1


                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS

         We consent to the references to our reserve report as of February 1,
2001, and to the use of our name in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of TransTexas
Gas Corporation for the year ended January 31, 2001, 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, 2001