Licensing and Experience Requirements
To become a Texas saltwater fishing guide, you must first obtain a US Coast Guard (USCG) License which can involve taking classes lasting 30 to 50 hours. Applicants must have at least 360 days of experience on board a boat since age 16, with 90 of those days being within the last three years. The minimum license required is the Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) license, which allows hosting up to six clients on a vessel under 100 gross tons. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Fishing Guide Earnings in Texas
Fishing Guide salaries in Texas range between $21,265 to $38,099 on average, with top earners making up to $69,997 annually. Compensation often depends on the guide’s specialty, such as fly fishing, family trips, or luxury packages.
Fishing License Requirements in Texas
A fishing license is required to fish in Texas public waters, and it covers all legal means and methods. Residents aged 17-64 need an annual license for $30, and an additional Saltwater Fishing Stamp for $35 if they wish to engage in saltwater fishing. For non-residents aged 17-64, the annual fishing license costs about $58 plus a $16 Saltwater Fishing Stamp. Multi-year licenses are available at reduced rates. Anyone under 17, resident or not, is exempt from these license requirements.
Guide Certification and Additional Requirements
To become a fishing guide in Texas, you must obtain a license from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD), have liability insurance, a boater education certification, and pass a background check. There are no state mandated certifications required for guides, but optional accredited courses are available for those who wish to further their qualifications. For freshwater guiding, a TPWD fishing guide license is necessary, and an all-water license is needed for saltwater guiding.
To guide saltwater trips specifically, an all-water license is required along with a US Coast Guard captain’s license. The OUPV license is the basic requirement for carrying up to six passengers.