Texas Fishing License Requirements: How to Get and Where to Buy
Texas is home to some of the best fishing spots in the country, with a diverse range of fish species available for anglers to catch. Before you set out on your fishing trip in Texas, however, it is important to know about the fishing license requirements in the state. This article will guide you through the Texas fishing license requirements and help you understand how to Get a license and the benefits of having one.
Texas Fishing License Requirements
If you plan on fishing in Texas, you must have a valid fishing license. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) issues fishing licenses to residents and non-residents of Texas. The license is valid for one year from the date of purchase, and the fees vary depending on the type of license and the applicant’s age.
If you are a Texas resident, you can Get a fishing license for as little as $11 per year. On the other hand, non-residents can buy a temporary license for a day or a year, depending on what they need. The cost of non-resident licenses varies depending on the duration of the license and the type of fishing you plan on doing.
Types of Texas Fishing Licenses
There are several types of fishing licenses available in Texas, depending on the type of fishing you plan on doing. The most common types of fishing licenses in Texas include:
- Freshwater Fishing License: This license is required if you plan on fishing in freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, and streams.
- Saltwater Fishing License: If you plan on fishing in the Gulf of Mexico or any other saltwater body in Texas, you must have a saltwater fishing license.
- All-Water Fishing License: This license allows you to fish in both freshwater and saltwater bodies of water in Texas.
- One-Day Fishing License: This license is available for both freshwater and saltwater fishing and is valid for a single day only.
- Year-From-Purchase All-Water Fishing Package: This license allows you to fish in both freshwater and saltwater bodies of water in Texas for a year from the date of purchase.
| License | Cost |
| Residents aged 17-64 | |
| Fishing package for 1 day in all waters | $11 |
| Freshwater fishing package | $30 |
| Saltwater fishing package | $35 |
| All-water fishing package | $40 |
| Fishing in all waters 1 year after purchase | $47 |
| Freshwater hunting and fishing combo | $50 |
| Saltwater hunting and fishing combo | $55 |
| Combo for hunting and fishing in all waters | $60 |
| “SuperCombo” Package | $68 |
| Residents and non-residents under the age of 17 | |
| Belt for exempt fishermen | $3 |
| Residents aged 17-64 | |
| Fishing for a day in all waters | $16 |
| Freshwater fishing package | $58 |
| Saltwater fishing package | $63 |
| Fishing package in all waters | $68 |
| 65+ Residents | |
| Freshwater fishing package | $12 |
| Freshwater hunting and fishing combo | $16 |
| Saltwater fishing package | $17 |
| Saltwater hunting and fishing combo | $21 |
| Package for fishing in all waters | $22 |
| Combo for hunting and fishing in all waters | $26 |
| “SuperCombo” Package | $32 |
| Endorsements (not required for persons under 17 years of age) | |
| Freshwater fishing endorsement | $5 |
| Saltwater fishing endorsement | $10 |
Everyone, regardless of residency status, can buy a fishing license in the Lone Star State of Texas. There are different prices for yearly freshwater, saltwater, and combined licenses. The resident prices range from $30.00 to $35.00 while the non-resident prices range from $58.00 to $63.00 and $68.00. For $11.00 (resident) or $16.00 (nonresident), you can Get a license to fish in any waters for a single day (non-resident).For more information, please read the complete guide here.
Benefits of Having a Texas Fishing License
There are several benefits to having a Texas fishing license, including:
- Compliance with the law: If you have a fishing license, you know you are following state rules and not breaking any laws.
- Conservation: The money from fishing licenses is used to pay for conservation efforts in Texas, such as restoring habitats, stocking fish, and running programs to teach people about conservation.
- Better fishing spots are easier to get to if you have a fishing license. In Texas, some fishing spots are only open to people who have a fishing license. Having a license gives you the opportunity to explore and fish in some of the best fishing spots in the state.
How to Get a Texas Fishing License
Getting a fishing license in Texas is a straightforward process. You can obtain a fishing license online, by phone, or in person at one of the many Texas Parks and Wildlife Department offices or license retailers throughout the state.
Visit the TPWD website and choose the type of license you want to buy to buy a fishing license online. You will need to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and date of birth, and pay the license fee using a credit or debit card.
You can also purchase a fishing license over the phone by calling the TPWD’s license sales line. This is the best choice if you need help with the buying process or have questions about the different kinds of licenses.
If you’d rather buy a fishing license in person, you can go to one of the many TPWD offices or license retailers in the state. These locations can be found on the TPWD website and offer the added benefit of being able to ask any questions or Get assistance from a representative.
It is essential to note that fishing licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable. Therefore, make sure to choose the right type of license for your needs and provide accurate information when purchasing the license.
Where to Buy a Texas Fishing License
There are several locations where you can purchase a Texas fishing license, including:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Service Centers
If you’d rather buy your Texas fishing license in person, you can go to one of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) service centers, which are spread out across the state. Here are some of the contact details for the TPWD service centers:
- Austin Headquarters: 4200 Smith School Rd., Austin, TX 78744; Tel: (512) 389-4800
- Houston Regional Office: 14350 Wallisville Rd., Houston, TX 77049. Tel: (281) 931-6471.
- San Antonio Regional Office: 2391 NE Loop 410, Suite 605, San Antonio, TX 78217. Tel: (210) 348-7375
You can also visit the TPWD website at https://tpwd.texas.gov/ to find a full list of their service center locations. At these service centers, you can not only buy a Texas fishing license, but you can also find out about fishing laws, conservation efforts, and how Texas manages its wildlife.
Sporting Goods Stores
If you prefer to buy your Texas fishing license at a sporting goods store, here are the contact details for some popular stores in Texas that sell fishing licenses:
- Bass Pro Shops: Multiple locations across Texas Visit https://www.basspro.com/shop/en for more information.
- Academy Sports + Outdoors: Multiple locations across Texas Visit https://www.academy.com/ for more information.
- Walmart: Multiple locations across Texas Visit https://www.walmart.com/ for more information.
It’s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm that the store you plan to visit has Texas fishing licenses available and to inquire about any specific requirements or documents you may need to bring with you.
Online through the TPWD website
If you prefer to buy your Texas fishing license online, you can do so through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website. Here is the website address where you can purchase your Texas fishing license online:
- TPWD website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/
Go to the above website and follow the instructions to buy a fishing license for Texas online. To finish the transaction, you will need to provide some personal information and payment information. You can call the TPWD call center at 1-800-792-1112 if you have any questions or concerns about buying your Texas fishing license online. Their call center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time.
Tips for Buying a Texas Fishing License
- Make sure to purchase the right type of Texas fishing license for your needs. The types of Texas fishing licenses include freshwater, saltwater, all-water, one-day, and year-from-purchase all-water fishing packages.
- When you go to buy a Texas fishing license, be sure to bring any required documents with you, such as proof that you live in Texas or a valid ID.
- Check the Texas fishing regulations before you go fishing to ensure that you are following all the rules and regulations.
Conclusion:
Fishing is a popular pastime in Texas, and having a fishing license is a requirement for anyone planning to fish in the state. Knowing the different types of licenses available, the benefits of having a license, and how to Get one is essential for anyone planning a fishing trip in Texas.
Obtaining a fishing license in Texas is a straightforward process that can be done online, over the phone, or in person. With a valid fishing license, you can go to some of the best fishing spots in the state and fish there. You can also support conservation efforts that keep the state’s fish populations healthy.
So, before you plan your next fishing trip in Texas, make sure to get your fishing license and enjoy all the benefits that come with being a licensed angler in the Lone Star State.
