Spanish fishing rules are similar all across the nation, and are made to preserve wildlife, and keep the environment clean. That’s why there is a limit of how much one can fish, minimum sizes, etc.
Many of the rules are based on common sense, and yet, every year, a few not so bright individuals are sent to prison (e.g. for using dynamite to fish).
Spanish fishing rules are set by each autonomous community (those mini-governments that make the laws) for the waters that are under their control. There are two types of waters:
- Interior waters (in Spanish “aguas interiores”): These are under direct control of the autonomous government.
- External waters (in Spanish “aguas exteriores”): For these, country laws apply. You only need to worry about these if you’re going in a boat.
Spanish Fishing Rules: Does and Don’ts
You’re NOT allowed to:
- Sell your fish.
- The fishing limit for most areas is 5 kilos per day
- Use professional fishermen’s tackle
- Use live bait to fish in marine reserves. These are protected areas.
- Fish banned species, in restricted areas, or during certain periods of the year when you’re not supposed to.
- These periods are usually for shellfish.
- Use fish attraction devices with lights, or throw fish in the water to attract bigger fish
- Use poisonous, narcotic, explosive, or polluting chemicals.
- Interfere with professional fishermen. Stay at least 250 meters away from any of their tackle.
- Fish near ports, inside harbours, or anywhere near people who are swimming or diving. If you see swimmers, you need to move away at least 100-150 meters. (Balearics 100m, Canaries 150m, other regions somewhere in between).
- Balearics: Fish from the beaches between 7 and 22 hours, during the spring and summer season (May 1st until September 30th). In the Canaries, you’re not allowed to fish from beaches at all.
Basic fishing tackle
- 2 rods with a maximum of 3 hooks each. A treble hook counts as 3 hooks.
- Fishing rod accessories: reels, lures, bobbers, sinkers, etc.
- A landing net or fishnet
