Do you want to go fishing in Texas? Whether you're a resident or a visitor, you'll need to make sure you have the right license. A fishing license is required for anyone fishing in Texas public waters, regardless of age or residency. This includes all legal means and methods used to fish, from rod and reel fishing to bow fishing. All individuals under 17 years of age, whether residents or non-residents of Texas, are exempt from licensing requirements.
A saltwater endorsement is required for fishing in coastal waters; a freshwater endorsement is required for inland waters. For details and exceptions, see fees and license packages. Anyone under the age of 17, or any resident of Texas born before January 1, 1931, does not need a fishing license. Even Oklahoma residents age 65 and older don't need a license to fish in Texas.
Free Fishing Day is also celebrated on the first Saturday of June each year, when everyone in Texas can fish without a license. Fishermen can also enjoy fishing without a license in any state park in Texas, although when fishing on artificial structures, such as a pier or pier, fishing is only allowed with a rod and line, and each person is limited to two poles. Fishing in private waters doesn't require a license, but remember that all natural waterways that cross private property are still counted as public waters, so you may need a license to fish in them, or to try to do so, anyway. If you are 16 years old or older and planning to fish in Texas public waters, you will need a valid Texas fishing license. Even if you are on private property, licensing requirements still apply.
You can purchase a license online on the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife website or from certain providers across the state. In addition, there are some special exceptions for children under 17 who have parental permission and people over 65 who have an approved exemption card. In accordance with the Texas Parks Department's General Fisheries Regulations, anyone who catches or attempts to fish for fish, mussels, clams, crayfish, or other aquatic animals in Texas public waters must have a current Texas fishing license with the appropriate guarantee. This day is called Free Fishing Day and it allows anyone to participate in recreational fishing without having to obtain a license. Every state has its laws that regulate recreational fishing, and all require anglers to obtain a valid fishing license before they can legally fish in the state's waters. Any fish caught in public waters and landed by boat or person in Texas must comply with the length limits and the daily bag and possession limits established for those fish in Texas, regardless of the state or country in which they were caught. Once you have your Texas fishing license, you'll need to have it in your possession to fish, be able to display an image of it on your phone or show proof of purchase from the “Outdoor Annual” mobile application.
Texas has its own set of fishing laws and regulations that must be followed to protect its fish populations. However, if you plan to keep the fish you've caught, a valid fishing license is required. While it is legal to place an identification tag (be careful, as the tags can harm fish) on the outside of a fish and return it to public waters, it is illegal to release a fish with a device or substance implanted or attached to produce a sound, visual, or electronic signal that is used to monitor, track, follow, or in any way help locate it. While fishing, it is illegal to be in possession of more fish than the daily baggage limit or fish that are within a protected length limit. So if you're planning on going fishing in Texas - whether it's catch-and-release or not - make sure you get your valid fishing license first! You can purchase one online on the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife website or from certain providers across the state. There are also some special exceptions for children under 17 who have parental permission and people over 65 who have an approved exemption card.
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