Fishing in Italy
Fishing (pesca sportiva) in Italy is practiced chiefly as a competitive and recreational activity. There are approx. 2,000,000 anglers in Italy of which 30,000 are members of the Italian Fishing Federation (FIPSAS).
Licences & Regulations
Freshwater fishing is not permitted without a licence and a permit
Licences
Fishing licence applications should be made at the Fishing & Hunting Department of the provincial administration office (Amministrazione Provinciale).
Applicants must be over 18, although permits can be issued to 14 to 18 year olds as long as a licensed adult accompanies them at all times.
The applicant will need two passport photos to accompany the completed application form and a marca da bollo (tax stamp, available from tobacconists) to pay the fees.
The validity of the license is one year and can be renewed at a fee.
Once you have the license, it is relatively easy to get the permit. You only need to visit local fishing authorities or even park rangers and pay a small fee. The permit can last a day, week, or another appropriate period.
Permits
There are two types of fishing permits you can apply for. A Category ‘A’ permit allows for professional fishing, while a Category ‘B’ fishing allows for recreational fishing.
The permits are regional and you might be restricted to a specific area depending on the time of the year, type of permit, and existing ecological conditions.
Regulations
A person fishing on a daily (short-term) basis should check the regulations with the local police or provincial council.
The city, the province, the state or any authority may decide to assign a specific area as a fishing reserve (riserva di pesca), in which case the fisherman must comply with specific rules and/or make a specific request to fish there.
It is considered illegal to fish without adhering to the protected areas, catch fish that do not meet the minimum size standards, or fish during a forbidden period. A person found doing so may be liable for a fine or have their licence revoked.
Night fishing is allowed in most places.
Note: a person caught lake or river fishing without a permit will be fined.
Seasons
Italy regulates its fishing regionally, so the rules vary from place to place. However, carp fishing in most places generally runs all year round.
The peak season runs from April to December, during which a lot of anglers from all over the world visit. One unique thing is that you can expect a lot of carp in the winter season in Italian rivers. They tend to go there away from the colder countries, so you can get an impressive catch in any season.
Resources
Check List
- Fishing Licence & Permit (see above)
- Photo ID
- Travel Insurance - we recommend these providers
If you are driving:
- Green Card (Insurance) - contact your insurer
- Driving licence
- Vehicle Log Book
- GB Sticker (unless GB identifier is on your number plate)
- Be aware of road tolls & charges - see here for details
NB: If you hold a paper driving licence or a driving licence from Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, you may need a 1968 IDP. Check with the Italian Embassy
Recommended Waters
Recommended Service Partners
For the best deals and for Carp Circle assurance use our recommended partners:
Car Hire
Have a car waiting for you upon arrival. Great rates guaranteed.
Travel Insurance
Stay safe & stay covered. Best rates for European travel.
Flights
Daily budget flights in and out of all main European airports.
-
Licences & Regulations
Freshwater fishing is not permitted without a licence and a permit
Licences
Fishing licence applications should be made at the Fishing & Hunting Department of the provincial administration office (Amministrazione Provinciale).
Applicants must be over 18, although permits can be issued to 14 to 18 year olds as long as a licensed adult accompanies them at all times.
The applicant will need two passport photos to accompany the completed application form and a marca da bollo (tax stamp, available from tobacconists) to pay the fees.
The validity of the license is one year and can be renewed at a fee.
Once you have the license, it is relatively easy to get the permit. You only need to visit local fishing authorities or even park rangers and pay a small fee. The permit can last a day, week, or another appropriate period.
Permits
There are two types of fishing permits you can apply for. A Category ‘A’ permit allows for professional fishing, while a Category ‘B’ fishing allows for recreational fishing.
The permits are regional and you might be restricted to a specific area depending on the time of the year, type of permit, and existing ecological conditions.
Regulations
A person fishing on a daily (short-term) basis should check the regulations with the local police or provincial council.
The city, the province, the state or any authority may decide to assign a specific area as a fishing reserve (riserva di pesca), in which case the fisherman must comply with specific rules and/or make a specific request to fish there.
It is considered illegal to fish without adhering to the protected areas, catch fish that do not meet the minimum size standards, or fish during a forbidden period. A person found doing so may be liable for a fine or have their licence revoked.
Night fishing is allowed in most places.
Note: a person caught lake or river fishing without a permit will be fined.
-
Seasons
Italy regulates its fishing regionally, so the rules vary from place to place. However, carp fishing in most places generally runs all year round.
The peak season runs from April to December, during which a lot of anglers from all over the world visit. One unique thing is that you can expect a lot of carp in the winter season in Italian rivers. They tend to go there away from the colder countries, so you can get an impressive catch in any season.
-
Resources
-
Check List
- Fishing Licence & Permit (see above)
- Photo ID
- Travel Insurance - we recommend these providers
If you are driving:
- Green Card (Insurance) - contact your insurer
- Driving licence
- Vehicle Log Book
- GB Sticker (unless GB identifier is on your number plate)
- Be aware of road tolls & charges - see here for details
NB: If you hold a paper driving licence or a driving licence from Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, you may need a 1968 IDP. Check with the Italian Embassy
-
Recommended Waters
Getting There
Flights
Daily budget flights in and out of all main European airports.
Insurance
Travel Insurance
Stay safe & stay covered. Best rates for European travel.
Driving
Car Hire
Have a car waiting for you upon arrival. Great rates guaranteed.
Fishing Italy
Fishing (pesca sportiva) in Italy is practiced chiefly as a competitive and recreational activity. There are approx. 2,000,000 anglers in Italy of which 30,000 are members of the Italian Fishing Federation (FIPSAS).