For-Hire Fishing Guide Education

Overview

The recreational fishing industry represents a significant component of the Texas coastal economy. In particular, the fishing guide sector has grown substantially in recent years, with nearly 1,500 state- and federally permitted fishing guides currently registered along the coast. This industry plays a key role in providing access to the water for residents and visitors alike, fostering immersive recreational, educational, and ecological experiences.

To better support fishing guides, Texas Sea Grant conducted a needs assessment of the for-hire sector to develop a baseline understanding of the sector’s practices and needs. Following the needs assessment, a series of educational resources was developed to provide recommendations for best practices in several key areas identified as priority topics in the assessment: fishing guide business practices, disaster preparedness, environmental stewardship, safety at sea, fishing etiquette, and ways to get involved with fisheries management.

Texas Sea Grant hosts interactive workshops and attends outreach events such as fishing tournaments and related industry meetings to educate fishing guides about these best practices. Our goal is to support Texas fisheries by building connections and engaging with fishing guides and prospective guides along the coast and by bridging the gap between coastal communities and science. 

In 2022, Texas fishing guides were surveyed about their needs, preferences, and current practices, to provide a better understanding of the challenges facing the sector. The survey collected information on business practices, safety practices, disaster preparedness, environmental stewardship, and guides’ understanding of fisheries management. Based on the responses, an extension program was developed to disseminate recommendations for best practices through printed outreach materials and interactive activities. Events have been held in locations including Port Arthur, Galveston, Houston, Palacios, Rockport, Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, and South Padre Island. 

The goal of this extension program is to foster a more knowledgeable, prepared, and resilient fishing guide fleet by:

• Training fishing guides in best practices and addressing knowledge gaps in on-the-water practices
• Encouraging implementation of sustainable fishing techniques by guides, including best release practices for reef fish species
• Supporting successful operations by increasing resiliency through improved technology/harvest methods, safety training, assistance with disaster relief efforts, and implementation of best business practices
• Encouraging new entrants to the fishing guide industry
• Addressing other emerging and ongoing industry issues as needed