REQUIREMENTS FOR TEXAS FISHING LICENSE

A valid Texas fishing license is required for anyone over 16 who plans to fish in Texas’ public waters. You can take fish using any legal method, including rod and reel or bow fishing.

You may need a Texas fishing endorsement if you want to fish in Texas’ freshwaters. If you intend to fish in Texas’ freshwaters, you will need a freshwater endorsement. A saltwater endorsement is required if your intention is to fish in Texas’ public saltwater.

EXEMPTIONS FROM FISHING LICENSE

There are many exemptions from the Texas fishing license requirements. These are:

• State parks in Texas are open to visitors
• Fishing in private waters
• People born before January 1, 1931
• Fishing is a medically approved therapy for persons with intellectual disabilities
• Fishing is permitted for those with intellectual disabilities who are supervised by licensed anglers
• Individuals can fish on the state’s “free fishing day”.

Types of FISHING LICENSES and FEES

You have many options for purchasing a Texas fishing licence, regardless of whether you are a resident or visitor. A resident is someone who has been living in Texas continuously for at least six months prior to purchasing a license.

Freshwater

• Texas Resident Freshwater Fishing Licence Package: $30
• Texas Senior Freshwater Fishing License Package for $12
• Non-resident Freshwater Texas Fishing License Package : $58

Saltwater

• Texas Resident Saltwater Fishing Licence Package: $35
• Texas Senior Saltwater Fishing License Package for Residents: $17
• Package for Non-resident Saltwater Texas Fishing License: $63

An all-water package can be purchased that includes a license, freshwater and saltwater endorsement. You can purchase both saltwater and freshwater packages, as well as all-water, from the date you place your order until August 31st.

Residents only can apply for a lifetime fishing license that includes both endorsements. A lifetime resident fishing package costs $1,000

All license sales fees support conservation efforts, making Texas one of the most popular places to fish in the country.

WHERE CAN I BUY A FISHING LICENSE?

There are three ways to purchase your Texas fishing licence:

After you get your Texas Fishing License, you will need it to be in your possession for fishing. You can also display an image of your license on your phone or show proof of purchase via the “Outdoor Annual.” mobile app.

Order Online: Texas Fishing Licenses Available at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Website

Order over the phone: Call (800) 895-42448 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

You can buy a Texas fishing license retailer at any of the 1,800 authorized vendors. On the Texas Parks and Wildlife website, you can find one close to you.

Texas Fishing License

Texas is well-known for its abundance of fish species and waters. The state is a great destination for anglers, as fishing is a major part of every Texan’s daily life.

It is easy to apply for your Texas fishing license. Online, or at an authorized reseller such as a tackle shop or local athletic store, you can purchase one. You might try your luck in salt or fresh water, but make sure you have a license for each. Stamps vary from one area to the next. These licenses are necessary to allow you to capture a variety marine life, such as fish, shellfish, and the like, from Texas waters.

• TX Fishing License Information
• Order your Texas fishing license online
• Purchase a license at a local retailer

Local regulations and rules are enforced to protect fish populations, marine life and their habitats for future generations. It is important that you regularly check for changes to laws as some laws can change without notice. This link will take you through all the information you need before you leave for your trip.

TX Fishing Rules and Regulations

All fishing license revenues go to local programs that support conservation and protection of wildlife in the region. These projects promote the growth of marine life and protect the ecosystem. These efforts can be made more visible by you.

Texas is known for its exceptional barbecue but also for being a unique fishing destination. You will have an unforgettable fishing experience at Lake Texoma and the Gulf of Mexico if you bring your best tackle. You only need to plan your trip, get your fishing gear on board, and buy a Texas fishing licence.

Texas offers a variety of permits and fishing licenses. Each license serves a purpose and it is easy to determine which one is best for you. This quick guide will help you choose the right license for you.

Here are the essential facts:

The Basics: Do you need a permit or license to fish in Texas

There are many types of licenses you can get to legally fish in Texas’ state waters. There are three types of licenses you will need in Texas:

• Saltwater License – Used to fish saltwater and marine fishes in Texas.
• Use this license to fish in rivers, lakes, reservoirs and other freshwater fishing areas in Texas.
• Red Drum Tag – Required to keep one (1) Redfish for more than 28 inches per annum.
• Texas fishing licenses are required for anyone who is a Texas resident.

Knowing what permits and licenses are required to fish in Texas is important. It’s also important to understand who they are required to obtain them. There are many factors that will determine whether you require one. The general rule is that anyone who attempts to catch fish, mussels or clams in Texas public waters must have a Texas fishing license. For fishing in coastal waters, a saltwater endorsement must be obtained. A freshwater endorsement must be used for inland waters. However, there are exceptions. Check out the following:

Residents

For residents who are:

• Below the age of 17
• Born before January 1, 1931

A resident with mental disabilities who takes part in medically approved therapy

A person with an intellectual handicap fishing under direct supervision of a licensed angler, who is either a member of the family or has permission to take the person fishing.

fishing on the annual Free Fishing Day (the 1st Saturday in June).

Non-Residents

Non-residents who are:

• A child younger than 17 years old is not eligible
• Louisiana resident 65 and older who is a holder of a Louisiana Recreational Fishing License (includes Senior Fish/Hunt License).
• Oklahoma residents 65 years old or older
• fishing on the annual Free Fishing Day (the 1st Saturday in June).
• Who is considered to be a Texas resident

Texas residents are:

• A person who has been living in Texas continuously for at least six months immediately prior to purchasing their license.
• Officially documented members of Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents are on “active duty” anywhere in the world.
• To prove Texas residency, you can use the following documents:
• A current Texas homestead tax statement
• The most recent six-months of utility bills
• The most recent six-months of paycheck receipts
• The most recent tax return received by the Internal Revenue Service

A statement from a parole board/probation officer certifying that the applicant has lived in Texas continuously for six months immediately prior to the application for a license/permit

Valid Texas driver’s licence

A current Texas voter registration certificate

A current vehicle registration must be valid for at least six months prior to applying for a permit or license.

All documents must include the applicant’s name as well as a Texas physical address. Additional documentation for residency is not required, except for a valid driver’s license or other state-issued ID cards.

• Where can I buy a Texas Fishing License/Package
• These vendors can help you purchase a Texas fishing package or license.
• Online via the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website
• Texas Park and Wildlife Department Offices

There are more than 1,800 retail outlets in the state, including department stores, sporting goods shops, tackle shops and gun shops.

You should note that not all licenses can be purchased at the TPWD headquarters in Austin or other Law Enforcement offices.

Texas Fishing License and Packages

Texas offers a variety of fishing licenses and packages. You can choose whether you are a resident of non-resident. Below is a list of all available licenses and packages that you can buy:

A Texas fishing license can be purchased by both residents and non-residents. There are three types of Texas fishing licenses available: an annual freshwater fishing, a saltwater and an all-water. They come at different prices. Residents can buy one for $30.00 or $35.00 and the other for $40.00. Non-residents can purchase them for $58.00 to $63.00 and $68.00. One-day all-water permits can be purchased for $11.00 and $16.00, respectively. You can find the complete guide here.

Where will the money from licenses be spent?

The money from license sales in Texas is used to fund conservation activities like habitat development and protection, fishery and fishery management, and fish stocking programs.

License Validity, Renewal and Duplications

The Texas fishing license is valid for one year from the date of purchase up to August 31st of the same calendar year, except:

• Temporary fishing and hunting licenses and packages
• Year-from-purchase fishing license
• Lake Texoma fishing licence

To continue fishing in Texas, you will need to buy a new license once your current license expires. You can get your license replaced at any licensed sales location by signing an Application for Replacement License. The fees range from $3 to $10.

Unlawful Activities

The following activities are illegal in Texas.

Hunting or fishing without a valid permit or license is illegal. The endorsements must be on your person, available for inspection by the game warden, unless you are exempted by age, program or reciprocal agreement.

• To hunt or fish, you can use a tag or license from another person.
• Allow someone else to hunt or fish with your tags or license.
• You can purchase more than one license type.
• Resident hunting
• Texas Resident Active Duty Military Package “Super Combo”
• Youth Hunting
• Resident Fishing and Hunting Package
• Senior Hunting
• Senior Resident Fishing and Hunting Package
• Veteran Disabled “Super Combo”

Texas Resident Military Hunting Package for Active Duty Military Hunting – Resident “Super Combo” Package

• General Non-Resident Hunting
• Senior Resident “Super Combo” Package
• Hunting spring turkeys for non-residents
• Daily Bag and Possession Limits
• Statewide Regulations

When fishing in Texas, you must observe the following rules:

All fresh public waters are subject to statewide rules, except for those locations listed in the Exceptions To Statewide Freshwater Harvest Regulations.

There are no daily or length limits for freshwater fishes that are not on the list.

Saltwater bag, possession and length restrictions apply to saltwater finfish species caught in fresh public waters of the state.

Limits on Possession

Twice the daily limit for bagged food in the state.

The daily bag limit for waterbodies with higher daily bag limits than the statewide daily bags is twice that of the statewide bag limit: the daily bag limits for lakes Caddo and Kirby, Livingston, Palestine (below Toledo Bend), and the Sabine River below Toledo Bend.

A person can keep fish at their home, but it does not count towards their possession limit.

For the daily bag limit per species, please refer to the TPWD website.