Do You Have to Have a Fishing License to Fish With a Cane Pole in Texas?

Fishing is a popular and enjoyable pastime in Texas, but there are certain regulations that must be followed to ensure the safety of the fish and the fishermen. One of these regulations is obtaining a fishing license. But do you have to have a fishing license to fish with a cane pole in Texas?

The answer is yes. In Texas, all anglers 16 years of age or older must have a valid fishing license from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. This includes those who are fishing with a cane pole.

A cane pole is defined as any hand-held line or rod without any type of mechanical device, such as a reel or pulley system. It can be used for catching freshwater species, including largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, and carp.

In addition to obtaining the appropriate fishing license, anglers who are using cane poles must also follow other rules and regulations set forth by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. This includes following all size and bag limits on fish species, refraining from taking endangered or threatened species, following all rules regarding artificial lures or live bait use, and only using legal methods of take (such as hook-and-line).

Anglers should also take note that certain bodies of water may also have their own specific regulations regarding cane pole use. For example, some lakes may restrict the use of live bait due to concerns about invasive species entering the waterway.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, it is important for anglers in Texas who are using cane poles to obtain a valid fishing license from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before doing so. Additionally, anglers should familiarize themselves with all applicable rules and regulations for both state parks and specific bodies of water in which they plan to fish with their cane pole.

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Daniel Bennet