Gafftopsail catfish
Bagre marinus
Catch identification reference. A historical record supports occurrence here; it does not establish this fish as a regular local target.
No daily bag or possession limit listed for gafftopsail; minimum length 14 inches; no maximum listed. Identification matters: limits for other catfish differ.
Texas recreational state waters · Regulation reference 2026-09-01–2027-08-31. General license, gear and area restrictions still apply.
TPWD rule source ↗
Identify your catch
A marine catfish with a tall sail-like dorsal fin, long fin filaments and barbels around the mouth.
Habitat & biology
Occurs in bay and Gulf waters and often feeds near the bottom. Males carry fertilized eggs and young in the mouth. Dorsal and pectoral spines can cause injury.
Fishing knowledge
TPWD describes shrimp, small crabs and small fish as bait options. Use care around the sharp, mucus-coated spines.
Species-level knowledge, not current fishing activity or a bay-specific catch forecast.
TPWD species reference ↗All catfish species are covered by the Galveston estuary advisory. The Ship Channel has stricter guidance.
Exact areas & meal guidance →Source scope
Galveston Bay
Recorded occurrence is historical evidence, not an abundance estimate or a promise of a common local catch.
Official species record evidence ↗Before you go
Sources & coastal evidence
Coastal reference review 2026-10-14. Record evidence: Galveston Bay. Historical records establish recorded occurrence, not current abundance. Artwork is illustrative scenery, not a geographical survey or a conditions feed.