Frequently asked questions

When do I need to get a fishing license?

Texas fishing licenses are required for anybody who wants to conduct freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing. Prices vary depending on the type of fishing license or license package you receive, with packages available for freshwater, saltwater or an all-water permit which includes stamp endorsements for both freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing.

Seniors born prior to January 1, 1931 and children less than the age of 17 (regardless of resident status) are exempt from fishing license requirements. Likewise, mentally disabled individuals fishing under licensed supervision as part of a therapy program are exempt from licensing requirements as well.

How long will my fishing license be valid?

The validity of Texas fishing licenses depends on which license was purchased. One-year fishing license packages are valid from the date of sale until August 31. One-day all-water licenses are valid on the day of purchase, or the day selected, if you are buying a fishing permit for a future date. Year-from-purchase all-water fishing licenses are valid from the date of sale to the end of the purchase month during the next license year.

How can I obtain a fishing license replacement?

If you have misplaced or lost your fishing license, you can obtain a new one through numerous fishing licensing agents throughout the state of Texas. Replacement fishing license prices are reduced for those who have proof that they possessed an original license to fish for that year. Fill out an Application for Replacement License with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and pay the associated fee.

Can a disabled resident apply for a TX fishing license?

Disabled residents of Texas are able to buy fishing licenses, and, depending on the circumstances of their disabilities, they may not even require licensing. Any mentally disabled person partaking in recreational fishing for a medically approved therapy session while he or she is accompanied by an approved supervisor from the disabled person’s hospital, school or residence is exempt from fishing license requirements. Likewise, any mentally disabled person accompanied by a licensed supervisor (who is either a family member or has the permission of the disabled person’s family) is exempt from permit to fish requirements.

In addition, disabled veterans with proof from the Veterans Administration that their disability was received during service are eligible for the free Disabled Veteran “Super Combo” hunting and fishing license.

What are Free Fishing Days?

There are a number of opportunities to fish for free in Texas. On the first Saturday in June each year, Texas has its annual Free Fishing Day. On this day, no person in the state is required to have a fishing license or stamp endorsements to fish in Texas’s public saltwater or freshwater areas. Likewise, if you are fishing in a body of water that is enclosed in a Texas state park, you are exempt from all licensing and stamp endorsement requirements.

Who can obtain a Texas Resident Active Duty Military License?

The Texas Resident Active Duty Military “Super Combo” hunting and fishing license is available for all active-duty military members who are also residents of Texas. To receive this free license, individuals must be on active duty in the US Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, Reserves or State/National Guard. To prove your residency status, you must provide a military service record that shows that your home of record is within Texas, or that your duty station for the six months prior to your fishing license application was in Texas.

Are there any visitors who do not require a TX fishing license?

There are actually a few types of non-resident individuals exempt from the license to fish requirements when visiting Texas. If you are less than 17 years of age, you do not need a fishing license, whether you are a resident or nonresident. On the same token, Louisiana residents who are 65 years of age or older and have purchased a Louisiana Recreational Fishing License are exempt from Texas fishing license requirements. Any Oklahoma resident 65 years of age or older is exempt from Texas fishing license requirements as well.

Do all people on a recreational fishing boat need to have a license?

You do not need to possess a permit to fish unless you are actively fishing. If you are in a group of people on board a fishing vessel out on the water, but you are not partaking in any fishing activities (such as netting fish and removing them from hooks), you do not need to have a fishing license. However, if you will be partaking in any part of the fishing process, you may be asked by officers to provide a fishing license, since you are technically engaging in fishing activities.

What options for licensing are there for senior citizens?

Texas residents who are 65 years of age or older have a few options for discounted fishing licenses. If you are a Texas resident and were born before January 1, 1931, you are exempt from all fishing license requirements. If you were born after that date, the options for licensing are as follows:

• Resident Senior Freshwater Fishing License
• Resident Senior Saltwater Fishing License
• Resident Senior All-Water Fishing License
• Senior Resident Combination Hunting and Freshwater Fishing License
• Senior Resident Combination Hunting and Saltwater Fishing License
• Senior Resident Combination Hunting and All-Water Fishing License
• Senior Resident Super Combination License (includes all state stamp endorsements)