AUSTIN- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking public input on the proposed rules changing bag and size limits for spotted seatrout on the middle and lower Texas coast. 3 inches; however, when measured using the igloo lid the fish appears to be near 17. The name “kingfish” is also used for the king mackerel, Scomberomorus cavalla, which is unrelated to any of the whiting. Fishing License . Statewide Bag & Length Limits. There are no bag, possession, or length limits on game or nongame fish, except as listed in this guide. Technological advances have boosted tackle and gear way beyond what hardcore anglers of the 1980s and 90s could. Red Snapper Fishing In Federal Waters. 20-inch TL. guide. The common snook is by far the most abundant. 00; Resident Freshwater Fishing Package: $35. Croaker Cravings. The Texas coast offers a diverse range of habitats to fish, from shallow inshore flats and grass beds to deeper offshore structures like reefs and wrecks. See full list on activeatthebeach. General Regulations. So barracuda might not be prized as a commercial fish in Texas waters, and there may not be a Swim with Barracudas! attraction at SeaWorld, but the great barracuda puts up an excellent fight and is consequently esteemed by some anglers as a gamefish. 00 Resident Surviving Spouse Killed in Action Fish $2. This license allows you to fish anywhere in the state that’s designated as. Download a copy and print out. Definitions, boundaries, general law & penalties. Definitions. *17 to 23-inch slot limit. 9 kg) on average. Exceptions to Statewide Limits. Alabama allows 10 fish, and all must be over 15 inches. Refer to nmfspermits. This total shall not exceed more than the limits or exceptions listed below. Hunting and fishing regulations are addressed in the Texas Administrative Code. This allows you to keep one fish measuring over 28 inches per year. -Changing the minimum length for largemouth bass from 18-inch minimum length to the statewide 14-inch limit for largemouth bass, modifying the harvest regulations for Brushy Creek Lake. Closed season is Oct 15 – Nov 30. 00; Resident All Water Fishing Package: $40. The regulations are set to expire Aug. 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. If you plan a saltwater fishing trip in Virginia, it’s important to know the state’s fishing regulations and size limits to avoid legal issues. There are no limits on whiting. Salt of the water. The season will reopen on September 1 for 3-day weekends in September, October and November (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) as well as Labor Day and Thanksgiving Day. The Lore & Legend of Texas Saltwater Fishing; According to Scott; Education. 5. Tripletail are pelagic fish, found far offshore in sargassum weed lines, but they arrive in Texas inshore waters each summer. 29” min carcass length or 33 lbs. com 6 FISHING 5 TPWD FISHING REGULATIONS Mobile or App: OutdoorAnnual. 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. Those regulatory changes are scheduled to sunset in August of 2023. The mangrove snapper is often confused with juvenile cubera snapper, however the two can be distinguished easily by the shape of the tooth patch at the top of the palate. Red snapper season is open year-round in state waters – your daily limit in state waters is 4 fish per person, 15" minimum. They are realistically represented in color photographs. Texas Parks and Wildlife Coastal Fisheries will soon make a proposal for the emergency regulations to be extended further, or revert to the former regulations of 5 trout per day, 15” minimum, one of which may be over 25”. (H) For seasons, bag limits and size limits on snapper, grouper, and mackerels contact the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council 843-571-4366 or and see the most recent SnapperOn March 25, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission discussed changes to saltwater fishing regulations for 2021-2022 that included allowing the recreational-only use of crab traps in areas of Aransas County and clarifying red snapper bag limits. Life is Good. descriptions. For federal fishery limits and regulations, contact: South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, North Charleston, SC 29405, 843-571-4366, For more information on equipment licenses call 843-953-9311. Clients or I have landed eight state record fish and eighteen water body records. The daily bag limit is two, and the minimum length is 37 inches. 50 $9. Typically, color varies from brassy green or yellow, to golden brown, or even silvery. Game Fish Size & Possession Limits. The genus, Caranx, is derived from the French carangue, meaning. Register for your Texas fishing license at Parks and Wildlife site. By Joe Richard. Depending on their size, females have between 375,000 and almost 2 million eggs. 20. Red drum is a fast growing fish reaching approximately 11 inches and one pound in its first year, 17-22 inches and 3 1/2 pounds in two years, and 22-24 inches and 6-8 pounds. S. Joined: Apr 2009. Thirty-one species are federally managed by the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico. Pompano are not the largest of gamefish, but on semi-light tackle they’re a blast to catch and are a perfect treat for kids to reel in. Take a look at our simple instructions for depressurizing a saltwater fish. *Rule to expire on Aug. In North Carolina coastal waters, these limits vary depending on the habitat and the species, and here are a few examples: Black Drum: 10 fish per person per day. In Texas, the minimum length limit for southern flounder is 14 inches. Physical Description. Summary. Refer to nmfspermits. Note: On many waters, bag and length limits differ from the statewide rules. U. For marine fish, a saltwater stamp must also be purchased. Discover Texas saltwater fish, identify species, explore Gulf of Mexico, and enjoy coastal and bay fishing in the Lone Star State. Texas Fishing License Registration for Catching Redfish. End of an Era. Fishing the reefs, rocks, wrecks and rigs along the Gulf. They were plentiful, much bigger on average than today, easy to catch from shore, tasty and fed the masses. Bag and length limits apply to listed saltwater species. The belly is usually yellowish-white. Red Snapper Bag & Length Limits. TEXAS COMMERCIAL FISHING. 31, 2023, then revert to the current coastwide regulations of a five-fish daily bag and 15- to 25-inch slot limit plus one fish over 25 inches. Stock Assessment of Blue Crabs in Texas Coastal Waters ( PDF 1. According to a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department news release, the new and temporary regs for trout in the bays and beachfront of the Laguna Madre include: 3-fish bag limit. Lake Texoma Min Length: none. Current Golden Tilefish Specifications (November 1, 2022–October 31, 2023). Daily For-hire Recreational Bag limit: 5 fish per person. Bag and length limits apply to listed saltwater species. 10 per person per day. 25 (w) Spotted sea trout. Guide to 78 saltwater fish that live along the Texas Gulf coast with species information and fishing tips and illustrations of each one. During the winter months when everything seems slow and desolate, I always set a few rods for pompano and you may be very surprised at the results. This makes them especially vulnerable to over-fishing. A free app, Fish Rules, provides images of various species for identification and lets fishermen know in real time if a fish is in season at their location, how many they can keep, minimum size, bag and vessel limit, and more. High dorsal fin that is divided. Or grill them in a foil pack with tomato, onion, garlic, and. Quota. COMMON FRESHWATER BAITS Crickets and Grasshoppers These are excellent choices for sunfish,bass and catfish. Austin, TX 78744 (512) 389-4800 (800) 792-1112Saltwater Freeze Events. Separate annual catch limits exist for the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic stocks of cobia. Description. Minimum size limit to allow fish time to mature and spawn. The 2020-2021 TPWD rules for each species are shown with each picture. The Texas black drum limit is 5 fish each day, and they must be between 14 and 30 inches in size. There are no bag, possession or size limits on fish or crabs EXCEPT as listed below. Bluefin Tuna limits are variable throughout the season and depend on the size category. 4200 Smith School Rd. Sailfish Bag & Length Limits. These changes will take effect on April 1 and are valid for up to 120 days, but may be extended another 60 days if warranted. Federal law also regulates species between 9. The Gulf stock covers the entire east coast of Florida through Texas. Maps identifying approved areas may be obtained from the TDSHS Seafood and Aquatic Life Group, (512) 834-6757. Science & the Sea; Coastal Birding; Fishy Facts; Conservation; TP&W Field Notes; Plastic & Water Don't Mix;. The contact below describes the current recreational fishing limits for Massachusetts both was last updated on May 11, 2023. and weights of 300 lbs. Size Max. Phone or Email: The Coastal Fisheries Division at 512-389-8575 or [email protected]" and weighing 6. State & Federal Waters. Texas Redfish Limits A redfish must be at least 20″ but no more than 28″ in length to be legally harvested. King. Pompano are a popular member of the jack family sought by both recreational and commercial fisherman throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Changes include the required use of specialized devices on reef fish exhibiting signs of barotrauma, returning to previous bag and size limits for spotted seatrout on the coast, lowering the bag limit for cobia and adding. What most fishermen (and women) tend to miss are the bag and length limits, Gregory. Shark Regulations. Select a water body to see a summary of site. There are no bag, possession or size limits on fish or crabs EXCEPT as listed below. 00, respectively, while a non-resident can purchase them for $58. Sep. TPW Commission Approves Changes to Saltwater Fishing Regulations for 2023–24 March 23, 2023 Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030. 894. Possession & Transport of Exotic Aquatic Species. com Criminal Penalties and Civil Value Recovery If you violate fish and wildlife laws, you may: • be fined for misdemeanors - Class C – $25-$500 - Class B –. AUSTIN Starting Sept. Invertebrates bag and size limits. Click for a larger PDF. You can read about the recent 2022 regulation changes in FL here. There are no bag, possession or size limits on fish or crabs EXCEPT as listed below. East Texas Daily Bag Limit 10 Possession Limit 20 General Season Oct. The official measurement of the fish in the photos is 414mm, or about 16. Trip limits for commercial vessels. Fish Rules was co-developed by a recreational fisherman in Jupiter, Florida. Size Species Bag (Inches) (Inches) Amberjack, greater 1 34 No Lim. Alabama Redfish Catch & Bag Size Limit. Maximum size is about 2 feet in length and 8 pounds in weight. Deep Deep Sea Fishing Fort Myers Fl. c/o Coastal Resources Division. Minimum size: 20″ to 28″. A person may fish with multiple poles or other devices, except as. However, all anglers age 17 or older must carry a current Texas-issued fishing license. Bow Fishing Regulations. Certain areas may be temporarily closed to alligator gar fishing when optimum spawning conditions occur. – 27″ Max, Possession Limit: 5 fish per person per day. 2009 regs from Virginia to Texas. Pompano are not the largest of gamefish, but on semi-light tackle they’re a blast to catch and are a perfect treat for kids to reel in. returned to statewide limits for largemouth bass on Lake Nasworthy. The Texas redfish limit is a daily limit of 3 fish and a slit size of 20 to 28 inches, with the ability to keep a fish over 28 inches long with a red drum day. See catfish comparison and identification. Sean Meehan: Southeast, Gulf of Mexico, and U. To learn about the projects and programs that r e ceived support from the Saltwater Recreational. Snook are tropical fish. wild-caught from Massachusetts to Texas. 1 - May 31. All fish must be returned to the water immediately if they don’t meet the size requirements or if you’ve already reached your daily limit. Daily Limit: 1* Minimum size: 18″ to 27″ Northeast Regional Bag Limit – Except as provided for in Rule 68B-22. Additional information concerning area closures may be obtained 24 hours a day, 7 days. Vessel limit is limited to the number of customers fishing multiplied by bag limit. 50 $5. 10-12 soft anal fin rays. gov, (727) 824-5330. Texas Senior Resident Saltwater License Package (age 65+): $17. Current speckled trout limits allow anglers to keep 5 fish per day within the slot limit of 15”- 25”. -Reducing the blue and channel catfish daily bag limit from 25 to 5 on the downstream part of Brushy. Most of the time, trout hold tight to the substructure on the down-current side. The Lore & Legend of Texas Saltwater Fishing; According to Scott; Education. Bluefin Tuna8: 73” min curved fork length. appearing. A red drum tag will be issued at no additional charge with each saltwater fishing endorsement. 5284 posts · Joined 2008. There is no limit on the number you can catch in Texas, but good luck catching more than one! The minimum size that you’re allowed to keep is 131 inches. See definitions of daily bag and possession limits. The best way to catch those trout is with a ¼- or ½-ounce jig head and a soft-plastic tail. How to measure fish: Place the fish on its side with the jaw closed. Zero captain and crew bag limit when on a for-hire trip. meehan@noaa. Below are the most common Louisiana saltwater fish size limits for 48 popular game fish: Red Drum (Bull Red): 16″ Min. If landings (bringing to the dock) of marlin near the 250 fish limit, NMFS may increase the minimum size limit to decrease the landings. This flathead fish is a popular dish in many seafood circles, and a fun fish to spend the day trying to catch. Texas speckled trout size regulations allow for a limit of five fish per day and a slit size of 15 to 25 inches, with the ability to keep a fish larger than 25 inches long. Some of the popular upcoming saltwater fishing tournaments include the Texas International Fishing Tournament (TIFT) in South Padre Island August 2-6, 2023 and the Texas Womens Anglers Tournament in Port Aransas August 25-27, 2023. Medium-size croaker from Sabine Lake. In federal waters off North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, the minimum size limit is also 12 inches fork length. Sunshine Bass. Federal law also regulates species between 9. Texas Resident Saltwater License Package: $35. This NOTICE OF CLOSURE will be posted online and shared with news and social media. Lake Texoma Max Length: two may be 20 inches or greater daily. Best Fishing Lakes In Texas. Texas Speckled Trout Fishing Regulations Fishing Licenses. gov, (727). The 2020-2021 TPWD rules for each species are shown with each picture. Texas record is 13. The possession limit is equal to double the bag limit unless otherwise noted. Red Snapper Season in Federal Waters. The cost of a non-resident fishing license is $58 for a year and $16 for a one-day license. Download the PDF version of the 2023-2024 Regulations Guide. Shrimp Regulations & Restrictions. Waters listed on this page are subject to special gear restrictions or special harvest limits on one or more species of fish. Coloration can vary from almost black through reddish-bronze to. Report online, via the mobile app, or by calling 800. The previous minimum was 14 inches and was changed after being adopted by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission in May. Possession & Transport of Exotic Aquatic Species. From March 16, 2022, to August 31, 2023, recreational anglers may keep up to five speckled trout per day, with a slot size between 15-25 inches. Texas has reduced its creel limit to 5 in some areas with a very tight length limit, and to 10 in other areas. 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. In this day and age. Maximum size length of 23 inches. I’ve put in so many hours on trips in the Gulf of Mexico, meeting cool Texas saltwater fish like redfish, spotted seatrout, southern flounder, and many more. Regulated nongame species - see bag & size limits. 1, changes to saltwater fishing regulations will take effect for the 2023-24 license year. During autumn they'd make a big run for the Gulf (the croaker, that is. AUSTIN – Starting Sept. 5528. Max Length: No limit. The following changes to the 2020-21 Statewide Recreational Fishing Proclamation, details of which will be incorporated into this year’s Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Outdoor Annual and the Texas Commercial Fishing regulations summary, have been adopted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission and go into effect on. #3 · Mar 30, 2011. No fish greater. An increase in the minimum size limit from 14 to 15 inches for the species was among a few changes to saltwater. 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 males average 19 inches (48 cm) in length. No size limit : No limit for fish >27" TL Fish <27" TL shall not be possessed All year . 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. Tilefish has a mild flavor, similar to. legal fish sizes in texas. What are the Florida black drum size limits? In Florida, you are allowed to catch 3 black drum on the Atlantic side and 5 on the Gulf side each day. 00. 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. Max Length: 12 inches (see below) Clarification: May not take from public waters, or possess on board a boat, mullet over 12 inches during. 00; Non-Resident Saltwater Fishing Package: $63. Opens: June 1, 2023 Closes: September 1, 2023 at 11:59 PM Bag limit: 2 fish per person daily Size limit: 16-in minimum Applies to: Private recreational anglers in federal waters. Game fish may be taken only by pole and line (which includes rod and reel), except as otherwise provided in this guide. In Fish. Many sharks are subject to minimum size limits, and some species may not be legally retained at any size. These devices, subject to restrictions listed, may be used to take fish and other aquatic life in Texas public waters. Chronic Wasting Disease. Note: On many waters, bag and length limits differ from the statewide rules. SPORT ANGLER BAG AND LENGTH LIMITS OF SALTWATER FISHES AND CRABS. Shark Bag & Length Limits. Three species of the genus Cynoscion, commonly called seatrout, are native to the Gulf of Mexico: the spotted seatrout, the sand seatrout and the silver seatrout. Recent Changes in Texas Freshwater Fishing Regulations. SPORT. Fishing in state waters is open year-round, while fishing in federal waters is limited to around 60 days per year. Ste 200-408 I Spring, TX 77386 (281) 869-5511. 1, changes to saltwater fishing regulations will take effect for the 2023-24 license year. Anglers fishing more than 9 nautical miles off the coast of Texas are in federal waters and are subject to rules and regulations that may differ from those in state waters. AG. For example, black bass must be at least 14 inches long, and anglers can keep five per day. The size limit minimum length is 14 inches, and the size limit minimum length of 30 inches. Freshwater Fishing. Texas Fish & Game is the largest and most popular outdoor publication in the Lone Star State. 001. Luckily (for the black drum), the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission had witnessed what purse seines could do to red drum, wiping out numerous year classes of. Provided by the Coastal Fisheries Division Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Tuna8,14. Resident saltwater fishing licenses are available for $35 or $17 for seniors over the age of 65. As of September 1, changes to saltwater fishing regulations have taken effect for the 2023-24 license year. All Year. 559,872 lbs MW. Federal law also regulates species between 9. Harvest Limitations: State waters only; From March 16, 2022 through Aug. taken. Guide to 78 saltwater fish that live along the Texas Gulf coast with species information and fishing tips and illustrations of each one. There are also limits on the number of fish that you can keep, so make sure to check your state’s regulations in this article for more information. Fishing License For Alabama: Annual: $23. Current speckled trout limits allow anglers to keep 5 fish per day within the slot limit of 15”- 25”. This includes a size limit change for flounder. The Fish Finder Rig: How To Master Best Rig For Surf Fishing. Starting Sept. These changes will take effect on April 1 and are valid for up to 120 days, but may be extended another 60 days if warranted. The eggs are large, ranging up to 1 inch in diameter, and are. Sheepshead Bag & Length Limits. 31, 2023 in Matagorda, San Antonio, Aransas, Corpus Christi and Laguna Madre Bay Systems. Speckled Trout: 4 fish per person per day. All Authors & Guides; The View from Matagorda; Mid-Coast Bays with the Grays; Hooked Up with Rowsey; Wayne's Port. The license allows you to use the permitted number of rods and catch the fish within the bag limits. 25 eels/person/day. 1, changes to saltwater fishing regulations will take effect for the 2023-24 license year. Max Length: No limit. The surf is red hot on fire from East Beach all the way to Surfside for speckled trout, redfish and an occasional shark on live bait. On the back are reminders of protecting seagrass and ethical angler practices. Recreational anglers must have a Texas. Trophy / Oversize Fish Allowed: 1 over 25 inches within daily bag. Saltwater anglers in Texas enjoy healthy flounder bag limits for most of the year. 10. Those changes will take effect on April 1 and are. 25. ill. Possession & Transport of Exotic Aquatic Species. For the entire state, redfish must be between 18” and 27” in length to be harvested. They are, after all, members of the jack family. Both of these insects can be caught by hand or with an insect net. Minimum size: 16″ to 26″ Anglers can keep one fish over the 26-inch limit per day out of the three total redfish allowed per day. Legal Devices, Methods & Restrictions. In Florida’s saltwater ecosystems, the FWC protects and manages more than 500 native species of saltwater. September 1. 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. Even overmatched against jetty tackle with 20-pound line, some of our bigger fish fought way harder than redfish of comparable size. Re: quick question: size and bag limit on whiting? [ Re: lou7 ] #4999269 06/21/10 12:07 AM. com Criminal Penalties and Civil Value Recovery If you violate fish and wildlife laws, you may: • be fined for misdemeanors - Class C – $25-$500 - Class B – $200-$2,000 and/or 6 months in jail Bag and length limits apply to listed saltwater species. Sharks Found in Georgia Waters that can be Harvested (not including small shark. New in Fishing for 2023-2024. Vessels must have a valid HMS Angling or HMS. 31, 2023, and then will revert to the current coastwide regulations of a five-fish daily bag and 15- to 25-inch slot limit plus one fish over 25 inches. Jan. Florida Redfish Catch & Bag Size Limit. 41 pounds, 24. Similar Posts. Swordfish7,14. Report online, via the mobile app, or by calling 800. Impact97. 10 from 6 p. Biologists expect this regulation change to result in an increase in population numbers. -Changing the minimum length for largemouth bass from 18-inch minimum length to the statewide 14-inch limit for largemouth bass, modifying the harvest regulations for Brushy Creek Lake. Austin, TX 78744 (512) 389-4800 (800) 792-1112iPhone Screenshots. Daily Bag: 25 (in any combination - only 10 can be 20 inches or greater in length) Minimum Length: No Limit. Texas' state-record sand trout, caught from Galveston Bay in 1972, measured 23. 894. Annual freshwater fishing, saltwater, and an all-water license are available at varying costs. Spread the love. Texas' Other Seatrouts. or any other chapter of this code may not catch and retain any fish species whose sale is prohibited when taken from Texas waters. Explore Texas' saltwater fishing limits and have a blast reel-ing in the fun! Discover the different types of fish you can catch, the limits for each species, and tips for making the most of your fishing trips. By Joe Richard. Go figure. There аrе nо bаg or size limitѕ fоr уеllоw. On the back are reminders of protecting seagrass and ethical angler practices. There are no fish size limits in the tilefish fisheries. Bag and length limits apply to listed saltwater species. 54” min fork length. Texas Drum, Sea Drum, Saltwater Drum, Gray Drum, Drumfish, Striped Drum, Tambor Description Regulated nongame species - see bag & size limits The black drum is a chunky, high-backed fish with many barbels. 903-603-3793. Minimum Size Limits: • Dog and Mahogany: Atlantic and Gulf - 12" • No minimum size limit for other snappers Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • Atlantic and Gulf - 10 per harvester. You must report all recreational landings of swordfish to NOAA Fisheries within 24 hours of landing at the dock. Commercial, Recreational Affected Species. 3 MB) 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. By Eric Ozolins. Physical Description 48 p. Appearance. gov. The Office of Fisheries uses scientific management methods to protect and enhance fish environments, habitats and other populations of aquatic species. Youth-Only Sept. The common carp is a heavy-bodied minnow with barbels on either side of the upper jaw. The daily bag limits are 2 fish per person or 8 per vessel in the northeast zone and 1 fish per person or 8 fish per vessel in the northwest and south zones. Pocket Guide to Bag and Size Limits of Saltwater Fishes and Crabs: 2013-2014, pamphlet, July 2013; Austin. Recreational anglers must possess a Texas fishing license with a saltwater endorsement to land fish in state or federal water. One of the five fish may exceed the 25-inch size limit. Game fish - see bag & size limits Tripletails are odd-looking, deep-bodied fish with the soft rays of the dorsal and anal fins set well back toward the caudal fin giving it a tri-lobed appearance. Federal law also regulates species between 9. 9" 1/1 - 12/31. Cobia. Snapper Bag & Length Limits. Easy to identify your catch with the full color fish images.