Texas Leads the Nation in Fishing License Holders According to the latest data from the United States Fish & Wildlife Service, Texas had the greatest number of paid fishing license holders in the country in 2024. The Lone Star State boasted approximately 2.1 million fishing license holders, far surpassing other top states.
The Top 10 States for Fishing Licenses
The states with the highest number of paid fishing license holders in 2024 were:
Texas – 2,100,000
California – 1,800,000
Florida – 1,500,000
Michigan – 1,100,000
Pennsylvania – 900,000
New York – 910,581
Ohio – 850,000
Wisconsin – 800,000
Minnesota – 750,000
Washington – 700,000
Factors Contributing to Texas’ Fishing License Dominance
There are several key factors that contribute to Texas’ status as the state with the most fishing license holders:
– Large and diverse geography: Texas boasts over 370 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico as well as countless lakes, rivers, and streams that provide ample fishing opportunities. This diverse aquatic landscape appeals to anglers of all kinds.
– Robust outdoor recreation culture: Fishing is deeply ingrained in Texas’ outdoor recreation culture, with many residents viewing it as a beloved pastime and way of life. The state has a long history of promoting and supporting recreational fishing.
– Favorable regulations and access: Texas has relatively liberal fishing regulations compared to some other states, with fewer restrictions on things like bag limits and season lengths. The state also provides excellent public access to its waterways, making it easy for residents and visitors to enjoy fishing.
– Large population: As the second most populous state in the U.S., Texas has a massive potential customer base for fishing licenses. Its 29 million residents dwarf the populations of many other states.
Nationwide Fishing License Trends
The United States as a whole saw a slight increase in fishing license holders in 2024 compared to previous years. According to the latest data, there were approximately 39.5 million fishing licenses, tags, permits and stamps issued nationwide in 2024, up from 39.32 million in 2021.
This upward trend reflects the enduring popularity of recreational fishing across the country. Fishing remains one of the most widely practiced outdoor activities, providing both enjoyment and sustenance for millions of Americans.
New York’s Fishing License Landscape
While Texas dominates the national landscape, New York also maintains a robust population of fishing license holders. In the 2022-2023 license year, New York had 910,581 total fishing license holders, including 719,525 residents and 191,056 non-residents.
New York’s fishing license numbers have fluctuated in recent years, declining from a high of over 999,000 in 2019-2020 to just under 920,000 in the most recent reporting period. However, the state continues to be a major hub for recreational angling.
The Empire State’s diverse aquatic resources – including the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound, the Great Lakes, and countless rivers and lakes – provide ample opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. New York also has a long tradition of promoting and supporting outdoor recreation, which helps sustain its sizable fishing license base.