Croatia's coast certainly has a lot to offer. Picturesque towns and villages, amazing islands and fantastic beaches are the main reasons why so many people come and visit it every year. However, there is another activity you can enjoy – fishing.
Fishing enthusiasts can choose between a wide variety of options: you can set up a big game fishing trip, take a boat to find a nice fishing spot just for yourself, or even fish from the mainland or an island's coast.
If fishing in the Adriatic is something you would love to try out, here are some useful tips that can help you make that wish a reality. Let’s dive into it!
Do I need a licence to fish in Croatia?
Yes, to be able to fish freely in Croatia, you will need a proper fishing licence. However, the good news is that you can obtain one quite easily: just visit a tourist agency. There, you should be able to get your fishing licence, and this document will last a certain amount of time.
Keep in mind that there are some limits to this because some species of fish are protected and some areas are off-limits to fishermen. There will probably be a limit to how much fish you can catch, so it would certainly be a good idea to inform yourself a bit about these restrictions.
However, they will not diminish your experience in any way!
Best fishing locations in Croatia
No matter where on the Croatia coast you are, you can be sure that there's a great fishing spot close by. The western coast of Istria, for example, is one such area, and the seabed here takes many forms, which means you will be able to catch different types of fish. The area around Novigrad is particularly attractive because of the brackish water there.
Slightly further south, you have islands such as Cres, Krk and Lošinj, all of which have their own specific advantages. The area around Krk is covered with sand, whereas the seabed around Cres and Lošinj is rocky.
Further south, in the region of Dalmatia, is Šibenik, and the area around this town is known as probably the best tuna fishing spot in Croatia since the largest specimens of this type of fish were caught here. Apart from that, islands like Vis, Hvar, Šolta, and especially Mljet, have diverse and fascinating ecosystems which provide plenty of opportunities to catch something special.
Types of fish in Croatia
What exactly can you catch in Croatia? Well, as we said earlier, there are plenty of opportunities, but your location will also play an important role. We've already mentioned tuna, but there are other big creatures you could hook. Organized big game fishing trips in Croatia will usually bring you to places where swordfish can also be caught, too.
Seabass and mullet are among the most common inhabitants of this part of the Adriatic, but with a little bit of luck, you can also encounter stingrays and various types of sharks (large and dangerous shark species such as the great white or the tiger shark do not live here). There are also sardines and seabreams, plus you can also catch monkfish, mackerel and many others. Exciting, right?
You may also be interested to know that squids, octopuses and cuttlefish are also quite common, and the latter is used in one of Croatia's greatest delicacies, black risotto. But remember, inform yourself which fish you’re allowed to catch before taking off.
Renting fishing gear in Croatia
If you want to keep things simple, you can just book a charter boat and take off. Organised fishing trips will come with all the necessary equipment, including fishing rods, hooks, bait and anything else you may need. Another advantage of this kind of trip is that your guides can give you useful tips and teach you how to approach all of this in the best way, so beginners can also enjoy themselves to the fullest.
On the other hand, if you want to do everything on your own, even smaller towns on the Croatian coast will have a shop where you can buy everything you need at least for the simplest form of angling.
However, the exact type and amount of equipment you're allowed to use will depend on the type of license you acquire.
Freshwater fishing in Croatia
Apart from fishing on Croatia's coast, you may be surprised to know that there are some excellent fishing locations for freshwater fish thanks to the country's numerous lakes and rivers. Some of these places are incredibly beautiful too and will allow you to see some of Croatia's national parks. By this, we primarily mean Krka River which is full of river trout, but the little Slunjčica will take you near Plitvice Lakes, as will Korana. There are actually quite a few rivers to choose from, and most of them offer excellent fishing conditions.
If, however, you prefer lakes, Vransko Lake is the place to be. The largest natural lake in Croatia has some immense specimens of carp, pike and catfish.
You will need a license here too, but if there's not an agency close to you, you can always get one from Croatia's Ministry of Agriculture.
Come and enjoy
The bottom line is that no matter what kind of fishing you prefer, Croatia is a place where you can truly enjoy it. Be that on the country's beautiful coast or in its karst interior, there will always be a reason to smile if you're a fishing enthusiast. Just remember that you need to get the appropriate licence first.
There is no better way of getting away from it all than fishing, and combining that with a secluded villa somewhere outside of the city as your accommodation will truly recharge your batteries. With the villas offered by My Luxoria, you can easily plan an unforgettable vacation surrounded by incredible nature.