Fishing in Texas is a beloved year-round pastime, but it’s important to stay up-to-date on licensing and regulations.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for 2025 – from types of fishing permits and their costs, to size and bag limits, free fishing opportunities, top fishing locations, and FAQs.

By understanding Texas fishing permits and rules, you can fish legally, avoid fines, and enjoy some of the best angling spots in the Lone Star State.

See also: 13 Best Fishing Lakes in Texas

Types of Texas Fishing Permits

Texas offers a variety of fishing licenses and permit packages to accommodate different anglers. The right permit for you depends on several factors, including residency status, fishing location (freshwater or saltwater), duration, and eligibility for special discounts (such as for seniors or military members).

Below is a breakdown of the key fishing license options available in 2025.

1. Resident vs. Non-Resident Fishing Licenses

Anyone 17 years or older must have a valid Texas fishing license to fish in public waters.

• Residents – To qualify as a Texas resident, you must have lived in the state for at least six months or meet other residency criteria.
• Non-Residents – Visitors from other states must purchase a non-resident fishing license, which generally costs more than a resident license.
• Exemptions – Youth under 17 years old do not need a license, regardless of residency status.

2. Freshwater, Saltwater & All-Water Licenses

Texas fishing licenses are typically sold as “packages” that include both the base license and any necessary fishing endorsements.

• Freshwater Package – Allows fishing in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.
• Saltwater Package – Covers fishing in bays and Gulf waters and includes a red drum tag for oversized redfish.
• All-Water Package (Combo License) – Provides access to both freshwater and saltwater fishing across Texas.

These licenses are valid from the date of purchase until August 31 of the license year.

3. One-Day & Short-Term Fishing Licenses

For those who only plan to fish for a short time, Texas offers a One-Day All-Water License:

• Available for both residents and non-residents.
• Covers fishing in all public waters for the specified day.
• Affordable option for visitors or occasional anglers.
• Can be purchased for multiple consecutive days if needed.

4. Year-From-Purchase License (Residents Only)

A new option for Texas anglers is the Year-From-Purchase All-Water License, which is valid for a full year from the purchase date instead of expiring on August 31. This is a convenient choice for those buying a license outside the regular season.

5. Senior Citizen Fishing Licenses

Texas residents 65 years or older qualify for discounted senior fishing licenses:

• Senior Freshwater License
• Senior Saltwater License
• Senior All-Water License

Special Exemptions:

• Texas residents born before January 1, 1931, are completely exempt from fishing license requirements.
• Louisiana and Oklahoma residents aged 65+ can fish in Texas without a Texas license if they hold a valid fishing license from their home state.

6. Military & Disabled Veteran Licenses

Texas offers free or discounted fishing licenses for active military members and veterans:

• Active Duty Military License – Available free of charge for active duty Texas residents on leave or stationed in Texas for at least six months (must show military ID).
• Disabled Veteran Super Combo License – Available for free to veterans with at least a 50% VA disability rating or a service-related limb loss (available to both residents and non-residents).
• These military and veteran licenses include all fishing privileges provided in paid licenses.

7. Fishing Licenses for Individuals with Disabilities

• Legally blind residents can purchase a Special Resident All-Water License for a nominal $7 fee.
• Individuals with certain intellectual disabilities are exempt from fishing license requirements when participating in supervised therapy or fishing with a licensed caretaker (documentation required).

8. Special Permits & Combination Packages

• Lake Texoma Fishing License – For those fishing only on Lake Texoma (which spans Texas and Oklahoma). This $12 special license allows fishing across the entire lake without needing a separate Texas or Oklahoma license (valid until December 31 of the purchase year).
• Super Combo Package (Residents Only) – A cost-effective option for those who hunt and fish, including:
  • Freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses
  • All required hunting stamps
  • 2025 Price: $68 for residents
  • Military & Disabled Veteran Super Combo Licenses are available for free.

Choosing the Right Fishing License

When purchasing a Texas fishing license, make sure to choose the package that aligns with:
✔ Where you’ll be fishing – Freshwater, saltwater, or both.
✔ How long you’ll need it – One day, annual, or year-from-purchase.
✔ Any special eligibility – Seniors, military, or disability discounts.

For the latest regulations and to buy a fishing license online, visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) website.

Texas Fishing License Costs for 2025

Planning to fish in Texas this year? Here’s a complete breakdown of fishing license costs for 2025. These prices are set by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) and apply for the license year ending August 31, 2025 (except for the Year-from-Purchase license, which is valid for a full year from the purchase date).

2025 Texas Fishing License Fees

License Type	Who Needs It?	2025 Fee
Resident Freshwater Package	Texas Resident (Annual)	$30
Resident Saltwater Package	Texas Resident (Annual)	$35
Resident All-Water Package	Texas Resident (Annual)	$40
Resident All-Water License (Year-from-Purchase)	Texas Resident (Valid 365 days from purchase)	$47
One-Day All-Water License (Resident)	Texas Resident (Per Day)	$11
Senior Freshwater Package	TX Resident 65+ (Annual)	$12
Senior Saltwater Package	TX Resident 65+ (Annual)	$17
Senior All-Water Package	TX Resident 65+ (Annual)	$22
Special Resident All-Water (Legally Blind)	TX Resident (Legally Blind)	$7
Non-Resident Freshwater Package	Non-Resident (Annual)	$58
Non-Resident Saltwater Package	Non-Resident (Annual)	$63
Non-Resident All-Water Package	Non-Resident (Annual)	$68
One-Day All-Water License (Non-Resident)	Non-Resident (Per Day)	$16
Lake Texoma License	Any Angler (For Lake Texoma Only)	$12
“Super Combo” Hunting & Fishing (Resident)	TX Resident (All-Inclusive Package)	$68
Disabled Veteran Super Combo	Qualified Disabled Vet (Resident/Non-Resident)	FREE
Active Duty Military All-Water License	TX Resident Active Duty (Annual)	FREE

Key Notes About Texas Fishing Licenses

✅ Endorsements Included: All annual licenses automatically include the necessary freshwater or saltwater endorsements.
✔ Saltwater licenses include a red drum tag for oversized redfish.
✔ All-water licenses include both freshwater and saltwater endorsements.

✅ One-Day Fishing Licenses: Do not require separate endorsements—everything you need is covered for that day.

✅ Senior License Eligibility: Available to Texas residents aged 65+ (born on or after January 1, 1931).

✅ Free Licenses for Military & Disabled Veterans: Available in person at licensed retailers with proper ID.
✔ Disabled Veteran Super Combo License is available to veterans with 50%+ VA disability or service-related limb loss.
✔ Active Duty Military License is free for active duty Texas residents on leave or stationed in Texas.

✅ No Pro-Rated or Refundable Licenses: All sales are final, and Texas does not offer pro-rated licenses.

✅ Hunting License Required for Certain Species:
If you plan to catch turtles or frogs, you must have a hunting license—a fishing license covers fish, mollusks, and other aquatic life only.

Which Texas Fishing License is Right for You?

• Fishing for a day or weekend? → Get a One-Day All-Water License.
• Fishing throughout the year? → An annual or year-from-purchase license is the best value.
• Fishing in both freshwater and saltwater? → Choose an All-Water Package.
• Avid hunter & angler? → The Super Combo Package offers the best deal.

Where & How to Buy a Texas Fishing License

Getting a Texas fishing license is quick and easy, with multiple purchase options available. Whether you prefer to buy online, over the phone, or in person, here’s everything you need to know.

1. Buy Online

You can purchase a Texas fishing license online through the official TPWD License Sales Website (Texas License Connection).

✔ Instant access – Print a temporary license immediately after purchase.
✔ Secure payments – Accepts major credit cards.
✔ Convenience fee – Online transactions include a $5 administrative fee.

Where to buy online?

• Visit the TPWD website
• Directly access the Texas License Connection at txfgsales.com

2. Buy by Phone

You can order a Texas fishing license over the phone by calling (800) 895-4248.

Availability: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Payment: Major credit cards accepted.
Confirmation: You’ll receive a confirmation number to use as proof until your license arrives via email or mail.
Fee: A $5 administrative fee applies to phone orders.

3. Buy in Person (Retail Stores & TPWD Offices)

For those who prefer to purchase a license in person, there are over 1,800 retailers statewide that sell Texas fishing permits.

Retailers That Sell Fishing Licenses

Sporting Goods Stores: Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s
Big Retailers: Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods
Bait & Tackle Shops
Gun Shops
Grocery Stores & Some Convenience Stores

How to Buy in Person:

• Visit the store’s sporting license counter or customer service desk.
• Bring a valid photo ID (and proof of residency for resident licenses).
• Retailers print your license on the spot for immediate use.

4. Buy at TPWD Offices

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) law enforcement offices and the Austin headquarters also sell fishing licenses.

Why buy at TPWD offices?

• Special Licenses: Some licenses, like the free military/veteran licenses, are only available in person.
• Commercial Licenses: Required for certain professional fishing activities.
• Assistance with Documents: TPWD staff can verify eligibility for discounted or exempt licenses.

Find a TPWD office near you: Visit the official TPWD website for locations and hours.

5. Keeping Your License With You

Texas law requires you to carry proof of your fishing license while fishing. This can be:

A physical paper copy of your license.
A digital image (photo) of your license on your phone.
The Outdoor Annual mobile app, which allows you to display your digital license.

Tip: If you purchase online or by phone, you can use your confirmation number or printed receipt as proof until the official license arrives.

Lost your license? You can get a replacement—see the TPWD website for details.

Choosing the Best Way to Buy

✔ Want instant access? → Buy online and print a temporary license.
✔ Prefer to talk to someone? → Call (800) 895-4248.
✔ Need it right away? → Visit a retailer or TPWD office.
✔ Getting a military/veteran license? → Must be purchased in person.

Texas Fishing Regulations for 2025

Texas enforces strict fishing regulations to protect fish populations and ensure sustainable angling. These rules cover bag limits (daily catch limits), size limits (minimum/maximum fish length), seasonal closures, and legal fishing methods. Below is an overview of key Texas fishing laws for 2025, including freshwater and saltwater species, seasonal restrictions, and equipment rules.

Bag & Size Limits for Popular Fish Species

Freshwater Fishing Regulations

Species	Daily Bag Limit	Minimum Size	Additional Rules
Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted & Guadalupe Bass	5 (combined)	14 inches (varies by lake)	Some lakes have special slot limits—always check local regulations.
Channel & Blue Catfish	25 (combined)	No minimum	Only 10 fish can be over 20 inches.
Flathead Catfish	5	18 inches	–
Crappie (White & Black)	25 (combined)	10 inches	In winter, some lakes require keeping all crappie caught (no culling).
Sunfish (Bluegill, Redear, etc.)	No limit	No minimum	Great for beginners and kids.
Rainbow & Brown Trout	5 (combined)	No minimum	Special rules apply in Guadalupe River tailrace.
Alligator Gar	1 per day	No minimum	Mandatory harvest reporting within 24 hours (except Falcon Lake). Spawning closures may apply.

Other species like striped bass, walleye, and white bass have specific limits—check the TPWD Outdoor Annual for details.

Saltwater Fishing Regulations

Species	Daily Bag Limit	Slot Size (Keepable Range)	Additional Rules
Red Drum (Redfish)	3	20–28 inches	One redfish over 28” allowed per year (Red Drum Tag required). A Bonus Red Drum Tag allows one additional oversized redfish.
Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Trout)	3	15–20 inches	Only 1 trout over 30 inches allowed per day. Fish 21–30 inches must be released.
Southern Flounder	5	15 inches	Closed Season: Nov 1 – Dec 14 (no harvest). In early November, rod-and-reel only, bag limit is 2.
Black Drum	5	14–30 inches	One fish over 52 inches allowed per day. Fish 30–52 inches must be released.
Sharks	1	Varies by species	Many shark species have minimum size limits (e.g., Atlantic Sharpnose: 24 inches, Hammerheads: 99 inches). Protected species must be released.
Red Snapper (State Waters)	4	15 inches	State waters (0–9 miles) allow year-round harvest. Federal waters (9–200 miles) have seasonal closures.

If fishing in federal waters (beyond 9 miles), always check NOAA rules for species like amberjack, grouper, and snapper.

Seasonal Closures & Special Rules

✔ Southern Flounder Closure: No flounder fishing Nov 1–Dec 14 to protect spawning fish.
✔ Federal Waters Closures: Red snapper, amberjack, and certain groupers have short federal seasons.
✔ Trout Stocking Season: TPWD stocks rainbow trout in lakes and ponds from December to February—some areas have special limits during this period.

Legal Fishing Methods in Texas

Texas strictly regulates fishing gear and techniques to prevent overfishing and protect game fish populations.

Allowed & Restricted Fishing Methods

✅ Legal Methods:

• Rod & Reel (Pole & Line): The primary method for catching game fish (bass, trout, redfish, etc.).
• Bowfishing & Gigs: Allowed for nongame fish (e.g., gar, tilapia, carp), but not for game fish.
• Trotlines & Juglines: Allowed only for catfish in freshwater. Must be labeled with the angler’s information.
• Chumming: Legal in most areas but prohibited in certain rivers.

🚫 Illegal Fishing Methods:

• Snagging/Foul Hooking: Fish must be hooked in the mouth—snagging on purpose is illegal.
• Using Game Fish as Bait: It is illegal to use bass, crappie, or other game fish as live or cut bait.
• Explosives, Poison, or Firearms: Completely banned for fishing in Texas waters.

Important Texas Fishing Regulations to Remember

Boat Limits: Each angler must adhere to their own daily bag limit—no pooling fish.
Fish Identification: When fishing, you cannot clean your catch until you’re off the water (heads/tails must remain intact for identification).
Local Exceptions: Many lakes and rivers have special regulations—always check the TPWD Outdoor Annual or posted signs at the lake.

For official rules, download the TPWD Outdoor Annual App or visit the TPWD website.

Free Fishing Opportunities in Texas

Fishing in Texas doesn’t always require a license! There are several ways to enjoy license-free fishing throughout the year. Whether you’re a beginner, a casual angler, or looking for a budget-friendly fishing trip, here’s where and when you can fish for free in Texas.

1. Free Fishing Day – June 7, 2025

One Day, No License Required

Every year, Texas designates the first Saturday in June as Free Fishing Day. In 2025, this falls on June 7.

✔ No fishing license needed for any public waterbody in Texas.
✔ Open to residents and non-residents.
✔ All other fishing regulations apply (bag limits, size limits, gear restrictions).

This is a great chance for beginners to try fishing or for occasional anglers to enjoy a day on the water at no cost.

2. License-Free Fishing in Texas State Parks

🏞 Fish for Free Year-Round in State Parks

Texas Parks & Wildlife offers a “Free Fishing in State Parks” program that allows you to fish without a license inside designated Texas State Parks.

✔ Applies to both residents and non-residents.
✔ No license or endorsements required, whether fishing from a pier, bank, or wading within the park.
✔ Includes both freshwater and saltwater fishing locations.

Examples of Popular Texas State Parks with License-Free Fishing

• Brazos Bend State Park – Freshwater fishing in park lakes.
• Galveston Island State Park – Saltwater shore and bay fishing.
• Inks Lake State Park – Bank and pier fishing on a scenic hill country lake.
• Caddo Lake State Park – Kayak fishing in East Texas bayous.

⚠ Important:

• Only applies within park boundaries—if you launch a boat and fish outside park waters, you must have a license.
• City and county parks are NOT included—only official Texas State Parks qualify.

3. Fishing for Youth Under 17

Kids Fish for Free, Anytime

✔ Children under 17 can fish year-round without a license in Texas.
✔ Applies to both residents and non-residents.
✔ Perfect for families introducing kids to fishing.

⚠ Note:

• Adults must have a license if fishing alongside the child (unless it’s Free Fishing Day or inside a state park).

4. Fishing on Private Land (No License Needed)

Private Ponds, Lakes & Ranch Stock Tanks

✔ No license is required if fishing in completely private ponds, lakes, or stock tanks on private property.
✔ Great option for landowners or those with permission to fish private waters.

⚠ Important:

• Public water laws apply to rivers, lakes, and streams—even on private land.
• If a river or lake is publicly accessible, a license is required (even if reached through private land).

5. Community Free Fishing Events

Kids’ Fishing Derbies & Learn-to-Fish Days

Throughout the year, Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPWD) and local organizations host free fishing events where licenses are not required for participants.

✔ Includes kids’ fishing derbies, family fishing clinics, and community stocking events.
✔ Often held in city parks, stocked ponds, and piers.
✔ TPWD provides loaner fishing gear at some events.

How to Find Free Fishing Events:

• Check the TPWD events calendar.
• Look for community fishing days at local parks.

Know the Rules: License-Free Fishing Does NOT Mean Regulation-Free

Even when fishing without a license, all other Texas fishing regulations still apply, including:

✔ Bag Limits – Maximum number of fish you can keep per day.
✔ Size Limits – Minimum or slot size restrictions for certain species.
✔ Gear Restrictions – Legal fishing methods still apply (e.g., no snagging, no game fish as bait).

Game wardens enforce these rules to protect Texas fisheries, even on Free Fishing Day or in state parks.

Take Advantage of Texas’ License-Free Fishing!

Fishing is a fun, relaxing, and accessible outdoor activity, and Texas makes it easy for everyone to enjoy it for free through these programs.

✔ Plan a family fishing trip on Free Fishing Day (June 7, 2025).
✔ Explore Texas State Parks for year-round, license-free fishing.
✔ Introduce kids to fishing—anyone under 17 fishes free.
✔ Fish private ponds and lakes without worrying about a license.
✔ Look for free community fishing events near you.

Best Fishing Locations in Texas

Texas is home to some of the best freshwater and saltwater fishing in the U.S. Whether you’re after trophy bass, giant catfish, speckled trout, or offshore big game fish, the Lone Star State has something for every angler. Here are the top fishing spots in Texas for 2025 and what makes them worth visiting.

Best Freshwater Fishing Spots in Texas

1. Lake Fork – The “Bass Capital of Texas” 🎣🏆

📍 Location: East Texas
✔ Best for: Trophy largemouth bass
✔ Why fish here?

• Home to numerous 10+ lb bass, including state record fish.
• Managed with special slot limits to encourage big bass growth.
• Hosts elite bass tournaments throughout the year.
• Also holds crappie and catfish, though bass fishing is the main draw.

2. Sam Rayburn Reservoir – Big Bass & Crappie Haven

📍 Location: East Texas (Largest lake entirely within Texas)
✔ Best for: Bass, crappie, and catfish
✔ Why fish here?

• Massive 114,000-acre fishery with healthy largemouth bass populations.
• Great for spring & fall bass fishing with 3–8 lb fish common.
• Considered one of the top crappie lakes in Texas, with abundant fish near brush piles and timber.

3. Toledo Bend Reservoir – Big Bass & Border Waters

📍 Location: Texas-Louisiana Border
✔ Best for: Largemouth bass, crappie, bream, and catfish
✔ Why fish here?

• Named #1 Bass Lake in the U.S. in recent years.
• Trophy bass potential with double-digit fish caught yearly.
• Texas and Louisiana fishing licenses are valid across the entire lake.

4. Guadalupe River – Year-Round Trout Fishing 🐟

📍 Location: Below Canyon Lake Dam (Texas Hill Country)
✔ Best for: Rainbow trout, brown trout, bass, and sunfish
✔ Why fish here?

• Only year-round trout fishery in Texas with cold tailwater from Canyon Lake.
• Stocked with rainbow trout every winter by TPWD.
• Great for fly fishing, with beautiful Hill Country scenery.

5. Lake Amistad – Clear Water & Big Bass

📍 Location: Near Del Rio, on the Rio Grande
✔ Best for: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish
✔ Why fish here?

• Crystal-clear water with stunning canyon landscapes.
• Springtime topwater action is phenomenal for bass.

6. Lake O’ the Pines – Northeast Texas Hidden Gem

📍 Location: Northeast Texas
✔ Best for: Crappie, catfish, largemouth bass
✔ Why fish here?

• Tree-filled coves create excellent crappie habitat.
• Known for “slab crappie” fishing in the spring.

7. Lake Texoma – The Striper Capital of Texas

📍 Location: Texas-Oklahoma Border
✔ Best for: Striped bass (natural reproduction)
✔ Why fish here?

• One of the only lakes in Texas where stripers reproduce naturally.
• Liberal 10-fish daily limit makes for great action.

8. Falcon Lake – Trophy Bass Fishing on the Rio Grande

📍 Location: South Texas (bordering Mexico)
✔ Best for: Largemouth bass, catfish
✔ Why fish here?

• Known for trophy-sized bass, but water levels fluctuate.
• Legendary big bass history, though recent droughts have affected fishing.

Top Saltwater Fishing Spots in Texas

1. Galveston Bay Complex – Most Popular Saltwater Fishery 🌊

📍 Location: Upper Texas Coast
✔ Best for: Speckled trout, redfish, flounder, sharks
✔ Why fish here?

• Largest estuary in Texas with a variety of species.
• Great wade fishing, kayak fishing, and boat fishing.
• Access to Gulf jetties for larger game fish.

2. Laguna Madre – Trophy Speckled Trout & Redfish Paradise

📍 Location: South Texas (Port Isabel & South Padre Island)
✔ Best for: Speckled trout, redfish, flounder
✔ Why fish here?

• Hypersaline waters support huge speckled trout.
• Famous for sight-casting to redfish in knee-deep clear water.
• Baffin Bay (Upper Laguna Madre) is known for 30”+ trout.

3. Port O’Connor / Matagorda Bay – Underrated Coastal Gem

📍 Location: Mid-Texas Coast
✔ Best for: Redfish, speckled trout, black drum, nearshore Gulf fishing
✔ Why fish here?

• Less crowded than Galveston or Corpus Christi.
• Strong redfish and trout populations in the bay.
• Easy access to Gulf waters for snapper, kingfish, and more.

4. Port Aransas & Rockport – Coastal Bend Hotspot

📍 Location: Central Texas Coast
✔ Best for: Speckled trout, redfish, tarpon, offshore species
✔ Why fish here?

• Kayak-friendly area with prime redfish flats.
• Port Aransas jetties offer big-game action (tarpon, kingfish).
• Offshore charters target tuna, billfish, and snapper.

5. Sabine Lake – Louisiana Border Fishing

📍 Location: Texas-Louisiana Border
✔ Best for: Speckled trout, redfish, flounder
✔ Why fish here?

• Productive estuary near nutrient-rich marshes.
• Great for fall bull redfish and flounder fishing.

6. Offshore Gulf of Mexico – Deep Sea Fishing Heaven 🎣🌊

📍 Location: Depart from Freeport, Galveston, Port Aransas, or South Padre
✔ Best for: Red snapper, amberjack, mahi-mahi, tuna, sailfish
✔ Why fish here?

• Texas has hundreds of offshore oil rigs and artificial reefs that attract big fish.
• Red snapper season is highly regulated, so check TPWD & NOAA guidelines.
• Charters are available for bluewater species like marlin and wahoo.

Renewing or Replacing a Texas Fishing License

Fishing in Texas? Make sure your license is up to date! Here’s how to renew, replace, or update your Texas fishing license so you stay legal on the water.

🎣 Annual Fishing Licenses Expire on August 31

• Texas fishing licenses are valid until August 31 each year (except for Year-from-Purchase licenses, which are valid for 365 days from the purchase date).
• New licenses go on sale starting August 15 for the upcoming season.

How to Renew Your Texas Fishing License

You must manually renew your Texas fishing license each year—there is no automatic renewal option.

✅ Online: Buy a new license through the TPWD License Connection.
✅ By Phone: Call (800) 895-4248 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST).
✅ In Person: Visit any license retailer (Walmart, sporting goods stores, bait shops) or TPWD offices.

Pro Tip: If you buy a new license between August 15–31, it will be valid starting September 1—so you won’t have a lapse in coverage. There’s no discount for early renewal, but you ensure continuous fishing privileges.

Replacing a Lost or Damaged License

If you lose your fishing license or it gets damaged, you can get a replacement (duplicate) license.

How to Replace Your License

✅ In Person: Get a replacement at any license sales location or TPWD office.
✅ Online Orders: If you originally bought online, you can reprint your emailed license for free from the confirmation email.
✅ Affidavit Required: If replacing at a retailer, you must sign a sworn affidavit stating your original license was lost or destroyed.

💰 Replacement Fee:

• Most recreational licenses can be replaced for $3–$10.
• If your license had tags (like Red Drum or Super Combo), an official reprint is required.

⚠ Note: Once you receive a replacement, your original license is void—so don’t use an old copy if you find it later.

Updating Personal Information on Your License

🔹 Moved to a new address? No need to get a new license—your current license remains valid.
🔹 Changed your name? You may want to update your license so it matches your ID, especially if law enforcement checks it.
🔹 How to update information: Contact TPWD Customer Service at (800) 792-1112 or update details when renewing your license.

Accessing a Digital Copy of Your License

📱 Lost your paper license? Use the TPWD Outdoor Annual App!
Texas allows electronic display of fishing licenses, so you can:
✅ Show a photo of your license on your phone.
✅ Access your license anytime using the Outdoor Annual mobile app.

📌 Tip: Save a screenshot of your license on your phone so it’s always accessible, even without internet service.

Key Takeaways

✔ Renew by August 31 to keep your fishing privileges active.
✔ Buy online, by phone, or in person—no auto-renewal is available.
✔ Lost your license? Get a replacement for $3–$10 at a retailer or reprint your online PDF for free.
✔ Use the TPWD app or save a photo of your license to show proof digitally.

Penalties for Fishing Without a License & Other Violations in Texas

Texas game wardens strictly enforce fishing regulations to protect wildlife and maintain fair fishing practices. Violating these laws—whether fishing without a license, exceeding bag limits, or using illegal gear—can lead to fines, legal charges, and even suspension of fishing privileges. Here’s what you need to know about the consequences of breaking Texas fishing laws.

Fishing Without a License: Fines & Penalties

🎣 What Happens If You Fish Without a License?

• Fishing (or attempting to fish) without a valid Texas fishing license is a Class C misdemeanor.
• Fines range from $125 to $500, depending on the violation and prior offenses.
• Each illegal fish caught (over limit or undersized) may result in an additional fine per fish.

⚠ Important:

• Buying a fishing license after being cited does not dismiss the ticket—the offense is failing to have it at the time of fishing.
• Ignoring a fishing citation can escalate it to a Class A misdemeanor, which carries higher fines and potential suspension of fishing privileges.

Other Common Fishing Violations & Penalties

📌 1. Keeping More Fish Than the Daily Bag Limit
✔ Fine: $100–$300 per fish kept over the limit.
✔ Example: If the daily limit for redfish is 3, and you keep 5, you may face two separate fines.

📌 2. Keeping Undersized or Oversized Fish
✔ Fine: $100–$300 per illegal fish.
✔ Example: If a speckled trout must be between 15-20 inches, and you keep a 14-inch trout, you could be fined.

📌 3. Fishing with Illegal Gear
✔ Fine: Up to $500, depending on the violation.
✔ Illegal methods include: snagging game fish, using dynamite, nets, or traps for restricted species.

📌 4. Fishing on Private Land Without Permission
✔ Violation: Criminal trespass + fishing violation.
✔ Penalty: Fines plus possible criminal charges if the landowner presses charges.
✔ Always get permission before fishing private property, even if a river runs through it.

📌 5. License Fraud (Using Someone Else’s License)
✔ Violation: Unlawful use of a fishing license.
✔ Penalty: Hefty fines + potential suspension of fishing privileges.
✔ You cannot borrow someone else’s license—each angler must have their own.

📌 6. Civil Restitution Fees for Illegal Fish
✔ Texas imposes additional fees (beyond fines) for illegally caught fish.
✔ Example: If you keep a redfish over the legal limit, you may have to pay the state a restitution fee per fish.
✔ Failure to pay restitution can lead to a suspension of your fishing/hunting license.

How Texas Game Wardens Enforce Fishing Laws

🚔 Texas Game Wardens have full authority to:
✔ Inspect your catch, cooler, boat livewells, and fishing gear.
✔ Check your fishing license—you must show it upon request.
✔ Issue citations on the spot for any violations.

Where do they patrol?

• Boat ramps, piers, jetties, and fishing areas.
• On the water (they actively check anglers from boats).
• Public lands and even certain private waters when enforcing state regulations.

⚠ If approached by a game warden:
✔ Remain respectful and follow instructions.
✔ Have your fishing license ready (physical or digital).
✔ If unsure about a regulation, ask—they’re there to help.

How to Avoid Fishing Violations

✅ Always carry a valid fishing license (or digital proof on the TPWD app).
✅ Know size & bag limits for the species you’re targeting.
✅ Measure your fish properly before keeping them.
✅ Use only legal fishing methods (no snagging, nets, or unauthorized bait).
✅ Ask permission before fishing on private land.