Who needs a fishing license?
A fishing license is required of anyone who fishes in the public waters of Texas. This covers all the legal means and methods used for taking fish from rod and reel to bow fishing. All persons under 17 years of age, whether Texas residents or non-residents, are exempt from license requirements. Texas residents who were born before September 1, 1930 are exempt from license requirements. Texas residents who are 65 years of age and older and who were born after September 1, 1930 may purchase a Senior Resident Fishing License. Please see the Outdoor Annual for additional information on age requirements and other exemptions.
A person is required to obtain a valid fishing license prior to fishing in inland waters or transporting fish taken from inland waters. A person is required to keep his/her fishing license with him/her at all times while fishing or transporting fish and must exhibit their license for inspection by any warden, department employee, guide or landowner upon request. Possession of fishing tackle in the fields or forest or on the waters or ice of this State without a fishing license is prima facie evidence of fishing in violation of the law. When obtaining a resident license, it is the responsibility of the applicant to submit proof of residency. Maine residents under 16 years or age and nonresidents under 12 years of age may fish without a license. Maine residents (and immediate family members who live with that person ) may fish without a license from their own land if that person owns more than 10 acres of land, lives on that particular piece of land, and the land is used exclusively for
