Canary Islands Fishing Licences

There are three types of recreational Canary Islands fishing licences. Depending on what kind of fishing you want to practice, you can order either Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3. Combinations of the three types are also available. Please always follow the rules and the daily fishing limits in kilos. Remember that “recreational” fishing is for fun, so you can’t sell the fish.

Canary Islands Fishing Licences and Daily Limits

Depending on where you are fishing and the type of licence you have, there is a maximum amount of allowed fish. As soon as your total fish exceeds that limit, it would be best to stop fishing. You can keep the fish. For example, if you have fished 2 kilos and then fish a big 10-kilo fish, you get to keep all and must immediately stop fishing. If you meet a fishing warden, he will weigh all the fish you have except the last one you fished. You can keep that extra fish that exceeds the limit only in nearshore waters (“aguas interiores”).

Internal and External Waters Map

Here’s a map where you can see what parts of the waters around the Canaries are considered “inshore” or “external-open sea” waters.

Class 1 Licence – Fishing from a Boat

Large pelagic species (e.g., tuna, marlin):

• The maximum catch is three fish per person/day.
• Maximum weight per vessel: 100 kg or one fish over 100 kg.

Normal fish:

If you’re transporting fish from one island to another, the limit is 10 kg.

Class 2 Licence – Spearfishing

• General catch limit: 4 (external waters-open sea) or 5 kgs (internal-nearshore) per person/day.

Class 3 Licence – Fishing from the Shore or an Anchored Boat

• Coastal waters: 5 kg per person/day.
• Shore fishing (external waters): 4 kg per person/day.
• Boat fishing (external waters): 4 kg per vessel/day/person.
  • 1 person: 4 kg
  • 2 people: 8 kg
  • 3 people: 12 kg
  • 4 people or more: 16 kg

Protected and Prohibited Species for Fishing

1. Special Permits Needed:
   Some species require special fishing authorisation under differentiated protection from the central government fishing dept. We currently don’t offer this type of permit. If you’re fishing for any of the following, you will need this authorisation:
   • Bluefin tuna, albacore, bigeye tuna
   • Swordfish, marlin, wahoo
   • Hake, blackspot seabream
2. Forbidden Species in the Canary Islands:
   • Check the complete list of prohibited species.
   • Minimum catch sizes apply to many species. Click here for details
3. Strictly Protected Animals:
   • Do not catch or keep endangered or protected animals like turtles, cetaceans, or birds.
   • For more information, visit the Centinela government website, where you can see the photos and names of the protected plants, insects, birds, and other creatures.

Shore and Spearfishing Guidelines

Shore Fishing:

You can go shore fishing during the day and night. There are no restrictions.

• Maintain a minimum distance of 150 metres from:
  • Designated bathing areas, such as the sandy areas of all the beaches
  • Divers
• Stay at least 3 metres away from other shore fishermen.

Spearfishing:

You can practice this type of fishing only during the day, i.e. from sunrise to sunset. To stay out of trouble, only load the speargun under the water. In some parts of the Canaries, especially while fishing in the open sea waters (aguas exteriores), authorities may ask whether you have insurance (licencia federativa) because a speargun is considered a weapon.

• Maintain a minimum distance of:
  • 150 metres from bathing or crowded areas
  • 70 metres from divers or fishing gear
  • 926 metres from boats
• Spearfishing is banned in harbours.
• Spearfishing is only allowed in the designated areas on the map.
  • Red zones: Fishing is permitted only on weekends and holidays.

Boat Fishing Guidelines

Maintain Distance from Professional Fishing Boats:

• At least 0.5 nautical miles in coastal waters.
• At least 300 meters in external waters.

Keep Clear of Fish Farms and Divers:

• Stay at least 70 meters away in internal waters.
• Stay at least 200 meters away from fish farms in general.

Fishing Restrictions in Specific Areas:

• Fishing is not allowed inside harbours.
• Maintain a distance of at least 250 meters from bathing areas (beaches).

Big Game Fishing Rules:

• Stay 500 nautical meters away from professional fishing boats when fishing with rods for species like tuna.

Avoid Set Fishing Gear:

• Stay at least 148 meters away from fishing nets, traps, and other set gear in the sea.

Canary Islands Fishing Licences: Shorefishing

Below, you’ll find the shore licences that the Canary Islands government issues. If you’re over 65, please check out our special price.

Please click here if you’re between 18 and 65 and prefer not to send your passport or national ID card.