Fishing on the Costa Blanca

Share | Print | +

Delicious

Digg

Facebook

Google

Propeller

reddit

StumbleUpon

Twitter

Yahoo!

Fishing on the Costa Blanca

Fishing Licences

A regional fishing licence, or rod licence, (permiso/licencia de pesca) is required to fish both inland and sea waters in Spain. The permit should specify if it is for a "catch and release" (sin meurte) area. 

Holders of a valid foreign fishing licence will usually be able to obtain a Spanish shore-fishing licence the same day by producing the foreign licence, passport, application and any applicable fees to a territorial Ministry of the Environment office (Ministerio de Medio Ambiente).

For those not holding a foreign fishing licence, a Spanish licence can be obtained from the territorial Ministry of the Environment office (Ministerio de Medio Ambiente). Applicants must pass an exam in Spanish before being granted a licence. After the exam, it can take over a month to receive the results and permit.

• Ministerio de Medio Ambiente
  At: Calle San Nicolas No 2 planta 4, Alicante
  Tel: 965 148 111
  Fax: 965 148 108
  Website
  e-mail 
• For contact information, including addresses, for territorial Medio Ambiente offices in Andalucia: Click here

It is possible to fill-in the application form online, but it must be printed and taken to a Medio Ambiente office.

• For a maritime fishing licence application form: Click here (select the option "Impreso de licencia de pesca"; PDF; in Spanish)

Those wishing to obtain a fishing licence relatively quickly online may be able to do so from Telelicencia.

• Telelicencia
  At: Corazon de Maria 68 1G, 28002 Madrid
  Tel: 902 300 622 / 914 161 101
  Website
  e-mail

Licences are free in some regions for residents of Spain over the age of 65.

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). Trout fishing usually requires an additional daily permit (licencia de pesca rio con recargo trucha), which essentially buys temporary membership to a local fishing club. 

Fishing insurance (seguros de pesce) for civil liability may be required when applying for the licence. Inquire prior to applying for a license, as this insurance is not required in all regions of Spain.

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, licences and insurance. 

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 Federation (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).

• For the Federación Española de Pesca y Casting website: Click here (in Spanish)

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.

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.
• 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.

0909mb