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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement
of TransTexas Gas Corporation (the "Company") on Form S-3 (33-91494) of, and the
references to, our reserve report dated February 1, 2000 ("Reserve Report"), and
to the use of our name under the caption "Experts" and elsewhere therein in the
form and context in which they appear. We also consent to the references to our
Reserve Report and to the use of our name in the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended January 31, 2000 in the form and context in which they
appear.

                                        NETHERLAND, SEWELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.

                                        By:       /s/ DANNY D. SIMMONS
                                           -------------------------------------
                                                     Danny D. Simmons
                                                   Senior Vice President

Houston, Texas
May 1, 2000