fishing license in texas question

[The motor guy]

My buddy and I are going to go fishing tomorrow and he has a fishing license and I don't. I really don't feel like spending the money for a new license. If he is the only one with a fishing pole is that ok? Or will I still get a ticket for no fishing license? I think it's like 47 dollars for a year round license and I don't really want to spend the money because pretty soon it's going to be too cold to fish anyways.

 

[Bob Woods]

I have heard many times that here in Texas as long as you don't have a rod and reel, just some line wrapped around a beer can or stick or something like that you can fish without a license.

 

[The motor guy]

Yeah but what if there is one rod/reel, one fishing license and two people?

 

[greenaccord02]

If you don't have any equipment and it's obvious that you're just along for the ride, don't worry about it. You can get a fishing license (freshwater only) by itself for $30, I think. If you do decide to fish and get caught, I believe they can fine you for up to $500.

 

[The motor guy]

So it's ok that my buddy fishes and I just sit there and talk with him. Cause I usually get bored after a short while anyways and quit fishing while he continues. I just enjoy being out there and relaxing. We go out on an 18 foot boat btw.

 

[apwillard1986]

Get a day pass. Its $10 I believe and keeps you safe. Some GWs will sweat you a bit and assume you are fishing as well. Particularly if your buddy has multi-sets of equipment. Plus the small donation helps keep those relaxing parks and waters you enjoy maintained.

 

[UncleS2]

If there's more than one rod in the boat & the Game Warden checks, you're almost certainly sunk. Eck-$pen$ive!

I haven't hunted or fished in years now, but as I remember, the licenses used to run from Sept. 1 through Aug 31. So if you bought one now it would still be good come Spring & Summer. Also, you didn't say whether this is on freshwater or saltwater. Lemme find some real info on this, it'd be a shame to get busted for a boat ride.

*** I think the handline/etc stuff entioned above was an old law. There used to be - if you fished with a cane pole, from the shore, you didn't need a licence THEN! NOW- that law is kaput. If you fish in public waters, not inside a State Park, you need a license.

OK, more info. Link 1: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/faq/fishboat/fish/index.phtml#license

2: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/annual/general/penalties/

 

[mechtech2]

They can be serious in Texas with this sort of thing, and eap driving a boat while drinking.
First, is this private property? Then you don't need a license.

 

[MNgopher]

At least in MN, you don't need a license if you aren't fishing and are riding along in the boat. The Conservation officer would have to have observed you with a line in the water to require a fishing license.

The two poles in the boat and two people means two fishing licenses are required sounds crazy to me. I have five poles of my own in the boat, and I only ever fish with one at a time... (1 ultra light, two spinning reels, and two lunker baitcasting reels for Muskie and northern). Of course, texas may be different, but that interpration sounds wrong to me.