Are whiting and pompano regulated in Texas?
Live status for · rules verified 2026-08-14
Know the fish
Two sandy-surf staples share this page. Whiting (southern kingfish) are small, silvery-tan bottom fish with a single chin barbel — typically 8–14", a dependable, kid-friendly catch. Florida pompano are the prize of the same guts: deep-bodied and silver with a yellow throat and belly, usually 1–3 lb, and superb on the table.
When they bite
Spring through fall, with a strong summer surf presence; they move into the beachfront guts on clean, moving water. Fish incoming tide and the guts; day or night. A dependable, easy target when the surf is fishable. Historical catch records along the Texas coast peak in May, Jun, Jul (GBIF occurrence data, coastwide).
Where & how
Where: Sandy-bottom surf and nearshore: the Galveston beachfront surf guts (first and second gut), San Luis Pass sand, around the jetties and dike on sand, and sandy channel/bay edges. A surf-and-pier staple.
How: Bottom-fish the surf guts and sandy edges with a double-drop (two-hook) surf/pompano rig or a simple Carolina rig; cast into the guts and hold bottom with a pyramid sinker. Small baits on small hooks; keep it on the sand.
Verified spots for the whole coast → · Today's live bite scores →
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