Fishing in Texas is more than just a hobby—it’s a cherished tradition that draws both residents and visitors to the state’s abundant lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. To fish legally in Texas, individuals are required to obtain a valid fishing license, unless exempt by age or circumstance. The cost of a fishing license in Texas varies depending on several factors, including residency status, age, duration of the license, and whether the angler plans to fish in freshwater, saltwater, or both.
For anyone looking to understand the fees involved, it’s important to know that Texas Parks and Wildlife oversees the licensing system, setting the price structure and issuing permits through various outlets across the state. Whether you’re an occasional angler, a seasoned sports fisherman, or someone planning a family fishing trip, having clear knowledge of license costs and options will help you plan better. Below is a comprehensive look at the top 20 types of fishing licenses available in Texas, including their descriptions, where they can be obtained, and what they cover.
Top 20 Cost of a Fishing License in Texas
Below are the top 20 fishing license options in Texas, broken down with details such as description, eligibility, services covered, and where to get them.
1. Resident Freshwater Fishing License
Description: This license allows Texas residents to fish legally in the state’s freshwater lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. It’s the most common license for local anglers who enjoy freshwater fishing year-round.
Address: Available at sporting goods stores, tax offices, and Texas Parks and Wildlife offices across the state.
Contact Details: Can be purchased in person at local offices or over the phone with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Services Offered: Covers freshwater fishing only. Not valid for saltwater or coastal waters.
2. Resident Saltwater Fishing License
Description: Designed for Texas residents who prefer fishing in coastal areas, bays, and the Gulf of Mexico. This license is required for all saltwater recreational fishing activities.
Address: Distributed statewide at authorized retailers and Texas Parks and Wildlife outlets.
Contact Details: Inquiries can be directed to local Parks and Wildlife regional centers.
Services Offered: Includes saltwater fishing with a required saltwater endorsement.
3. Resident All-Water Fishing License
Description: A convenient license that allows residents to fish in both freshwater and saltwater without needing to purchase two separate permits.
Address: Sold in most bait shops, outdoor equipment stores, and official government centers.
Contact Details: Managed through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Services Offered: Covers all fishing environments in Texas waters.
4. Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing License
Description: Issued to visitors from outside Texas who want to fish in the state’s freshwater bodies. This license is ideal for tourists planning a fishing trip.
Address: Accessible at border towns, fishing lodges, and local retail shops.
Contact Details: Questions may be handled by local wildlife offices or customer service representatives.
Services Offered: Freshwater fishing privileges for non-residents only.
5. Non-Resident Saltwater Fishing License
Description: This license allows visitors from out of state to enjoy fishing in Texas saltwater areas such as bays, estuaries, and the Gulf Coast.
Address: Readily available at most fishing hubs and outdoor equipment retailers.
Contact Details: Support available through Parks and Wildlife district offices.
Services Offered: Covers saltwater recreational fishing, including surf and offshore waters.
6. Non-Resident All-Water Fishing License
Description: An all-inclusive option for tourists who want access to both saltwater and freshwater fishing while in Texas.
Address: Can be found at travel destinations, fishing guides’ offices, and sporting goods stores.
Contact Details: Directly supported by Parks and Wildlife licensing staff.
Services Offered: Grants full fishing rights in all legal waters within Texas.
7. Senior Resident Fishing License
Description: Available to Texas residents aged 65 and older, this discounted license supports senior anglers who want to continue their fishing traditions.
Address: Sold at local retailers and county tax assessor offices.
Contact Details: Texas Parks and Wildlife regional centers provide assistance.
Services Offered: Covers freshwater and/or saltwater, depending on the chosen type.
8. Youth Fishing License
Description: In Texas, children under 17 are generally not required to hold a fishing license, but in some cases, a youth permit is offered for those participating in tournaments or organized events.
Address: Available through youth fishing programs and official licensing centers.
Contact Details: Event organizers or Parks and Wildlife offices handle issuance.
Services Offered: Provides access to fishing events and ensures compliance with competition rules.
9. Disabled Resident Fishing License
Description: Offered at a reduced or waived fee for residents with qualifying disabilities. This license makes fishing more accessible for all.
Address: Available directly through Texas Parks and Wildlife offices with proper documentation.
Contact Details: Disability support services and regional licensing centers assist applicants.
Services Offered: Includes both freshwater and saltwater options depending on selection.
10. One-Day All-Water Fishing License (Resident)
Description: Perfect for occasional anglers, this license allows Texas residents to fish in all waters for one calendar day.
Address: Can be purchased at any authorized retailer or local Parks and Wildlife branch.
Contact Details: Customer service lines provide purchasing information.
Services Offered: Valid for both freshwater and saltwater fishing for one day only.
11. One-Day All-Water Fishing License (Non-Resident)
Description: Designed for tourists who want to fish in Texas without committing to a full license. Great for vacationers.
Address: Available at marinas, travel lodges, and visitor centers.
Contact Details: Parks and Wildlife service desks can provide details.
Services Offered: Grants access to all legal fishing waters for one day.
12. Resident Lifetime Fishing License
Description: A one-time purchase that gives a Texas resident fishing rights for life. This license is highly valued by avid anglers.
Address: Available only at official Texas Parks and Wildlife Department headquarters or designated centers.
Contact Details: Lifetime license coordinators within the Parks and Wildlife Department.
Services Offered: Provides unlimited access to both freshwater and saltwater fishing for life.
13. Resident Combination Hunting and Fishing License
Description: A cost-effective option that bundles fishing and hunting privileges into a single license for Texas residents.
Address: Widely available at sporting retailers, tax assessor offices, and official outlets.
Contact Details: Texas Parks and Wildlife customer service departments provide assistance.
Services Offered: Allows legal participation in both fishing and hunting seasons.
14. Non-Resident Combination Fishing License
Description: Created for visitors who want an all-inclusive fishing experience in both fresh and saltwater.
Address: Can be obtained at large sporting stores and local licensing agencies.
Contact Details: Information is offered at Parks and Wildlife customer centers.
Services Offered: Provides access to freshwater, saltwater, and special fishing zones.
15. Resident Special All-Water Fishing Package
Description: A bundled package that includes additional privileges or endorsements at a reduced cost compared to buying separately.
Address: Available through state-run licensing offices.
Contact Details: Texas Parks and Wildlife main offices.
Services Offered: Covers freshwater, saltwater, and certain extended fishing rights.
16. Non-Resident Special All-Water Fishing Package
Description: Similar to the resident version, but designed for non-residents who want extended fishing access while visiting Texas.
Address: Distributed through official agencies, marinas, and travel services.
Contact Details: Parks and Wildlife licensing centers provide support.
Services Offered: Grants broad fishing rights across all major water systems.
17. Resident Military Fishing License
Description: Offered to active-duty military members stationed in Texas, often at a discounted or waived rate.
Address: Sold at military bases, retail shops, and Parks and Wildlife offices.
Contact Details: Military benefits offices or Parks and Wildlife centers can help.
Services Offered: Covers freshwater and saltwater fishing depending on selection.
18. Disabled Veteran Fishing License
Description: Issued free or at a discounted cost to Texas veterans with qualifying service-related disabilities.
Address: Can be obtained directly from state licensing offices with proof of eligibility.
Contact Details: Veteran affairs offices and Parks and Wildlife service desks.
Services Offered: Includes both saltwater and freshwater fishing rights.
19. Resident All-Water Year-to-Date Fishing License
Description: This license covers all types of fishing from the date of purchase until the end of the license year, typically August 31.
Address: Available at major outdoor retailers and government offices.
Contact Details: Questions directed to Parks and Wildlife licensing divisions.
Services Offered: Covers freshwater and saltwater until expiration.
20. Non-Resident Tournament Fishing License
Description: Designed specifically for non-resident anglers participating in officially sanctioned fishing tournaments within Texas.
Address: Available through tournament organizers and official licensing offices.
Contact Details: Tournament headquarters or Texas Parks and Wildlife staff provide support.
Services Offered: Grants access for competitive fishing in designated areas
Full Conclusion
The cost of a fishing license in Texas is structured to make the sport accessible to everyone, from casual anglers to lifelong fishing enthusiasts. Texas Parks and Wildlife ensures that both residents and visitors have a wide range of affordable options, tailored to different needs such as duration, water type, residency status, and even age or military service.
For Texas residents, standard licenses such as freshwater, saltwater, or all-water range between $30 and $40 per year, making them budget-friendly for year-round fishing. Discounts for seniors, disabled individuals, and veterans highlight the state’s effort to encourage inclusivity. Meanwhile, one-day licenses for both residents and non-residents provide excellent flexibility for vacationers or those who fish only occasionally.
Non-resident licenses are understandably higher in price, reflecting tourism policies, but remain affordable compared to fishing opportunities in other states. Special permits such as lifetime licenses, tournament licenses, and combination packages provide long-term value and convenience for those who fish often or wish to simplify their licensing process.
Ultimately, the cost of a fishing license in Texas should be seen as an investment—not just in the joy of fishing, but in the conservation and management of the state’s rich aquatic resources. Funds from license sales directly support habitat restoration, fish stocking programs, and youth fishing education, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the same abundance of fishing opportunities.
Whether you are a seasoned angler living near the Texas coast, a tourist planning to fish in the Gulf of Mexico, or a family hoping to spend a weekend by the lake, there is a fishing license option to suit every need and budget. By understanding the breakdown of costs, anglers can make informed choices while also contributing to the preservation of Texas’s fishing heritage