Fishing in the Canary Islands
Frequently asked questions about fishing licences
From ordering to fishing locally: answers about your licence, permitted tackle, catch limits and protected areas.
Apply for a fishing licence for Canary Islands online
Ordering & licences
Why do I need the PescaREC app and how do I register my fishing licence?
Download the free official PescaREC app before your first fishing day. It is used for registration and to record and report your fishing activity and catches subject to mandatory reporting. You do not need the app to buy or apply for your fishing licence; it does not replace your licence.
Once you have received your fishing licence, register in the app and enter your licence number.
Important for older licences: registration may require adding “-1” to the end of the licence number. Example: 9878/2026 → 9878/2026-1
If you applied for your fishing licence after 21 January 2026, do not add “-1”. Enter your licence number unchanged.
The suffix guidance concerns older licence numbers in the format shown; it is not a general renumbering of all regional licences. The activities and catches you must report depend on the fishing area, fishery and species concerned. Follow the rules of the region where you actually fish.
Do I need to take an exam or hold a German fishing licence?
No.
- There is no exam.
- You do not need a German fishing licence.
- No certificate of fishing proficiency is required.
Issuing the licence requires your personal details and identity document number.
What does the official coastal fishing licence look like?
An A4 page in Spanish, showing:
- your registration number
- your personal details
- your identity document number
- official rules and regulations
You can find further information and important rules for your destination on this website.
How quickly will I receive my licence?
You receive your coastal fishing licence within 24 hours on working days after full payment and verification of your details. We send it as a PDF by email.
In what format will I receive the fishing licence?
You receive it digitally as a PDF by email.
Do I have to print the licence?
No — a digital copy on your smartphone is sufficient.
Can I order for friends or family?
Yes. Select the number of people and enter complete details for each person: first and last name, date of birth, identity document number, address and contact details. A separate coastal fishing licence is requested for each person.
Can I cancel my order?
Please contact us as soon as possible if you wish to change or cancel your order. Whether the application to the authority can still be stopped depends on its processing stage. See our cancellation policy for information about the right of withdrawal.
Which payment methods are available?
Payment options include card, PayPal and bank transfer, with SEPA Direct Debit where available. The payment methods available for your order and their instructions are shown in the final checkout step.
Fishing & local rules
Do I really need a fishing licence in the Canary Islands?
Yes. An official fishing licence is legally required for coastal fishing in the Canary Islands (Class 3).
Always carry your licence, digitally on your phone or printed, together with your identity card or passport.
PescaREC is used for catch reporting and special authorisations. Reporting obligations depend on the applicable rules and the species concerned.
Where is this fishing licence valid?
Our shore fishing licence is valid for fishing from the shore along all Spanish coasts: the mainland, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca. This applies to the shore fishing licences offered on our websites. Observe regional fishing rules, catch restrictions and protected areas; the licence does not allow fishing in prohibited locations.
Can I use the coastal licence to fish from a boat?
The product offered here is a coastal fishing licence. Requirements for kayaks and similar floating craft, as well as registered boats, differ by region and waters. Before fishing from a boat, check which licence and fishing method are permitted.
How many rods may I use?
From shore, a maximum of two rods or lines per licence is allowed, with up to three hooks each. The same angler’s rods may be no more than three metres apart.
Where is fishing prohibited?
In the Canary Islands, surface fishing rules include a minimum distance of 150 metres from bathing areas and correctly marked divers who are already present. Also observe fishing bans, harbour rules, protected areas and local signs. Professional fishing gear and the sale of recreational catches are prohibited.
What happens if I fish without a licence?
Fishing without a valid licence risks:
- a substantial fine
- confiscation of your equipment
Keep your valid licence and identity document ready for inspections.
Which fish must be marked after they are caught?
Whether a catch must be marked depends on the regional rules and the species. The marking of certain species described on our Mallorca website is a Balearic rule. Do not automatically apply it to other regions.
What are the rules in marine reserves?
Marine reserves may have their own permits, fishing days, catch limits, minimum sizes and closed zones. Check the rules of the specific reserve before fishing.
How many kilograms of fish may I keep per day?
In Canary Islands internal waters (aguas interiores), the general limit is 5 kg per person per day; the authority describes exceptions for one larger individual fish. Additional rules apply in other waters and to specific species.
Can children go fishing?
Age and accompanying-adult requirements differ between regions. Before placing an order for a minor, check the requirements for the actual fishing destination.
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