The Lone Star State harbors world-class fishing opportunities, whether you’re a freshwater or a saltwater enthusiast. Because of this, thousands of prospective anglers flock to its waters each year, creating plenty of business for local guides. But before you can turn pro, you’ll need to make sure you’re properly licensed to run a fishing charter. So, today you’ll find out how to become a fishing guide in Texas.
From Striper fishing on Lake Texoma to offshore Tuna fishing in the Gulf, Texas is full of hot angling fun. And depending on what kind of waters you intend to guide in, the path to doing it legally differs. Generally, you need more licenses for saltwater than for freshwater.
To give us a first-hand glimpse into the process of becoming a fishing guide, we’ve consulted with Captain Mitch Deane of Laguna Madre Anglers. Along with all the relevant steps, we’ll include his personal insights throughout the article.
Saltwater
To legally run a saltwater fishing operation in Texas, you need the following three documents:
- Captain’s License (USCG)
- All-Water Fishing Guide License
- Boat Registration
Captain’s License
When I decided to become a captain, the first thing I did was contact the school where you go to get your license. It’s a 7-day class, 8 hours a day, and they do a full background check on you.
Capt. Mitch
It’s more intense than people think but it’s set it up so you know you’re going to pass. And you learn a lot about the water and the right and wrong ways of doing things. You also learn what the different lights mean, as well as who has the right of way.
Your journey to becoming a Texas saltwater fishing guide begins with getting a USCG License. The course can take anywhere from a few days to a few months depending on how you choose to pace yourself. Generally, the classes last from 30 to 50 hours. The time it takes also depends on what kind of boat you intend to operate, with the 100-Ton USCG Master’s License course being the most extensive.
Before you’re issued your USCG credentials, you’ll be asked about your sea service. This encompasses the total amount of hours you’ve spent on the water since the age of 16. The minimum you need for a 6-pack license is 360 days, 90 of which must be earned in the last three years.
Other requirements include passing a physical and a drug test, as well as a background check so you can be issued your TWIC card. Finally, you’ll need a valid basic first-aid certificate.
All-Water Fishing Guide License
The first step towards becoming a captain is to get your USCG credentials. Then, you have to go to the TPWD and get a fishing guide license. Once you have that, you can start trying to gather customers.
Capt. Mitch
In Texas, you need something called an All-Water Fishing Guide License to legally operate saltwater fishing charters. This license costs $210 for residents and $1,050 for non-residents. Here you can find an overview of different licenses and fees.
Note that if you intend on guiding in saltwater on a boat, you’ll be asked to present your USCG License before you can be issued the All-Water one. Also, you’ll have to visit one of the TPWD (Texas Parks & Wildlife Department) offices in person to get this permit.
Boat Registration
Unlike in Florida or California, in Texas, the DMV (Department for Motor Vehicles) is not in charge of boat registration. Instead, the TPWD is responsible for that.
Only the owner can register a vessel. You can register either by mailing the PWD form with supplementary documents to the TPWD, or in person at a local tax collector’s office. You have to submit the boat’s bill of sale as well as the manufacturer’s statement of origin alongside your boat registration.
Depending on the length of your boat, you’ll pay between $32 to $150 to register your boat in Texas.
Boat Insurance
For most Texas fishing guide businesses, boat insurance is not mandatory. The exception is Party Boat operations, which need to have limited liability insurance covering at least $300,000. A party boat is broadly defined as any boat over 30 feet in length that takes more than six passengers.
Of course, we recommend that every charter operator purchases boat insurance. Insurance can be the difference between losing your boat or business and staying protected, in many cases. There are various packages you can get and many even cover the customers you’ll be taking fishing.
Gulf of Mexico/America Fishing License for Federal Waters
For fishing in federal waters in the Gulf (over 9 miles out), you require a Coastal Pelagics permit and/or a Reef Fish permit. This depends on which species you’re targeting. Unfortunately, you can only buy it from someone who already has it. The Gulf Council, which is responsible for managing the federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico/America, hasn’t issued new permits since 2003.
Freshwater
If you’re fishing in a lake environment and it doesn’t have navigable waters to the ocean, you’re not required to have a Captain’s License. Non-navigable waters means there’s no commercial traffic going down them.
Capt. Mitch
For anglers who grew up fishing the Lone Star State’s lakes and want to try their hand at guiding on them, the first order of business is to check if the waters are navigable. If not, all you need is a Freshwater Fishing Guide License. It costs $132 whether you’re a Texas resident or not.
On the other hand, if you intend to fish in navigable waters, such as the Sabine River and its lakes, you’ll need a Captain’s License. In this case, the process is the same as if you were trying to qualify as a saltwater guide.
Starting Out As a Texas Fishing Guide
Get a little plan together of your goals, what you want to achieve, and how you’re going to get customers. Be patient, it takes a little time to get the clientele together. Do social media, SEO, get friendly with FishingBooker.
Capt. Mitch
The above is what Capt. Mitch had to say when we asked him to give some tips to new guides. It can be tough entering the guiding business, and in the captain’s own words – you’re often judged by the kind of fish you return to the dock with.
Everyone knows how nice it is to be out on the water fishing, but only guides know how much effort it takes to get out there and consistently put people on fish day after day. It requires skill, knowledge, and a whole lot of perseverance.
Also, don’t forget who it’s all about – customers! Sharpening your people skills and making sure everyone enjoys their time with you even when the fishing is at its slowest is how you’ll secure a legacy as a guide.
On that note, there are different avenues to get clientele. These range from word-of-mouth and building your own website, to partnering with one of the marinas in Texas. Some of the popular hubs include Galveston Yacht Basin, Seabrook Marina, Corpus Christi Marina, and Marker 37. But it really all depends on which part of the coast you’re fishing and what amenities you need.
Of course, you can also list on FishingBooker once you’re ready to begin guiding and let us hook you up with new customers. After that, it’ll be your job to ensure they have a great experience and return to fish with you!
Not from Texas? For which state or country would you like to see a licensing guide next? Let us know in the comments!
We do our best to always produce thorough, well-researched articles. That being said, the information given here should be taken “as is” and is not a replacement for professional or legal advice.
Tight lines! 
