2025 Texas Spotted Seatrout Regulations Explained | New Bag & Size Limits

Understanding the New Spotted Seatrout Regulations in Texas

Texas anglers targeting spotted seatrout (also known as speckled trout) will need to take note of several important regulation changes rolled out in 2025. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has revised bag and size limits statewide, aiming to support long-term fishery health following recent population declines along the coast.

📝 What’s Changed?

As of March 2025, the following regulations are in effect for all Texas coastal waters:

• Bag Limit: Reduced from 5 fish to 3 fish per person per day
• Size Slot Limit: New range of 15–20 inches
• One Oversize Allowed: You may retain one trout over 25 inches, included in your 3-fish bag

🎣 Why the Change?

TPWD biologists reported notable declines in spotted seatrout populations, especially after cold weather events and sustained fishing pressure in recent years. The new rules aim to:

• Rebuild spawning biomass
• Encourage growth of larger, healthier fish
• Improve long-term sustainability

This is a statewide rule, applying to all bays, inshore waters, and jetties along the Texas Gulf Coast.

📍 Where This Impacts You Most

If you fish in popular hotspots like:

• Upper Laguna Madre
• Galveston Bay
• Matagorda Bay
• Aransas Bay
• Sabine Lake

You’ll need to immediately adjust your gear, habits, and how you measure your catch. TPWD will be stepping up enforcement, so be sure your cooler reflects the rules.

🧠 Tips for Staying Compliant

• Use a measuring board that makes it obvious you’re playing by the rules — even if the fish try to argue otherwise.
• Educate your fishing partners before trips
• Don’t keep extra “just in case” fish — it’s still illegal

📢 The Bigger Picture

This isn't about punishing anglers — it's about preserving one of Texas' favorite inshore species for generations. Following the rules now means better fishing in the future.

Stay up to date via the TPWD Regulations Guide or subscribe to alerts from your local game warden district.

🧭 Final Cast

Texas’ new spotted seatrout regulations are here — and they’re here to stay. Keep the 3-fish, 15–20” slot rule in mind, and have a fun and stay safe out there.

Summer is here and we just want everyone to have a blast on the water this year!

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