b'Saltwater RecreationFISHING LICENSE REQUIRED IN TX A valid fishing license is required in order to legally take fish from any public waters in Texas, and virtual-ly all saltwater is public, even if accessed from private property. That is to say, if you are fishing from the deck or bulkhead of a canal-front property, the water from which your fish is caught is legally public.Fishing licensing is administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department through agent retailers in-cluding most convenience stores, HEB stores, and oth-ers, and directly via the agencys website. A license is required for all anglers over the age of 17, and born after January 1, 1931 (as-in, 90 years-old).A basic fishing license is required, plus an endorse-ment for saltwater or freshwater, or a package that includes both. Included with the saltwater stamp is a tag that allows you to catch and keep (tag and re-lease does not apply) one Red Drum (Redfish) over 28 inches per year, while a bonus tag is available that allows one additional for the year. Texas also offers life-time fishing licenses for residents as well as combina-tions that include a hunting license as well. For all the details and to purchase: tpwd.texas.gov116THE COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE TheCoastalBend.com'