red drum legal size texas. Redfish must be between 18 and 27-inches (slot limit). red drum legal size texas

 
 Redfish must be between 18 and 27-inches (slot limit)red drum legal size texas  Leader: 10 to 20 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon; Hook: #2 to 3/0 size circle hook or J-hook; Weight: 1/4 to

estimated number includes red drum that are caught and released because they are below the minimum size limit (Figure 2). Provides a red drum tag for persons that are exempt from the purchase of a resident or non-resident fishing license of any type or duration;Yes, you can eat a black drum. These fish live for around 50 years. They are edible saltwater fish. Similar Species: Black drum, P. General Rules & Regulations. Joan Holt and C. (ii) Minimum length limit: 15 inches. Increases of about two inches per year occur after that. Large scales. Table of Contents show. See bag and size limits. (Freestone County) – Modify harvest regulations for red drum for lakes. The largest black drum on record weighed 146 pounds. D. Bow Fishing Regulations. . Upon maturity (age 4 and around 32 inches in length), red drum move out of the estuaries to join the adult spawning stock in the ocean. To fish for sheepshead in Texas, all anglers are required to have a fishing license. The rig generally involves a 50- or 60-pound leader, a circle hook, and a pyramid sinker to keep the line in position. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The Maryland state record was caught in 1977 in Tangier sound and weighed 74 pounds 6 ounces. 65 pounds. Red drum, or redfish, are reddish bronze in color with a black spot on each side of the base of their tails. However, adults can live for more than 40 years, be five feet long and tip the scale at more than 80 pounds. 2 g) are. Tuna. Fishermen/women can use rod/reel or cast nets to bag their daily limit. This will run over the course of all 3 weekends and photos must be submitted by 8:00pm on the 6 th, 13th and/or 20. Redfish, also know as red drum, are a popular inshore species available throughout the Gulf of Mexico and up the Atlantic Coast to Chesapeake Bay. Legal. New regulations appear in red text throughout the pamphlet. in the north central Gulf of Mexico that spawning size red fish was an exploitable resource if a market could be developed, the Council moved in 1981 to prepare a profile on red drum. Local Information. 6 mm per day, though the rates varied with location and year and were higher in more. Red drum begin spawning in the fall when daylight hours decrease and water temperature begins to cool. Fill out the necessary information on the tag which includes: (1) the date (cut out the month and day found along the edges of the tag); (2) the place where the fish was caught (such as the name of the bay); and, (3) the county in which the fish was caught. Species. 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 in three years. A single black drum, measuring 52 inches or more, can be kept and placed in the daily bag. MATERIALS AND METHODS Red drum (1,726 fish) were collected in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, andAlabama offshore coastal waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico from Sep­ tember 1985 through October 1987 bypurse seineMadre in Texas to the Atlantic Chesapeake Bay contain juveniles. A single black drum, measuring 52 inches or more, can be kept and placed in the daily bag. Flagrant Offense: Exceeding commercial trotline length limits by more than 10%. In Mississippi waters, the recreational catch is regulated by a size limit of 18 – 30 inches total length and 3 fish/person daily possession. 981 - Bag, Possession, and Length Limits, 31 Tex. Swordfish7,14. No person shall harvest in or from the waters of the State of Florida at any time, or unnecessarily destroy, any redfish of total length less than 18 inches, nor greater than 27 inches. Red drum, which feed heavily on mussels in marine waters, were first stocked. Redfish in North Carolina must be at least 18 inches long but less than 27 inches in total length to meet the slot limit and be legal for harvest. percent (by. The regulations for catching redfish in Texas include a bag limit, a possession limit, and red drum tag are: Bag Limit: Anglers can catch up to three redfish per day, with a minimum size of 20 inches and a maximum size limit of 28 inches. Spotted seatrout males average 19 inches (48 cm) in length. The Drum Lines Black drum, also known as banded drum, drum fish, big drum or gray drum, depending on local parlance, are growing in popularity among inshore anglers. These fish generally grow 20 to 30 inches long but can reach lengths of five feet,. Daniel (1988), however, found larvae younger. “Red drum reach sexual maturity between their third and fourth years when they are about thirty inches long. possess any red drum less than 18 inches in total length or greater than 26 inches in total length. 1981). Current state creel and size limits allow anglers to keep five redfish per day that are between 16 and 27 inches in length, which are considered juveniles. 4VAC20-1400-50. They spawn in the Gulf, possibly near the mouths of passes. South Carolina fishermen may keep up to three red drum per day in a slot that runs from 15 to 23 inches. Game fish - see bag & size limits. 18 inches long. S. SWS Planner: Texas Gulf Coast Redfish Action. A. c Flounder daily bag limit is 5 fish EXCEPT Nov. One of the most popular recreational fish in Texas; it is illegal to sell red drum commercially unless farm-raised; can tolerate freshwater, stocked in some Texas lakes, grows to larger sizes in freshwater but cannot spawn there. While the diet of larger drum does not differTexas Commercial Fishing regulations summary 2023 2024 SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 – AUGUST 31, 2024. Parasites and diseases At least 30 organisms have been found on or in wild populations of red drum. Statutory Authority: § 28. Mackerel Bag & Length Limits. Applies to: Private recreational anglers in state waters. The changes enacted for the 2022-23 license year take effect Sept. Overall, 1891 red drum larvae and early. 7 pounds. St. Red drum fingerlings (0. The red drum has a characteristic eyespot near the tail and is somewhat streamlined. probatocephalus (both lack barbels on lower jaw)January 23, 2014. The following are current state regulations for redfish from the Carolinas to Texas. 1 5 No Limit 2 5 3 5/2 c 1. A redfish must be at least 20″ but no more than 28″ in length to be legally harvested. Hybrid Bass. Body is copper-bronze, fading to a lighter belly. 4VAC20-1400-50. A. Illegal purchase/sale of fish. Other Although freshwater drum is considered a rough fish by many anglers, it is prized as a food fish in some areas. White bass . But he couldn't legally keep that big a fish. Black drum Daily Bag: 5 Min Length: 14 inches Max Length: 30 inches. Presentation is key to catching flood-tide reds — you want to make sure your bait is in a fish’s vision. 3 kg). Spawning in captivity won't be easy, and once spawned, the juveniles must be raised to stocking size – a. The Texas black drum limit is 5 fish each day, and they must be between 14 and 30 inches in size. Flagrant Offense: Exceed finfish bag or possession limits while fishing under Chapter 47, Subchapter D. Selective feeding pat-Back is highly-arched and gray or black, fading to a lighter belly. 2,010 Sq. 2015). No recreational fishing allowed. Red drum with multiple spots and the youth who caught the Red drum with the most spots will win. The world-record red drum weighed 94 pounds and was caught off the coast of North Carolina. A variety of cage sizes and types are used for the cage culture of marine finfish. 4200 Smith School Rd. The current state record red drum was caught in the Gulf of Mexico in January 2000 and was 54 ¼ inches long and. Redfish of 40+ pounds are somewhat common. Red. These time periods were convenient for subsequent age. In general, redfish must be between 18 and 27 inches long to be legal. Size limits vary by state, so be sure to check the regulations before you go fishing. Chin without barbels, smooth pre-opercular margin. The Laguna Madre is the longest and largest of seven estuarine systems in Texas and is one of six hypersaline bays worldwide in which the water is saltier than normal seawater (Figure 1. (iii) No maximum length limit. Valid Sep. Unlawful to gig, spear, or gaff red drum. Possession = double the daily bag limit. The calm bay waters of the Copano and Redfish Bays are ripe for kayak fishing, and you can find plenty of shops along the marinas willing to rent you a light vessel for under $50. , maximum size is 28 in. The state record black drum weighed 81 pounds and was 51. 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. Fish Finder Rig: 5/0 Circle Hook, 18″ Steel Leader #40 Lb. The average weight of black drum landed by recreational anglers in Texas is about 3 pounds. Submit only one picture of one side of the fish. Statutory Authority: § 28. In Florida waters, on average red drum can grow to 40 inches, 40 pounds on the Gulf of Mexico coast; 45 inches, 52 pounds on the Atlantic coast. 5-foot spinning rod built for inshore fishing is still ideal, but you’ll want to bump up to a model with medium/heavy power. 4 inches (100 cm) TL. Red drum: 18 inches minimum size limit, possession limit of 3 fish per person per day. Official Site: 16 inches. The red drum is a member of the drum and croaker family. In Texas freshwater drum are ubiquitous exclusive of the Panhandle. Offshore movement. Drum Bag & Length Limits. Red Drum (Channel Bass, Puppy Drum) (C). , 2nd floor. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing commercially with any gear type to possess more than five red drum. The red drum is an important resource to local anglers. These cost $3 each, but they’re included in Saltwater and All-Water Packages, as well as One-Day Licenses, Lifetime Licenses, and Saltwater Endorsements. You can keep a maximum of 3 fish per angler per day. $389,000 Last Sold Price. The red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) is a long lived marine finfish (> 50 years of age) which has an estuarine dependant early life history (ages 0-4). Historically, red drum supported important commercial and. One redfish over the maximum length can be kept each year with a red drum tag that comes with a fishing license. (iv) During November, lawful means are restricted to pole-and-line only and the bag and possession limit for flounder is two. February 12, 2016 the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission issued a news release announcing the meeting to be held at the Hyco Lake Community Center at 3: p. Anglers are drawn to their stunning copper-bronze hues and the distinctive black dot gracing their tail. In Texas the rod and reel record exceeds 30 pounds, and the trotline record is 55 pounds. Gar Bag & Length Limits. Dozens of drum species are found in tropical waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and in the Gulf Mexico. Tex. Grouper Bag & Length Limits. According to our conversion factor - a 40-inch black drum would weigh, on average, around 32 pounds. Texas Parks & Wildlife Fishing Regulations subject to change Red Drum Limit: 3 per day Size: 20 in. Even though they get huge, the ideal black drum for dinner is typically under 5 pounds. However, the intensity and proportions of the color of red drum depends to a degree upon where you catch him. (This record will stand for the foreseeable future, since red drum over 27 inches are not currently legal to keep). San Antonio, Texas 78254 (210) 688-9460 or 688-9516 Randy Myers, Biologist. Only slot size red drums (20”-28” in. In China, cages are constructed of flexible mesh bags attached to solid frames and are 1. Valid Sep. One of these fish may be over 19″ per vessel (boat) per day. (Bldg A) Toms River, New Jersey 08757, US. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing commercially with any gear type to possess more than five red drum. In Texas, the legal size for a red fish is 14 inches. Hybrid Bass Limit: 5 per day Size: 18 in. 18 inches long. The state’s Gulf Coast is a prime destination for Redfish anglers, with hotspots like Galveston Bay, Corpus Christi Bay, and the Laguna Madre. One winner will be announced. Record Size: 60 inches, 94 pounds. The new rules take effect on March 16 in Matagorda Bay, San Antonio Bay, Aransas Bay, Corpus Christi Bay, and the Upper and. Currently, the very few hatchery-only operations remaining rarely produce stocker red drum;Red Drum. See bag and size limits. When: March 16, 2019. Texas size and daily creel limits are lower and more complex:For smaller drum use whole shrimp on a small circle hook anywhere from size 2-2/0. With the potential to reach up to 60 inches in length and weigh up to 90 pounds, excitement is assured when hooking into these impressive fish. The exact shades of the colors are dependent on the habitat and geographic region. Ft. It shall be unlawful for any person to take, catch, or possess any speckled trout less than 14 inches in total length, provided however the. 1 S Main St. One. And not only red drum, but these reels are also great for landing any fish in the 1-40 lb. Management of red drum in Florida is considered a success story. Out-of-phase (spring) stocked red drumDigital License and Tagging Information. 66. Legal Gear: hook and line, cast nets; Illegal Gear: Spearing (includes spearfishing, gigging and bowfishing) and use of multiple hooks in conjunction with live or dead natural bait is prohibited; Full-text redfish law – download PDF here. 18 inches long. Georgia designated red drum (ciaenops ocellatus) as the official state salt water fish in 2006 (Georgia also recognizes an official state fish and a state cold water game fish, as well as a state seashell and marine mammal). Distinguishing characteristics include a dark gray or green back and silvery-white below, with distinct round spots on back, fins and tail; black. Some areas have special restrictions and it’s important to check the regulations before you hit the water. These fish feed heads-down, tails-up, searching the bottom for crabs, shrimp, marine worms and small fish. Legal Devices, Methods & Restrictions. Valid Sep. Spotted seatrout males average 19 inches (48 cm) in length. Both states have 14. In China, cages are constructed of flexible mesh bags attached to solid frames and are 1. It comes with a single redfish label, which must take a red drum of more than 28 inches per license year. Red Drum (Channel Bass, Puppy Drum) 18-27″ TL: 1/Day: Unlawful to possess red drum greater than 27” TL. Spearing does not include the catching or taking of a fish by a hook with hook and line gear or by snagging (snatch hooking). Males and females weigh 2 to 3 pounds (1 to 1. Federal law also regulates species between 9. Generally, fish do not weigh a pound an inch. The current Texas record is 55 pounds. The diet. Section 57. 18 inches long and caught in the Colorado River by Wally Escobar Jr. . Upper Laguna Madre. Throughout the southeast US, this species (known locally as spottail bass) is one of the top three fish preferred by saltwater anglers. 31, 2024. New rules regarding the marking, tending, and limits of yo-yos,Red Drum are usually distinguished by a dark red color on the back, white belly and with one large black spot on the upper part of the tail. The extensive list includes largemouth bass, grass carp, striped mullet and red shiner. produced by a female black drum and. The proposed limits would drop the daily bag limit to three fish per person and tighten the slot limit to 17”- 23”. This may. Large scales. They are typically a deep red in color, with a silver band running down their sides. NCDMF observer data from 2001 to 2006 (n=1,470 trips. Distribution of juvenile red drum in these estuaries is poorly understood. In all zones, there is a slot size limit of 18 to 27 inches total length. Size can also be a hint when identifying Black Drum. Pertaining to Speckled Trout and Red Drum (amending 4VAC20-280-20 through 4VAC20-280-55). Daily bag = 3 fish. The maximum age observed for a Red Drum in North Carolina was 62 years for a male weighing nearly 88 pounds; Red Drum average 12-14 inches at age 1 and reach harvestable size (18 inches) by age 2; 2022 Harvest Seasons for Red Drum. General Regulations. Currently, recreationally caught red drum must be at least 18 inches but no more than 27 inches to keep, and anglers are permitted 1 fish/person/day. Rastelli Seafood purchases whole fresh Red Drum from farms in Texas. 5-2. redfish grow way bigger. Red drum populations in Texas began a dramatic decline in the 1970s, prompting regulatory measures such as size, bag, and possession limits; restrictions on gill nets and their operation; a. Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is hereby amended by adding a new section at the end thereof, to be designated as G. Catfishes are abundant, with more blues than channel cats in the legal size range. Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus). Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The Texas record taken by a sport angler is 78 pounds but most bull drum caught weigh 30 to 40. Note, the bigger the fist. Average Size Legal Devices, Methods & Restrictions. “Once you spot a tailing fish, you want to cast your artificial about 5 feet in front of the fish and 4 feet past it,” says Plair. Once you have your fishing license, it is best to know the redfish creel limits. min. These fish, when caught, are un­Currently, Louisiana anglers may harvest five reds per angler per day, with a size minimum of 16 inches and a maximum of 27 inches (one fish may be over). A. class. Texas Redfish Limits A redfish must be at least 20″ but no more than 28″ in length to be legally harvested. Powerful pharyngeal teeth used to crush oysters and other shellfish. This endorsement is automatically included as. Code § 57. 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. However, this year the minimum size for flounder is 17 inches. Presentation is key to catching flood-tide reds — you want to make sure your bait is in a fish’s vision. Size of the mouth may regulate the size of the preferred prey. Clarification: No more than 1 spotted seatrout over the stated maximum length may be retained per person per day. The daily bag limit for redfish in Texas is three redfish per person. General Rules & Regulations. Min. (III) It is unlawful to retain more than two bass of less than 18 inches in length. Edit Close. Red Drum. By Tracy Villarreal November 9, 2022. (1971, c. 0%, by weight, of speckled trout less than 14 inches in total length. **Sportsmen can keep one fish over the 26-inch limit per day out of the three total reds allowed per day. The record red drum was 94 pounds and was caught on the East coast. The current state record red drum was caught in the Gulf of Mexico in January 2000 and was 54 ¼ inches long and. The red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), also. Alex Suescun 2022 Redfish (Red Drum) Regulations. edu . A Texas redfish bag limit is the number of a single species you can catch and take with you in a single day. -Texas Parks and Wildlife When Is Texas Redfish Season? Redfish season in Texas state waters is year-round. A digital license holder will not receive a printed license or tags and must understand and. Why are there red. The daily bag limit for redfish in Texas is three redfish per person. All anglers over 16 that fish in the state or public waters must carry a valid Texas saltwater fishing license. Definitions. Before you get too excited thinking that you can catch a 90-pound fish to feed your family for weeks, you should know a few things. Lake Texoma Max Length: two may be 20 inches or greater daily. A red drum tag will be issued at no additional charge with each saltwater fishing endorsement. Federal law also regulates species between 9. All of the fish you choose to keep must measure between 20–28 inches. For white bass, minimum length = 10 inches and daily bag is 25. The channel bass (red drum) is hereby adopted as the official State saltwater fish of the State of North Carolina. Largemouth Bass Limit: 5 per day Size: 18 in. Anglers new to South Texas may be surprised to know that coastal Red Drum, commonly called Redfish, can be caught in two freshwater lakes near San Antonio. Red drum have a range extending from the Long Island south to the western Gulf of Mexico but it rarely. Whereas Lamb hunts for reds all over Calaveras and Braunig, Billy Tyus targets specific areas on Fairfield Lake. In addition to the penalty provided in Section 66. Reproduction of these mussels may be affected by red drum feeding on juvenile mussels. In Gulf waters, black drum are frequently light gray or silver. Davis* Redfish (Sciaenops ocellata) critically low temperature of the water will determine the success of pond cul-ture of red drum in the future. Possession of red drum over the prescribed maximum size of 24 inches total length, when measured with the mouth closed, is prohibited. Selection of a site must consider the normal mini-mum (not average) low temperature in an area. 20. We have you covered. Daily bag = 3 fish. For larger bull drum with cut bait, stick to a 5/0 circle hook. According to our conversion factor - a 40-inch black drum would weigh, on average, around 32 pounds. redfish are tougher. In Texas freshwater drum are ubiquitous exclusive of the Panhandle. This may be taken in addition to the daily bag limit. Red Drum fingerlings are released during seasons outside of wild juvenile Red Drum recruitment, exposing them. Freshwater Red Drum 349 larger Braunig red drum in years 2 and 3 than were reported for Texas saltwater red drum populations (Table 2). Min. The red drum is a popular game fish in coastal waters from Massachusetts to Mexico. Marlin Bag & Length Limits. For red drum, minimum length = 20 inches, with no maximum length limit. Flounder Bag & Length Limits. The current Texas record is 59 1/2 pounds. Van Tassell ©. In Texas the rod and reel record exceeds 30 pounds, and the trotline record is 55 pounds. Hunting Fishing Regulations for Calaveras To combat the spread of invasive zebra mussels, the law requires draining of water from boats and onboard receptacles when leaving or. USA Records by State > Why Catch Red Drum Fish? 15 inches. Large scales. 4 kg at the time of harvest. These limits let you know how many redfish you can keep and how big they must be. Spearing is defined as "the catching or taking of a fish by bow fishing, gigging, spearfishing, or by any device used to capture a fish by piercing its body. Male red drum make a knocking or drumming sound during spawning by vibrating their swim bladders. I construct leaders with a Mustad 39941 circle hook, 6/O- to 9/O-size, depending on the size of baits being used. 38 years (a few individuals as old as 60 have been reported in other states). to Max 26 IN. The possession limit is the number of a single species you can have in your possession at one time; it is a combined total of your daily take and anything you have stored at home. Fishermen in North Carolina are limited to a single red drum per day in a slot that begins at 18 and ends at 27 inches. In Texas, stocking has contributed to the recovery of red drum and spotted seatrout recreational fisheries. * The Texas A&M University System Red Drum Production of Food Fish James T. Bow and Arrows; Standard Spearing Equipment used by a skin diver submerged in water when sport fishing;. S. This suspends the bait up in the water column, and the sounds and vibrations from the cork attract the redfish. (2) With respect to red drum, southern flounder, and spotted sea trout specifically, and until such time as the commission establishes daily take and possession limits for these species in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, the following shall be the legal take, daily bag, and possession limits:The state of Florida has wrestled with how to measure saltwater finfish since 1925. The size limit minimum length is 14 inches, and the size limit minimum length of 30 inches. Size (Inches) 34 18 14 37 14 20 14 No Limit. One redfish over the maximum length can be kept each year with a red drum tag that comes with a fishing license. 2023 Redfish season duration, regulations, fishing reports, where to go, and what guides to use. Many red drum broodstock at commercial foodfishPercentage of red drum in each 10 mm size class caught in Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) trammel nets and landed by commercial trotlines during each fall and spring 1972-1978 (N. Figure 1. Possession limits. The daily pocket limit for redfish in Texas is three redfish per person. 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. For the entire state where redfish are legal to harvest, the slot limit is set at 18 to 27 inches. Then one might wonder, “What is the legal size of a redfish?” Redfish must be between the ages of 18 and 27 inches (slot limit). The daily bag limit for redfish in Texas is three redfish per person. Size and creel limits for spotted seatrout, flounder, red drum and weakfish taken in inland waters are the same as the recreational limits for those species in adjacent joint and coastal waters. Federal law also regulates species between 9. D. Serving Size: 3. How to set it up: You’ll need the following components to set up a Carolina rig for red drum:. Saltwater Trotline Tag; TagYou must report all recreational landings of swordfish to NOAA Fisheries within 24 hours of landing at the dock. A Redfish With as Many Spots as a Seatrout. 19 pounds. One winner will be announced. Of greatest value in a niche U. Heated water can be used but it is not readily available in most areas. Clarification: No more than 1 spotted seatrout over the stated maximum length may be retained per person per day. Freshwater drum are silvery in color and lack the distinctive tail fin spot of red drum. In 1989, the slot limit of 18-27 inches, the bag limit of one fish per person and a closed season from March-May were put in place. Davis* Redfish (Sciaenops ocellata) critically low temperature of the water will determine the success of pond cul-ture of red drum in the future. Line: 12- to. " Spearfishing is defined as "the catching or taking of a fish. All State Fish & Aquatic life symbols Red drum fish (also called redfish, channel bass, spot tail, and puppy drum), grow to about 30 inches. A redfish must be at least 20” but no more than 28” in length to be legally harvested. Body is copper-bronze, fading to a lighter belly. Not sure why that is, but the record redfish was only 39. Daily Limit: 3. Red Drum movement varies by size, in that larger fish, at or above the upper slot limit, move around estuaries much more than smaller fish. SOLD JUN 2, 2023. SC gamefish (cobia, red drum, spotted seatrout, tarpon, and striped bass) may not be taken by nets. Size (Inches) No Limit No Limit No Limit No Limit 30 a 28 b No Limit No Limit. At one year of age (in September), red drum are10-12 inches long, and weigh just under one pound. World Record Size: The biggest redfish ever caught was by Mr. 3 kg). “Bay anglers who catch a 15-pound redfish are stunned. In 2018, Texas Parks & Wildlife. 3 Part 1: Graphing fishery. Persons who want to obtain a red drum tag and are EXEMPT from fishing license requirements may purchase an Exempt Angler Red Drum Tag for $3. Male and female redfish mature at different ages, but more or less they begin to spawn at around 26″ in length. Redfish (Ocean Perch) Open season: All year. 5640 Surry Mountain Trl, Fort Worth, TX 76179. Minimum size: 18″ to 27″. Spatial and temporal variability in distribution and growth of newly settled red drum Sciaenops ocellatus were examined in the Aransas Estuary, Texas, USA. Be sure to check these sites often, as regulations do change.