Go Fishing for Free Saturday In Texas — No License Required!

(East Texas)  One of the most relaxing things you can do is go fishing. However, to fish in public waterways throughout Texas, you MUST HAVE a license.

You Can Fish for Free This Saturday

Saturday, June 7th, is 'Free Fishing Day' in the state of Texas—the only day of the year when you don't need a fishing license to fish.

So can grab that rod and reel, some tackle, and bait, and cast off in any public lake, stream, or pond and fish for free. Even those out-of-state visitors can cast a line out for free this Saturday.

Why Free Fishing Day Exists

Free Fishing Day occurs each year on the first Saturday in June. Tim Birdsong, director of Inland Fisheries at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, says,

"Free Fishing Day is an annual event that encourages Texans to get outdoors, enjoy nature, and go fishing with family and friends. Our hope is that experienced anglers will use this opportunity to take others fishing and share their knowledge, skills, equipment and love of the sport to recruit new anglers."

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There Is Plenty Of Opportunity To Fish In Texas

Texas has more than 6 million acres of public waterways available for licensed fishermen and women to fish year-round. More than 2 million people each year secure a license to go fishing.

Obtaining A Fishing License

While you can fish for free on the first Saturday in June, a license is required the other 364 days of the year. A fishing license is easy to secure; get it online or simply visit any of the 1800 licensed retail locations in Texas. Get one at your local big box retailer, sporting goods store, farm and ranch supplies, or some hardware stores, and you can begin fishing for as little as $30 per license.

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Whether you cast that rod from the shore, the pier, the boat, kayak, or canoe, remember, you've gotta have some patience.

The fish will bite, but it'll take longer for some than others! For more information, tips, and fishing locations, visit Take Me Fishing or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.