Can Louisiana Residents Fish in Texas Without a License in 2024?

Fishing enthusiasts in Louisiana and Texas have long enjoyed the benefits of a reciprocal agreement between the two states. This agreement allows certain residents to fish in the public waters of the other state without the need for an additional fishing license. As we approach 2024, it’s important to understand the details of this agreement and how it applies to Louisiana residents fishing in Texas.

Louisiana Residents 65 and Older

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), Louisiana residents who are 65 years old or older may fish in Texas public waters (both freshwater and saltwater) without purchasing a Texas fishing license. However, they must possess a valid Louisiana resident fishing license and comply with Texas fishing regulations.

This exemption applies to all public waters in Texas, not just the border waters shared by the two states. Louisiana residents born before June 1, 1940, are not required to have a license to fish in these border waters.

Louisiana Residents Under 65

The reciprocal agreement between Louisiana and Texas also covers younger anglers fishing in the border waters. Louisiana residents who are properly licensed in their state (or are exempt because of age) may fish in any portion of the lakes and rivers forming a common boundary between Louisiana and Texas, inland from a line across Sabine Pass between Texas Point and Louisiana Point.

However, it’s important to note that fish landed in Texas must adhere to Texas bag and length limits, while fish caught in Louisiana must comply with Louisiana regulations. Anglers should be aware of their location in relation to the border at all times, as game wardens from either state may enforce their own state’s rules when crossing the border in shared waters.

Fishing Guide Licenses

The reciprocal agreement between Louisiana and Texas also extends to fishing guide licenses. Residents of either state who hold valid freshwater fishing guide licenses in their state of residence may provide guide services in the shared boundary fresh waters of the other state.

This provision allows fishing guides to operate in these border waters without the need for additional licenses from the other state, making it easier for them to serve anglers on both sides of the border.

Exceptions and Limitations

While the reciprocal agreement between Louisiana and Texas is quite comprehensive, there are a few exceptions and limitations to keep in mind:

• The agreement applies only to sport fishing licenses and freshwater fishing guide licenses, and does not cover any sport fishing activities that require specific recreational gear licenses in either state (e.g., crab traps, crawfish traps, etc.).
• Fishing regulations of the state in which the fishing occurs shall control, regardless of the license privileges provided by the agreement.
• The agreement supersedes all previous reciprocal agreements on recreational fishing licenses between Louisiana and Texas.

It’s important for anglers to familiarize themselves with the specific regulations of the state in which they plan to fish, even if they are covered by the reciprocal agreement.

Conclusion

The reciprocal fishing agreement between Louisiana and Texas provides a valuable opportunity for anglers in both states to enjoy the waters of the other without the need for additional licenses. By understanding the details of this agreement, Louisiana residents can plan their fishing trips to Texas with confidence, knowing that they are in compliance with the law.

Whether you’re a Louisiana resident 65 or older fishing in Texas public waters, a younger angler exploring the border waters, or a fishing guide looking to serve clients on both sides of the border, the Louisiana-Texas reciprocal agreement makes it easier than ever to enjoy the joys of fishing in the Lone Star State.