Texas is a MECA of freshwater and saltwater areas accessible to the public. If you fish in any of Texas’s many state parks you do not need a license. Free in State Parks is designed to encourage more people to get out and enjoy the great sport of fishing. It has long been one of the most popular activities in the U.S., and it is our hope that everyone will want to share in the countless memories that can be created out on the water. To do that, Texas Parks & Wildlife has waived the normal license and stamp requirements for anyone inside the property boundary of a Texas state park. Once you've paid the park entrance fees, no one needs a license or stamp, whether freshwater or saltwater, adult or child, as long as they're inside the state park. However, bag limits, length limits, and other regulations will still apply, and be enforced. This applies to from the bank, a pier, river or creek fishing, and from a boat, if the water body is fully contained within the state park boundary. You can even wadefish in our coastal state parks along park property. You can enjoy the Free in State Parks program at more than 50 state parks, and at numerous Wildlife Management Areas across Texas. There will also be events throughout the year to add to the excitement—from kids’ derbies to “Learn to Fish” seminars. Some parks will be providing loaner equipment and bait: just call ahead to ask.
When you are looking for a place to fish in Texas you will make your trip planning much easier if you look for Texas report information in the following regions of the state: Panhandle Plains, Prairies and Lakes, Pineywoods,

Gulf Coast, South Texas Plains, Hill Country ,and the Big Bend Country.| There are over 100 lakes, reservoirs, and gulf areas to fish in these regions.

If you are going to fish for saltwater fish species only, refer to the Gulf Cost region to get your Texas reports and license and regulation information. If you know what freshwater fish species you want to target refer to any of the other regions. All of the regions have detail Texas report, Texas Weather reports, and Texas map information available to help you plan a trip to Texas.