Sailing adventures with a rod in hand: tips for fishing at sea

Before you load: Obligations and permits for fishing in Croatia

But before you bite into the grilled bream, there is a small but necessary bureaucratic insert. Yes, I'm talking about the fishing permit, in Croatian "ribolovna dozvola". Fishing without it is like swimming with sharks in a suit of fresh meat - an expensive and painful sport. Fines can run high and ruin your entire holiday.

Types of permits and their (surprisingly affordable) prices

Fortunately, Croatians have understood that bureaucracy and holidays don't go together, so the system is relatively simple. For us, tourists, it's the recreational sea fishing permit. The prices are in euros and more than friendly:

• One-day: approx. €7.96
• Three-day: approx. €19.91
• Seven-day: approx. €39.82

If you are after bigger bites like tuna, swordfish or sailfish, you will need a special "Big Game Fishing" permit. That's in a different league, both in experience and price.

Where to get the paper?

The easiest way is via the internet. You can conveniently purchase a permit online at the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture's website, specifically the Fisheries Administration Portal. With a few clicks, a credit card payment, and the permit will land in your email. If you're more old school, you can also get a permit from harbor captains, tourist agencies, or local fishing associations. All you need is a valid ID to process it.

Basic Rules of the Game

With a permit in your pocket, you're not done yet. There are a few basic rules to follow:

• Daily limit: You can catch a maximum of 5 kg of fish and other seafood per person
• No sale: your catch is for personal consumption only. No business on the pier!
• No-fishing zones: from 1 May to 1 October, there is a ban on fishing in harbours, public beaches and swimming pools. Also respect protected areas such as national parks.

Gear for catching fish from a yacht: Own or rented?

Here the fishermen are divided into two camps. The die-hard fan will drag his own, lovingly cared for equipment across half of Europe. And why not? You know what to expect.

But if you're struggling for space in your car or just want to get a feel for catching fish from a yacht, there's the option to rent equipment. It's rarely offered directly by charter companies, but you'll find a dedicated rental shop in every major marina or tourist resort. They'll also be able to advise you on what works best for the local critters.

Whatever you decide, don't forget the extras. Sturdy gloves, an ice pick and a proper knife are a must. As the old sailor's wisdom goes, "What you don't take to sea, you don't have."

How to: fishing techniques from the deck

Catching from a boat opens up a whole new range of possibilities. Among the most popular and effective ones are:

• Trolling: an ideal technique when sailing on a sail or slow motor. Simply drag the artificial lure behind you and wait for a bite. It's a great way to explore a larger body of water and catch predators like tuna or mackerel.
• Piling: When you anchor in an interesting bay, it's time to piling. You lower a heavy artificial lure (pilker) to the bottom and animate it with rhythmic rod movements. The perfect method for catching bottom-dwelling fish.
• Fly fishing and spearfishing: For the more adventurous natures there is fly fishing, which takes practice but is extremely fun. And then there is the royal discipline - spearfishing. However, this is only for experienced swimmers and divers. Remember that spearfishing with a breathing apparatus is forbidden; true spearfishermen hunt only on the inhale.

Where to put it: The best places for fishing in Croatia

So where to look for the best places? In general, fish love rough bottoms, underwater reefs and breaks. Flocks of seabirds swooping into the water can be a good clue - they've obviously found a table.

 For yachting Croatia and rich catches fishermen praise in particular the following locations:

• The open sea around the islands of Vis, Sušac, Palagruža and Jabuka.
• The southern reefs of the islands of Hvar and Korcula.
• The area near the Kornati Islands (but beware, only in waters that are no longer strictly protected national park!).

What swims in the Adriatic: Species of fish

The Adriatic Sea is home to some 400 species of fish, so there are plenty to choose from.The locals divide them into two basic groups:

• White fish (Bijele ribe): this includes the most delicious species, which often end up on the plates of upmarket restaurants. The most popular fish are the ones that are often found in the most expensive restaurants in the Czech Republic.
• Blue fish (Plave ribe): They are fattier and have a stronger taste. These include mackerel (mackerel), sardine (sardine) and, of course, the king of the Adriatic - tuna (tuna).

Tuna Fishing and Big Game Fishing

Catching big fish like bluefin tuna is the experience of a lifetime.Tuna are incredibly strong and tenacious fighters, and to take down a 100-pound specimen is the pinnacle of angling. For this type of fishing, as mentioned above, you need a special permit, as well as proper equipment.

Attention, bans! What to watch out for

There are strict rules and restrictions to keep fish in the Adriatic for generations to come. Ignorance of these rules is no excuse and the fines can be heavy.
Minimum sizes: For example, monkfish must be at least 25 cm, bream 20 cm and tuna 70 cm.
Prohibited species: It is absolutely forbidden to fish for the date fish, a bivalve that lives in rocks.
Catch marking: Some species of fish, such as monkfish or sea bream, must be marked immediately after being caught by cutting off the lower part of the tail fin.

Tips for the end

Talk to the locals: No one knows the local waters better than Croatian fishermen. Don't be afraid to ask at the marina or equipment rental. They are usually happy to give advice.
Respect nature: Don't leave your lines or other rubbish behind. The sea will pay you back.

An unforgettable experience at sea

Fishing in Croatia from the deck of a yacht is not just about catching fish. It's about freedom, connecting with nature and creating memories that no one can take away. The feeling you get when you dock in a deserted bay after a day's sailing, the fish you caught yourself grilling on the barbecue, and the millions of stars shining above you... it's priceless. So get on and enjoy it.