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Last Updated on March 10, 2025 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
How Many Fishing Rods Can I Use in Texas?
Are you planning a fishing trip in Texas but don’t know how many fishing rods to bring? Don’t worry—I have all the answers you need.
Key Takeaways
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- Fishing License & Regulations: A valid Texas fishing license or endorsement and adherence to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s fishing regulations are required.
- Rod Limit: Anglers can use a maximum of two fishing rods at a time in Texas.
- Gear Restrictions: Specific rules apply to alternative fishing methods such as cast nets, gaffs, sail lines, spearguns, and throwlines. Some methods are restricted to certain types of fish or locations.
- Hook Limit: No more than 100 hooks can be used at a time in freshwater.
- Fishing Violations & Penalties: Breaking fishing laws can lead to fines from $25 to $10,000, possible imprisonment, and even license revocation for serious offenses.
- Size & Bag Limits: Legal size restrictions and bag limits vary by fish species to promote conservation.
- Boat Regulations: Anglers who use a boat must comply with safety regulations, including proper flotation devices and Coast Guard-approved equipment.
In the vast, wild heart of the Lone Star state, a question echoes across the glassy surfaces of its abundant lakes and rivers: “How many fishing rods can I use in Texas?” This seemingly simple inquiry, a mere whisper amid the rustling reeds, carries an immense weight in the angling world.
The answer can shape the thrill of the chase and the 
essence of your fishing experience in Texas. Let us delve into this query, exploring its depths, as we seek to uncover the truth behind the number of fishing rods one can employ in this grand state.
As the fishing season in Texas lasts all year round, you can plan a trip whenever you feel like it.
However, there are two things to remember when fishing in Texas. Firstly, you need to acquire a fishing license or a water endorsement. Secondly, you must follow all the fishing regulations the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department sets.
If you’re struggling to keep up, don’t fret. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know all about the regulations on fishing gear and methods in Texas. I’ve also included some other important laws to follow when fishing.
Without wasting any more time, let’s dive right into it!
Knowing Your Preferences
The type and quantity of equipment you can use depends on where and what you’re fishing. For instance, employing a hand-operated device underwater is unlawful to catch fish in freshwater. You may use a spear or a spear gun, but that can only catch non-game fish.
So, when planning your fishing trip, the first step is to ask yourself what fish you want to catch.
There are traditionally two specific categories of fish: game and non-game.
Game Fish
These are usually larger than non-game fish and are a target for commercial fishers. Game fish are generally high in terms of quality and palatability. In simple terms, they taste delicious.
Game fish tend to put up more fights and are often targeted by recreational anglers. They are tougher to catch and are also pursued in competitive sports.
Some examples include:
- Largemouth Bass
- Crappie
- Lake Trout
Non-Game Fish
Non-game fish refer to those fishes that are neither categorized as 
game fish nor endangered species.
These fish have little commercial value. They are less tasty and tend to have larger scales and bones.
The small size of non-game fish also allows you to use them as bait.
Some examples include:
- Freshwater Eel
- Carp
- Skipjack Shad
The next step is determining whether you want to fish in saltwater or freshwater.
Freshwater
Freshwater fishing is possible in any water body with a salinity level of less than 0.05%, such as rivers, lakes, ponds, etc.
Freshwater fishing is a more laid-back activity than saltwater fishing. It would be a good option if your fishing trip aims for peace and relaxation.
Moreover, you don’t require a lot of expensive gear. Freshwater is a great place to start for beginners.
Saltwater
Any fishing done in the ocean is saltwater fishing. If you’re looking for some excitement and thrill, saltwater fishing is a great idea. You can whiz off on your boat, trying to catch big fish.
Besides, you’ll likely find bigger, palatable fish in saltwater. Unlike freshwater fishing, where there isn’t much variety in fish due to the limited space, seawater has a variety of fish. Moreover, there is unlimited space for you to explore.
How Many Fishing Rods Can I Use in Texas?
Now that you know your preferences, it’s time to examine the government’s fishing regulations.
According to the Outdoor Annual Hunting, Fishing, and Boating Regulations, game and non-game fish may be caught using a line and pole. This means you may use your fishing rod to catch both types of fish.
Anglers can use no more than two poles while fishing.
Furthermore, the guide also states that catching fish through foul-hooking, snagging, or jerking is unlawful. Foul-hooking is when the hook catches the fish in any area other than its mouth.
Moreover, you cannot use more than 100 hooks on your gear in freshwater.
Penalties usually depend on the type of regulation you’ve failed to follow. Here is a list of some of the penalties:
- Class C misdemeanors, ranging from $25 to $500
- Class B misdemeanors, ranging from $200 to $2000
- Class A misdemeanors, ranging from $500 to $4000
- State Jail Felony may have fines ranging from $1500 to 10000
You may also face imprisonment for Class B misdemeanors and above. Depending on the severity, your fishing license may also be revoked for up to five years.
What Other Fishing Gear/Methods Can I Use?
Fishing gear is not limited to just fishing rods. You can also use cast 
nets, sail lines, gigs, etc.
Let’s look at some other approved fishing methods and their regulations.
Cast Net
A cast net is a small circular net with weights around the edges, usually thrown by hand over a specific area to catch fish.
According to the guide, cast nets are only legal for catching non-game fish and other marine creatures such as crayfish, crabs, and shrimp. You may use non-game fish as bait in saltwater. Moreover, remember that your fishing net’s diameter should be no longer than 14 feet.
Gaff
A gaff is a handheld pole with a sharp hook at its end. You can only use a gaff to aid the landing of your catch. For instance, if the weight of your fish surpasses your fishing line’s breaking point, you may use a gaff to land the fish.
However, bear in mind that fish landed with a gaff should neither be above the maximum nor below the minimum length, as the law states.
Sail Line
Sail line fishing involves attaching hooks to a floating device or sail and fixing the other end of the line to the shore.
You can only use one sail line per fisherman. It is only lawful to use this method in saltwater to catch non-game fish. Moreover, the salt line must always be attended to while fishing.
However, it is unlawful for fishers with a commercial fishing license to use this method of fishing.
Speargun
A speargun is a hand-operated device designed to launch a spear. This method is pretty popular in competitive sports and for underwater target shooting.
It is lawful to use spearguns only to target non-game fish. Furthermore, the use of spearguns in community fishing lakes is unlawful. Keep in mind that crossbows are not a type of speargun.
Throwline
Similar to a sail line, a throwline is a method that comprises a fishing line with a maximum of five hooks, with one hook attached to a permanent attachment. This method may include swivels, rubbers, snaps, and rigid support units.
You can use this method only in freshwater to catch non-game fish. However, it is unlawful to use throwlines in community fishing lakes.
Remember: Attach a gear tag with your name, address, and the setup date of your throw line. Gear tags are valid for up to ten days after the original set-out date.
Other Fishing Regulations
Besides the regulations on fishing gear, there are also some other guidelines
you need to keep in mind while fishing. I’ve listed some of these guidelines below:
Legal Sizes
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department has set limits for maximum and minimum fish lengths. These limitations prevent fishers from targeting fish that are too young or too old. This regulation helps maintain balance and control of the marine population.
Legal sizes vary depending on the species of fish. Failure to follow the specified limit may result in unnecessary penalties and harm to aquatic life.
Bag Limitations
Bag limits, another factor to remember while fishing, refer to the maximum number of marine species you can catch daily. This limitation prevents overfishing and protects marine life.
As with legal sizes, bag limitations also vary from species to species.
Boat Regulations
I recommend reviewing the water safety requirements if you use a boat when fishing. There are numerous regulations, but an excellent place to start is with personal flotation devices (PFDs). In addition, you require the approval of the U.S. Coast Guard for all your PFDs.
Other regulations involve lighting, horns, mirrors, fire extinguishers, etc.
Before planning your fishing trip, you should carefully read the regulations and guidelines set by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.
Final Thoughts
The sun sets over the vast Texas landscape, casting long shadows over the rippling waters where keen anglers have spent a day of battle – man versus nature, reel against scale. The question 
continues to echo across the wild Texan plains: “How Many Fishing Rods Can I Use in Texas?” The answer, my friends, isn’t as simple as you might think.
In this grand state of ours, where everything is bigger and bolder, where freedom reigns supreme, you’d think the number of fishing rods one could use would be unlimited. But, alas, the law dictates otherwise.
You may use no more than two fishing poles anytime in Texas. Yes, you heard right – only two!
So, when you feel the irresistible call of the wild and decide to venture into our vast, untamed waterways with your trusty fishing gear, remember this information. Two rods – that’s your limit. Any more than that, and you violate the law.
So, whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice just starting in the thrilling sport of fishing, remember: “How Many Fishing Rods Can I Use in Texas?” Two – no more, no less. This law may seem restrictive to some, but it protects our fish populations and ensures that future generations can enjoy fishing.
Respect the limit, respect the law, and respect our fish—they will provide you with an unforgettable fishing experience only Texas can offer.
Knowing and following the fishing regulations and guidelines can save you from unnecessary trouble. Using the correct gear is only one of the many things you must remember while fishing.
Whether you’re a beginner or professional, I suggest you regularly review the regulations, as updates and changes are often made. Familiarize yourself with all the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department rules to enjoy your next fishing trip.
