Fishing on the Costa Calida

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Fishing on the Costa Calida

Regional fishing licences (permiso/licencia de pesca) are required to fish in each region of Spain. Only coastal-water licences are valid throughout the country. Permits should specify if it is for a "catch and release" (sin meurte) area. 

There are both public and private fishing waters in Spain. 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. Many rivers have restrictions on the numbers of licences issued per day and the quantity and size of the fish that may be caught.

The Spanish Fishing and Casting Association (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 Cálida

On the Costa Cálida both salt-water and fresh-water fishing are widely enjoyed. A fishing fee must be paid to fish in certain areas (pesca de pago); in others fishing is free (pesca libre), though a permit is always required.

In Murcia, separate licences are required for fishing from:

• only the sea coast (tierra; good throughout Spain)
• only a boat in the sea (embarcación)
• the sea coast and a boat (tierra y embarcación)
• underwater (pesca submarina)
• freshwater fishing (pesca fluvial)

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. 

• For charters and tours, see The AngloFILE category Fishing & Angling: Fresh & Sea Water 

Information about fishing on the Costa Calida is also available from the Regional Office of Hunting and Fishing (La Oficina Regional de Caza y Pesca).

• La Oficina Regional de Caza y Pesca
  At: C/ Catedrático Eugenio Úbeda Nº 3, CP 30008 Murcia
  Tel: 968 22 89 13/14/15

Fishing Licences

Licence requirements vary greatly from region to region, and sometimes from town to town. Spain is attempting to adjust it's fishing laws to come into line with EU directives, however the changes have created inconsistency regarding requirements. It is suggested to check with the local Ministry of Agriculture and Water (Consejería de Agricultura y Agua) for current requirements.

Fishing insurance (seguros de pesce) for civil liability (damage to third parties) is required to fish in Murcia, though not all regions in Spain require insurance coverage.

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. 

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

Fishing Licences for Inland Waters

A regional fishing licence is required to fish in Murcia. Fishing in rivers, estuaries or lakes also requires an angling licence, which may be obtained from some fishing shops, some Caja Rural and Caja Mar Banks, or from the local office of the Ministry of the Environment (Ministerio 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. 

A Murcia region inland-water fishing licence can be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Water (Consejería de Agricultura y Agua) or at Murcian regional government one-stop shop (Ventanilla Única). It is suggested to inquire about locations at which to purchase an angling licence and trout fishing licence when applying for an inland-water fishing licence, if applicable.

• Consejería de Agricultura y Agua
  Dirección General de Ganadería y Pesca
  At: Plaza Juan XXIII, S/N Murcia
  Website
• Consejería de Agricultura y Agua
  Servicio de Pesca y Acuicultura
  At: Calle Campos 4, EDF "Foro", 30201 Cartagena
  Open: Monday to Friday, 09:00-14:00
  Tel: 012 (from Spain)
  Tel: 968 362 000
  Website
• For a list of Ventanillas Únicas: Click here

How to obtain an inland waters fishing licence

The following documents are required to obtain an inland-waters fishing licence:

• Two passport-size photos
• Completed application form
• Receipt of payment (payment locations should be found on the application form)
• Passport
• Photocopy of the applicant's NIE

Applicants can be of any age, however applicants under 12 years of age will need the approval of a guardian or parent.

Note: It may be possible for a foreigner without an NIE to obtain an inland water fishing licence in Murcia, then be denied the required third-party liability insurance, thus making the fishing licence invalid.

Fishing Licences for Maritime Fishing

A sea-fishing licence can be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Water (Consejería de Agricultura y Agua) or at Murcian regional government one-stop shops (Ventanillas Únicas).

• Consejería de Agricultura y Agua
  Dirección General de Ganadería y Pesca
  At: Plaza Juan XXIII, S/N Murcia
  Website
• Consejería de Agricultura y Agua
  Servicio de Pesca y Acuicultura
  At: Calle Campos 4, EDF "Foro", 30201 Cartagena
  Open: Monday to Friday, 09:00-14:00
  Tel: 012 (from Spain)
  Tel: 968 362 000
  Website
• For a list of Ventanillas Únicas: Click here

There are four types of sea fishing licence available in Murcia:

1. Recreational fishing only from the sea coast (tierra; good throughout Spain)
2. Recreational fishing only from a boat in the sea (embarcación)
3. Recreational fishing from the sea coast and a boat (tierra y embarcación)
4. Recreational fishing underwater/spearfishing (pesca submarina)

Note: It may be possible for a foreigner without an NIE to obtain an maritime fishing licence in Murcia, then be denied the required third-party liability insurance, thus making the fishing licence invalid.

Recreational fishing from the sea coast, boat or sea and boat

Applicants for a licence to fish from land and/or boat must be at least 16 years of age, though 10-15 year olds may obtain a licence for fishing in special recreational areas (with the approval of a guardian or parent).

Documents required to obtain a licence to fish from land and/or boat:

• Two passport-size photos
• Completed application form T760
• Receipt of payment (payment locations should be found on the application form)
• Passport
• Photocopy of the applicant's NIE

Underwater fishing

Fishers may use a snorkel tube, mask and mechanical harpoon gun but underwater fishing with scuba equipment is forbidden.

Applicants for an underwater fishing licence must be at least 18 years of age.

Documents required to obtain a spearfishing licence:

• Two passport-size photos
• Medical certificate stating the applicant is physically capable of undertaking the activity
• Completed application form T760
• Receipt of payment (payment locations should be found on the application form)
• Passport
• Photocopy of the applicant's NIE

Holders of a Foreign Fishing Licence

Holders of an existing foreign licence planning on traveling to Spain may find it easier to obtain a licence online from Telelicencia. 

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

Related Information

• Round Town News has a weekly column called "Go Fishing" covering sea and course fishing.

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