What are the requirements to become a kayak guide? Do you have to go through the same courses as a powerboat guide?

For freshwater, you just need to purchase a freshwater guide license (Texas resident) #600 for $132.

For saltwater, you do not need a USCG OUVP license. You are required to have an all-water paddle craft license (Resident of Texas) #650 for $210 and additional items as listed below..

https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_v3400_0074.pdf

All-Water Paddle Craft
Resident (Type 650).................. $210
Non-resident (Type 750).............$1,050

Required of any person operating as a fishing guide and utilizing paddle craft (canoes, kayaks, etc.) in all coastal waters. NOTE: Persons operating as a fishing guide and utilizing paddle craft (canoes, kayaks, etc.) while guiding can qualify for a fishing guide license upon presentation to a license agent of certification or proof of completion of a TPWD boater safety course, CPR/First Aid training, and completion of the American Canoe Association Coastal Kayak Day Trip Leading Assessment or the British Canoe Union Four Star Leader Sea Kayak Certification. This license is applicable only to paddle craft and cannot be used when a person is operating a motorized vessel.

Any person who possesses an All-Water fishing guide license and a valid USCG vessel operator�s license is qualified as an All-Water paddle craft fishing guide.

All-Water fishing guide and All-Water paddle craft licenses available only at TPWD Law Enforcement offices. Freshwater fishing guide licenses available at any location where licenses are sold.

The odds are low but if the freshwater lake is connected to the bays/ocean a USCG license is required. I have never heard of them enforcing it on small lakes but you never know. I know they do on the Misssippi and it tributaries, The Great Lakes, Potomac, Columbia River, ect. Basically major waterways. Really instead of asking the question on a forum it is easy enough to contact the Houston Marine Training Center at 1-800-444-3926 and TPWD at 1-800-792-1112.

USCG is only required for guides in motorized vessels on saltwater or certain freshwater lakes. Guides in paddle boats never require USCG OUPV regardless of fresh or salt water.

True, but every one I know uses a power boat as well.....

Thanks for the info and I do not use a powerboat.