inshore

Tarpon

Megalops atlanticus

Migratory body, tide-driven. Bridge fights on outgoing, beach push on calm dawns.

Preferred water temp74–86°F

Peak monthsMay, Jun, Jul

Holds onpasses, beach, flats

In our regions

Northeast Florida — AtlanticCentral/Southeast Florida — AtlanticMiami & Keys — Atlantic sideSouthwest Florida — GulfFlorida Panhandle — GulfBig Bend — GulfBahamas — Bimini & Grand BahamaBahamas — Abaco & AndrosBahamas — Eleuthera, Exuma & Cat IslandNorth Carolina (Outer Banks + Cape Lookout)South Carolina CoastGeorgia CoastAlabama GulfMississippi GulfLouisiana GulfTexas Gulf

Regulations

⚠️ BETA: best-effort current as of May 31, 2026. Confirm with the linked FWC / NOAA source before keeping a fish.

Showing 1 of 11 regulations for Texas

TX_GULF

Texas — State waters (0–9 nm) · TPWD

Catch & releaseCatch & release only

Bag limit: 1 / angler / day
Minimum: 85″ TL (total length)

Effectively catch & release — bag is 1/person/day but minimum size is 85" TL (a giant fish). Best fishery: Port Aransas, South Padre, Galveston in summer.

Texas Parks & Wildlife.