Fishing in the Balearics

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Fishing in the Balearics

A fishing license, or rod licence, (permiso de pesca) is required to fish both inland and sea waters in Spain.

The Balearic Islands offer many opportunities for sea fishing. In order to practice this activity, it is necessary to have one of the following licences:

• Individual recreational fishing licence (Llicència de pesca marítima recreativa individual): allows the person to fish from land or boat, for people over 14 years of age 
• Underwater fishing licence (Llicència de pesca submarina): for people over 16 years of age with a federation licence
• Sports fishing licence (Llicència de pesca marítima esportiva ): this allows the participation in official competitions and training programmes
• Licence to fish from a boat (Llicència de pesca marítima recreativa per a l'embarcació): allows no more than five people per boat
• Collective fishing licence (Llicència de pesca marítima recreativa collectiva): allows no more than 12 people to fish per boat

Individual licences are valid for two years, licences to fish from a boat are valid for three years, all other licences are valid for one year. People under 14 years of age may fish from land or boat without a licence.

Licences can be obtained or renewed at the Directorate-general of Fishing:

• Dirección General de Pesca del Govern de les Illes Balears
  At: Calle Foners 10, Palma de Mallorca
  Tel: 971 176 100
  Fax: 971 176 157
  Website 

Applications can also be made by post, fax or e-mail. To download the forms: Click here (in Spanish)

Applicants will need to present a photocopy of their passport. Holders of a foreign licence will need to present this. Licences obtained in other Spanish autonomous communities are also valid in the Balearic Islands. 

Fishing Waters

The website of the Spanish Association for Fishing and Casting (Federación Española de Pesca y Casting) has information on fishing sites and regulations.

• For further information: Click here (in Spanish)
• For information about the quantities and types of fish allowed when fishing in the Balearics: Click here (PDF in Spanish)

Local Fishing Contacts in the Balearics

• Balearic Fishing and Casting Federation (Federació Balear de Pesca i Casting)
  At: Avda Joan Miró 327, 07015 Palma de Majorca
  Tel: 971 702 088
  Fax: 971 702 088
  e-mail
• Directorate-general of Fishing (Dirección General de Pesca del Govern de les Illes Balears)
  At: Calle Foners 10, Palma de Mallorca
  Tel: 971 176 100
  Fax: 971 176 157
  Website 
• For a list of fishing events and competitions in the Balearics: Click here  
• For a list of sports associations in the Balearics: Click here (in Spanish)

Further Information

• Directorate-general of Fishing
• Go Fishing Spain