Aug 7, 2025
Torrevieja, located on the Costa Blanca, has a rich fishing history: from traditional fishing to fishing tourism. Many local residents are keen anglers, and for the recreational tourist there is a wide variety of sea excursions for sardines, sea bream, barracuda, mackerel, eels and tuna..
(You can consult and choose fishing boat rentals and fishing tackle here: https://www.torreviejactual.com/aficiones-8 )
In this article we will analyse the laws that regulate fishing in Spain, as well as the species of fish that live around Torrevieja.
Fishing laws in Spain
In Spain, fishing is regulated by national and regional legislation. The basic rules include.:
Compulsory licence: A licence is required: maritime (coastal or boat) and/or inland water, depending on the fishing area. Licences are issued by the autonomous communities (in our case, the Comunitat Valenciana) and are valid throughout Spain, including the entire Costa Blanca..
Cost of licences (approximate):
Continental fishing:
1 year: ~10,20 €
3 years: ~28,56 €
Recreational sea fishing:
From the coast:
1 year: ~12,03 €
2 years: ~14,73 €
3 years: ~17,14 €
4-5 years: de 19,38 € a 21,47 €
From boat:
2 years: ~41,07 €
3 years: ~57,13 €
4 years: ~72,54 €
5 years: ~87,31 €
Submarine (underwater fishing):
2 years: ~16,65 €
You can purchase the licenceeasily at any fishing tackle shop..
Consult the list here: https://www.torreviejactual.com/aficiones-8
Closed seasons and minimum sizes:
There are periods during which fishing is prohibitedfor certain species in order to protect their reproduction. Minimum catch sizes are also established..
For example, in freshwater fishing, from 1 April to 31 May all Black bass must be returned to the water (spawning season). Fishing for brown trout (Salmo trutta) is only allowed in specific areas under the rule; in other areas, fishing for them is completely forbidden..
In sea fishing, fishing for bluefin tuna is prohibited from 15 October to 15 June. If one is caught accidentally, it must be returned alive to the sea..
In the provinces of Valencia and Alicante, fishing for common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is prohibited from 1 July to 30 November..
Minimum sizes allowed for catch include, for example:rainbow trout - 19 cm, sea bass - 25 cm, sea bream and hake - minimum 20 cm. Any smaller fish must be returned immediately to the water..
For common octopus (very popular on the Costa Blanca), the minimum weight allowed is 1 kg. Catching smaller specimens or during the closed season can lead to fines of up to 3,000 €..
Crustaceans such as prawns or red shrimps must have a cephalothorax ≥ 25 mm..
Additional prohibitions.:
The sale of caught fish is prohibited during recreational fishing. It is also forbidden to come within 200 m of professional boats or nets. The use of nets, traps or other professional methods is not allowed..
From 1 June 2025, EU regulations require the use of minimum mesh sizes of 45 mm (inshore fishing) and 50 mm (deep-sea fishing)..
Daily catch limit (sport fishing):
up to 5 kg per licence per day. Exception: if a single specimen weighs more than 5 kg, it may be kept. In the case of group fishing (more than 5 licences on board) - max 25 kg per day..
Common fish species in Torrevieja and surroundings
🐟 Pelagic (surface or middle waters).:
1. Sardina (Sardina pilchardus) - Activa en verano.
2. Caballa (Scomber scombrus) - Common in spring and autumn..
3. Bonito (Sarda sarda) - Highly sought after in sport fishing..
4. Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis / Thunnus spp.) - In the open sea..
5. Belone belone - Caught from shore with light rod..
🐠 Demersal (bottom and reef).:
6. Dorada (Sparus aurata) - Very popular with fishermen and chefs..
7. Sargo (Diplodus spp.) - Variants: white, black, golden. All year round..
8. Grouper (Epinephelus spp.) - In deep and rocky areas..
9. Barracuda (Sphyraena sphyraena) - Aggressive, trolling..
10. Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) - From shore and boat..
11. Mullet (Mugilidae) - In harbours, mouths and shallow waters..
12. Scorpora (Scorpaena spp.) - Poisonous, but very tasty. Background..
🦑 Others.:
· Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) - Common in autumn and winter..
· Sepia (Sepia officinalis) - Best season: spring..
Fishing off the coast of Torrevieja is not just a hobby, but an important part of the local culture and economy. Knowing and respecting the laws, and learning about the local species, makes this activity even more attractive for tourists and residents. Torrevieja remains one of the best places to fish in Spain, ideal for beginners and experts alike..