 Sunshine bass are a cross between the popular white bass and striped bass (stripers). They're also called hybrid striped bass or wipers. Fighters on the pole and tasty on the fork, these fish are active most of the year. We stock them in larger reservoirs across the state, including:
Your daily bag limit is 5 with an 18 inch minimum. Once you've reeled them in, try this recipe for Hybrid Striped Bass with Crabmeat Stuffing.
Get an inside look at how the sushine bass hatchery works in our fun, short video Hard Fightin' Hybrids.
Updated identity verification rules are now in effect when you buy your fishing license. These new rules will help prevent residency fraud and support your game wardens. Get information about specific requirements in our License ID Validation FAQ.
 In September large redfish (red drum) begin moving out of bays into deep water to spawn. Find these bull reds schooling around jetties and coastal passes, with numbers peaking in October. You'll also find success fishing from piers and in surf. Watch our webinar The Redfish Rundown: What to know before you go! for pro angling tips.
If you can't make it to the coast, lakes also offer up bull reds. Find out more in the Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine story, Minutes from San Antonio, Lakes Calaveras and Braunig Offer Trophy Red Drum.
The red drum catch-and-release record is 60.5" (yes, 5 feet!), held by Wendy Covey. The size limit for keeping red drum is 20"-28". You can keep one oversized red per year, but it must be tagged. You can also purchase a Bonus Red Drum Tag to keep a second one. See the Outdoor Annual for all red drum regulations and tag requirements.
Most fish fillets have a delicate flesh, which doesn't work well with a hot grill. But you can grill redfish or any fish with heavy scales. The trick is to leave on the skin and scales to act as a barrier. Try it with this recipe by Hank Shaw: Grilled Redfish on the ‘Half Shell'.
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 Apply now for the free harvest draw for alligator gar. This annual random drawing gives anglers the opportunity to harvest one alligator gar over 48 inches long from a section of the Trinity River. You can apply as an individual or as part of a small group.
Enter by Sept. 30 using the free Texas Hunt & Fish app or online. There's no cost, you just need a Texas fishing license to enter. See our press release for more info. Now delve into some gar legend via our video Alligator Gar Myths & Misconceptions.
Heart of the Hills Fisheries Science Center turned 100 this year. The research we do there provides valuable knowledge about fish age and growth, behavior, genetics and reproduction. We use this knowlege to make strategic decisions affecting fish management - regulations, stockings and more.
Our goal is to provide better fishing for all Texans and the work of Heart of the Hills is one way we reach it. Find out more in our short video 100 Years of Fish Studies.
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A message from our non-profit partner, Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation:
 When catastrophic flooding struck Central Texas earlier this summer, Texas Game Wardens rushed to help, rescuing 150+ people.
Thanks to Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation's Gear Up for Game Wardens program, they had access to the best search and rescue equipment and specialized gear to carry out their mission.
Help prepare game wardens for their next call by taking part in the 6th Annual Gear Up for Game Wardens Online Auction Sept. 29 – Oct. 1.
Bid on one-of-a-kind items and experiences while providing vital operational support for Gear Up for Game Wardens to ensure Texas Game Wardens have the gear they need to get the job done.
Mark your calendars and get ready to gear up for a great cause!
REGISTER HERE
If you see live maggots on a live animal, immediately report the sighting, and do not move the animal. It may be infested with New World Screwworm (NWS).
NWS are flies that lay eggs in open wounds and moist body parts of live mammals. The eggs hatch into maggots that feed on living tissue. They kill the animal if left untreated. The first case of NWS in Texas was found on a calf on June 3, 2026.
Stay informed with our NWS updates and watch our video short New World Screwworms.
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