Texas Salt Water Fishing Regulations

All recreational anglers must possess a Texas fishing license when fishing on Texas' coast or in the Gulf of Mexico within nine nautical miles of Texas' shores. As of August 2009, a Texas saltwater fishing license costs $33 for residents. Alternatively, anglers may purchase an all-water license for $38, which is also good for freshwater fishing. Nonresidents pay either $60 for a saltwater license or $65 for an all-water license. You may buy a license online (see Resources), at various local locations such as department stores and sporting goods stores, or via telephone by calling the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department toll-free at (800) 895-4248 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. every weekday.

Individuals may only catch and keep a certain amount of saltwater fish every day, as determined by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. This ensures the sustainability of Texas' fish populations. Some species, such as gafftopsail catfish, mullet and marlin, do not have a limit. Others, such as mackerel and seatrout, have limits. For example, anglers may only catch ten seatrout a day. Additional size limits may be imposed to ensure anglers aren't catching juveniles. The bag limits change every fishing season. Anglers should consult the department for the latest updates to the size and number restrictions.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX 78744
Nationwide: (800) 792-1112
In Austin, TX: (512) 389-4800

Fish caught in Texas' ocean waters under a recreational fishing license may not be sold commercially. Individuals who wish to catch fish to sell, even just as a small side business, must acquire a commercial fishing license. As of August 2009, a resident finfish license is $360 and a non-resident finfish license is $1,440. Individuals found breaking Texas' fish and wildlife laws may be faced with up to $10,000 in fines, license suspension and jail time.

Anglers who drift beyond nine nautical miles from Texas' coast enter federal waters. Additional rules and regulations come into play as determined by federal statutes. For example, fishing equipment must be modified to meet federal regulations. All hooks must be non-stainless steel circle hooks. Different bag limits and size limits may also be imposed depending on the saltwater species. Anglers should consult the federal guidelines (see Resources) to determine how these extraneous rules may apply to their individual fishing trip.