If you guys are anything like me, the annual fishing-license ritual is pretty dang simple:
You walk into Walmart, head toward the Sporting Goods area, hand over a little cash and your ID, and then walk out legally prepared to spend a few hours begging a big one to bite your bait.
But Walmart isn’t actually your only option.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department lists a ton of places around Lubbock you can stop by and purchase a fishing license with ease.
First Of All, How Much Does It Cost?
Photo by Drew Farwell on Unsplashman in white t-shirt holding a fish
For the 2026-2027 license year, a Texas resident has options to purchase the following:
Freshwater Fishing Package – $30Saltwater Fishing Package – $35All-Water Fishing Package – $40One-Day All-Water License – $11Year-From-Purchase Water License – $47Senior Freshwater Package – $12Senior All-Water Package – $22
Lubbock anglers are usually looking for a freshwater pass. We’re a bit of a drive from the ocean, but if you plan on taking some trips, it’s definitely worth it to get the All-Water package.
If you aren’t big into fishing and your husband or wife has just convinced you to come out for the day, the $11 license is the way to go.
Where Can I Buy One In Lubbock?
Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplashblack and yellow fish wall decor
According to TPWD’s current database of retailers, there are quite a few options in Lubbock.
Walmart
4215 S. Loop 289702 W. Loop 2891911 4th St.6315 82nd St.11415 Quaker Ave
Academy Sport + Outdoors
5802 19th St.11445 Quaker Ave.
Bass Pro Shop
Gebo’s
215 50th St.16301 FM 1730
Fred’s Gun Emporium
LSG Tactical Arms
Lubbock LEO
1702 Landmark Lane, Ste. 1
Sharp Shooters Safe & Gun Co.
TPWD also says that licenses are sold at roughly 1,700 retailers across the state, including bait shops, grocery stores, sporting goods stores, and other businesses.
For a full list of Lubbock retailers, click here.
Can I Skip The Store And Do It Online?
Photo by James Wheeler on Unsplashblack fishing rod and body of water during golden hour
Don’t feel like wandering around Walmart and waiting at the Sporting Goods counter forever until a staff member notices you? I don’t blame you.
You can get a fishing license online through Texas Parks and Wildlife; however, there is a $5 administrative fee for online transactions. (That’s enough motivation to make me drive to the store. Gas prices are no laughing matter.)
What About Kids?
Photo by Federico Giampieri on UnsplashAn adult and a child fishing with rods on a riverbank
Kids under 17 don’t need a fishing license. Generally, everyone else will need one when fishing in public waters in Texas. Check out TPWD’s fishing license requirements for more information.
Now all you have left to do is find some dang fish. Unfortunately, Walmart only sells the frozen kind. They are much less fun to catch…
Keep scrolling for a few great places to take the kids fishing today!
4 Great Places To Take Your Kids Fishing Around Lubbock
Gallery Credit: Chrissy
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These are some really great places to burn calories and enjoy nature in Lubbock.
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