Red Snapper Poaching Sting Leads to 8 Arrests in Texas

Eight men, two boats, and 150 pounds of red snapper. The latest U.S. Coast Guard bust off South Texas isn’t just impressive; it’s a clear sign of the growing problem with illegal fishing.

U.S. Coast Guard crews from South Padre Island, along with air and command units from Corpus Christi, Texas, spotted several fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico, just north of the Maritime Boundary Line in U.S. waters.

What Was Seized:

• 2 “lanchas” (slender, fast-moving fishing vessels)
• 150 lbs of red snapper
• Illegal fishing gear and equipment

What Is a Lancha?

A lancha is a small, fast fishing boat that typically ranges between 20 to 30 feet long. These boats are designed with a single outboard motor and can reach speeds over 30 mph.

Lanchas are often used for unauthorized fishing in U.S. waters and can sometimes be involved in smuggling operations, making them a key target for U.S. Coast Guard patrols.

Ongoing Threat in the Gulf

The U.S. Coast Guard revealed in a press release, that these illegal operations are often linked to larger criminal networks, "The illegal poaching and trade of red snapper and other fish species is often a revenue stream for criminal organizations."

Reporting Suspicious Activity

If you witness illegal fishing activity, your report could make a difference.

• State waters (within 9 miles): Call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-792-GAME (4263)
• Federal waters (up to 200 miles): Contact the Coast Guard at 361-939-0450

Have you seen suspicious fishing off the Texas coast? Report it. Your tip could make a difference.