AUSTIN –The king mackerel recreational bag limit increases from two to three fish per person, per day on Friday, March 16, 2018. In January, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopted a temporary exception that increases the daily bag limit of king mackerel from two to three fish in state water. This exception is effective until Aug. 31, 2018 at which time a new statewide regulation currently under review may also increase the daily bag limit from two to three fish.

Recently, the federal government increased the bag limit on king mackerel in federal water to three fish per person, per day. To be consistent with federal regulations and reduce confusion for anglers fishing in state and federal waters, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Coastal Fisheries Division recommended also increasing the daily bag limit for king mackerel in state water. By making the daily bag limit in state waters and federal waters identical, additional angling opportunities will be available to the public while also enhancing compliance, administration and enforcement.

The public can still give their input on the statewide king mackerel regulation online at www.tpwd.texas.gov/business/feedback/public_comment/.