What Academy charges for a Texas fishing license

Academy Sports + Outdoors sells Texas fishing licenses at the same price as every other authorized vendor in the state — the price is set by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, not by the store. A one-year resident fishing license costs $32. A five-year resident license costs $79. If you are not a Texas resident, a one-year non-resident license is $63, and a five-year non-resident license is $156.

Academy also sells short-term licenses for people who fish occasionally. A 14-day license costs $16 for residents and $27 for non-residents. A 3-day license costs $11 for residents and $16 for non-residents. These prices have been the same across all vendors since 2021 and do not vary by location or store.

You can buy a license in person at any Academy location with a sporting goods counter, or online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website. Buying online takes about five minutes and you can print your license when ready or have it mailed to you.

Key Takeaways

  • A one-year Texas resident fishing license costs $32 at Academy, the same price every authorized vendor charges.
  • Non-residents pay $63 for a one-year license; five-year licenses cost $79 for residents and $156 for non-residents.
  • Short-term licenses (3-day and 14-day) are available if you fish only occasionally, starting at $11 for residents.
  • You can buy a license in person at Academy or online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.
  • Your license is valid the moment you buy it; you do not need to wait for it to arrive by mail.

What type of license you need

The license you buy depends on where you live and how long you plan to fish. If you live in Texas and have a valid Texas driver's license or state ID, you are a resident. If you live outside Texas, you are a non-resident, even if you own property in the state.

A freshwater license lets you fish in lakes, rivers, and streams. A saltwater license lets you fish in bays and the Gulf of Mexico. Some people buy both — a combination license covers both freshwater and saltwater and costs $59 for residents (one year) or $144 for residents (five years). Non-residents pay $95 for one year or $234 for five years.

You do not need a license if you are under 17 years old, or if you fish on a licensed charter boat where the captain holds the license. You also do not need one if you fish on someone else's private property with the owner's permission, though the owner may need one depending on the situation.

How to buy a license at Academy

Walk into any Academy with a sporting goods section and ask for the fishing license counter. Staff there will ask whether you want a resident or non-resident license, freshwater or saltwater, and how long you want it for. Bring a valid photo ID — your driver's license, passport, or state ID. They will print your license on the spot, and it is valid when ready.

The whole process takes about 10 minutes. You will receive a printed card or a temporary license to carry while your permanent one arrives by mail, depending on which option you choose at purchase. Keep your license with you whenever you fish — game wardens check regularly.

Buying online through Texas Parks and Wildlife

You can also buy a license directly from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website at tpwd.texas.gov. Click "Buy a License" and select your residency status and license type. You will need to enter your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license or ID number. Payment is by credit or debit card.

Once you complete the purchase, you can print your license when ready as a PDF. This printed version is valid right away — you do not have to wait for anything to arrive in the mail. Some people prefer this method because there is no trip to the store and no waiting for a physical card.

If you prefer a physical card mailed to you, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will send it within two weeks. Your printed license is valid during that time, so you can start fishing when ready.

Special licenses and exemptions

Texas offers reduced-price licenses for certain groups. A disabled resident license costs $5.50 for one year. A senior resident license (age 65 and older) costs $16 for one year. Military members on active duty can get a free license by showing a military ID at an Academy counter or explore online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

If you are blind or have a severe visual impairment, you can fish without a license. The same applies if you are a resident with a permanent disability that prevents you from holding a rod and reel — you will need to register with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department first.

What your license covers

Your fishing license covers you to fish for most species in Texas — bass, catfish, crappie, perch, and many others. However, some fish require an additional endorsement beyond your base license. A saltwater stamp is required if you fish for redfish or spotted seatrout in saltwater and costs $15. A freshwater stamp for certain species costs $15 as well.

You can add these endorsements when you buy your license at Academy or online. They are optional — you only need them if you plan to fish for those specific species. If you buy a combination license, you are already covered for both freshwater and saltwater fishing without additional stamps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Texas fishing license at any Academy location?

Only Academy stores with a sporting goods counter sell fishing licenses. Not every Academy has one. Call ahead or check the store locator on Academy's website to confirm the location near you sells licenses before you go.

How long does a fishing license last once I buy it?

A one-year license is valid for 12 months from the date you buy it. A five-year license is valid for five years. Short-term licenses (3-day and 14-day) are valid for that number of days starting the day you purchase them.

What if I lose my fishing license?

If you lose a printed license, you can print a replacement from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website using your license number. If you do not have your number, call the department at 1-800-895-4248 and they can look it up by name and date of birth. Replacements are free.

Do I need a separate license for each type of fish?

No. One license covers most fish species. You only need an additional endorsement (stamp) if you plan to fish for redfish or spotted seatrout in saltwater, or for certain other protected species. Your license paperwork will list what you are covered for.

Can I buy a fishing license as a gift for someone else?

Yes. You can buy a license at Academy or online and give it to someone else, as long as the name on the license matches the person who will use it. The person receiving it will need to provide their ID information when you purchase it.