Folks,
In the following recent thread:

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/2576533/Fishing_License_Question

The question of the need to have your physical license with you was asked and it appears that the answer is YES ... you need the physical license to be legal. As I was mulling over this idea this morning, I wondered if a photocopy of the fishing license would be valid?

I have three tackle boxes ... one in my boat, one in my car and one at my in-laws ... could I have three photocopies of my valid fishing license (one in each box) and call it all good?

Neil

I would not think a photo copy would be legal. Why not just carry it in your wallet then you always have it.

David,
Yup ... I can't disagree with that. It will be nicely folded in my wallet now and left there. To be honest, it was more of an academic question than anything else.

I doubt that it would pass. It would be too easy to forge.

I just leave mine in my wallet then I always have it. I think you need to have a drivers license or texas id along with it so they can verify who you are.

Joe

too easy to forge??? what? i mean seriously, if the game warden gives you heck about a genuine, valid, true-blue photocopy of a fishing license you've paid for, that's a bunch of bull..... in fact, i think i'll photocopy mine right now to carry copies with me

Do you just carry a photo copy of your drivers license as well.

Yes, frequently I do carry only a photocopy of my drivers license - when I don't want to lug my wallet - like when running or golfing, or fishing at the local ponds. And usually all that is needed is for you to give your drivers license number from memory.

a copy of your dl is no good and I don't think a copy of fishing lic. They would write you a ticket and it would be up to the judge to dismiss it or not. But the law says you must have the lic. on your person no mention of a copy.
Johnny

Yep +1.

Careful, Tournement directors may figure out they can just give the winner the cerimonial, non-negotiable, photo copy of the the first place check instead of the bonifide instrument that has value. Mmmmmmmmmmm.

Good Fishin,

Bo

You can buy your lic online. So you have to print them off, whats the difference in that and a copy?

A copy of your fishing license is indeed legal! I wear jeans in the summer on my water wagon and carry a copy in a waterproof baggie. (Our local GW told me to do it) I just got checked last week by a young warden 9 months out of GW academy and he was LOOKING for anything to write up. He had no problem whatsoever with the photocopy. Did tell me, however, that I was supposed to be wearing my lifejacket since it was the automatic (have to pull the cord for the jacket to inflate) kind. He said if you throw it in the water and it won't float, you're supposed to have it on when on the water.

The copy is not legal but here is what will happen. You will get a ticket, you will call the judge and he will tell you to send him a letter with a PHOTOCOPY of your liecens and he will dismiss it. I learned this little tid bit two years ago when I forgot my hunting license at the house and got stopped by Mr. GW.

I guess I don't understand why it is difficult to actually carry the license with you when you are fishing. Mine is in my wallet all the time, since I have rods and tackle in both my car and truck, and can stop and fish at any puddle I see.