10 Texas Fishing Forums 2024: Fishing Discussions & Reports

FishingTX Forums

FishingTx is a family-friendly online community where anglers gather to share their experiences. In this forum, members discuss fishing opportunities across Texas, including freshwater, saltwater, and coastal fishing.

FishingTx Forum is a great platform for anglers to share local fishing reports and ask questions about fishing regulations and techniques. With over 400,000 posts on fishing, the FishingTx Forum has 900+ members and 42,000+ threads.

Website: FishingTx 

Texas Fishing on Reddit

The Texas Fishing subreddit community is a great online community where anglers can engage in meaningful discussions on local lakes, fishing tips, and techniques, and discuss fishing gear rentals.

With 3,500+ active members, the Texas Fishing subreddit discusses topics related to local areas, like Waller/Navasota, and even invites fellow anglers to join in saltwater fishing.

Website: Texas Fishing [Reddit]

Fish Explorer Forums

Unlike other online forums that are specific to Texas, the Fish Explorer Forum covers fishing-related topics across different states, including Texas, Wyoming, Florida, Colorado, and California. On the Fish Explorer Forum, there is a specific section dedicated to lakes, rivers, and fish species, making it easier for anglers to discuss different verticals.

This online forum, created in 2006, provides information on over 1385 lakes in different fishing states in the United States.

Website: Fish Explorer

Tidal Fish Forum

The Tidal Fish Forum is an online community dedicated to Mid-Atlantic and Chesapeake Bay fishing enthusiasts. On the Tidal Fish Forum, you can find separate sections for saltwater fishing topics, including fishing reports, fishing techniques, tackle recommendations, and conservation efforts.

The Tidal Fish Forum is a great community that provides an open platform for anglers to share their experiences about local fishing hotspots and connect with other saltwater fishing enthusiasts. The forum was launched in 2004, and so far, it has 74,000+ members and 1.9 million posts on fishing.

Website: Tidal Fish

TX Fish Finder Forums

The TX Fish Finder is an online community where anglers from different parts of Texas come to talk about their fishing experiences. This community provides a great opportunity for anglers to share their fishing reports, review locations, and inquire about different fishing gear. Most anglers use this forum to share pictures of their recent catches and get feedback from fellow fishing enthusiasts.

The TX Fish Finder Forum has different sections, including Nationwide Fishing, Texas Freshwater Fishing, Texas Saltwater Fishing, Texas Boating, and more.

Website: TX Fish Finder

Texas Fishing Forum on Facebook

If you are an active Facebook user, you can also check out the Texas Fishing Forum. This public group has 7,300+ members who share their experiences, techniques, news, and funny memes with fellow anglers.

This Facebook group, created in 2016, features information about bass tournaments and job opportunities for fellow anglers.

Website: Texas Fishing Forum [Facebook Group]

What Are the Benefits of Texas Fishing Forums?

Online communities are a great way to learn and discuss new things. By accessing different Texas fishing forums, anglers can inquire about fishing gear and learn the locations of the fish. Moreover, fishing forums are also a great platform to sell and buy gear locally.

Some of the benefits of accessing different Texas fishing forums are:

Sharing Knowledge & Experience

Online fishing forums, like FishingTx Forum and Fish Explorer Forums, provide platforms for anglers to share their knowledge and expertise with fellow members. In these communities, members can share insights about fishing in Texas and also come up with quick help and support if needed.

Fishing Reports

Texas fishing forums are famous for their extensive collection of fishing reports contributed by the admins and active members. These reports offer real-time updates on fishing conditions, like water temperature, water clarity, and recent catches. Anglers and novices can access this information to plan their fishing trips and increase their chances of success on the water.

Community Interactions

Such online platforms offer a great way to engage in engaging conversation with like-minded anglers. Such community interactions also allow individuals to discuss their favorite fishing spots, share pictures, and even organize meetups or plan quick fishing trips together.

Local Insights

Different forums like Tidal Fish Forum and TX Fish Finder Forum provide valuable local insights and insider knowledge about fishing in specific regions. New fishing enthusiasts and expert anglers can learn about the best fishing spots and species behavior from those who are familiar with the local regions.

Buy or Sell Gear

On these forums, fellow members can discuss the best fishing gear and even ask someone to buy, sell, or rent out their gear for a quick trip. Such a gear transaction increases community engagement and helps fellow fishing experts get gear at a discounted rate.

Based on different fishing forums in Texas, it wouldn't be wrong to say that people in Texas love to fish. There are several reasons behind a Texans' affinity towards fishing, for instance:

Different Fishing Opportunities: Texas boasts diverse fishing opportunities with access to both freshwater and saltwater fisheries. From bass fishing in different lakes to saltwater fishing along the Gulf Coast, Texas offers something for every angler.

Angling Tradition: The Lone Star State has a rich angling tradition and culture, where generations of families pass their knowledge and skills to their children.

Outdoor Adventures: Texas' vast and varied landscapes provide ample opportunities for exploration and adventure, which draws anglers from near and far to experience the thrills of fishing.

When and Where to Fish in Texas?

When and where to fish in Texas depends on various factors, like the fish species you are targeting and the type of waterbody you plan to fish. When planning a fishing trip to Texas, it is highly recommended to consider different factors, like water temperature, fish behavior, and fish type, to maximize your chances of success.

Here are different fish species in Texas:

Freshwater Fishes

Texas is home to diverse freshwater species, including catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, white bass, striped bass, and sunfish. Additionally, different species of trout, like rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout, can be found in the freshwater regions.

In Texas, you can find freshwater fish almost all year round. However, there are certain seasons that offer better opportunities for specific species. For instance:

March to May: The best time to fish, especially largemouth bass.

Spring: This season is best for crappie fishing.

Summer: This season is ideal for finding catfish.

Winter: This season is optimum to target trout that are stocked in rivers and lakes.

Saltwater Fishes

If you prefer saltwater fishes, then you should check out the Texas coasts, where you can find saltwater species, including speckled trout, redfish, flounder, snook, tarpon, snapper, grouper, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and various species of shark.

Another important factor influencing fishing in Texas is the season and the right time to fish. Along the Texas coast, saltwater fishing is influenced by seasonal changes in water temperature, weather patterns, and fish migration patterns.

Spring and Fall: These seasons are considered prime to look for speckled trout and redfish.

Summer: This season is ideal for finding flounder, snapper, and king mackerel.

Winter: In this season, you can target species like sheepshead, black drum, and redfish in deeper waters.

As per different Texas fishing forums, there are several great places to fish in the Lone Star State. Some prominent places where one can have the preferred outdoor adventure are:

Lake Fork Reservoir: This lake is located in East Texas and is renowned for its trophy largemouth bass fishing. Anglers from different parts come to this location in pursuit of trophy bass.

Sam Rayburn Reservoir: This reservoir is also present in East Texas and is considered one of the largest in the state. It is ideal for bass fishing, but anglers can also target crappie, catfish, and other species.

Falcon Lake: Falcon Lake is near the Texas-Mexico border and is known for its fantastic bass fishing, including the trophy-sized largemouth bass. One can also target catfish, crappie, and other freshwater fish.

Texas Fishing License

With so many fishing opportunities and species, the government of Texas has started several fishing licenses. In order to fish in public areas, it is mandatory to acquire certain licenses, like:

Resident Fishing License

According to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, a resident fishing license for freshwater costs $30. For saltwater, the resident will have to pay $35. Resident fishing licenses in Texas are available for various durations, including annual.

Non-Resident Fishing License

If you are not from Texas but wish to participate in any competition or come to Texas to fish, you must purchase a non-resident fishing license. Non-resident licenses are available for various durations and also include options for freshwater and saltwater. The freshwater non-resident fishing license costs $58, and the saltwater one costs $63.

Senior Fishing License

If you are over 65, you are eligible for a discounted senior fishing license. The freshwater package for seniors is $12, and the saltwater package is $17.

Fishing Gear That You Will Need Every Time

When heading out for a fishing trip in Texas or other parts, certain essential gear is crucial to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. Based on your location, duration, and experience, there are different fishing gear that you can acquire. However, there are certain fishing gear that you will need every time you go out to fish.

Some must-have fishing gear is a rod and reel, fishing line, reel spools, tackle box, gaff hook, and portable power station.

In order to understand more about the essential fishing gear, you can refer to the following checklist.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Fishing in Texas

Jackery is an international manufacturer of world-class solar generators, portable power stations, and solar panels. For its efforts in the field of creating eco-friendly sources of battery backups, Jackery has extensively been covered by notable media houses.

A Jackery Portable Power Station is a portable unit ideal for fishing and other outdoor adventures where heavy equipment cannot be carried. This portable power station has a built-in pure sine wave inverter that converts the electricity harnessed by the Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panel and helps you charge your battery-powered fishing gear, such as smartphone electric fishing reels, fish finders, trolling motors, etc.

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station boasts 52 protective features and dual PD ports. With a fast charging capacity, lightweight design, and stable power output, it is a great source of quick electricity for your mid-range fishing gear.

Appliances Working Hour

• Electric Fishing Reel (200W): 1.2H
• Electric Fishing Winch (180W): 1.36H
• Portable Fan (100W): 2.4H
• Drone Camera Battery (90W): 2.7H
• Smartphone (20W): 12.2H

Customer Review

"I bought this smaller one as I am in the middle of remodeling a house that we live in, and it's great having outlets where our A/C is temporarily disconnected" -- Paul Kowal.

Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station

If you are looking for a more portable unit, the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station is a reliable companion for your outdoor adventures, including fishing and camping. Even though this portable power station can be carried in a small backpack, it can charge up to three devices simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for anglers who are planning to visit remote lakes in Texas.

Appliances Working Hour

• Drone Camera Battery (80W): 1.0H
• Laptop (70W): 1.2H
• Two-Way Radio (50W): 1.6 H
• Smartphone (20W): 4.2 H
• Flashlight (10W): 8.4 H

Customer Review

"Perfect item for charging phones when no outlet is available or convenient." -- Vera Ashford.

Fishing Tips & Techniques

What distinguishes seasoned anglers from novices is their overall command of different fishing techniques and the strategic tips and tricks they follow. By incorporating different fishing tips and techniques, one can have more success in the water and catch some trophy-worthy fish.

Fishing Tips

Every angler has their own set of tips, but there are a few common tips that are accumulated from different Texas fishing forums.

Research Beforehand

If you are planning to visit some new lake in Texas, it is recommended to take the time to research the area. Make detailed notes of the area, including the fish species present, local regulations, and recent fishing reports.

Pay Attention to Weather

Do not go fishing during adverse weather conditions. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and monitor water temperature and current flow to determine the best time and locations to fish.

Use Right Gear

Based on the target species, always match your fishing gear to the type of fishing you will be doing. Some of the most common fishing equipment are rods, reels, lines, tackle, and portable power stations.

Stay Mobile

Do not stick to one single place for a long time. If you are not having luck in your area, explore different fishing spots recommended on Texas fishing forums.

Practice Patience

Fishing is one such outdoor activity that requires patience and perseverance. Always be prepared to spend some time waiting for bites. You can even experiment with different fishing techniques to find which one is working for you at that particular fishing spot.

Fishing Techniques

Mastering some fishing techniques will not only save you time while fishing but can also help you catch some amazing fish. Some notable fishing techniques that you can try during your next fishing are:

Casting

There are several casting techniques, like overhead casting, sidearm casting, and flipping. You can try all of these casting techniques to learn how to place your bait and lure the fish from their spot.

Bottom Fishing

A bottom fishing technique involves presenting your bait on or near the bottom of the waterbody to target those species that feed along the riverbed. You can go ahead with sinkers or bottom rigs to keep your bait stationary.

Topwater Fishing

Unlike the bottom fishing technique, a topwater technique involves using the surface level to lure. This way, one can mimic prey on the water's surface to entice fish to strike.

Jigging

Jigging involves vertically presenting a lure in a jerking motion to imitate an injured prey. This technique effectively entices predatory fish, like walleye, bass, and pike, to come to the top and attack.

Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is a special angling technique that uses lightweight flies and specialized casting techniques to catch fish. This technique is useful when targeting trout, salmon, or other freshwater species in rivers.

Texas Fishing Forum FAQs

What size of portable power station do I need for fishing?

The size of a portable power station that you require during fishing depends on multiple factors, like power consumption and estimated usage time. Let's consider a scenario where you are fishing in Texas and need to power a portable fan (100W) and charge your smartphone (20W) using a Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station. You can calculate the working hours by:

Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh * 0.85 / Wattage Consumption of the Appliances

Working Hours = 288Wh*0.85/120W = 2.04 hours.

Note: Adding a 20-30% safety margin to your estimated power consumption is a good idea to account for inefficiencies and unexpected usage. That is why the total battery capacity of this portable power station is multiplied by 0.85 to consider the overall power loss during the initial charging.

What is the #1 bass fishing lake in Texas?

Lake Fork Reservoir, which is located in Wood, Rains, and Hopkins counties, is often considered the top bass fishing lake in Texas. The reservoir contains an excellent break fishery with bluegill and red-ear sunfish.

Can you fish from shore in Texas without a license?

In most cases, you require a fishing license if you go to the public places for fishing. However, if you are under 17 or fishing in privately owned water, you are exempted from taking any official license or permit.

Is there any good fishing in Texas?

Texas offers abundant fishing opportunities. From freshwater to saltwater species, there are several fishes that one can target. Moreover, there are several notable lakes and rivers along the Gulf Coast that offer something to every angler.

What is the easiest fish to catch in Texas?

Sunfish, like bluegill and redear sunfish, and catfish, like channel catfish and blue catfish, are considered the easiest fishes to catch in Texas.

Explore Texas Fishing Forum

Texas fishing forums are designed by anglers for beginners, locals, and experts to share their knowledge and help the community. The registration process to these online Texas fishing forums is pretty straightforward. From these online communities, you can explore new areas and share fishing reports. Moreover, such forums provide great information about essential fishing gear, like a Jackery Portable Power Station. The ergonomic and portable designs of these power stations make them an ideal companion during your outdoor adventures.