Fishing is a wonderful pastime for anyone who enjoys scenic water views and the chance to reel in a huge catch. However, the state enforces fishing license requirements to protect wildlife, manage fish populations, and make sure everyone plays by the same set of rules. Every angler needs to understand the Texas fishing license age requirements and how they apply to both adults and children who want to enjoy this great outdoor experience.
At What Age Do You Need a Fishing License in Texas?
The minimum Texas age for a fishing license is 17. Any Texas resident aged 17 or older must carry a valid fishing license to fish in public waters. This includes rivers, lakes, bays, and even the Gulf.
The cost of a fishing license in Texas starts at $30 for the freshwater package. It costs $35 for a saltwater license, or you can bundle freshwater and saltwater together for $40. Out-of-state anglers have to pay as much as $68 for a Texas fishing license. Licenses are valid from the date of purchase through August 31 of the same license year.
In addition to age regulations, licensed anglers should also be aware of basic fishing laws in Texas. These include size and bag limits for different fish species and gear restrictions for certain areas. Wardens may check for compliance at any time, so play it safe by always having the right license on hand.
Do Kids Need a Fishing License in Texas?
No, children under 17 are not required to carry a fishing license in Texas. The Texas fishing license age requirements do not apply to minors, which makes it easy for kids to learn the basics and enjoy the outdoors without extra complications. However, minors must still follow all fishing regulations, including size and bag limits.
While there is no law requiring adult supervision, it is strongly recommended that young children fish with a parent or guardian. This keeps everyone safe and helps kids learn to fish responsibly.
Texas also offers a great opportunity for everyone to fish for free once a year. Free Fishing Day takes place on the first Saturday in June. Anyone of all ages, including out-of-state anglers, can fish in Texas public waters without a license.
Do You Have To Have a Fishing License if You’re Over 65 in Texas?
Individuals who are 65 or older qualify for a discounted senior fishing license in Texas. Seniors must still purchase a license to fish legally, but they are eligible for a Senior Resident Fishing License for only $12.
To qualify, one must be a Texas resident and show proof of age and residency when purchasing the license. The senior fishing license provides the same privileges as the standard one but at a more accessible cost.
Even if you are over 65, fishing without a license in public waters can lead to fines or penalties. The only exception applies to private water bodies completely enclosed within private land, which do not require a license at any age.
Explore a Great Fishing Spot for Texas Fishing License Holders of All Ages
At Boat Stop Marina, we want to make it as seamless as possible for you to enjoy a great day of fishing. Meet the Texas fishing license age requirements, bring your favorite gear, and get started. View our rates or call to learn more about the fishing opportunities that come with a Boat Stop Marina membership.
Whether you live in the area or plan to visit, you may wonder about the best things to do in North Padre Island, TX. This seaside sanctuary is a barrier island more than 100 miles long located on the east side of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico. At its upper end, North Padre Island is a district of Corpus Christi, Texas, where year-round mild temperatures provide ample opportunities for entertainment, both outdoors and indoors.
What Are the Most Popular Things To Do in North Padre Island?
North Padre Island is a coastal haven packed with outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, and relaxing recreation. Whether you’re here for the Gulf breezes or the open water, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time. No matter your pace, North Padre Island attractions offer something for every kind of traveler.
1. Boating
North Padre Island is a premier boating locale. You can charter boats to see dolphins, host special events, watch the sunset, or even just enjoy the island’s natural ecology. You may also enjoy sailing, water skiing, or simply spending time on the water for pleasure.
2. Fishing
As a world-renowned fishing destination, anglers flock to North Padre Island. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, there are lots of places where you can fish right from shore. Upper Laguna Madre, for example, is one of the area’s most important estuaries and an ecological hotspot where you can find trout, flounder, black drum, and redfish.
If you prefer to get out on the water, you can launch your boat at a local marina. North Padre Island and Corpus Christi also offer fishing charters that allow you to get into deeper waters and catch sharks, northern red snapper, tuna, snook, sailfish, tarpon, marlin, mahi-mahi, and other large fish species.
Before your fishing adventure, get a valid fishing license from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Learn about the regulations concerning freshwater and saltwater fin fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. These include rules on catch limits, fishing methods, boating regulations, and aquatic species transport. Before you eat any fish you catch, check with the Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Texas to learn about any advisories.
3. Non-Motorized Water Sports
If you seek a non-motorized activity on the water, you can lease a kayak and get close to the sea life. There are opportunities to take guided kayak tours, including night tours in transparent kayaks illuminated with colorful lights. This unique experience is one of the most popular things to do in North Padre Island for both locals and visitors.
Surfing, a very popular water sport, is one of the most common North Padre Island attractions. If you don’t have experience, you can lease equipment and pay for lessons. You can also try skimboarding and bodyboarding, or even paddleboarding, which has become a popular water sport in recent years.
If you want more of an adrenaline rush, consider kite surfing or windsurfing. Both these activities harness the wind to move you around the water. You can also enjoy scuba and snorkeling adventures.
4. Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore is 130,434 acres of undeveloped island, including 70 miles of coastline. Visiting this national park is one of the most appreciated things to do in North Padre Island.
Here you can observe the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, the most endangered in the world, as well as other endangered and threatened species. You can also view bird species in the park’s different habitats, such as the tidal mudflats, the grasslands, and the beaches.
At the beach, you can swim, fish, search for seashells, or just relax in the sun. You will also find campgrounds where you can place your tent right along the beach. You can even rent beach chairs, fishing equipment, children’s toys, coolers, and canopies. Don’t forget to include horseback riding along the beach as part of your adventure!
5. Texas Sealife Center Tours
Beautiful different type of birds seen roaming around the bird’s sanctuary of the island in South Padre
If you have children or simply want to learn more about wildlife preservation, consider some alternative North Padre Island attractions, such as the Texas Sealife Center. This nonprofit rescues local wildlife that have been injured or become stranded and need a little help.
The center provides rehabilitation and support to these local aquatic and coastal species, but its goal is to release the wildlife back into their natural environment. They also provide educational opportunities and try to raise awareness about conservation efforts.
6. Golf
If you enjoy golf and are looking for things to do in North Padre Island, you are in for a treat. In Port Aransas, you will find Pamilla Beach, where you can golf without a club membership. This 12-hole course was an Arnold Palmer creation.
The Oso Beach Golf Course offers lessons, camps, a junior academy, and golf events, including the Monday Night Scramble and a 9-hole league. Designed by John Bredemus in 1949, the course hosts the World Championship Four-Ball Match.
If you want an 18-hole regulation course, driving range, and putting area, check out the Lozano Golf Center. For families with children, consider visiting Treasure Island Golf and Games, a mini-golf course with an indoor arcade.
7. Corpus Christi Museums
If you are looking for some indoor activities to do in North Padre Island, TX, consider visiting the museums in Corpus Christi. Start with the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History and the Bay Education Center, which houses the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Science on a Sphere.
You may also consider the Art Museum of South Texas or the Art Center of Corpus Christi. View various historic homes, including the French Galvan House, Britton-Evans Centennial House, Julius Lichtenstein House, and the Grande-Grossman House, which includes the Tejano Civil Rights Museum.
For a little naval history, check out the USS Lexington Museum, a working WWII aircraft carrier. Experience the Haunting on the Blue Ghost and tour, and don’t forget the Texas Maritime Museum.
8. Swimming in North Padre Island
Several beaches in the area allow swimming, including North Beach, Malaquite, Laguna Madre at Bird Island Basin, and South Beach. However, none of these beaches have lifeguards and often have strong currents, tides, and sharp drop-offs. Pay attention to the beach warning flags to keep yourself and your family safe.
What Are Your Favorite Things To Do in North Padre Island?
North Padre Island is a paradise for those seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Whether you’re enjoying a day on the water, exploring the local wildlife, or taking in the serene landscapes, there’s no shortage of things to do in North Padre Island. Plan your visit today and explore all that this seaside escape has to offer! For more information on getting out on the water, check out Boat Stop Marina for boat storage and more.
Baffin Bay is a bucket-list destination for anglers chasing trophy-sized speckled trout, redfish, and flounder. But if you’re new to the area, it’s hard to know exactly where to fish in Baffin Bay for success. Unlike other bays along the Texas coast, Baffin has no direct river inflow. The bay’s clear, hypersaline waters cause unique fish behavior, with the advantages of shallow flats and submerged structures.
The best fishing spots in Baffin Bay attract locals and visitors alike no matter the time of year, especially those willing to explore.
The Ultimate Guide to Where To Fish in Baffin Bay
Whether you like drifting, wading, or kayak fishing, these Baffin Bay fishing spots should definitely be on your radar.
1. The Rocks (Serpentine & Cathead Reefs)
Baffin Bay’s famous rocks are prime for anyone targeting monster trout. These ancient serpulid worm reefs provide the perfect ambush points for monster trout. Fish here by wading or drifting with live croaker, soft plastics, or topwater lures in the morning.
Boat Stop Tip: The rocks can be tricky to maneuver. Watch your depth finder to avoid running aground.
2. The Tide Gauge Bar
Located near the mouth of Baffin Bay, the Tide Gauge Bar is a great destination if you’re looking to catch slot redfish and trout. The grass beds and sandy pockets make it a great place to throw topwaters, soft plastics, or live shrimp under a popping cork.
Boat Stop Tip: If the bite slows down, try moving just off the edge of the bar into deeper water, where fish stage throughout the day.
3. Penascal Point
One of the best fishing spots in Baffin Bay, Penascal Point is excellent for both shore-based and boat anglers. A mix of mud, shell, and sand bottom attracts trophy trout and slot reds. On windy days, fish stack up along deeper edges. Slow-sinking lures and bottom fishing with live bait are solid choices.
Boat Stop Tip: During the colder months, fish move onto mud bottoms that retain heat, which is perfect for a winter fishing trip.
4. Alazan Bay
If you’re looking for a secluded, less-pressured area, head to Alazan Bay. This westernmost section of Baffin Bay is perfect for wading and kayak anglers who enjoy shallow water, grass beds, and sand pockets. It’s also an amazing flounder spot in the fall.
Boat Stop Tip: Look for nervous baitfish or slicks on the water’s surface. These are telltale signs that predators are feeding nearby.
5. Cayo del Grullo
For those who prefer drifting over wading, Cayo del Grullo is a must-fish spot. This bay arm’s long, grassy flats attract redfish, trout, and black drum. Drift a popping cork with shrimp or work a paddle tail along the bottom for best results.
Boat Stop Tip: Fish tend to push up shallow early in the morning and move deeper as the day heats up. Adjust your strategy accordingly.
How To Find Your Own Baffin Bay Fishing Spot
If you’re feeling adventurous, these tips can guide you toward your own honey hole:
Look for Slicks: Oily patches signal feeding fish.
Watch the Birds: Diving gulls or terns mean baitfish (and hungry predators below).
Check the Wind & Tides: Some spots fish better on incoming or outgoing tides.
Explore the Shorelines: Wading mudflats and grass beds often lead to big catches.
Plan the Perfect Trip To Fish in Baffin Bay
You’ve figured out where to fish in Baffin Bay—now it’s time to start planning your trip. Whether launching from Boat Stop Marina, storing your boat at Boat Stop Storage, or staying at a nearby RV resort, you’re in prime position to hit these Baffin Bay fishing spots with ease. Ready to reel in your next big catch? Book your spot today and get on the water!
Texas offers many great opportunities for fishing, whether saltwater or freshwater fishing, no matter where you are from or how old you are. However, you must know the fishing laws in Texas to avoid the risk of penalties, fines, or even jail time. That is where Boat Stop Marina comes in. We know the fishing laws and can help you understand them so you can avoid potential setbacks in your fishing excursion. Let’s look at them now.
General Fishing License Requirements
Texas requires fishing licenses with the appropriate endorsement for all residents and non-residents to fish in public waters. Licenses are valid from the purchase date to August 31 of the same year. If you purchase a freshwater package, you can buy the saltwater endorsement and vice versa.
Exceptions for Texas Residents
A fishing license is not required for residents under 17 years of age, a person born before January 1, 1931, a person with an intellectual disability and fishing is a part of their therapy, or a person with an intellectual disability fishing under the supervision of a licensed angler.
Exception for Non-Residents
As a non-resident of Texas, you do not require a fishing license if you are under 17 years of age, if you are a resident of Louisiana with a valid Louisiana Recreational fishing license and are 65 or older, or an Oklahoma resident 65 or older.
Fishing License Packages
You can choose from three types of fishing license packages: saltwater, freshwater, and all-water. The saltwater and freshwater packages come with a fishing license and the appropriate endorsement. The saltwater endorsement also comes with a Red Drum tag.
Species-Specific Regulations
If you are inshore saltwater fishing, certain fish have bag and length limits. For example, Red Drums have a minimum length requirement of 20 inches and a maximum length of 28 inches. The bag limit for Red Drums is three per day. If you are offshore deep-sea fishing, most of these fish have limits that follow federal regulations.
If you are freshwater fishing in Texas, bag and length limits also apply. For example, White Bass have a minimum length requirement of 10 inches with no maximum length. The bag limit for White Bass is 25 per day.
Bag and size limit regulations help maintain fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing practices.
Fishing Seasons and Closures
Fishing laws in Texas list seasons and closures to protect fish during vulnerable spawning times and help maintain healthy fish populations so that you and others can continue fishing year after year. Texas has different closures and seasons for different species and the water where you are fishing. Season closures for specific fish mean that you can’t catch that type of fish during that time.
Generally, there are no official closed seasons for freshwater or saltwater fishing in Texas. However, Texas may implement closure on certain fish species if the quota for that period has been met, for example, they do this with Bluefin Tuna.
Gear and Method Regulations
According to the fishing laws in Texas, you can use many different methods for fishing.
Pole and Line: A person can use a pole with an attached line and hook, including a rod with a reel, to catch gamefish and nongame fish.
Cast Net: A net thrown by hand over a designated area can be used for nongame fish, crab, crayfish, and shrimp, though some restrictions apply.
Jugline: A fishing line with five or fewer hooks is attached to a floating device with the appropriate gear tag. It can be used in freshwater only to catch nongame fish and specific kinds of catfish.
There are many more legal fishing devices and methods available. Check with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to ensure there are no exceptions or restrictions on your preferred method or gear.
Exceptions and Restrictions
Here are a few of the exceptions and restrictions on fishing devices and methods:
Unless otherwise noted, you can fish with multiple poles or other devices.
If you are freshwater fishing, you can fish with multiple devices. However, having more than 100 hooks on the devices is unlawful.
When freshwater fishing, if you are using a spear or spear gun for gamefish, you must use a handheld device underwater to take fish.
These are just a few of the limitations you may encounter when reviewing fishing laws in Texas.
Penalties and Enforcement
If you violate any of the fishing laws in Texas, you may be penalized depending on the severity of the violation and the number of offenses you have committed. For example, you could be charged with a misdemeanor and get fined.
Class C misdemeanor fines are between $25 and $500. Fines for Class B misdemeanors are between $200 and $2000, and you can receive jail time up to six months. A Class A misdemeanor includes fines of between $500 and $4000, and you can receive up to a year in jail time.
You could also be fined with state felonies if you are fishing in private waterways without consent from the landowner, and it is your second offense. Felony penalties include fines between $1,500 and $10,000, and you can receive up to two years of jail time. You can also get your fishing license suspended or revoked for up to five years and forfeit your fishing gear.
How To Stay Updated on Fishing Laws
To stay updated on fishing laws in Texas, contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. You can also visit them online for new updates to fishing laws. You could subscribe to their newsletter for information on law changes, or follow them on their social media channels.
Texas Outdoor Annual App
Another way to stay informed is to download the Texas Outdoor Annual App. This app shows you everything from bag and size limits to where to find a retailer that sells fishing licenses.
Learn the Fishing Laws in Texas with Boat Stop Marina
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is your best resource for fishing laws, but you can also ask experienced anglers, fishing shops, or marinas. If you review and follow the laws, no trouble will arise. If you have questions or want to know more about the fishing laws in Texas before hitting the water, contact us at Boat Stop Marina today.
Catch-and-release fishing is just what it sounds like. You catch a fish and release it in the same water you caught it in. When finishing in Texas, whether you are keeping the fish or going out for some fun catch-and-release fishing, you must have a Texas fishing license with the proper endorsement. If you are fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, you need a saltwater endorsement, and likewise for freshwater lakes, rivers, etc. So, the real question is, “Can you catch and release fish out of season in Texas?” Let’s find out.
How Do You Catch and Release Fish Without Killing Them?
Catching and releasing fish is a fun way to spend the day if you know how to avoid killing the fish in the process. Here are some equipment tips and fishing strategies to avoid killing fish during your catch-and-release fishing expedition.
Equipment
These equipment tips will lessen the stress on fish and help them survive after their release.
Use circle or barbless hooks, or crimp the barb down on hooks for easier release.
Use non-stainless steel hooks, as they will corrode over time and fall off the fish if you cannot remove them or the fish breaks your line.
Ensure your tackle is strong enough to land the fish quickly so it does not exhaust itself fighting.
If needed, use a wet, soft mesh net or rubber net to prevent any disturbance to the fish’s mucus coating, eyes, fins, gills, etc.
You should also invest in a dehooker or other release tool to minimize handling the fish. A release tool also makes it easier to release the fish without taking it out of the water.
Best Practices for Catch and Release
Here are some best practices for catching and releasing fish for its best chance of survival.
If possible, release the fish in the water. If you cannot, keep air exposure to 60 seconds or less.
If you must handle the fish, make sure your hands are wet and do not touch the fish’s eyes or gills.
If you have to remove the fish from the water, support its body with your hands. Avoid holding the fish by its lip or mouth.
When releasing a fish, hold the fish’s belly. If it does not swim away quickly, you can resuscitate the fish by holding its mouth toward the current until it can swim away independently.
Also, if the fish swallows the hook or you cannot remove it easily, cut the line as close to it as possible.
What Happens if You Accidentally Catch a Fish Out of Season?
If you accidentally catch a fish out of season, you need to release it immediately with the least amount of harm. Do not attempt to keep the fish. Violating Texas fishing laws is a misdemeanor, either class A, B, or C, that can result in fines up to $4000 and up to a year of jail time, depending on the severity of the offense.
Boat Stop Marina Helps You Understand if You Can Catch and Release Fish Out of Season
Can you catch and release fish out of season in Texas? Yes, but if you do, release them right away without causing the fish harm. Punishment for violating Texas fishing laws can result in hefty fines and/or jail time. If you are visiting Corpus Christi and want to learn more about Texas fishing laws and tips and tricks for catch-and-release fishing, contact us at Boat Stop Marina.
The vast expanse that is the Gulf of Mexico holds a large diversity of fish due to its many different ecosystems and habitats. There is offshore fishing in the depths where you can find tuna, marlin, and swordfish. However, inshore fishing is where you can catch more common fish from reefs, jetties, and marshes. Let’s dive in and discover Gulf of Mexico fish species that are fun to catch, and that our taste buds will enjoy, too.
What Types of Fish Are in the Gulf of Mexico?
Fishing in these waters can be fun and exhilarating. You can catch inshore or offshore fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Here are some of the Gulf of Mexico fish species you may encounter on your fishing expedition.
Inshore Species
Inshore fishing in bays or estuaries brings a unique experience to any individual, even seasoned anglers. The following fish are just a few examples of common fish in the Gulf of Mexico.
Redfish or Red Drum
Redfish or Red Drum are popular in the Gulf of Mexico, and you can catch them year-round. They are known for their challenging fighting nature. According to Texas regulations, the minimum length must be 20 inches, and the maximum length must be 28 inches. The bag limit for Red Drum is three per day.
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout are delicate fish that should be handled with finesse and patience. They are abundant in bays and estuaries. Texas regulations state that the minimum length for Speckled Trout is 15 inches, and the maximum is 20 inches. The bag limit for Speckled Trout is three per day.
Red Snapper
Red Snapper is perhaps one of the most sought-after types of fish in the Gulf of Mexico. You can usually find these fish near reefs or other structures, and they can weigh up to 30 pounds. You can catch Red Snapper year-round in state waters, and any you catch must be a minimum of 15 inches in length. The bag limit for Red Snapper is four per person per day.
Flounder
Flounder is another common fish in the Gulf of Mexico. They like to dwell at the bottom of the Gulf and bays near the shoreline. The meat is delicious. When you catch flounder, they must be a minimum of 15 inches in length, and there is no maximum length limit. The bag limit for Flounder is five per day, except between November 1 and December 14, when the fishery is closed.
Offshore Species
Offshore or deep-sea fishing is a different adventure in and of itself. Here, you will find many Gulf of Mexico fish species that like to put up a good fight. Let’s look at a few examples now, and do not forget your fishing gloves!
Tuna
You may encounter several types of tuna in the Gulf of Mexico, including Yellowfin, Albacore, Bigeye, Skipjack, Bluefin, and more. Bag limits and size requirements are different for all species of tuna. Tuna season is generally year-round except for Bluefin tuna. But if the quota is met, they will close the Bluefin tuna season.
Albacore and Skipjack tuna do not have a minimum length requirement or bag limit. Bigeye and Yellowfin tuna must be a minimum of 27 inches in length. There is no bag limit for Bigeye tuna. However, Yellowfin tuna has a bag limit of three per person daily.
Wahoo
Wahoo is a fast and agile game fish. Its body shape resembles a torpedo, offering a quick and furious fishing experience. You can only catch this fish with a hook and line. There is no bag limit or minimum size for Wahoo.
Mahi-Mahi
A favorite among sports fishermen, the Mahi-mahi or Dolphin Fish has bright, vivid colors and a fun fight. You can catch Mahi-mahi year-round in Texas, but the best time of year for catching these fish is May through September. There are no bag limits or minimum length for Mahi-mahi in Texas.
Sailfish
The fastest fish in the ocean, the Sailfish, is known for its dorsal fin, which looks like a sail. They are speedy and agile. If you land one of these Gulf of Mexico fish species, you are in for one high-energy, exhilarating adventure. The Sailfish must be a minimum length of 84 inches. There is no maximum length or bag limit for Sailfish in Texas.
What Is the Tastiest Fish in the Gulf of Mexico?
With so many Gulf of Mexico fish species, how do you really know which fish are the tastiest? By listening to seafood experts, that’s how. Let’s look at some of the most delicious fish you can land in the Gulf of Mexico.
Red Snapper
Red Snapper offers lean, moist meat with a mild, distinct flavor. Even large ones taste great. This is why Red Snapper is highly regulated and has strict bag limits. Cooking this fish on the grill or a quick pan fry with no seasoning or just salt and pepper makes it taste great. Over-seasoning this fish will cover up its natural flavor, making it less delicious.
Yellowfin Tuna
The Yellowfin tuna has a mild, meaty flavor. Its meat is leaner than that of Bluefin tuna and has more flavor than Albacore. A dark lateral line runs through the Yellowfin tuna’s meat, which you can remove for a milder flavor profile. In addition, you can marinate the tuna steaks in your favorite white wine and brown sugar to make them even more flavorful.
Red Grouper
Red Grouper has white, mild, firm meat with large flakes. The meat is moist and lean with a mild, distinct flavor. Along with being a top tasty Gulf of Mexico fish species, the Red Grouper has lots of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B6 and 12, potassium, protein, and more. Three ounces of this fish raw gives you 100 calories and 20 mg of protein.
Discover Gulf of Mexico Fish Species with Boat Stop Marina
When it comes to types of fish in the Gulf of Mexico, species are abundant, and you can fish inshore or offshore, depending on what you want to do for the day. Ensure you have your Texas fishing license and review the regulations for the types of fish you want to catch so you do not violate any laws. If you have questions or want to learn more about Gulf of Mexico fish species, contact us at Boat Stop Marina.
