Top 10 Saltwater Fish to Catch in Texas
Top 10 Species
These are the fish that get noticed by FishyAF anglers. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
Redfish
Verified
World Record
94 lb 2 oz
David R. Deuel / 1984
Hatteras, North Carolina
David R. Deuel / 1984
Hatteras, North Carolina
Signature Fact
Males literally drum-low booms you can feel through the hull on calm spawning nights.
2
Speckled Trout
Verified
World Record
17 lb 7 oz
Floyd B. Smith / 1995
Florida, USA
Floyd B. Smith / 1995
Florida, USA
Signature Fact
Males crank ultrafast sonic muscles to drum in booming dusk choruses you can pinpoint with a $30 hydrophone.
3
Southern Flounder
Verified
World Record
20 lb 9 oz
David H. Self / 1983
North Carolina, USA
David H. Self / 1983
North Carolina, USA
Signature Fact
Warm nursery water flips their sex switch-hot summers churn out mostly males, gutting future trophy female numbers.
4
Tarpon
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
286 lb 9 oz
Max Domecq / 2003
Guinea-Bissau
Max Domecq / 2003
Guinea-Bissau
Signature Fact
They breathe air using a lung-like swim bladder, so those surface "rolls" are actual gulps of oxygen.
5
Red Snapper
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
50 lb 4 oz
Gary J. Fodness / 1996
Gulf of Mexico
Gary J. Fodness / 1996
Gulf of Mexico
Signature Fact
During summer evenings they drum with their swim bladders, letting scientists track spawning simply by listening.
6
Snook
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
53 lb 10 oz
Gilbert Ponzi / 1978
Parismina Ranch, Costa Rica
Gilbert Ponzi / 1978
Parismina Ranch, Costa Rica
Signature Fact
Born male, many later switch sex-so that 40-incher tugging back is almost certainly a she.
7
Gafftopsail Cat
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
16 lb 8 oz
Joseph W. Bailey / 1996
Texas, USA
Joseph W. Bailey / 1996
Texas, USA
Signature Fact
Dad does daycare the hard way: he mouthbroods marble-sized eggs and hungry babies, fasting for weeks.
8
Goliath Grouper
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
680 lb 0 oz
Lynn Joyner / 1961
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Lynn Joyner / 1961
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Signature Fact
It "booms" like a subwoofer-swim-bladder muscles thump so hard divers feel it in their ribs.
9
Queen Snapper
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
28 lb 6 oz
John L. Wilson / 1992
Bahamas
John L. Wilson / 1992
Bahamas
Signature Fact
Haul one up and its eyes glow neon blue, throwing your headlamp back like deep-sea headlights.
10
Snowy Grouper
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
70 lb 0 oz
James R. West / 1983
North Carolina, USA
James R. West / 1983
North Carolina, USA
Signature Fact
The biggest bulls were once egg-laying females-snowy grouper literally switch sex midlife to rule the reef.
FAQs
What fish can you catch in Texas?
Texas saltwater gives you redfish, speckled trout, southern flounder, tarpon, red snapper, snook, goliath grouper, and more. The variety keeps things interesting.
What is the best time of year to fish in Texas?
Saltwater fishing in Texas stays strong most of the year, but spring and fall bring peak action for redfish and trout.
Where are the best places to fish in Texas?
Texas is loaded with prime saltwater spots, from bays to offshore waters. The right place depends on which species you're after.
What gear do you need for fishing in Texas?
Bring medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting setups to handle anything from speckled trout to big grouper. Match your tackle to your target.
What are the easiest fish to catch in Texas?
Redfish, speckled trout, and gafftopsail catfish are usually the most accessible in Texas saltwater.
