Complete Guide to Texas Fishing License

Texas is undeniably one of the best fisheries in the United States and offers anglers both freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities. However, if you plan to fish in the Lone Star State, you’ll need the appropriate fishing license or angling permit. A fishing license isn’t just a legal requirement. It’s also a great way to support the conservation efforts that go into ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same great angling opportunities.

In the following guide to buying a fishing license in Texas, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including:

If you plan to drop a line and go fishing in Texas, check out Texas Fishing Seasons: Your Comprehensive Guide!

When it comes to finding the best fishing and angling spots in Texas, including secret local hot spots, every angler needs a little help, especially if you’re new to fishing in Texas. If you want to catch fish on your Texas fishing vacation, you’ll need the premium Fishing Forecasting App, Fishbox App. Thanks to the Fishbox App, you’ll know the perfect time to go fishing in Texas and when you’re better off relaxing with a good book.

Types of Texas Fishing Licenses

There are various Texas fishing license options for residents and non-resident anglers. To qualify as a Texas resident to obtain a fishing license, you must have lived in Texas for more than six months before buying your fishing license.

Below are the available freshwater and saltwater Texas fishing licenses:

Freshwater Texas Fishing License:

• Texas Resident Freshwater Fishing License Package.
• Texas Resident Senior Freshwater Fishing License Package.
• Non-Resident Freshwater Texas Fishing License Package.

Saltwater Texas Fishing License:

• Texas Resident Saltwater Fishing License Package.
• Texas Resident Senior Saltwater Fishing License Package.
• Non-Resident Saltwater Texas Fishing License Package.

Another option is purchasing a freshwater or saltwater license and combining it with an endorsement to obtain an all-water package, allowing you to go freshwater and saltwater fishing throughout Texas.

If you’re considered a resident of Texas, you can also purchase a lifetime fishing license package, which is $1,000.

The fees collected from Texas fishing license sales support conservation efforts that help make Texas one of the best places in the country to fish and ensure that future generations of anglers can enjoy the same incredible fishing opportunities. 

Cost of Texas Fishing Licenses

Below are the available freshwater and saltwater Texas fishing license prices (please ensure that you check the online application to ensure the accuracy of all prices):

Freshwater Texas Fishing License:

• Texas Resident Freshwater Fishing License Package – $30.
• Texas Resident Senior Freshwater Fishing License Package – $12.
• Non-Resident Freshwater Texas Fishing License Package – $58.

Saltwater Texas Fishing License:

• Texas Resident Saltwater Fishing License Package – $35.
• Texas Resident Senior Saltwater Fishing License Package – $17.
• Non-Resident Saltwater Texas Fishing License Package – $63.

If you’re considered a resident of Texas, you also have the option of purchasing a lifetime fishing license package, which is $1,000.

Where to Obtain a Texas Fishing License

When it comes to buying a fishing license or permit in Texas, you have three options:

1. Online Purchasing – You can buy your freshwater and saltwater fishing license online via the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
2. Via the Phone – Call (800) 895-4248 between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to purchase your fishing license in Texas.
3. In-Person – You can buy your Texas fishing permits in person at a Texas Fishing License Retailer. There are over 1,800 approved retailers located throughout the State. You can search for the closest retailer on the TPW website.

Once you have purchased a Texas fishing license, you must keep it with you whenever you’re fishing, have a photo of it on your phone, or show proof of purchase using the Outdoor Annual mobile app.

Complete Guide to Texas Fishing Licenses – Conclusion

There you go! Everything you ever wanted to know about different Texas fishing licenses, the cost of Texas fishing licenses, and where to buy a Texas fishing license. By purchasing a fishing license in Texas, you’re helping to support the Texas Parks and Wildlife efforts to maintain a productive and sustainable fishing environment for years to come.

By utilizing the technology in the Fishbox App, you can accurately track weather conditions and predict the best times to hit the water when planning your fishing trip or fishing vacation in Texas.

It combines predictive fish behavior with weather, lunar, and tidal conditions to deliver optimal freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities in Texas, regardless of whether you’re going fresh or saltwater fishing in the Lonestar State.

The Fishbox App was developed in collaboration with accurate weather data and expert fish behavioral analysis. These advanced forecasts will significantly increase your catch rate while reducing your time on the water. Take your fishing to the next level thanks to the expert advice from the Fishbox App team.

If you have any questions about fishing licenses in Texas, including where to buy a Texas fishing permit, please don’t hesitate to comment below!