano. Remarks: Fish must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (heads, fins, and tails intact). Applies to: Private recreational anglers in state waters. Bag and length limits apply to listed. Walking the sandy beaches of Padre Island National. 1 per vessel per year with appropriate federal permit as incidental catch during the open season. AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW) Commission approved proposed rule changes to bag and size limits for spotted seatrout on the middle and lower Texas coast during the January 2022 meeting. Size Limit Bag and Possession Limit Season Notes; 13” min total length / 20” max total length: 15 daily per person with no more than 2 over 20” max total length. l. Means & Methods: Red snapper may be taken using pole and line, but it is unlawful to use any kind of hook other than a circle hook when using natural bait. All other saltwaters: no size limit. The limits and restrictions in this guide apply to aquatic life caught in the public waters of Texas out to 9 nautical mile in the Gulf of Mexico, and to aquatic life caught between 9 and 200 nautical miles in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and possessed in state waters or landed in this state. As shown in Table 1, this rule increases the red snapper: total annual catch limit (ACL) from 15,400,000 pounds (lb) whole weight (ww) implemented in the recent framework adjustment under the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (January 1, 2023) to 16,310,000 lb ww; commercial ACL from 7,854,000 lb ww to. 29” min carcass length or 33 lbs. 25 pounds 23. 25 pounds; 1976. 3 per person per day not to exceed 9 per boat per day. For Texas state waters,. No daily bag limit and no minimum or maximum length limit is enforced on pompano in Texas water (within 9 nautical miles of the beach). 3 per person per day not to exceed 9 per boat per day. The limits and restrictions in this guide apply to aquatic life caught in the public waters of Texas out to 9 nautical mile in the Gulf of Mexico, and to aquatic life caught between 9 and 200 nautical miles in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and possessed in state waters or landed in this state. 8. There are no bag, possession, or length limits on game or nongame fish, except as listed in this guide. Walking the sandy beaches of Padre Island National Seashore on a cold winter morning can trick the casual observer into believing nearly all the marine species commonly found in the surf zone have moved offshore to warmer depths. Bluefin Tuna8: 73” min curved fork length. Pro Tip-Make sure to get yourself 5 or 6 pompano rigs and enough weight to get your baits out far enough and also stay put on the bottom. NOTE: Possession limit is twice the daily bag EXCEPT as listed below. Texas State 2021 Red Snapper Limit. Small jacks run in schools near structure in the bays. November 6, 2022. Daily Bag: No limit. Fish often. Five per day except Nov. There is no limit on whiting. Five per day except Nov. August 7, 2022. Daily Bag: 25 (in any combination - only 10 can be 20 inches or greater in length) Minimum Length: No Limit. Closed season: Atlantic - None, Gulf - June 1 to July 31. In Florida, at least 10,000 lbs of pompano per county are caught annually in all coastal counties. Note: On many waters, bag and length limits differ from the statewide rules. Atlantic Croaker, Spot, Whiting. (a) No person shall harvest in or from state waters, or possess while in or on state waters, any pompano or permit, with a fork length less than 11 inches, or greater than 20 inches, except that a person harvesting pursuant. See Exceptions to Statewide Limits. 1 per person per day. 22 to 27 soft rays in dorsal fin. 10) Texas Sheepshead Regulations: Fishing for Texas Pomp on The National Seashore Texas The 2023 federal water red snapper bag limit for recreational anglers is 2 per person, not including the captain and crew. 4200 Smith School Rd. What Size hook for Pompano. The minimum fork length for Florida pompano is 11 inches, with a bag limit of 6 fish, whereas the minimum fork length for African pompano is 24 inches and a bag limit of 2. Recreational Size and Creel Limits for Alabama State Waters (Includes inshore waters and Gulf Waters out to 9 miles offshore). These whiting are actually 3 different species – Southern, Northern and Gulf kingfish. For smaller baits, such as sand fleas or small pieces of clam, a size 1 or 2 hook is usually sufficient. There are currently no regulations pertaining to pompano in Texas state waters. Note: On many waters, bag and length limits differ from the statewide rules. Common to 6 pounds; may reach 8 pounds. Bone SSjr in the 1st gut at daylight. 25 pounds 23. No fish greater than 23-inches retained. by Wallace Thomas. Cobia Bag & Length Limits. The best time to catch pompano in Texas is late spring to early fall, especially when the water is warm. Tarpon. Valid Sep. Joe Bay, Florida. This can be anything from 1 ounce to 5 ounces depending upon the size of the surf, current strength and the distance from the beach to the first sand bar. 22 to 27 soft rays in dorsal fin. Recreational anglers may keep one pompano exceeding the 20-inch maximum. Top: Florida Pompano Bottom: Permit. The limits and restrictions in this guide apply to aquatic life that are. 1 per person per day. 50 per person per day aggregate bag limit. Season: Open year-round. 41 pounds, 24. November 6, 2022. TL Daily Creel Limit: 10 per person. Tuna8,14. Florida Pompano. There is a a daily bag limit of two fish per person and a 16-inch total length minimum size limit. Minimum Size Limits: •• Atlantic and Gulf - 20" Season: • Atlantic - Closed Jan. 2. The spotted sea trout was among the multiple fish species affected. caught between 9 and 200 nautical miles in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) possessed in state waters, or. There are no. 12-inch TL. Valid Sep. Pretty cool you got one on a topwater too. Fish may show yellow on throat, pelvic, and anal fins. The current world record was set in 2008, by an 8. Mostly done on the bay side of the island, kayak fishing trips will put you on the likes of Speckled Trout, Black Drum, and Redfish. Generally, fish do not weigh a pound an inch. 50 per person per day aggregate bag limit. Florida Pompano. min dressed weight. 003 Size and Bag Limits; Prohibition of Sale. Before fishing, check rules for. The proposed regulatory changes would become effective sometime in spring 2022 and expire August 31, 2023. Daily recreation bag limit: 1 per harvester per day. No fish greater than 23-inches retained. There is no size or possession limits for pompano. Weakfish. Pompano don’t get large – the average fish is anywhere from 2 to 4 pounds – but the state record is 6. 5284 posts · Joined 2008. Daily Bag: 1 (in any allowable combination) - Special regulation: The daily bag limit is one fish for all allowable shark species including Atlantic sharpnose, blacktip and bonnethead. Unlike other fish species, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has not set a Texas sand trout size limit or bag restriction. Texas Cookin' Any auto mechanics out there ? Smokin Okie; Oct 29, 2023; Blowing Smoke Around the Smoker. #3 · Mar 30, 2011. 25 inches, 50. Minimum Size Limits: • •Atlantic - 24" • Gulf - 24" Season: • Atlantic - Closed Jan. Or discard them on the beach, as Ive seen. SHRIMP- Another great bait choice is frozen shrimp. The limits and restrictions in this guide apply to aquatic life that are. 2023 Alabama Red Snapper Limit. We can expect the 2021 red snapper limit to be similar. The current state record Florida pompano was caught in June 2006 in the lower Laguna. Illustration: Channel catfish. The pompano length limit is also 12 inches, but the daily bag limit is three fish per person. Size Limit: 12" Min. In some hot spots, the average size might be as big as 3 to 5 pounds, while less productive areas might have an average size of just 1 or 2 pounds. Bigeye Tuna8: The approved statewide regulations will remove the 12-inch minimum size limit and keep the 25-fish combined daily bag, but with a restriction that no more than 10 of those 25 fish can be 20 inches. 1, 2023 through Aug. Red Drum (Bull Red) Size Limit: 16" Min. What size pompano is legal in Florida?. The state record black drum weighed 81 pounds and was 51. 1, 2023 through Aug. Permit inside the SPZ. • Gulf - 4 per harvester* p. The sale of pompano less than 10 inches, or greater than 20 inches, is prohibited. Fish often move offshore in the winter. rjob. Pompano are common in the surf and along the Gulf beaches and passes where they feed on beach fleas, shrimp, small fish and animals buried in the sand. A mid-depth spoon or. The average size of Florida pompano caught in the surf is 12 to 16 inches and 1 to 3 pounds. Snatching prohibited. Pompano even hit topwater plugs on rare occasions. Not more than 5 per vessel per trip. Here is a list of the Texas saltwater fish limits, including the 30 most popular game fish and a quick rundown of the fishing regulations for recreational saltwater. The ideal hook size for pompano will depend on the size of the bait you are using. For larger baits, such as shrimp or cut bait, a size 2/0 or 3/0 hook may be more appropriate. The proposed regulatory changes would become effective sometime in spring 2022 and expire August 31, 2023. The average size in Texas waters is 2-5 pounds, but larger sizses are common and 25 pounds is not unusual. 31, 2024. Pompano seem quite rare in Texas, where many anglers actually toss them back, convinced they've caught a small jack. Closed Season: None. The Texas record is 6. Generally, fish do not weigh a pound an inch. The 2021 Florida daily red snapper bag limit was 2 fish per angler (not including the guide or crew) at 16 inches minimum. Tarpon. These deep-bodied. The current minimum size limit for pompano is 10 inches fork length, and the maximum size limit is 20 inches. Life History Spawning takes place in the gulf and in the summer the young are present in great numbers in the surf. Allowable Gear: Hook and line, cast net. Minimum Size Limits: • •Atlantic - 24" • Gulf - 24" Season: • Atlantic - Closed Jan. Early morning and late afternoon are usually the best times to fish for them. TL Daily Creel Limit: 3 per person - 1 oversized fish allowed in the 3 fish creel limit. Pompano are similar in form to two related species: the permit (Trachinotus falcatus) and the palometa (Trachinotus goodie). Many different methods have been used over the years (1925-1973) including: tip of nose to fork of tail, tip of nose to tip of tail, tip of nose to end of tail, and tip of nose to rear. They’re always a bonus fish mixed with the day’s catch, and worth a great deal to connoisseurs of. In federal waters, the daily red snapper bag limit is 2 per person. TL Daily Creel Limit: 3 per person. Bag & Length Limits by Species. Bag & Length Limits by Species. I’ve run into pompano, a fairly unknown fish on most of the the Texas coast, a number of times over the years. 4200 Smith School Rd. Coastal old-timers sometimes recall when the croaker was a respectable fish on the Texas coast. landed in this state. These are deep bodied ocean fish of family Carangidae (Jacks and Pompanos). Are pompano hard to catch? Since Pompano are generally under 3 pounds they do not require heavy specialized tackle, and they are a blast to catch for anglers of all ages and skill levels, especially. Bass Bag & Length Limits. There probably should be, but because pompano are scarce along Texas any catches are considered incidental. As shown in Table 1, this rule increases the red snapper: total annual catch limit (ACL) from 15,400,000 pounds (lb) whole weight (ww) implemented in the recent framework adjustment under the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (January 1, 2023) to 16,310,000 lb ww; commercial ACL from. November 6, 2022. Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks MUST be used when fishing for sharks in state. Life History Spawning occurs in the Gulf and juveniles are abundant in the surft, frequently moving into bays. There’s also no size or bag limit on pompano. February 2019 The Florida Pompano of Texas By Eric Ozolins Typical size of pompano taken on wintertime surf trip. If this looks familiar, it should. Pompano don’t get large – the average fish is anywhere from 2 to 4 pounds – but the state record is 6. FL Daily Creel Limit: 2 per person. What size pompano do you think you can keep? Evaluation of the Pompano Size Limit in Florida. Currently, there is a 6-fish aggregate bag limit per person per day for pompano and permit (T. The size of fish in the aggregate bag must be greater than 11 inches fork length, and only one fish may be larger than 20 inches. Whiting, or “kingfish”, are extremely common along Gulf Shores beaches, and they are very easy to catch. What Size hook for Pompano. No daily bag limit and no minimum or maximum length limit is enforced on pompano in Texas water (within 9 nautical miles of the beach). Can you catch pompano in Galveston? Regulations (state and federal waters unless noted) Florida Pompano. This means that anglers can catch as. Before fishing, check rules for. Amberjack Bag & Length Limits. Menticirrhus littoralis. Illustration: Channel catfish. SPECIES SIZE LIMIT Tarpon 60" min TL $61. Catfish Bag & Length Limits. 20 to 23 soft rays in anal fin. is there a pompano bag or size limit in Texas? Top. Note: On many waters, bag and length limits differ from the statewide rules. Gar Bag & Length Limits. These whiting are actually 3 different species – Southern, Northern and Gulf kingfish. Whiting, or “kingfish”, are extremely common along Gulf Shores beaches, and they are very easy to catch. 25 pounds and even small ones are superb at the dinner table. Permit and Florida Pompano Identification & Regulations. caught in the public waters of Texas out to 9 nautical mile in the Gulf of Mexico. BONEFISH. AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW) Commission approved proposed rule changes to bag and size limits for spotted seatrout on the middle and lower Texas coast during the January 2022 meeting. (1) Size Limits -. This means that there is no bag limit and no minimum or maximum length limit. Austin, TX 78744 (512) 389-4800 (800) 792-1112 Looks like minimum of 11 inches and 6 per person. Regulations Why are there bag and size limits on fish? Why do we have slot length limits? Is there a minimum length limit in effect for bass on lakes with slot length limits such as 14-to-18 or 14-to-21 inches?There are no regulations pertaining to pompano in Texas state waters. Grouper Bag & Length Limits. According to our conversion factor - a 40-inch black drum would weigh, on average, around 32 pounds. In a nutshell: In effort to further boost spawning biomass, bag limits would be reduced to 3 trout per day with a slot limit of 17- to 23-inches. 10) Texas Sheepshead Regulations:Fishing for Texas Pomp on The National Seashore TexasAll other saltwaters: no size limit. 31, 2024. Alabama’s length limit on flounder is 12 inches with a daily bag limit of 10 fish per person. Whiting. Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks MUST be used when fishing for sharks in state. Bluefin Tuna8: 73” min curved fork length. 63" and weighing 6. 68B-35. 8-pound pompano caught in Maryland. Five per day except Nov. 18 inches long. 00 tag requiredBy Gerardo Gonzalez. SPORT ANGLER BAG AND LENGTH LIMITS OF SALTWATER FISHES AND CRABS. May only be taken by rod & reel. During autumn they'd make a big run for the Gulf (the croaker, that is. The new rules take effect on March 16 in Matagorda Bay, San Antonio Bay, Aransas Bay, Corpus Christi Bay, and the Upper and Lower Laguna Madre. In this report, the impacts. The Texas record is 6. The Alabama red snapper bag limit is 2 fish per angler (not including the guide or crew) at 16 inches minimum length. Pompano can be caught any month of the year but to target them in our waters you really need to concentrate your efforts between late October and early March. The red snapper minimum size limit is 16 inches total length. Federal law also regulates species between 9. Tripletail. Federal law also regulates species between 9. How big do pompano have to be in Texas? There aren’t any. caught in the public waters of Texas out to 9 nautical mile in the Gulf of Mexico. caught between 9 and 200 nautical miles in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) possessed in state waters, or. Cobia (Ling) Size Limit: 33" Min. The Alabama red snapper bag limit is 2 fish per angler (not including the guide or crew) at 16 inches minimum length. Dorsal fin begins forward of anal fin. Daily Limit: 10 per person per day, not to exceed 30 per boat per day; Minimum size: 14″ minimum; Check out South Carolina State's Saltwater Fishing Regulations and Tips for more additional reading . Max Length: 12 inches (see below) Clarification: May not take from public waters, or possess on board a boat, mullet over 12 inches during October, November, December, and January. See catfish comparison and identification. Special regulations may apply to certain waterbodies. In Fish. Swordfish7,14. May only be taken by rod & reel. Permit and Florida Pompano Identification & Regulations. There is no limit on whiting. Shark Bag & Length Limits. Below you can see the analytics for Pompano fishing in Texas. Prize Pompano. (a) No person shall harvest in or from state waters, or possess while in or on state waters, any pompano or permit, with a fork length less than 11 inches, or greater than 20 inches, except that a person harvesting pursuant. The ideal hook size for pompano will depend on the size of the bait you are using. Additional gear rules apply. Pompano are a popular member of the jack family sought by both recreational and commercial fisherman throughout the Gulf of Mexico. The average size is two to five pounds. Daily Incidental Bycatch Limit: 100 pompano for persons fishing for other species in federal waters with gill or entangling nets, as long as such person possesses as saltwater products license with a restricted species endorsement. 2023 Texas Red Snapper Limit. Shark Bag & Length Limits. No limits apply during other months. The average weight of black drum landed by recreational anglers in Texas is about 3 pounds. Tuna8,14. Kayak Fishing. 003 Size and Bag Limits; Prohibition of Sale. There's also no size or bag limit on pompano. Habitat However, the Texas record is 6. Only 1 fish can be gag or black. and are prized eating fish worldwide. fangard. Captain andIn a nutshell: In effort to further boost spawning biomass, bag limits would be reduced to 3 trout per day with a slot limit of 17- to 23-inches. No daily bag limit and no minimum or maximum length limit is enforced on pompano in Texas water. Flounder Bag & Length Limits. is another major sport fish in Texas. Slot Limit: 11" - 20" fork length. There are no bag, possession, or length limits on game or nongame fish, except as listed in this guide. In some hot spots, the average size might be as big as 3 to 5 pounds, while less productive areas might have an average size of. 1-30 when limit is two per day; 14-inch minimum length. 25 pounds and even small ones are superb at the dinner table. There are no regulations pertaining to pompano in Texas state waters. Bag limit applies to hook and line. Gag Grouper click this link to read about a potential world record pompano caught with Fishbites* 34" min FL 1 per person SPECIES SIZE LIMIT DAILY CREEL LIMIT • Gray (mangrove, black) • Red *** There is a twenty (20) fish aggregate creel limit for reef fish species for which there is no other creel limit. The species is harvested from Virginia to Texas, but primarily off Florida’s west coast. The average weight of black drum landed by recreational anglers in Texas is about 3 pounds. Explore the map and charts for more. Regulated locations: Collier, Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin counties; Regulated Daily Limit: 2 per harvester per day; 6 per vessel with one oversize allowed; Other Daily Limit: Zero daily bag Size Limit Bag and Possession Limit Season Notes; 13” min total length / 20” max total length: 15 daily per person with no more than 2 over 20” max total length. No daily bag limit and no minimum or maximum length limit is enforced on pompano in Texas water (within 9 nautical miles of the beach). Federal law also regulates species between 9. This means that there is no bag limit and no minimum or maximum length limit enforced on pompano in Texas. These fish like water temperatures between 80 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit. Catfish Bag & Length Limits. The average size of Florida pompano caught in the surf is 12 to 16 inches and 1 to 3 pounds. 25 inches; 1989. Size limit: 15-in minimum. 4200 Smith School Rd. The new rules take effect on March 16 in Matagorda Bay, San Antonio Bay, Aransas Bay, Corpus Christi Bay, and the Upper and. There. 8-pound. This. There probably should be, but because pompano are scarce along Texas any catches are considered incidental. Generally, fish do not weigh a pound an inch. TPWD is implementing a limit of three fish per bag per day with a slot limit of 17 to 23 inches. Of course, average sizes vary and can be smaller or bigger, depending on where you fish for pompano. Top: Florida Pompano Bottom: Permit. SPORT ANGLER BAG AND LENGTH LIMITS OF SALTWATER FISHES AND CRABS. See catfish comparison and identification. 41 pounds. Austin, TX 78744 (512) 389-4800 (800) 792-1112Alabama has a 3 per person limit on pompano, with a 12″ total length restriction. Anglers targeting "pomps" typically use rigs fished near the bottom featuring small hooks baited with bits of shrimp, which are easier for them to take. 20 to 23 soft rays in anal fin. 18 inches long. Gourmands describe the atlantic pompano as “ the world’s most edible fish” The flat-bodied, pan-sized pompano is easy to eat whole, a form that shows off the beautiful, silvery skin. Drum Bag & Length Limits. February 2019 The Florida Pompano of Texas By Eric Ozolins Typical size of pompano taken on wintertime surf trip. Drum Bag & Length Limits. Minimum Size Limit: None. We can expect the 2021 red snapper limit to be similar. TooShallow Posts: 42 Joined: Sat Aug 05, 2006 10:43 pm Location: Seabrook. Anglers targeting "pomps" typically use rigs fished near the bottom featuring small hooks baited with bits of shrimp, which are easier for them to take. Weakfish. The 2020 Texas daily red snapper bag limit was 4 fish per angler (not including the guide or crew) at 15 inches minimum. Open year-round in state waters: No harvest of spotted seatrout is allowed for the captain and crew of a vessel under charter (their creel limit/bag limit zero). Awesome fishing aside, these trips really allow you to experience the local scenery firsthand. Max Length: No limit Limits and Restrictions The possession limit is equal to double the bag limit unless otherwise noted. A final public hearing on the proposed pompano rule will be scheduled during the. Tripletail. According to our conversion factor - a 40-inch black drum would weigh, on average, around 32 pounds. No fish greater than 23. Min Length: No limit. Have no teeth on tongue at any size. Florida Pompano. This article will cover: List of Texas game fish bags and size limits; How to measure a fish’s length; Purpose of the saltwater fish size limits; Temporary Speckled Trout. Good to know that Whale Sharks are catch and release only according to the chart. Alabama has a 3 per person limit on pompano, with a 12″ total length restriction. NOTE: Possession limit is twice the daily bag EXCEPT as listed below. There is no size or bag limit on Pompano in Texas, as they are not classified as game fish. Since Pompano is not listed, you are good with any size and as many as you can eat. 18-inch TL. Flounder Bag & Length Limits. Sounds like a pomp to me; they are a member of the jack family, but They are soft and smooth unlike a spiny jack. Minimum size limit (fork length): Atlantic - 28", Gulf - 30". 77-inch FL. Since Pompano is not listed, you are good. How do I catch. 63 inches, caught in June 2006 in the Lower Laguna Madre, and the IGFA all-tackle record is 8 pounds 4 ounces, caught. Minimum Size Limits: • 12" Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • 10 per harvester per day Remarks • May be harvested by spearing. Dorsal fin begins forward of anal fin. Only 1 fish can be gag or black. Swordfish7,14. Daily Bag: 1 (in any allowable combination) - Special regulation: The daily bag limit is one fish for all allowable shark species including Atlantic sharpnose, blacktip and bonnethead. Here is a list of the Texas saltwater fish limits, including the 30 most popular game fish and a quick rundown of the fishing regulations for recreational saltwater. These fish certainly are game, however, and with light tackle can. And the map shows spots in Texas, where fishermen caught Pompano. 12-inch TL. Have no teeth on tongue at. The limits and restrictions in this guide apply to aquatic life caught in the public waters of Texas out to 9 nautical mile in the Gulf of Mexico, and to aquatic life caught between 9 and 200 nautical miles in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and possessed in state waters or landed in this state. Not more than 5 per vessel per trip. Gear: Hook and line, cast net and beach or haul seine only. 1–April 30 • Gulf - Open year-round Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • Atlantic - 1 per harvester. Bag limit: 4 fish per person daily. min dressed weight. According to our conversion factor - a 40-inch black drum would weigh, on average, around 32 pounds. falcatus). 1 per vessel per year with appropriate federal permit as incidental catch during the open season. The limits and restrictions in this guide apply to aquatic life caught in the public waters of Texas out to 9 nautical mile in the Gulf of Mexico, and to aquatic life caught between 9 and 200 nautical miles in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and possessed in state waters or landed in this state. Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Trout) Size Limit: 14" Min. The current state record Florida pompano was caught in June 2006 in the lower Laguna Madre measuring 24. Atlantic Croaker, Spot, Whiting. The effects of raising the minimum size limit in the Florida pompano fishery from 11 inches (FL) to 12 inches (FL) were evaluated in this report. What size pompano is legal in Florida? In this report, the impacts of raising the minimum size limit from 11 inches (FL) to 12 inches (FL) in the Florida pompano fishery were evaluated. The average size is two to five pounds. Are pompano legal in Texas? No daily bag limit and no minimum or maximum length limit is enforced on pompano in Texas water (within 9 nautical miles of the beach) . The limits and restrictions in this guide apply to aquatic life caught in the public waters of Texas out to 9 nautical mile in the Gulf of Mexico, and to aquatic life caught between 9 and 200 nautical miles in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and possessed in state waters or landed in this state. The family is, however, a bit confusing because some pompanos are called Butterfish and Pomfret while some fish from those families are called “Pompano”. For smaller baits, such as sand fleas or small pieces of clam, a size 1 or 2 hook is usually sufficient. The average weight of black drum landed by recreational anglers in Texas is about 3 pounds. Federal law also regulates species between 9. Grouper Bag &. There are currently no regulations pertaining to pompano in Texas state waters. Cobia Bag & Length Limits. However, the Texas record is 6.