Fishing Licences

A regional fishing licence, or rod licence, (permiso/licencia de pesca) is required to fish both inland and sea waters in Spain. Fishing in rivers, estuaries or lakes also requires an angling licence, which can be obtained from many fishing shops, some Caja Rural and Caja Mar Banks, or from the local office of the Ministry of the Environment (Minsterio de Medio Ambiente). 

The cost of licences is nominal. 

Holders of an existing foreign licence may make a permit application online (in Spanish) from Tele Licencia. If the applicant for an angling licence does not have an existing foreign licence, an exam (in Spanish) must be taken. Information is available from the local Ministerio de Medio Ambiante.

• Ministerio de Medio Ambiante
  At: Calle San Nicolas No 2 planta 4. Alicante
  Tel: 965 148 111
  Fax: 965 148 108
  e-mail 

Trout fishing usually requires an additional daily permit (Coto Deportiva de Pesca), which essentially buys temporary membership to a local fishing club. 

Failure to obtain the necessary permits and licences can result in large fines and confiscation of fishing equipment. Some anglers choose to hire professional tour operators to obtain the required permits and licences. 

Fishing Waters

There are both public and private fishing waters in Spain. An additional permit may be needed to fish in some. There are three types of fishing environment:

• Free (libros): These waters do not require a special permit
• Restricted (cotos): These are waters that do require a permit
• Fisheries (intensivos): Permits for these waters are often available in local shops

The fishing season varies based on the particular species of fish. Most rivers have restrictions on the numbers of licences issued per day and the quantity and size of the fish that may be caught.

The season for non-mountain trout runs from the first Sunday in March to 15 August.

The Spanish fishing and casting association website (Federación Española de Pesca y Casting) has information on fishing sites and regulations (in Spanish). Local tourist offices and town halls often have information about local fishing areas and provide fishing maps (mapa de pesca fluvial).

Fishing on the Costa Blanca

On the Costa Blanca both salt-water and fresh-water fishing are widely practised. A fishing fee must be paid to fish in certain areas (pesca de pago); in others fishing is free (pesca libre).

Beach fishing and fishing from the rocks is possible, however catches are better when fished from a boat.

• A comprehensive guide to the fishing areas in the Costa Blanca area from Go Fishing Spain: Click here

Freshwater fishing trips as well as boat rental and deep-sea fishing trips can be arranged. See The AngloFILE category Fishing & Angling: Fresh & Sea Water

The rivers on the Costa Blanca contain carp, zander, pike, black bass and barbell. The Amadorio and Guadalest dams are said to be good fresh-water fishing spots. As for sea fishing, sea bream, bass, and grey mullet can be found just off the coast, while further out, fishing for mackerel can be done. Tuna can be fished in the autumn and winter.

Underwater fishing

A licence for underwater fishing has to be obtained and is issued by the local authorities. Fishers may use a snorkel tube, mask and mechanical harpoon gun but underwater fishing with scuba equipment is forbidden.

Fishing Media on the Costa Blanca

• The Coastrider has a weekly sea and freshwater fishing feature in the Sports section.
• Costa Blanca Leader has a weekly column called Fishing with Crabtree with articles about course, fly and sea fishing.
• Round Town News has a weekly column called Go Fishing covering sea and course fishing.
• Costa Blanca News has a weekly fishing article, with news and fishing match results.

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