Fishing in Texas: First-Trip Checklist
The basics for your first trip in Texas, with links to the official sources.
1. License
- Under 17? No license needed. TPWD lists "a person under 17 years of age" as exempt for residents, and "non-residents under 17 years of age" too.
- 17 or older: You need a fishing license with a freshwater or saltwater endorsement. TPWD sells these as packages.
Freshwater package (valid from the date you buy it to Aug. 31 of the same year):
- Resident: $30
- Nonresident: $58
Fishing the coast? You need a saltwater package instead, or add a saltwater endorsement.
Details: TPWD: Fishing Licenses and Packages
Buy or read more: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
2. Fishing rules
All current rules: tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/freshwater-fishing/bag-length-limits
3. Free fishing days
2026 date; 2027 not yet posted: Texas's 2026 Free Fishing Day was Saturday, June 6. Anyone could fish a public waterway without a license.
TPWD holds it on the first Saturday in June each year.
Official info: TPWD: Free Fishing Day 2026
4. Eating your catch
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) tests fish and issues bans and advisories for some waters. Some advisories tell kids under 12 and women who are or could become pregnant to eat less, or none, of certain fish. Check your lake or bay before you keep fish.
Catch & release is a great choice with kids.
Official advisories: DSHS: Fishing Advisories and Bans · TPWD: Fish Consumption Bans and Advisories
5. Boating & life jackets
- Kids under 13 must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket on a boat under 26 feet while it's underway, including drifting.
- Every boat needs a USCG-approved wearable life jacket for each person on board.
Life jacket rules: TPWD: Life Jackets · TPWD: Fishing With a Boat
6. Where to fish
Spots coming soon. We only list spots we can confirm on an official page.