As a seafood lover living in Texas one of my favorite times of year is lobster season. I eagerly await those few special months when I can head out on my boat and try my hand at catching these delicious crustaceans right off the Texas coast.
If you also enjoy lobster fishing or just eating freshly caught lobster, you likely have questions about when exactly lobster season occurs here in Texas Below, I’ll provide a complete guide covering everything you need to know about Texas lobster seasons, limits, regulations, tips, and more
Overview of Spiny and Slipper Lobster Seasons in Texas
There are two main species of lobsters found in our Texas waters – the spiny lobster and the slipper lobster.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) regulates the harvesting of spiny lobsters with seasonal closures to protect the populations. Spiny lobster season follows this schedule:
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Closed season: April 1 – August 5. No harvesting allowed during these months.
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Mini-season: Two consecutive days in late July – limited recreational harvest.
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Regular season: August 6 – March 31. Open recreational and commercial spiny lobster fishing.
Slipper lobsters can be taken recreationally year-round with no closed season. However, limits on sizes and egg-bearing females still apply (more details below).
Limits on Lobster Catches in Texas
When fishing for lobsters in Texas, you need a valid Texas fishing license. There are also some limits on how many lobsters you can take each day:
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Spiny lobster: 2 per person during the mini-season; 10 per day during the regular season. There is a minimum size limit of 3 inches carapace length. No egg-bearing females can be taken.
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Slipper lobster: No daily limits but no egg-bearing females may be taken.
These catch limits help prevent overharvesting of lobster populations in the area. It’s important that we carefully measure any spiny lobsters caught and safely release undersized and egg-bearing individuals. This ensures sustainable fishing for generations to come.
Top Spots for Catching Lobsters in Texas
Through years of lobster fishing experience, I’ve discovered some of the best places to find lobsters around Texas:
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Rocky areas and crevices around jetties, reefs, and banks – Spiny lobsters like to hide in the rocks.
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Wrecks and artificial reefs – The structure offers good hiding spots. Check old rigs, etc.
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Mudflat edges and channels – Find slipper lobsters in the mud.
While you can find lobsters in shallow water, targeting deeper areas from 30-100 feet down yields better results. Always search for spots that provide shelter. Prime lobster real estate includes:
- Jetties around South Padre Island
- Artificial reefs off Galveston
- Rigs in the Matagorda area
Legal Gear for Harvesting Lobsters
When it comes to harvesting lobsters recreationally in Texas, your main options are:
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Hand collection while free diving or SCUBA diving – no other underwater breathing apparatus like snorkels or hookah rigs allowed.
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Rectangular and round wire traps – Must meet TPWD size regulations and have biodegradable panels.
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No spearing or gigging of lobsters permitted.
Make sure to follow all the rules pertaining to trap numbers allowed and proper trap tag identification.
Tips for Maximizing Your Lobster Catch
To help you fill your limit of tasty Texas lobsters, keep these tips in mind:
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Prepare gear like traps, tickle sticks, and snares well in advance of your trip. Double check regulations.
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Time trips for ideal conditions – clear water and slack tides.
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Target dawn, dusk, and night when lobsters are more active.
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Search slowly and methodically when diving. Check every hole and crevice.
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Carefully measure any lobsters caught and safely release undersized or egg-bearing individuals unharmed.
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Consider multi-day trips to allow enough time to locate lobsters.
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Follow safe boating, diving, and fishing practices at all times.
Why Do We Have a Closed Lobster Season in Texas?
You might be wondering why Texas has a closed season from April 1 – August 5. This closure allows the lobster population time to reproduce and breed without the pressure of harvesting.
By prohibiting lobster fishing during these months, it gives juvenile lobsters time to mature and reach legal size limits. Closed seasons are crucial for supporting sustainable lobster fishing for generations to come.
The limited two-day recreational mini-season in July strikes a balance between letting people enjoy lobstering while still limiting catches before the main season opens.
Enjoying Your Lobster Catch
Part of the fun of lobster fishing in Texas is getting to enjoy eating your catch after a successful trip. Here are some of my favorite ways to prepare freshly caught Texas lobster:
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Grilled lobster tails – Quick and easy to grill lobster meat right on the boat.
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Lobster rolls – A classic preparation perfect for a seaside lunch.
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Lobster bisque – A gourmet soup that’s deeply savory and delicious.
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Lobster mac and cheese – An indulgent, rich comfort food.
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Lobster ravioli – Sophisticated yet easy to make pasta dish.
No matter how you choose to prepare your catch, a lobster feast after time spent out on the water makes for an amazing experience.
Fishing Responsibly During Lobster Season
I want to end this guide by emphasizing the importance of responsible lobster fishing during the Texas season. We all must do our part to fish sustainably and ensure healthy lobster populations for the future.
Please take care to only harvest legal-sized lobsters and avoid taking egg-bearing females. Carefully release any prohibited lobsters unharmed. Abide by all seasonal, size, and catch limits set by Texas Parks and Wildlife.
With all of us committed to ethical lobster fishing practices, we can enjoy this special seasonal tradition for many years to come. Texas lobster is a true delicacy and a fishery worth protecting.
What is Surf and Turf?
Surf and turf is a style of menu that offers the best of both the land and the sea. This means customers don’t have to choose between the steak and the lobster and just get them both. This is a classic offering at steakhouses and seafood restaurants.
Surf and turf plates are often show-stopping displays of vibrant, fresh seafood and juicy seared steak. Alongside the main course, you’ll often find vegetable side dishes like crisp green asparagus, creamed spinach, whipped potatoes, or other sides to balance out all the protein.
Ultimately, surf and turf is a delightful culinary experience of texture, flavor, and aroma in one unique meal.
Steak and Lobster Tails
If you’re really aiming to impress, serve up restaurant-quality steak and lobster for dinner. A brilliant red lobster tail makes a statement on the plate. Add a homemade oven-broiled steak and you have an all-around winning combination for every palate that’ll satisfy even the most pretentious New England seafood chef.
We make this show-stopping dinner easy to pull off with our ready-to-prepare Captain’s Tails and Turf package. This combo includes two buttery-soft fillets with the meatiest Atlantic cold water lobster tails and a zesty key lime pie to finish things off.
Here’s how to prepare steak and lobster tails for dinner:
First, prep and season your lobster.
- Make a deep lengthwise cut in the top of the lobster tails.
- Gently pry the shells apart and season the meat with melted butter and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. If you like, you can add a dusting of Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, or any dried herb you love.
(For more tips on how to properly prepare lobster, Checkout our recipe How to cook Lobster Tails .)
Meanwhile, fire up your broiler to high and prepare the steaks.
- Place an oven rack two to three inches from the heat source.
- Place the steaks on a baking sheet and generously season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler.
- Use this chart to determine the best cooking time for your steaks.
- Remove the steaks from the oven just before they reach your desired doneness, transfer to a cutting board, cover with aluminum foil, and let the meat rest while you broil the lobster.
Cook the lobster.
- Place the prepared lobster tails on the same baking sheet.
- Place them under the broiler and cook until the meat is opaque, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Finally, plate everything up and dig in!
Steak and scallops might be a more unusual approach to surf and turf, but it still fits the bill. In fact, plump, fresh sea scallops have a soft and flaky texture that pairs well with steak.
Since scallops are so naturally buttery on their own, you can swap the more traditional fillet with a high-quality New York strip steak.
This surf and turf pairing calls for the stovetop. Use a large, heavy-bottomed cast-iron pan or skillet to sear both your steaks and scallops.
Here’s how to cook it:
- First, pat the scallops and steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Brush them with a thin coating of canola oil or another high-heat oil.
- Heat your pan over medium-high heat for a good 3 to 5 minutes, until hot.
- Gently place the steaks in the skillet and sear for 4 minutes, or until you have a nice brown crust on one side. Use tongs to flip the steaks and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the other side.
- Add a 2-tablespoon pat of butter to the skillet and as it melts, spoon the butter over the steaks for another minute.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet when they are 5 to 10 degrees away from your desired doneness. Place on a cutting board, cover with aluminum foil, and rest while you sear the scallops.
- Return the skillet to medium-high heat.
- When the oil is hot, gently place the scallops into the skillet, leaving several inches of space between each scallop.
- Sear for 2 minutes undisturbed, then add 1 tablespoon of butter to and gently flip the scallops with tongs or a thin fish spatula to sear for another minute, until cooked through but still soft in the center.
Plate up your steaks and scallops and serve hot!
LOBSTER SEASON START
FAQ
Can you catch lobsters in Texas?
Yes, you can catch lobster in the Gulf of Mexico, though it is easier to find them around Texas if the current is right and they had a mild winter, so the water conditions are right. Lobsters tend to reside in more tropical areas.
What are the best months to eat lobster?
Lobster season runs from late summer through March in warmer waters off the coast of Florida and California.
What month is lobster the cheapest?
Abundance of Supply: Maine lobster prices are lower when there is an abundant supply, usually between June and December.
What state has the best lobster?
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Abundant Supply:Maine produces the most lobster in the US, making it a reliable source of fresh, high-quality lobster.
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Ideal Environment:The cold, clean waters off the coast of Maine are believed to contribute to the lobster’s exceptional flavor and texture.
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Unique Lobster Style:Maine lobster, also known as a New England lobster, is prized for its tender meat and sweet taste, distinguishing it from other types of lobster.
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Iconic Lobster Culture:Maine has a strong tradition of lobster fishing and preparation, with numerous lobster shacks and restaurants serving up fresh lobster in various styles.
When is lobster season in Florida?
The regular season runs from August 6 to March 31. Regulations: During the mini-season, the daily catch limit in most areas of Florida is six lobsters per person. However, it is two lobsters in some areas, such as the Florida Keys (Monroe County and Biscayne National Park).
When is lobster fishing season?
Season Dates: The primary lobster fishing season runs from June to December. Regulations: The permitted size of lobster is between 3 1/4 and 5 inches. The daily quantity for recreational fishermen is limited to five pieces. Licenses: Each angler must possess a valid recreational fishing license. Permits can be obtained through local authorities.
When is lobster season in New Hampshire?
Season Dates: The lobster season in New Hampshire usually begins in late June. It lasts until the end of December. Regulations: The maximum carapace length is 5 inches, and the minimum is 3.25 inches. Females with eggs must be returned to the water. License: All recreational anglers must hold a lobster license.
When is lobster fishing in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is a unique destination for lobster fishing enthusiasts. It combines recreational and commercial fishing. This state plays a key role in New England’s fishing industry, and its rich coastline and marine culture attract many enthusiasts. Season Dates: Lobster fishing in Massachusetts typically runs from May 16 to October 31.
When is lobster fishing season in Maine?
Maine has an amazing lobster industry and provides exceptional recreational fishing opportunities. The fishing tradition is long-lasting in this region, which is one of the most prestigious places for seafood fans. Season Dates: The primary lobster fishing season runs from June to December.
When is spiny lobster season?
Spiny Lobster Season: Open all year. While harvesting spiny lobsters “berried females” (those with orange eggs under the tail) must be released immediately, and unharmed. Spiny lobster tails must not be removed while at sea. Methods of harvesting may not include spears or other piercing devices (arrows, etc.), poisons, or explosives.