Two men on boat in texas coast

Fly Fishing the Texas Coast

Texas offers unparalleled fishing opportunities in its rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, making it a dream destination for anglers. With a variety of fishing species, types of spots, and a vast fishing culture, this place is a haven for beginner, intermediate, and seasoned fishers. 

If you are interested in fishing in Texas, this guide will provide everything you need including licenses, locations, techniques, and fishing species.

Man with a catch and fishing rod on the ocean

Fishing License in Texas

You will need a fishing license to fish in Texas for both residents and visitors. To acquire a Texas Fishing License, follow the steps below:

License Procedure

Obtaining a fishing license in Texas is a straightforward process. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Log in to TPWD: https://www.txfgsales.com/CustomerSearch.aspx

  2. Follow the steps after signing in.

  3. Receive Your License: Online applicants will receive a digital copy and on-site applicants will receive a physical copy as soon as the details and payment are verified.

License Fees

Considering the demand for fishing sports in Texas, the prices are kept reasonable to match fishing needs:

  • Resident Freshwater License: $30

  • Resident Saltwater License: $35

  • Resident All-Water License: $40

  • Non-Resident Freshwater License: $58

  • Non-Resident Saltwater License: $63

  • Non-Resident All Water License: $68

  • Seniors Freshwater (65+): $12

  • Seniors saltwater (65+): $17

  • One-Day License: $11 for residents; $16 for non-residents

License Age Requirements

  • Under 17 Years Old: No license is required.

  • 17 and Older: A license is mandatory.

  • Senior Residents (65 and older): Eligible for reduced fees.

Always check for updates on fees, regulations, and requirements on the TPWD website before planning your trip.

Saltwater Fish Species in Texas

Texas is home to a lot of fishing species, making it a favorite destination for anglers of all preferences and skills. The following is a detailed explanation of the most popular fishing species in Texas. 

Redfish

Redfish are found primarily in coastal areas in Texas such as Copano Bay and Port Mansfield. The late summer season is ideal for redfish fishing. You can use live bait or soft plastics for a catch.


Ling Fish (Cobia)

Cobia prefers coastal regions, often near buoys or floating debris. Palacios and Galveston are the hotspots for the Ling Fish. You should use a live eel to strike.

Tarpon

Tarpon is also known as the "Silver King" for its shiny scales and acrobatic leaps. Found mostly in the Seadrift and Port Isabel. If you want to fish Tarpon, you should fish in coastal areas in summer.


Jack

Jack is abundant on the Texas coast from April to September. Average jack can weigh up to 2 to 5 lbs but larger can go up to 25 pounds as well. Jack is among the hardest catches on the Texas coast. 

Snook

Snook fishing is popular in warm weather typically from late spring to early fall mostly in Gulf coasts. It is a tropical fish found in saltwater and length up to 24 to 28 inches slot. Snook can be moderately challenging to fish.

Best Coastal Areas for Fishing in Texas

The Gulf Coast is the top coastal fishing resource in Texas. On this coast, there are multiple spots and ports where you can opt out for fly fishing. 

2 men on the boat on coast

Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi is considered one of the most favorite cities for coastal fishing. It offers a variety of fishing opportunities and is a prime destination for anglers due to its location along the Gulf of Mexico.

Seadrift

This coastal town is renowned for redfish and tarpon, a favorite place among saltwater fishers. 

Copano Bay

A hotspot for trout and redfish, offering calm fishing conditions. 

Port Mansfield

Famous for offshore adventures to target tuna, kingfish, and many other fish species.

Galveston

A fishing paradise with opportunities to catch everything from inshore to offshore.

Port Aransas

A popular fishing spot in Texas, to fish red snapper, flounder, and speckled trout. This port provides clear water for sight casting, diverse fish species, and year-round opportunities

Port O'Connor

Port O’Conner, often called “POC” by anglers, is a renowned fishing destination on the Texas Gulf Coast. Port O’Conner offers features like shallow flats, grass beds, and marshes, making it ideal for fly fishing. Moreover, you can enjoy unpressured waters, and a diverse species range of species. 

Beautiful view of ocean

Laguna Madre Region

Laguna Madre Region features hyper-saline lagoon, vast shallow flats, specific diversities, and diverse habitats. In this region, you can fish trout, redfish, black drum, snook, and tarpon.

Rockport

Rockport is a premier destination for saltwater fly fishing enthusiasts situated on the Texas Gulf Coast. It is famous for its beautiful bays, clear flats, and abundant fish species, offers a variety of opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers.

Budgeting for Fishing in Texas

Fishing in Texas can be affordable or luxurious depending on your choice. Here’s how you can budget your fishing in Texas:

  • Gear: You can either buy basic rods and reels starting at $100 or shop for high-end equipment which can cost up to $1,200. For a fly fishing trip, you need to buy a fly rod, reel, fly line, leader, waders, wading boots, wading socks, flies, polarized sunglasses, lightweight shirt, sunscreen, water bottle, net, etc.

angler with a fishing rod

  • Licenses: While choosing between licenses, you should choose between a one-day license or an annual license carefully by evaluating your budget and frequency.

  • Charters: Half-day trips start at around $500, whereas a full-day offshore adventure can cost $1,000 or more.

  • DIY Trips: You can save money by bringing your fishing gear from public docks.


Best Fishing Times and Seasons in Texas

Timings can significantly impact your fishing trips. Here are the best times on the clock and calendar for fishing:

Time of Day

  • Morning: the best time to go fishing in Texas is in the early hours (6-9 AM), especially in the summers.

  • Evening: Late afternoon to sunset (4–7 PM) is another prime time as temperatures cool down.

Best Time of the Year

  • Best time for fly fishing are the months of September, october, and november.

Types of Fishing Techniques

Fishing is considerably popular in Texas and anglers know and employ a variety of techniques depending on their target species and location.

Poling Skiff

A poling skiff is a small, lightweight, flat-bottomed boat designed for navigating shallow coastal waters. It’s propelled manually by a guide or angler using a long pole to push the boat silently across the flats. 

Advantages of a Poling Skiff:

  • Access to deeper flats.

  • Exploration of large areas.

  • Silent approach minimizes fish disturbance.

  • Visibility for spotting fish.

  • Reduced physical strain.

Professional anglers on boat for fly fishing

Wading

Wading involves walking in shallow flats, marshes, or estuaries to cast directly from the water. Anglers often wear waders or specialized footwear for protection and comfort.

Advantages of Wading:

  • Closer to nature.

  • Stealthy and low-profile approach.

  • Cost-effective and minimal gear requirements.

  • Precision casting..

Conclusion

Fishing in Texas is a lifestyle that combines adventure, relaxation, and thrill. Whether you’re fishing for bass in a quiet lake, chasing redfish along the coast, or embarking on an offshore for tuna, Texas has it all. 

Use this guide to plan your trip, and you’ll create memories that last very long. Respect local regulations, practice sustainable fishing, ensure all safety measurements, and enjoy one of the best fishing experiences of your life in Texas.