Fishing in Brazoria County: What License You Need

Anyone 17 or older fishing in Texas public waters needs a valid Texas fishing license. Brazoria County has both inland waters — rivers, bayous, freshwater lakes — and coastal waters — bays, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Gulf. The endorsement you need depends on where you fish. A freshwater endorsement covers inland waters. A saltwater endorsement covers coastal and bay fishing.

In the bays and along the coast, common targets include redfish, speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, and black drum. Bag and size limits can change by season. Redfish must be between 20 and 28 inches, with a bag limit of 3. Flounder has a closed season from November 1 through mid-December. Always check current limits before you go.

Buy licenses and check current rules at tpwd.texas.gov or the TPWD app. Licenses are also sold at sporting goods stores, bait shops, and some grocery stores in the county. Federal waters — more than 9 nautical miles offshore — have additional federal rules.