Recreational Fisheries

Texas supports an extensive recreational fishing industry, involving for-hire fishing guides, private anglers, fishing tournaments, boaters, supporting businesses, and recreationally harvested seafood. With over 400,000 licensed saltwater recreational anglers, 1,500 licensed fishing guides, and hundreds of saltwater sportfishing tournaments held annually, this industry generates over $1 Billion in economic impacts in Texas each year. Texas Sea Grant aims to support the recreational fishing industry through extension activities, educational programs, and related resources tailored to industry members. This is accomplished through angler engagement workshops, outreach conducted at fishing tournaments and fishing expos, and participation in community fairs and environmental festivals.

Overview

The Texas coast supports an extensive recreational fishing industry, involving for-hire fishing guides (charter guides), private anglers, boaters, supporting businesses, and recreationally harvested seafood. With over 400,000 licensed saltwater recreational anglers, 1,500 licensed fishing guides, and hundreds of saltwater sportfishing tournaments held annually, this industry generates over $1 Billion in economic impacts in Texas each year. This includes purchases of vessels, fishing gear, tackle, and other equipment; fishing trip expenditures such as ice, bait, fuel, and charter fees; industry job revenues; and other related costs.

Recognizing that recreational fishing industry participants face unique challenges and needs, Texas Sea Grant offers extension activities, educational programs, and other resources to the recreational sector. Our goal is to support Texas fisheries by building connections and engaging with fishery stakeholders along the coast and by bridging the gap between coastal communities and science.

TXSG aims to help create a more knowledgeable, informed, and resilient recreational fishing fleet by:

Training industry members in best practices and addressing knowledge gaps in on-the-water practices, safety practices, and disaster preparedness
Encouraging implementation of sustainable fishing techniques by anglers, including best release practices for reef fish species
Encouraging younger generations to participate in fishing and outdoor recreation
Collecting data to support the fishery and inform recreational fishery management and science
Addressing other emerging and ongoing industry issues as needed