Florida pompano
Trachinotus carolinus
Catch identification reference. A historical record supports occurrence here; it does not establish this fish as a regular local target.
Texas recreational state waters: no species-specific bag, possession or length limit is listed for Florida pompano in the reviewed Outdoor Annual. General fishing requirements still apply.
Texas recreational state waters · Regulation reference 2026-09-01–2027-08-31. General license, gear and area restrictions still apply.
TPWD rule source ↗TPWD general limit policy ↗
Identify your catch
A deep, compressed silver body, small mouth and often a yellowish belly. Short upright dorsal and anal fins help separate it from permit.
Habitat & biology
Uses inshore and nearshore waters, including sandy beaches, oyster bars and seagrass habitat. Feeds on crustaceans and mollusks.
Fishing knowledge
Use the official identification reference to distinguish pompano from permit; a local common name alone is not enough.
Species-level knowledge, not current fishing activity or a bay-specific catch forecast.
FWC identification & biology ↗Not named in Advisory 50, but all fish are covered in the specified Houston Ship Channel area.
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.