A fishing guide license is required for any person who receives money or other compensation for accompanying, assisting, or transporting any person engaged in fishing in the waters of the state.

Guides who operate only in fresh water can purchase a Fresh Water Guide license (type 600) for $132. Other than the license, there are no special requirements for freshwater fishing guides.

Guides who take passengers out in salt water (waters designated as navigable by the US Coast Guard) will need an All-Water Fishing Guide License or an All-Water Paddle Craft Guide License. The annual fee for these licenses is $210 for Texas residents; $1,050 for non-residents. In order to purchase an All-Water Guide License, an applicant must have the following additional training:

• All-Water (types 610 and 710) – Guides using motorized vessels must present original documentation at time of purchase that the applicant possesses a valid and appropriate U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Operator’s License. It is the operator’s responsibility to assure compliance with USCG regulations. For additional information, contact the USCG Regional Examination Center in Houston, Texas at (713) 948-3350.
• All-Water Paddle Craft (types 650 and 750) - Guides utilizing paddle craft (canoes, kayaks, etc.) must present certification or proof of completion of a TPWD boater safety course, CPR/First Aid training, and completion of the American Canoe Association “ Level II Essentials of Kayak Touring” and “Coastal Kayak Trip Leading” courses or the British Canoe Union “Three Star Sea Kayak” and “Four Star Leader Sea Kayak” courses. This license is applicable only to paddle craft and cannot be used when a person is operating a motorized vessel. However, any person who possesses a All-Water fishing guide license and a valid USCG vessel operator’s license is qualified as an All-Water paddle craft fishing guide.

All-Water and All-Water Paddle Craft fishing guide licenses are available only at TPWD Law Enforcement offices. Freshwater fishing guide licenses are available at any location where licenses are sold.