Texas Parks and Wildlife encourages family friendly activities. For the past few years, Family Fish has been the main thrust of this goal as the park system continues to waive the fishing license and stamp requirements for ANYONE fishing inside its environs. All you have to do is pay the park entrance fee. Or, if you use the State Parks system often, buy a State Parks Pass and your entrance is free. Fishing regulations, such as size and weight limits, are enforced. Here is a listing of all the Texas State Parks that require no fishing license as part of Family Fish.
With the price of gas approaching $5 per gallon, we may not take that long road trip we had planned. However, with more than 70 state parks participating in Free Fishing in State Parks events, we can visit a local state park for a day trip. Have a picnic, swim, hike and fish!
Find State Parks within a day trip drive:
Parks Within 100 miles of Abilene
Parks within 100 miles of Amarillo
Parks within 60 mile radius of Austin
Parks within 100 miles of the D/FW Metroplex
Parks Within 100 miles of Lubbock
Parks Within 100 miles of San Angelo
Parks within 60 mile radius of San Antonio
The special events below are held in conjunction with Family Fish. These clinics help everyone in the family to become better fisher folk. Some of the events include the loan of fishing equipment and instruction in different methods of fishing. Others have prizes and fun related activities for the kids. The events with a blue wheelchair symbol are suitable for family members who are mobility and visually impaired.
July 2008 — Goose Island SP — Pier Fishing with aRanger — Every Sunday. Bring your rod and reel and join us on the fishing pier to learn the tackle and techniques of fishing in the Texas bays. Loaner fishing tackle will be provided for the first 10 participants. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 10-11 a.m. (361) 729-2858.
July 19, 2008 — Blanco SP — Learn To Fish Family Fishing Day! — Learn basic fishing skills and safety through games, booths, and help from fishing experts. Then head down to the river to fish as a family. A limited amount of fishing equipment is available to borrow or you may bring your own. Open to ages 6 and older. 9 a.m.-noon (830) 833-4333.
July 12, 2008 — Buescher SP — Junior Angler Clinic — Learn the fun sport of fishing at this FREE clinic for children ages 6-13. All fishing gear provided; parents must accompany their children. Held at the park lake. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (512) 237-2241.
July 12, 2008 — Choke Canyon SP/Calliham Unit — “Reel” Family Fishing Fun — Free fishing seminar to introduce youth and their families to the basics of fishing. Learn how to set up basic fishing equipment and how to fish safely and successfully. Experts are ready to help you get started; loaner equipment available. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 9 a.m.-noon; preregistration required, (956) 371-9797. (361) 786-3868.
July 12, 2008 — Eisenhower SP — 4-H Kids Fishing Derby — Come and fish beautiful Lake Texoma with the experts for fun, awards and prizes. This is an great way for families to take kids fishing for free with everything provided, including lots of help from expert anglers. Tackle available or bring your own. Accessible for the mobility impaired. Fishing 8 a.m.-noon, prizes and activities noon-2 p.m. (903) 465-1956.
July 18, 2008 — Blanco SP — Full Moon Fish — Come fishing as evening falls and the full moon rises. Learn from experienced instructors about river habitat at night and how to make the most of it for great fishing. A limited amount of fishing equipment is available to borrow or bring your own. Open to ages 6 and older. 7:30-9:30 p.m. (830) 833-4333.
July 19, 2008 — Bastrop SP — Junior Angler Clinic — Learn the fun sport of fishing at this FREE clinic for children ages 6-13. All fishing gear provided; parents must accompany their children. Held at the pond. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (512) 321-2101.
July 19, 2008 — Galveston Island SP — Family Fishing Clinic — Bring the kids and learn how to have fun fishing! All the basics will be taught, then practice what you’ve learned with hands-on fishing. Call for times and more information (409) 737-1222.
July 26, 2008 — McKinney Falls SP — Family Fishing Fun Day — Celebrate “Free Fishing in State Parks,” which means that no fishing licenses are needed inside state parks. This event is more than free fishing; it also features cool prizes,”learn to fish” classes, a fishing derby and a raffle where fishing equipment and other fun outdoor gear will be given out. 9 a.m.-noon (512) 243-1643.
August 2008 — Goose Island SP — Pier Fishing with a Ranger — Every Sunday. Bring your rod and reel and join us on the fishing pier to learn the tackle and techniques of fishing in the Texas bays. Loaner fishing tackle will be provided for the first 10 participants. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 10-11 a.m. (361) 729-2858.
August 2, 2008 — Buescher SP — Junior Angler Clinic — Learn the fun sport of fishing at this FREE clinic for children ages 6-13. All fishing gear provided; parents must accompany their children. Held at the park lake. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (512) 237-2241.
August 2, 2008 — Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit — Fish “ON” — Fish have schools and so do anglers! Bring the whole family and learn the basics of fishing with fun, hands-on activities. Then reel in your limit of fish and fun. Door prizes will be drawn; rods, tackle, and bait provided or bring your own; no fishing license required. Catch you there! 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (940) 637-2294.
August 30, 2008 — Purtis Creek SP — Junior Angler — Kids 6-13 learn to fish with hands-on experience. Learn to identify fish and their habitats, practice good water safety and to respect the environment. Upon completion participants will receive a certificate. Parents welcome to attend. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; reservations required (903) 425-2332.
August 30, 2008 — Purtis Creek SP — Junior Angler Fishing — Kids 6-13 learn to fish with hands-on experience. Learn to identify fish and their habitats, practice good water safety and to respect the environment. Upon completion participants will receive a certificate. Parents welcome to attend. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; reservations required (903) 425-2332.
