Texas: State Record Fish Catches

Fishing in Texas is not just a hobby. It is something much more. For some, it's a way of life. With over 8,000 lakes and thousands of miles of rivers, Texas is a fantastic place for anglers. This state offers some of the best fishing locations and opportunities in America.

Our guide explores everything you need to know about record catches in Texas. We will introduce you to the most significant historical catches, essential techniques, and places that set records. The goal is to help anyone who wants to leave their mark on Texas fishing history. 

Are you ready to learn all about the most impressive catches and the secrets to catching them? Join us in exploring Texas fishing records!

Largest Fish Caught in Texas by Species

Texas offers a variety of fishing adventures. Each water has its own story of record catches. The "Inshore Slam" trio — Trout, Redfish, and Flounder — forms the basis of inshore fishing, which is available most of the year.

Close to shore, the waters are teeming with Red Snapper. They are one of the most sought-after catches. That is primarily due to the quality of their meat. The deep sea expanses are reserved for those seeking real challenges. It is ruled by the mighty Swordfish, whose size and strength attract experienced anglers worldwide.

The fresh waters of the interior of Texas hide their legends. Largemouth Bass dominate lakes and rivers, and Catfish challenge anglers with their massive proportions and fighting spirit. While these species are often in the spotlight, Texas offers much more.

The Texas fishing scene offers countless opportunities for anyone looking to explore records. This guide will help you discover the biggest catches by species.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass are among the most sought-after freshwater fish in Texas. Their impressive size and fighting spirit make them a favorite target among anglers. 

• Appearance: Largemouth Bass have a greenish body with a characteristic dark stripe running along the flanks. They usually reach 20 inches long, but some specimens can be significantly larger. Their powerful jaws are adapted to capture prey of various sizes.

• Habitat: Largemouth Bass inhabit freshwater areas. They are especially abundant in Lake Fork, O.H. Ivie Lake, and Eagle Mountain Lake, which provide ideal conditions for developing this species. 

This species is often present in many Texas lakes and rivers.

State Record

Texas is proud of its 1992 Largemouth Bass record, set on Lake Fork. Fisherman Barry St. Clair caught a specimen that weighed 18.18 pounds. 

• Texas Record: Still active

• Year: 1992

• Catch: 18.18 pounds

• Angler: Barry St. Clair

The length was also an impressive 25.5 inches, an undisputed record for over thirty years.

World Record

On a global level, the 2006 catch in California holds the world record for Largemouth Bass. Manabu Kurita caught an impressive specimen weighing 22 pounds, 4 ounces.

• World Record: Still active (California, USA)

• Year: 2006

• Catch: 22 pounds, 4 ounces

• Angler: Manabu Kurita

You might become the next angler to break the Largemouth Bass record with proper technique and luck!

Smallmouth Bass 

Smallmouth Bass are a highly prized catch among anglers in Texas. They are renowned for their strength and challenging nature. With various freshwater lakes, including the famous Lake Meredith, Texas offers some of the best opportunities to land record-breaking Smallmouths.

• Appearance: Smallmouth Bass are characteristically greenish-brown and have dark stripes running laterally. They can reach a length of about 20 inches or bigger. Another characteristic of them is their amazing strength.

• Habitat: This species lives in freshwater environments. Lake Meredith in Texas is one of the most famous places to catch them. 

Below, see the largest caught specimens of this species.

State Record

On March 13, 1998, the largest specimen of this species in the history of Texas was caught. That's what Timothy Teague did. This fish weighed 7.93 pounds. 

• Texas Record: Still active

• Year: 1998

• Catch: 7.93 pounds

• Angler: Timothy Teague

Teague is still proud of that catch today. He often recounts the event: First, they fished for Walleye. After a while, they decided to change tactics and try Smallmouth Bass. Using a half-ounce lure with a 4-inch tail, Timothy made the catch of a lifetime.

World Record

David Hayes holds the world record for Smallmouth Bass. On July 9, 1955, he caught an 11-pound, 15-ounce specimen at Dale Hollow Reservoir.  

• World Record: Still active (Kentucky/Tennessee border, USA)

• Year: 1995

• Catch: 11-pound, 15-ounce

• Angler: David Hayes

Although this record has been controversial, the International Sport Fishing Association (IGFA) officially recognizes it.

Blue Catfish

The Blue Catfish is one of Texas's most impressive freshwater fish species. These giants symbolize great catches. 

• Appearance: Blue Catfish have a characteristic bluish-grey body that is slightly lighter on the stomach. They can reach an impressive length of 5 feet and, on average, exceed 100 pounds. Their muscular build and massive fins allow them to swim through strong currents.

• Habitat: Blue Catfish live in large rivers and lakes. One of the most famous habitats for this species is Lake Texoma, known for exceptional specimens weighing between 20 and 40 pounds.

They are a real challenge for anglers. For the real excitement of fishing, there is no better opponent than the Blue Catfish.

State Record

The Texas record for Blue Catfish was set in 2004 on Lake Texoma. Angler Cody Mullennix caught a Catfish weighing as much as 121.5 pounds, which has become part of Texas fishing history. The catch is known as "Splash."

• Texas Record: Still active

• Year: 2004

• Catch: 121.5 pounds

• Angler: Cody Mullennix

After the catch, Splash was transferred to the Texas Freshwater Fish Center, where he spent the rest of his life as a real attraction. 

World Record

The world record for Blue Catfish was set in 2011. This record catch was made in the state of Virginia. Angler Richard Anderson caught this giant at Kerr Reservoir. His catch weighed 143 pounds.

• World Record: 143 pounds (Virginia, USA)

• Year: 2011

• Catch: 143 pounds

• Angler: Richard Anderson

This catch confirms the enormous potential of Blue Catfish. It inspires anglers worldwide to try hunting these giants.

Crappie (White)

White Crappie is Texas' favorite freshwater fish. It is known for its moderate size and lively behavior. Although not the strongest opponent, it is a challenge for the fishermen. 

• Appearance: The White Crappie is recognizable by its silvery body, slight vertical stripes along the sides, and rounded fins. Although they are, on average, small in the right conditions, they can reach impressive dimensions.

• Habitat: This species lives in freshwater environments, especially lakes. Popular fishing spots include Daniel Reservoir and Granger Lake.

These fish usually reach a length of 5 to 12 inches and weigh an average of half a pound. 

State Record

The Texas state record for White Crappie was set in 1968. Angler  G. Wooderson caught this fish at Navarro Mills Lake. The fish weighed 4.56 pounds, which is impressive for this species.

• Texas Record: Still active

• Year: 1968

• Catch: 4.56 pounds

• Angler: Mr. G. Wooderson

This record, which is over 55 years old, is still active.

World Record

The world record for White Crappie was set in 1957. Angler Fred Bright caught this fish near Enid Dam on the Yocona River in Mississippi. The fish weighed 5 pounds, 3 ounces.

• World Record: Still active (Mississippi, USA)

• Year: 1957

• Catch: 5 pounds, 3 ounces

• Angler: Fred Bright

This record still holds the title for the most prominent White Crappie catch.

Black Drum

Black Drum is in high demand in Texas. Although the Red Drum is more popular, the Black Drums are not far behind. The record for the Black Drum in Texas is even more impressive than the record for the Red Drum. More details on that are below.

• Appearance: Black Drums have a dark, almost black color on their backs. They are lighter on the sides and have characteristic patterns. They can reach impressive sizes and usually weigh between 30 and 50 pounds.

• Habitat: Black Drums are found in the salty waters of coastal areas, where they gather in large groups. This makes them suitable for commercial fishing. The ideal places to fish for the Black Drum are areas with depths between 5 and 20 feet around rocks and jetties.

The record for the Black Drum in Texas is impressive. More details on that are below.

State Record

Angler Vali Escobar caught this record in the Gulf of Mexico in 1988. Due to its size, anglers have always admired it. 

• Texas Record: Still active

• Year: 1988

• Catch: 81 pounds

• Angler: Vali Escobar

Anglers in Texas still dream of setting a new record. However, this exceptional catch from 1988 remains in the heart of the fishing community.

World Record

Alistair Bremner set an informal world record for the Black Drum in 2018. He caught a colossal specimen weighing more than 122 pounds in the waters around the Gevorgton Jetty in South Carolina. This record-breaking Black Drum was about 4 feet long. Unfortunately, this catch could not be certified. Fish of this size are legally protected, and anglers must return them to the water.

• World Record: Still active (South Carolina, USA)

• Year: 2018

• Catch: Over 122 pounds

• Angler: Alistair Bremner

Interestingly, his colleague Adam Kirby caught another giant Black Drum a few minutes before him, which could also be a record. However, due to legal restrictions, none of these catches could be recorded as an official world record.

Red Drum (Redfish)

Red Drum, also known as Redfish, is one of the most prized species for fishing in Texas. Known for its combativeness and size, these fish are a real challenge for sport fishermen. 

• Appearance: Redfish typically grow to a length of 28 inches. Its average weight is about 10 pounds. These fish are easily recognized by their characteristic color. They also have large fins. They provide an exceptional fight on the stick.

• Habitat: Redfish are usually found in shallow coastal waters. These are traditionally river mouths and mangroves. Popular fishing destinations in Texas include Galveston, Port Aransas, and South Padre Island.

Redfish are much more agile than Black Drum, making them a good choice for challenging fishing.

State Record

The state record for Redfish in Texas was set in 2000 by angler Artie Longron, who caught a fantastic specimen of this species, weighing 59.5 pounds. 

• Texas Record: Still active

• Year: 2000

• Catch: 59.5 pounds

• Angler: Artie Longron

This Redfish was caught in the Gulf of Mexico. This record is still current.

World Record

The largest Redfish in the world was quite a bit larger than the Texas record. David Deuel set the world record. In 1984, he caught a 94-pound, 2-ounce Redfish in North Carolina.

• World Record: Still active (North Carolina, USA)

• Year: 1984

• Catch: 94 pounds, 2 ounces

• Angler: David Deuel

Redfish fishing is always an opportunity for a great experience. These record catches confirm it.

Flounder (Southern)

Flounder is one of the most famous types of saltwater fish in Texas. It is a favorite because of its taste. Flounder can impress with its size, making it one of Texas Bays' three most desirable targets.

• Appearance: The Flounder has an elongated, flat body. Name one characteristic: both eyes are on the same side of the head. Their color is adapted to the bottom, primarily brown or olive green. They weigh up to 1.5 pounds, but specimens weighing 5 pounds are not uncommon. 

• Habitat: Flounder prefers shallow bay waters. Some of the most famous fishing spots are Sabine Lake and Laguna Madre. Fishing opportunities are best in the fall.

Flounders have a fascinating ability to hide, making it a challenge for any angler.

State Record

The record for Southern Flounder in Texas was set in 1976. Angler Herbert Endicott caught this impressive giant in Sabine Lake. The fish weighed an incredible 13 pounds.

• Texas Record: Still active

• Year: 1976

• Catch: 13 pounds

• Angler: Herbert Endicott

The Museum of the Gulf Coast in Port Arthur has the stuffed skin of this incredible fish on display, allowing visitors to see its size.

World Record

On October 4, 1983, the largest specimen of this species ever was caught. Larenza Mungin caught a Southern Flounder that set the IGFA All-Tackle World Record for the species. The fish weighed an incredible 20 pounds, 9 ounces. This remarkable fish was caught in Nassau Sound, Florida.

• World Record: Still active (Florida, USA)

• Year: 1983

• Catch: 20 pounds, 9 ounces

• Angler: Larenza Mungin

Larenza used shrimp as bait for this venture. The fight lasted 15 minutes. The fish was then taken to Harrell's Seafood Market, where it was weighed on a certified scale. Its length was an incredible 33 inches, further emphasizing the magnitude of this catch.

Alligator Gar

The Alligator Gar is a true legend among freshwater fish. Its massive proportions awe the viewer.

• Appearance: The Alligator Gar has a long, elongated body and jaws full of sharp teeth, giving it the appearance of a real aquatic predator. Its color varies from olive green to gray, and its belly is white. Adult specimens often reach a length of 6 feet, and some can exceed 10 feet.

• Habitat: This species lives in calm freshwater streams. Popular places to fish Alligator Gar in Texas include Lake Sam Rayburn and the Trinity River. Their habitats usually include murky waters with lots of vegetation.

The average Alligator Gar weighs about 100 pounds.

State Record

For years, the record for the largest Alligator Gar in Texas was held by a specimen weighing 279 pounds. Bill Valverde caught it in 1951 in the Rio Grande River. That record lasted for more than seven decades, more precisely, until 2023.

• Texas Record: Still active

• Year: 2023

• Catch: 283 pounds

• Angler: Arthur Weston

Arthur Weston caught this giant on Lake Sam Rayburn. It took him over two and a half hours to bring this fish to the surface. 

World Record

The fact that Artur's feat is also a world record shows how incredible it was! At the same time, it testifies to Texas's potential for gigantic specimens.

• World Record: Still active (Texas, USA)

• Year: 2023

• Catch: 283 pounds

• Angler: Arthur Weston

Arthur's feat motivated many anglers to try their luck in Texas. Every year, many anglers from all over the world visit these locations.

Red Snapper

Red Snapper is a fish that is highly valued by anglers. It's known as a fish with a fighter character. At the same time, it is delicious. 

• Appearance: The Red Snapper is known for its beautiful red color. The average catch is usually around 10 inches, but larger specimens can weigh up to 40 pounds and be 40 inches long. These fish often occur in coastal areas.

• Habitat: Red Snappers are bottom fish. They are usually found at depths of up to 400 feet. The most typical fishing spots are coastal areas such as Port O'Connor and Corpus Christi, which are ideal for Red Snapper fishing.

This beautiful fish is on the target list of many anglers fishing in the Texas Gulf of Mexico. 

State Record

The state record for Red Snapper in Texas was set in 2014. Then Joseph Beaver caught a fish weighing 38.75 pounds and 40 inches long. 

• Texas Record: Still active

• Year: 2014

• Catch: 38.75 pounds

• Angler: Joseph Beaver

This record catch occurred just 5 miles from Port O'Connor. It still represents one of the most impressive moments in Texas fishing history.

World Record

The biggest Red Snapper was caught in 1996 in the Gulf of Mexico. Captain Henry "Doc" Kennedy caught a giant 50-pound, 4-ounce Red Snapper.

• World Record: Still active (Louisiana, USA)

• Year: 1996

• Catch: 50 pounds, 4 ounce

• Angler:  Henry "Doc" Kennedy

An interesting story follows Kennedy's record catch. When he caught the record, he simultaneously had an even bigger specimen on the other hook. However, the bigger one escaped.

Swordfish

Swordfish are the true kings of the deep sea. These huge fish present the ultimate challenge for Texas anglers. 

• Appearance: Swordfish is one of the most recognizable marine fish. It has a sharp "sword" that extends from her muzzle and is used for hunting. Its body is elongated and streamlined, adapted for fast swimming. Body color varies from dark blue to silvery. Adult specimens can reach lengths of up to 14 feet and weigh over 1,000 pounds. 

• Habitat: Swordfish inhabit open oceans and swim in tropical, subtropical waters worldwide. 

The fight this fish provides is incomparable, and it is not easy to deal with them.

State Record

The state record for Swordfish in Texas was set in 2013. This fish weighed almost 500 pounds and was 12 feet long. Angler Brian Barclay caught it, and the fight lasted 4 hours.

• Texas Record: Still active

• Year: 2013

• Catch: 493 pounds

• Angler: Brian Barclay

This record remains unbeaten to this day.

World Record

The world record for Swordfish was set on May 7, 1953, when Louis E. Maron caught this amazing fish in Iquique, Chile. Lewis was aboard the Flying Heart III with his wife Jenny, commanded by Captain Eddie Wall. This huge Swordfish weighed 1,182 pounds. 

• World Record: Still active (Iquique, Chile)

• Year: 1953

• Catch: 1,182 pounds

• Angler: Louis E. Maron

This record remains the heaviest Swordfish ever caught. It is considered one of the most outstanding achievements in fishing history.

Speckled Trout

Speckled Trout, also known as Spotted Seatrout, is an extremely popular fish for sport fishing in the southern USA. 

• Appearance: The Speckled Trout is a beautiful fish. Its body is mostly silver-grey, with numerous dark spots on the sides and back that give it a distinctive look. The fish has an elongated body and a long tail. Adult Speckled Trout usually reaches 20 inches and weighs about 3 pounds, but larger specimens can occasionally be found.

• Habitat: Speckled Trout inhabits coastal areas and river estuaries. You can usually find it in the shallows. The Lower Laguna Madre, one of Texas's most famous fishing spots, is an ideal habitat for this species. These fish are mainly present in calm waters where they can hunt small fish and other organisms.

A typical Texas Speckled Trout is usually about 20 inches long and weighs about 3 pounds.

State Record 

Carl Bud Rowland set the record in 2002. Using the fly technique, he caught this massive fish while fishing in the Lower Laguna Madre. After the fight, Bud decided to release her back into the water. 

• Texas Record: Still active

• Year: 2002

• Catch: 15.6 pounds

• Angler: Carl "Bud" Rowland

This venture is remembered as one of Texas's most impressive fishing trips. But who knows? A new record may be set soon.

World Record

Craig Carson set the world record for Speckled Trout on May 11, 1995, in Fort Pierce. He caught a whopping 17.7 pounds, 7 ounces.

• World Record: Still active (Florida, USA)

• Year: 1995

• Catch: 17 pounds, 7 ounces

• Angler: Craig Carson

It was only after the measurement that Craig became aware of his feat.

Final Thoughts

The list of state records for fish in Texas is incomplete, and we anticipate that new record catches will be made soon. Perhaps the next record holder is reading this right now! We will monitor the list of record holders and notify you as soon as any changes occur.

We have a few questions for you. Which Texas state record fish surprised you the most? Do you have any memorable stories from your fishing trips in Texas? We love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are not of specific record catches or events. They are included for illustrative purposes to represent the fish species discussed. Our team has manually checked all data. While we strive to keep all information current, some details may occasionally become outdated.