There are plenty of reasons why you should come and spend your holidays on the Adriatic coast, especially the Croatian part. It is immensely beautiful, with plenty of amazing islands, and it has so many amazing sights that go back to the Roman Age. This is everything you could hope to experience if you want to visit the Mediterranean.
Additionally, the food is spectacularly good, and an important part of the diet around here is fish. If you're a fishing enthusiast, you'll be delighted to know that getting a license for that is very easy, plus there are plenty of species of fish you can hope to catch. Obviously, many of them will make for a great story when you want to boast in front of your friends.
To give you a sense of what you can expect to catch, here's a quick overview of the most common fish in the Adriatic.
Dalmatia
Pretty much the whole of Dalmatia is one great fishing spot and, depending on where you go, you will be able to catch many different things. For example, octopuses abound near the island of Vis, and the area around Šibenik is the best place to visit if you're looking for some huge tuna when fishing in Croatia.
There are many other very common species, though, and most of them are edible. In fact, many are true delicacies you can find in many restaurants and konobas across the Dalmatian coast.
Common dentex is an excellent example of that as this species of fish is revered for its taste, and the fact that it can be acquired at a reasonable price also helps its popularity. Sea bream is another great example as the locals have nicknamed it “the queen of the sea” due to its delicious and juicy meat.
And if you manage to bag yourself an angler (i.e. monkfish), you can consider yourself to be quite lucky because this fish, despite its appearance, is incredibly tasty. It also doesn't have too many bones, so even children should be able to enjoy it.
Apart from these few, there are also plenty of sardines, European bass and St. Pierres. In any case, fishing in Dalmatia is bound to bring you loads of fun, no matter where you go.
Istria
The northern part of the Adriatic, i.e. the area around the Istrian Peninsula is slightly more shallow than its southern part. The bottom is also slightly different, so here you can easily find some fish species we haven't mentioned yet. Edible, of course.
Common sole is worth mentioning because it can easily be found along Istria's western coast, and the two-banded sea bream is also very common. The latter is actually quite respected in the local gastronomy. The common pandora is another tasty specimen, and its lovely white meat is something to be savoured.
A more exotic catch may come in the form of a spotted catshark. While it certainly looks cool, this fish is not high on the list when it comes to popularity in these parts. You can eat it, sure, but the meat is not considered to be of very high quality. Still, netting a small shark feels pretty good.
Apart from those, mullets are very common both in this area and all over Dalmatia, too. You will also find seabreams and the common dentex, just like in the southern parts of the country.
Therefore, if you have the opportunity to go fishing anywhere on the Croatian coast, book a tour or rent a boat and take off. You will love the experience!
Poisonous and venomous fish in the Adriatic
Some caution is advised when fishing in the Adriatic, though, because some fish can hurt you with their venom or even the fact that they are poisonous if not cooked properly. Mind you, this is not something that can kill you, but it can certainly spoil your vacation, so be careful.
Moray eels, for example, have a venomous bite, but won't attack humans unless seriously provoked. Their blood and the blood of congers are poisonous, but the poison is nullified once the fish is cooked properly. Both fish are actually quite delicious!
Much more common are fish with venomous stings such as greater weavers or black scorpionfish. On the other hand, common eagle rays are also venomous, but the bigger problem is the size of their sting, which can do quite a lot of damage. The venom itself is not that potent. The same goes for the roughtail stingray. You may also encounter electric rays, but the shock they produce is not that powerful to actually harm you.
But if you're going fishing, a bit of caution will be enough to prevent any problems. Accidents only happen when fishermen try to improperly handle one of Croatia's venomous fish.
Conclusion
Some caution is advised when fishing in the Adriatic, though, because some fish can hurt you with their venom or even the fact that they are poisonous if not cooked properly. Mind you, this is not something that can kill you, but it can certainly spoil your vacation, so be careful.
Moray eels, for example, have a venomous bite, but won't attack humans unless seriously provoked. Their blood and the blood of congers are poisonous, but the poison is nullified once the fish is cooked properly. Both fish are actually quite delicious!
Much more common are fish with venomous stings such as greater weavers or black scorpionfish. On the other hand, common eagle rays are also venomous, but the bigger problem is the size of their sting, which can do quite a lot of damage. The venom itself is not that potent. The same goes for the roughtail stingray. You may also encounter electric rays, but the shock they produce is not that powerful to actually harm you.
But if you're going fishing, a bit of caution will be enough to prevent any problems. Accidents only happen when fishermen try to improperly handle one of Croatia's venomous fish.
FAQ
1. What is the biggest fish in the Adriatic Sea?
The biggest fish found in the Adriatic sea is the basking shark. Is is a very rare species but is often present in the easter Adriatic. This shark can reach 8 meters.
2. Are there sharks in Croatia?
Yes, there are sharks in Croatia, including various species that inhabit the Adriatic Sea. Some common shark species found in the Adriatic include the blue shark, thresher shark, and the previously mentioned basking shark.
3. Are there jellyfish in Croatia?
Yes, jellyfish are present in the waters of Croatia, particularly in the Adriatic Sea. The most common type of jellyfish found in the Adriatic is the ""Aurelia aurita,"" also known as the moon jellyfish.
