Fishing in Spain: An Angler's Guide to Fresh and Saltwater Fishing

Spain has the largest fishing fleet capacity of 21.1% in the EU according to the European Commission 2016 Eurostat.

Located along the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea coastlines, Spain offers versatile fishing experience in the rivers, lakes, and reservoirs that stretch inland.

Fishing can be a leisure activity, sport or commercial activity in Spain. However, there is strict regulation on fishing. There are fresh water and salt water fishing locations that offer a variety of species.

Learn what’s required to begin fishing in Spain including getting a license to finding the best fishing spots. This guide covers it all!

1. Rivers and Lakes Fishing

Freshwater fishing in the lakes and rivers requires you to obtain a license issued by regional governments. You can get from any regional government offices or town halls of the area you want to fish. Each region regulates its own quotas, permits boundaries, fishing seasons and minimum species in its territory.

You need to pay a fee, provide proof of identity and evidence of civil liability insurance to get a license for either one, three or five years.

There are some great inland freshwater fishing spots that you can get bass, barbel, carp, mullet, perch and sturgeon species. In the north region, rivers are populated with salmon while in the northwest, trout are commonly found.

2. Deep Sea Fishing in Spain

For sports fishing above required limits or catching protected species, you will need authorization from the General Secretariat of the sea. However, Sea fishing is very popular among the locals and can fish without a license from the shores of Spain’s coastline.

There’s a prohibition of deep-sea fishing one hour after sunset unit one hour before dawn.

Without a doubt, the best fishing locations are along the Mediterranean west and south coastlines. You can charter a boat from the available local companies that are affordable for deep sea fishing.

Common saltwater fish you can find include grouper, sea bream, mackerel, cod, tuna, mullet, bonito, and swordfish

A popular tourist destination Mallorca island is situated in the heart of the Mediterranean where you can find the best gilthead, Dorado and Bluefin species during summer.

The Costa Del Sol, Marbella is one of the beautiful locations in the southern region of the Mediterranean Sea. Here you can get yellow tuna between January and August. If you are lucky you can also get white marlin, swordfish, sea bream and dentex

While fishing at the Canary Islands, you will enjoy catching snapper and grouper. You can also enjoy Tuna in their season.

3. Under Water Fishing

As it gains more popularity, you will require a license that is issued by local authorities. You are allowed to use a snorkel tube, mask, and mechanical harpoon gun only. Fishing with scuba diving equipment is strictly forbidden

4. Fishing Seasons

Fishing seasons vary as different species come around particular seasons. Trout season begins from March to September and the salmon season begins in late March to July.

Enjoy Your Fishing Experience.

When you choose to fish in Spain, you will be required to get a regional fishing license or rod license. This is for either inland on deep sea waters fishing in Spain. It should also specify whether it’s for ‘catch and release’ area.

In case you don’t have a foreign fishing license, you will be required to take an exam in Spanish before getting the license. After a month you can get your results and permit

Visit our blog for more information.