Howdy folks, my name is Mark and I’m a Creative Content Specialist at FishingBooker, and today
we’ll be talking about everything you need to know before you buy a Texas fishing license.
Since Texas offers such a wide variety of fishing packages, it’s important to know
which one is right for you.
So, today we’ll cover the most important things you need to know before you buy a fishing
license in the Lone Star State.
This includes where you plan to fish, your target species, and your state residency as
well.
We’ll also cover the various types of fishing licenses that there are, the costs, exceptions,
and where you can buy them.
Then hopefully, after watching this, you can spend less time looking for answers and more
time fishing.
Unlike Florida and many other states, Texas fishing licenses are not included in the price
of your trip if you’re hopping on a charter or a guide service.
Anyone in your group above the age of 17 will need to buy a fishing license when you’re
fishing in public state waters.
So, this not only applies to fishing with a conventional rod and reel, but also things
like bowfishing, Catfish noodling, and even things like netting and dehooking.
So just keep that in mind before you hit the water.
Also, depending on where you fish, you’ll either need a freshwater or a saltwater endorsement.
So, saltwater endorsements cover the Gulf of Mexico and tidal waters, while freshwater
endorsements cover rivers, streams, lakes, and any other bodies of fresh water.
Also keep in mind, when fishing in federal waters, you’ll need a Texas fishing license
if you plan on bringing your fish back to shore.
So, if you’re going to enjoy a nice lunch with the family, keep in mind that you will
also need to buy a fishing license in Texas.
So, Texas fishing licenses are sold in a variety of packages.
Prices vary depending on where you plan to fish, how long the license is valid, and whether
or not you’re a state resident.
If you already own a specific fishing package and you want to add more fish to your bucket
list, you have the option to buy individual tags and endorsements.
So, for example, if you own a saltwater package and also want to fish in freshwater, you can
buy an add-on freshwater endorsement rather than an entire freshwater package.
Also, be aware of any additional tags you may need.
For example, if you want to keep a Redfish longer than 28”, make sure you have a Red
Drum Tag.
Saltwater fishing packages actually already include one of these upon purchase.
This rule applies to all anglers, including those exempt from carrying a license as well.
Once you reel in your catch, just be sure to remove the tag from your license and attach
it to your catch immediately.
Now, there are some exceptions that exempt people from having to buy a fishing license.
Some of these include fishing from banks and piers in Texas State waters, as well as the
state’s annual Free Fishing Day, which is the first Saturday of every June.
There are also exceptions for persons with mental disabilities who fish under the supervision
of a licensed angler as well as disabled veterans who may be entitled to the Disabled Veteran
Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package.
There are of course many other exceptions on the book, including one for senior citizens
born before January 1st, 1931.
This also applies to Oklahoma and Louisiana State residents who are above the age of 65
and have the necessary documentation to prove it.
Texas also has mutual fishing license agreements with the states of Oklahoma and Louisiana.
So, this means that there are certain waters where residents from each state can fish without
having to purchase an additional license.
These include waters that span the borders of each state, such as the Sabine River, Caddo
Lake, and Toledo Bend Reservoir.
If you lose your fishing license, don’t worry, there’s really no need to panic.
You can always buy a replacement at any license retailer.
You’ll just need to complete an application before purchasing a replacement, and you’re
good to go.
Last but not least, you’ll need to know where and how to buy a Texas fishing license,
obviously.
The easiest way is to just buy one online, but you can also purchase them in Park and
Wildlife Department offices, and at more than 1,500 retailers statewide.
Alright, now that you have all the information you need, you can finally get out there and
test out the waters of the Lone Star State!
For more information, just be sure to check out our full blog article that goes into more
detail about Texas State Fishing Licenses.