Lobster fishing is a popular recreational activity in Texas, with many anglers eagerly awaiting the start of lobster season each year But when exactly is lobster season in Texas and what do you need to know to legally and ethically catch these tasty crustaceans? This complete guide will give you all the key information on lobster seasons, limits, regulations, and tips for a successful lobstering trip in Texas
Overview of Lobster Seasons in Texas
There are two main species of lobster found in Texas waters – the spiny lobster and the slipper lobster. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) regulates the harvesting of spiny lobsters with seasonal closures to protect populations. However, slipper lobsters can be taken year-round with no closed season.
Here are the key dates for spiny lobster season in Texas
- Closed season: April 1 – August 5 – no harvesting of spiny lobsters is allowed, giving populations time to reproduce and juveniles time to mature.
- Mini-season: 2 consecutive days in late July – limited recreational harvest (see limits below).
- Regular season: August 6 – March 31 – open recreational and commercial spiny lobster fishing.
Limits on Lobster Catches in Texas
To fish for lobsters in Texas, you need a valid Texas fishing license. There are also some limits on how many lobsters you can take:
- Spiny lobster – During the mini-season, there is a daily bag limit of 2 spiny lobsters per person. During the regular season, the limit goes up to 10 spiny lobsters per day. There is a minimum size limit of 3 inches for the carapace (head section). No egg-bearing females can be taken.
- Slipper lobster – No limits, but no egg-bearing females may be taken.
These catch limits help prevent over-harvesting of lobster populations in Texas waters. It’s important to carefully measure any spiny lobsters you catch and safely release any undersized or egg-bearing individuals to ensure sustainable fishing.
Where to Catch Lobsters in Texas
The best places to find lobsters around Texas include:
- Rocky areas and crevices around jetties, reefs, and banks – Spiny lobsters like to hide in rocky spots and jetty holes.
- Wrecks and artificial reefs – Manmade structures offer good hiding spots. Check areas like old oil rigs.
- Mudflat edges and channels – Look for slipper lobsters in these muddy areas.
While lobsters can be found in shallow water, you’ll have better luck finding them by diving or setting traps in deeper waters 30-100 feet deep. Always look for places that offer shelter. Productive areas include the jetties around South Padre Island, artificial reefs off Galveston, and rigs in the Matagorda area.
Legal Gear for Catching Lobsters in Texas
You’re allowed to harvest lobsters recreationally by hand while skin diving or SCUBA diving. No other underwater breathing apparatus, like snorkels or hookah rigs, are permitted.
The legal gear for trapping lobsters includes:
- Rectangular wire traps – These are commonly used traps with dimensions regulated by TPWD.
- Round wire traps – Smaller circular traps are also approved for use.
All traps need to have biodegradable panels to prevent ghost fishing if lost. No spearing or gigging of lobsters is allowed. Make sure to follow all regulations regarding trap numbers and proper trap tagging.
Tips for an Enjoyable Lobster Trip
To maximize your chances of catching your limit of lobsters during Texas lobster season, keep these tips in mind:
- Prepare your gear like wire traps, tickle sticks, and snares in advance. Check regulations.
- Time your trip for good conditions with clear water and slack tides.
- Look for lobsters at dawn, dusk, and night when they are more active.
- When diving, search slowly and thoroughly through rocky structure.
- Handle lobsters carefully and measure for size – don’t damage undersized lobsters.
- Consider multi-day trips to allow enough time to find good numbers.
- Follow safe boating, diving, and fishing practices at all times.
With proper preparation and timing during the open season, you can enjoy a mouthwatering lobster feast thanks to the thrill of lobstering in Texas waters. Just be sure to fish responsibly by avoiding overharvesting, following all size and catch limits, and being mindful of safely releasing any protected lobsters you encounter.
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When does oyster season open in Texas?
AUSTIN— The Texas commercial and recreational oyster season opens Tuesday, Nov. 1 and closes April 30, 2023. In an effort to protect and restore oyster reefs showing signs of environmental stress, many shellfish harvest areas will be closed to oyster fishing at the beginning of this season.
When is the best time to buy lobster?
Savvy lobster shoppers know you can buy lobster in the summer, but when it comes to getting the biggest bang for your buck, the best seasons for buying lobster are fall and winter. Here’s why. When Is Lobster Season In Different States? Lobster season changes depending on where you source it from because different states have varying seasons.
When is lobster season?
In very warm climates, the lobster season often occurs in fall and winter when the water is colder. In cooler climates, lobsters are more populous during the summer months. As the temperatures climb after winter’s chill, lobsters move closer to the shore and into warmer waters.
When is an oyster harvest area closed in Texas?
Texas Parks and Wildlife code allows for the emergency closure of an area to oyster harvest when it can be shown there is evidence of being overworked. These closings are based on samples collected by TPWD showing low catch rates of legal-sized, harvestable oysters.