How to get a “Fishing License Texas”

Fishing License Texas may be called “The Lone Star State”, but its fishing scene is no less than five stars. You can count on big fish, savvy guides and great fishing in every corner of Texas. You only need a fishing permit texas to enjoy them!

Fishing License Texas offers many fishing packages for anglers. Which package is right for you? It all depends on where you fish and what state you live in. This quick guide is designed to make it easier for you to spend less time searching for answers and more time on the water fishing.

Are you looking for information about neighboring states or the US as a whole? You can find our complete list of licensing guides right here.

Fishing License Texas are required for anyone who is a Texas resident.

Every person over 17 years old must have a Texas fishing license. It applies to both Texas residents and non-residents, regardless of whether you are fishing from shore or charter. A license is required for anyone in your group that actively participates. This includes fishing, baiting, and even holding the rod for just a few seconds.

Fishing License Texas Requirements: Exceptions

There are exceptions to every rule, and this one is no exception. In the following situations, a person can fish without a license:

  • A license is not required to fish from banks or piers within Texas State Parks.
  • Texas’s annual Free Fishing Day (the 1st Saturday in June) is open to all without a license.
  • Texas doesn’t require a license for anglers younger than 17.
  • Texas residents born after 1 January 1931 don’t need a license in order to fish in Texas.

There are also exceptions for Texas residents who have mental disabilities. They don’t have to be licensed to fish if they are supervised by a member of their family or someone authorized by the family. They are also permitted to fish without a license if they are enrolled in supervised therapy programs (such as fishing therapy).

Types of Fishing License Texas

A “license” and “endorsement are required to legally fish in Texas. You can either choose freshwater or saltwater, but you can also get them both in an All Water Package. You can add an endorsement to your license instead of purchasing a new package.

License-Year packages expire on August 31. This means that even if you purchase one in July it will only be valid for about a month. The Year-From Purchase All-Water Package lasts until the end the month following the purchase. These are only available to residents.

You don’t fish as often? You can fish freshwater and saltwater any day with the One-Day All-Water License. If you are planning a longer trip, you can buy multiple licenses at once.

Red Drum Tags

Red Drum tags are required in order to keep Redfish over 28 inches. They cost $3 each and are included in Saltwater and All-Water Packages. These are optional and can be purchased only if you don’t need a license or want to keep another trophy-sized Drum.

Packages and Special Licenses

There are special deals for certain situations, in addition to the standard mix of packages, endorsements and licenses. If you are eligible, these can help you save a lot of cash!

Resident Lifetime Licences

Texas residents who wish to fish in Texas for the rest of their lives should purchase a Lifetime License. They cost just $1,000 and allow you to fish any state in the country. You can also keep one trophy-sized Drum every year. For an additional $800, you can upgrade to a Hunting/Fishing Combo License.

Lake Texoma License

Are you looking to fish in Lake Texoma, Texas? You can fish any lake with a Lake Texoma License, which costs $12. These licenses are valid in any state, including Oklahoma and Texas. They don’t require stamps or endorsements. The Lake Texoma Fishing Licenses will be valid until 31 December of the year that you purchase it.

Super Combo License

Texas offers a Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package special license to military personnel. This license is available to all active military personnel and veterans from any state with a 50% disability rating. The package is completely free and allows you to fish and hunt in any state. The Red Drum Tag is also included in this package.

Where can I buy a fishing licence in texas?

There are many ways to purchase a fishing license, package or endorsement. Some licenses, like the Super Combo License are only available at TPWD. You can however pick most of them up in one of these ways:

  • Online. This option is the fastest and allows you to get your license to fish immediately. Your pemit can be printed or saved to your phone.
  • In person. You can purchase your license at any TPWD office or hardware, tackle, gun, or grocery store in the state.

Fishing in Interstate Waters

Texas has agreements that allow you to fish in the waters of some of its neighboring states without having to purchase a second license. These agreements don’t always apply to all of Texas, so make sure you know where your fish are once you cross the state line.

Louisiana

Texas residents over 65 years old can fish in Louisiana provided they hold a senior’s fishing licence. Louisiana residents over 65 may also fish, but only in waters that cross the state line. You don’t need to purchase a LA fishing licence if you are casting your line in any of the shared lakes, rivers, and reservoirs between the two states. These include:

  • Sabine River
  • Sabine Pass
  • Sabine Lake
  • Caddo Lake
  • Toledo Bend Reservoir
  • Oklahoma

Only 65-year-old residents of Texas can fish in Oklahoma. Everybody else must purchase a license immediately they cross the border. Only exception is Lake Texoma fishing licenses.

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