My boat/motor/trailer is registered in my state. Texas wants $150 each to temporarily register them for 90days. They won't even provide the lube !! My question is 2 fold; those of you who make a living from fishing; I mean guides, gas, fishing gear, and motels; I'm definitely not coming back to Tx to get raped again. And #2; how likely am I to be checked? I wouldn't be quite so upset if the money went to improving fishing/ramps; but it is likely going to a "social Program"

So am i understanding that you're coming to Texas to work as a guide? If that's the case then you have no cause to complain about the cost of registering your boat. You're coming to Texas to make money off of Texas resources. Resources that you pay nothing for. I don't think that $150 to register your boat is too much to expect. On your second question i'd say if you're guiding with out of state boat registration that you're pretty likely to get checked during that 90 day.

Now, if you're coming to Texas for some other kind of work then that's altogether different.

I highly doubt if the money will go to social programs, do you know much about where Texas ranks on that kind of idea?
The money very well could go into a fund to improve State Park facilities, Game Warden salaries, etc.

With the cost of gas likely to go up and the cost of hotels for 90 days you would probably be better off staying home.

I am a fly fishing visitor,not a guide. And with an attitude like yours I probably won't be back. Nothing in my original post says guide. By the way, I agree with your statement; it is not relevant to my situation. My question about guides, sales and hotels; if you belong to those groups, does it bother you that Tx is discouraging visitors by adding $300 to the trip charge even though I have paid my own states fees?

I'm there for 2 weeks;in a timeshare that is already paid for at a cost of $240/week. But thanks for the concern.

Maybe I'm just a little slow and do not understand the issue. Why would you temporarily register your rig if only staying for 2 weeks? Do you intend to do the same with the tow vehicle? Hopefully not because all of these issues are completely unnecessary. As long as everything is currently registered in your state, there's no need to do anything when crossing state lines other than buy an out of state fishing permit, drive/boat safe, respect others and have a great time.

Ah Ok, now i understand. From the first post i wasn't clear about the nature of your visit. As CalgaryAngler said, no need to register your boat in Texas for a 2 week trip. the 90 day temp registration is for people who come here to work/live for an extended period. Many people spend summers in northern states and winters in southern states like Texas. Those are the folks that need to register their vehicles. Someone like you coming for a 2 week vacation does not need a temporary Texas registration.

I am curious as to what fish you are targeting, if fly fishing in Texas I know of no where that you need a boat to fish and those places like the quadalupe you use a canoe or kayak, no motor = no registration needed.

if only a 2 week trip and you don't plan on trying to make money guiding then just get r done, buy a fishing license and c'mon.

I will add, Texas tpwd fees go back into our lakes/game wardens/parks etc. not the general fund for politicians to waste.

rather than complain about getting hosed in texas why not try another state an see if you can use the resources for free we already have enough folks that want free stuff.

By any chance are you coming from Cali.?

Sooner;glad to set the story straight. My understanding about the fees is direct from the Tx DPW. You need a temporary use permit ($150 for boat, $150 for motor) no matter whether 1 day,2 weeks or 90 days. It is a use permit, not a registration outright. Hopalong; we fly fish for bass, stripers, whites, crappie,BG. No stream fishing expected. S Smith; I'm paying fishing license fees; I don't mind paying the same as you do for ramps,etc; but I'm sure you are not paying $1,200 a year for those items. Smurfs; Yes,I'm from CA. I had always heard what great people Texans are. I'm catch/release all the way. I apologize to Sooner; he and I had an honest misunderstanding. I'm sure I would be less than trusting next to SSmith on a ramp. RE: the temporary use fees of $150/boat,150 for motor; I've talked to TDPW officials 4 times as I found it hard to believe.

PWD 1434 - Temporary Use Tax Permit (PDF)
This form is used to apply for a temporary use permit by the owner of a taxable vessel/boat or outboard motor who qualifies for a specific tax exemption to have their boat or outboard motor in Texas for not more than 90 days without paying sales/use tax.
Separate permits are required for each vessel/boat and/or outboard motor. The fee for each permit is $150.00.
This permit does not apply to registration and operation of a vessel/boat or outboard motor on public waters.
This permit is valid for 90 days and is non-renewable, non-transferable, and non-refundable. Only two temporary use permits may be issued for the same taxable vessel/boat or taxable outboard motor within a calendar year. The second permit in a calendar year may not be issued before the 30th day after the date the first permit expires.
Complete instructions and requirements are available on the form.

What you are reading has nothing to do with tourist who come to Texas to fish. Thousands of people come to Texas each year to fish and they bring their boats with them. All you are required to do is buy an out of state fishing license. You do not have to register your boat.

This form is used to apply for a temporary use permit by the owner of a taxable vessel/boat or outboard motor who qualifies for a specific tax exemption to have their boat or outboard motor in Texas for not more than 90 days without paying sales/use tax.

and what pchapin posted, fishing license, texoma license if fishing it, bring boat, fish.

I brought my boat down from Okieland multiple times with no worry, just has to have current registration in the state it is from.
I would suggest you make sure you have all your mandatory equipment on board as well, you may or may not be inspected. go to tpwd for what Tx. requires.

It's just like you driving your car to other states, no registration needed unless you will be staying a lengthy stay and being gainfully employed.