Texas · Fishing license · Age
What age do you need a fishing license in Texas?
From 17 on, with no upper limit.
The ages that matter
Under 17
No license needed
Children can fish without one. Everything else still applies though — limits, sizes and seasons do not change with age.
17 and up
License required
Carry it with you while fishing.
65 and up
Cheaper, not free
Texas has no age exemption. Residents get a reduced rate instead: Freshwater package, senior (65+) at $12, Saltwater package, senior (65+) at $17, All-water package, senior (65+) at $22.
How TPWD words it
TPWD: "Resident and non-resident youth under the age of 17 do not need a fishing license." Only Texans born before January 1, 1931 are exempt by age beyond that — anyone 65 or older born later buys the senior packages at reduced prices instead of fishing free.
Quoted rather than paraphrased. With rules that carry a fine, the exact wording is the point.
Other ways to be exempt
Age is one route. TPWD lists these as well.
- Texans born before January 1, 1931
- Fishing on state park property, or in waters completely enclosed by a state park (pole-and-line only on park structures, two poles per person)
- Fishing in waters completely enclosed within private property
- Everyone on Free Fishing Day, the first Saturday in June
- Persons with intellectual disabilities fishing as part of medically approved therapy under supervision, or with a licensed family member and medical documentation
