Fishing enthusiasts in Texas have a wide range of options when it comes to obtaining a fishing license for 2024. Whether you’re a resident or non-resident, a freshwater or saltwater angler, or looking for a one-day or lifetime license, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) offers a variety of packages to suit your needs.
Types of Texas Fishing Licenses
Texas offers several types of fishing licenses, including:
Freshwater Fishing License: Allows fishing in lakes, rivers, and streams.
Saltwater Fishing License: Permits fishing in coastal waters and the Gulf of Mexico.
All-Water License: Grants access to both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
One-Day License: Provides a single day of fishing privileges.
Lifetime License: Offers fishing rights for the rest of your life.
To qualify as a Texas resident and obtain a resident fishing license, you must have lived in the state for at least six months prior to purchasing your license.
Fishing License Costs
The cost of a Texas fishing license varies depending on the type of license and the angler’s residency status. Here are the current prices for 2024:
License Type Resident Non-Resident
Freshwater Fishing License $30 $58
Saltwater Fishing License $35 $63
All-Water License $40 $68
One-Day All-Water License $11 $16
Freshwater Endorsement $5 $5
Saltwater Endorsement $10 $10
Texas also offers special licenses for seniors, disabled veterans, and active military personnel, with discounted or free options available.
Fishing Guide Licenses
In addition to standard fishing licenses, Texas requires fishing guides to obtain specific licenses to operate in the state’s waters. The cost of fishing guide licenses varies based on the type of license and the guide’s residency status:
License Eligibility Fee
Freshwater Fishing Guide License Texas resident and non-resident $132
Resident All-Water Fishing Guide License Texas resident $210
Resident All-Water Paddle-craft Fishing Guide License Texas resident $210
Non-resident All-Water Fishing Guide License Non-resident $1,050
Non-resident All-Water Paddle-craft Fishing Guide License Non-resident $1,050
Fishing guides must purchase these licenses in addition to their personal fishing licenses to legally provide guiding services in Texas.
Where to Purchase a Texas Fishing License
Texas offers several convenient options for purchasing fishing licenses in 2024:
Online: Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website to purchase your license instantly.
Phone: Call (800) 895-4248 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to purchase your license over the phone.
In-Person: Visit one of the more than 1,800 approved retailers throughout the state, such as sporting goods stores, bait shops, and even some grocery stores, to purchase your license.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to have your license with you whenever you go fishing, either printed out or stored on your phone.
Fishing is a beloved pastime in Texas, and with the right license, anglers can enjoy the state’s abundant freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities. By understanding the different types of licenses available and their associated costs, Texas residents and visitors can make informed decisions about their fishing adventures in 2024.