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stexasfisherman · Finger Mullet Joined: 14 Jun 2013 Posts: 19

With all this flat offshore days we been having I have a question pertaining to red snapper caught in inshore waters while fishing in federal waters.

Here's the scenario.

I want to first head out to some rigs in state waters and pop some red snapper. Then I want to go into federal waters and troll around for some wahoo or cobia. Would I be braking federal law having snapper caught in the boat that were caught in state waters? WOuld Texas game warden even enforce federal law in this regard?

ltorna1 · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 17 Apr 2009 Posts: 3240

Don't have a definitive answer, I'm sure somebody else does and I'm interested in hearing it. But two thoughts:

1) Would game wardens enforce the federal regulations if they suspected you caught the snapper out there? you bet your booty they would. I wouldn't risk it, when all you have to back it up is your word against their's.

2 - and I'm sure you've thought of this, but I would fish for wahoo and such first, and hit the snapper on the way back, that way you never have to worry about possessing snapper beyond the 9 mile mark. Winds are generally lighter in the morning anyway and you could get to your trolling spot when the seas are still calm.
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Razorback · Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 7:25 am Post subject:

Just to be safe, I think you should reverse the order of your plan. Go out to federal water first and stop at the state rigs on the way back in.

Central Scrutinizer · Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 9:23 am Post subject:

I would second the motion for you to switch your plan of attack.

It's like the difference between being right, and being correct. You can walk out into traffic and be in the crosswalk, and be right in your thinking that you automatically have the right-of-way and the traffic has to stop. But you will likely be hit, but your were still right. It would be far more prudent to be correct and take the existing traffic flow into consideration before stepping out into the crosswalk.

You might be right that you legally caught THE red snapper in State waters, but if you have them out past 9 miles, the Warden would be correct to question them. Why make things harder for yourself.

Matt · Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:22 am Post subject:

x3

Slap the snapper on the way home, rather than first.
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Predapex · Horse Mullet Joined: 06 Sep 2013 Posts: 181

They know when you're fibbing. With 4-5 questions he will know....

FIDO · Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 7:41 pm Post subject:

Meanwhile in Texas:

Fishing in state waters for THE snapper and keeping THE Red Snapper is legal. Even if you caught them before you went further offshore. Now go have fun.
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gunbuyer · Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2014 10:04 am Post subject:

I dont think you will ever be stopped! Especially not by TPWD 9 miles offshore! I would reverse the plan as others have stated just in case the USCG check you out which I also doubt would take place.

cephus · Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2014 3:22 pm Post subject: Snapper

Gunbuyer is probably right about getting stopped by the TPWD but if you get stopped past 9 nautical miles by the feds you are going to have a problem. The problem is the possession law. The off shore possession law is like the trout limit law. You can only have 5 trout in possession in the lower Lugna starting at the south end of the land-cut regardless of where you caught them. If you catch 10 and go north they are Legal. So if the season is closed in the federal water and you are in possession of any snapper you would be in violation.
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Drunkswimmer · Flour Bluffian in training Joined: 13 Apr 2010 Posts: 255

I have a "feelin" if you see the USCG in federal waters while recreationally fishing you will get a quick safety check and observed for BUI. If you are commercial fishing, you will get a thorough inspection and catch check. If you have a boat with a reputation of illegal activity, better be ready to eat a snickers...

Just ask around... You can find LOTs of guys who have had catch checks by TP&W... Shoot, they stopped me 3 times in 4 years! Never been stopped by the coasties....hmm

Chef Lefty · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 7:59 pm Post subject:

I can only guarantee one thing. You being the legal, thoughtful and the planning human being, get it slightly incorrect, and you will be busted!!

Opposed to Joe Budwiser. Confused

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cephus · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 8:47 pm Post subject: Coasties

Drunkswimmer, Funny you should bring it up. My son and I took his boat out for a spin Saturday and got stopped by a boatload of Coasties about one mile south of Snoopy's. They were very friendly and courteous the entire time they were there. My son must be doing everything right because they gave him a 100 on their checklist. Had a good boat ride but got skunked on the fish.
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