Renting boats and hiring guides can be expensive. I have never hired a guide and have not rented a boat in decades so am out of touch with the costs. We have carried an inflatable, small row boat and now a portabote. I also do a lot of fishing from the bank and wading in western streams and rivers using both fly rod and spinning gear.
Being from Texas, you probably know, but it is my understanding that if you camp at a Texas State Park, you do not need a fishing license to fish in the park. Many states allow fishing on private property without a license. I have caught some decent fish out of the lakes/ponds on campgrounds. Some National Parks like Glacier do not require any fishing license. Others like Yellowstone require a permit from the park. Others like Great Smoky Mountain require a state fishing license.
The cost of licenses is always a topic of debate. Most states have a choice of some type of short term license(s) or season/year long license. Some states use a calendar year and others honor the license for a year from the date of purchase. I have never paid more than $10/day for a short term license. Most season/yearly licenses are between $50-100. Most states have license sales online so there is no need to run around looking for a license vendor. Compared to many other forms of recreation/entertainment, to me fishing is a bargain. It all depends on your perspective, what you like to do and how you want to spend your time and money.
