New Spearfisher in Texas

[denverbpierce]

I am hoping to try out my speargun for the first time next weekend in Galveston. I don't have a seaworthy boat (besides my yak) so I'll be going from the shores and jetties. I would love some pointers as to where to go. However the main question I have to ask is what kind if fish CAN I spear. I'm aware it's any nongame fish. But what are those? Ive seen a list of game fish and freshwater non game fish but not saltwater nongame fish. I grew up in freshwater so I'm not totally aware of all the species in the Texas waters. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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[karstopo]

https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outd ... #section-1

[denverbpierce]

Yea I've looked on their website. That's a list of the game fish. I reckon I could look at all saltwater species and take those out though.

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[Neumie]

Black drum, flounder, gray (mangrove) snapper, sheepshead should be common around the jetties and OK to spearfish.

[denverbpierce]

Thanks!

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[karstopo]

Still have to abide by the size and numbers limits. For example, sheepshead must be 15”, Black Drum, 14”-30”. Flounder 14”.

I don’t believe Mangrove Snapper have any size or limit restrictions.

Watch out for boats or jet fleas when spear fishing. No one is going to be thinking “ there’s a spearfishman under the surface”. Are you snorkeling or using a tank?

I’ve spearfished, scuba, offshore years ago around some petroleum production platforms and in the Caribbean (Belize). The water here gets a lot clearer offshore, but that might be miles out on any given day. It’s probably doable right off the beach, but you have to catch it right.

[Neumie]

Still have to abide by the size and numbers limits. For example, sheepshead must be 15”, Black Drum, 14”-30”. Flounder 14”.

I don’t believe Mangrove Snapper have any size or limit restrictions.

Watch out for boats or jet fleas when spear fishing. No one is going to be thinking “ there’s a spearfishman under the surface”. Are you snorkeling or using a tank?

I should have listed the minimum lengths on the fish, thanks. Good reminder that he'll need a diver down flag while spearfishing.

[denverbpierce]

Thanks so much! Just freediving with a snorkel.

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