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Choosing the Right Texas Fishing License for Your Visit
- Published Date: February 17, 2026
- Fishing
- Galveston
Summary
All anglers 17+ need a Texas saltwater fishing license for Galveston bay fishing trips. Purchase a one-day or annual pass online via TPWD or at local shops before your trip with Captain Mark.
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Choosing the Right Texas Fishing License for Your Visit
Your source for the best Galveston bay fishing charters.
Making memories and catching limits in Galveston today.
Expert-guided trips through Galveston’s best honey holes.
Trophy fish are waiting—come grab a rod in Galveston!
Family-friendly fun on the water in sunny Galveston, TX.
Landing the Texas Slam with Tides and Tails Guide Service.
Speckled Trout action is heating up in the West Bay flats.
Big Redfish biting today in the Galveston Bay Complex!
Meet your Captain Mark Salazar
- Galveston Inshore Fishing Charter
Galveston Charter Preparedness: Saltwater Fishing License Requirements
Preparing for your day on the water with Tides and Tails Guide Service is straightforward, but ensuring you have the correct documentation is the first step toward a stress-free outing. In Texas, the revenue from fishing licenses goes directly toward conservation efforts, habitat restoration, and keeping the Galveston Bay Complex a world-class fishery.
Who Needs a License?
In Texas, everyone aged 17 and older is required to have a valid fishing license to fish in public waters. This applies whether you are fishing from a pier, the shore, or aboard a private charter.
Exemptions:
- Youth: Both resident and non-resident youth under age 17 fish for free.
- Seniors: Texas residents born before January 1, 1931, are exempt from license requirements.
- State Parks: A license is not required if you are fishing from the bank or a pier within a Texas State Park.
- Free Fishing Day: No one needs a license on the first Saturday in June.
License Types and 2026 Pricing
Since Tides and Tails Guide Service operates primarily in the saltwater reaches of the Galveston Bay Complex, you will need a Saltwater Endorsement. Most anglers find it easiest to purchase a "Package," which includes both the base license and the required endorsement.
License Type Texas Resident Non-Resident
One-Day All-Water $11.00 $16.00
Saltwater Package (Year) $35.00 $63.00
All-Water Package (Year) $40.00 $68.00
Senior Saltwater (65+) $17.00 N/A
Note: Annual licenses (except the "Year-from-Purchase" option) expire each year on August 31st. For travelers joining us for a single day, the One-Day All-Water License is the most cost-effective and popular choice.
Special Categories
- Disabled Veterans: Texas residents and non-residents who are honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or more may qualify for a Free "Super Combo" Package. Proof of disability from the VA is required.
- Active Duty Military: Texas residents currently on full-time active military service can often obtain their licenses at no cost (all-water packages).
Where to Buy Your License
You should secure your license before the morning of your trip to avoid any delays at the dock. You have three convenient ways to purchase:
- Online (Fastest): Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) website. You can save a digital copy to your phone or print a receipt.
- In-Person: Licenses are sold at most major sporting goods stores (Academy, Bass Pro Shops), Walmart, and local bait and tackle shops in Galveston.
- By Phone: Call TPWD at (800) 895-4248 during regular business hours.
Galveston Fishing Adventures and Scenic Views
Visualizing your time with Tides and Tails Guide Service starts here. Our gallery captures the vibrant life of the Galveston Bay Complex, from the silver flash of a trophy Speckled Trout breaking the surface to the golden hues of a Gulf Coast sunset reflecting off the hull of our 25’ Boston Whaler. You’ll see more than just impressive catches; these photos highlight the peaceful backwaters of West Bay, the rhythmic movement of the tides against the jetties, and the local wildlife—from soaring ospreys to dolphins playing in the wake—that make every outing a true outdoor experience.
Explore the comfortable accommodations and the rugged beauty of the Texas shoreline that serve as the backdrop for our charters. Whether it's the focused excitement on a child’s face during a family-friendly fishing trip or the scenic serenity of our nearby coastal landmarks and waterfront cabins, these images tell the story of a perfect day in Galveston. Witness the high-quality gear in action and the pristine conditions of the local marshes where we find our heaviest Redfish and Flounder. Scroll through our collection to see what awaits you on the water and get a firsthand look at the Tides and Tails experience.
