If you’re looking to unwind by a lakeside or river, casting out your line and feeling the thrill of the catch, then you’re in for a treat. Fishing is an incredibly calming hobby, and it’s one I’m convinced could be perfect for you. But hey, before you set off with your fishing gear, let me say, there are some essentials you need to know about fishing legally in Poland.
Fishing in Poland Only The Fishing Card
To start with, you need what we call a Fishing Card. Why? Well, according to the Inland Fisheries Act, it’s a mandatory document to fish in Polish waters. It’s issued for life to adults and teens aged 14 and up. Now, if you’re below 14, don’t worry. You can still fish, but only under the supervision of someone who’s got their Fishing Card. Remember, these cards are handed out by the Mayor, based on where you live.
- Before going fishing, You may also want to read: A Guide to the Most Dangerous Animals Found in Poland
Getting Your Hands on a Fishing License
Okay, so how do you get this Fishing Card? Good question! First things first, you’ll need to pass the fishing license exam. I think this is important because it covers everything you need to know about fishing rules – when and where you can fish, which fish are protected, and more. The Polish Angling Association runs the show here. After declaring your intention to take the exam, presenting an ID and paying a fee (PLN 350 in 2023), you’re good to go. Once you pass, you’ll apply to the Department of Environmental Protection of your Mayor to get your Fishing Card.
Exceptions to the Rule – Fishing Without a License in Poland
Hold on a second, though, let’s talk about those who can fish without a license. I’m talking about tourists and those who fish in private comercial fisheries. It’s worth to say that you must have a fishing license, or permission from the owner to fish in these private waters.
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How much is the fine for fishing without a card? Fishing in a river or lake in Poland without an appropriate document is punishable by a fine of up to PLN 500
What’s Needed for Legal Fishing?
Apart from the Fishing Card, there’s another crucial thing you need – a fishing permit. This is basically an agreement from the owner of the water body you want to fish in. Most of the time, this is the Polish Angling Association. The cost of a permit depends on its duration and the number of fisheries you want to fish in. I can tell you that there are often discounts for certain groups, like members of the PAA, seniors, women, kids, and the disabled.
Buying a Fishing Permit – How and Where?
Now you might be wondering, „Where can I get this permit?” They’re usually available at the office of the fishery owner, be it the PAA Fishing Circle, a private owner, or the District Sea Fisheries Inspectorate. You can buy these in person or online. There’s usually info on who collects the fees at each fishery or you can look it up on the internet, for instance here. Just remember, for legal fishing, you must always carry your Fishing Card and a permit form or payment receipt with you.
Understanding the Rules of Fishing in Poland
To be a fishing superstar, I believe you’ve got to know the rules of the game. So, let’s dive right into the Rules of Fishing in Poland. If you’re planning to go fishing with a rod, remember you need two things – a fishing license and a permit for amateur fishing. The permit comes from the 'fishing host’ of the water body where you’re going to fish. Fishing hosts could be the Polish Angling Association, fishing farms, cooperatives, or even individuals.
Fishing Card Exemptions
Keep in mind, if you’re under 14, you don’t need a fishing card. However, you need to fish under the watchful eyes of an adult who has one. Tourists, too, can fish if they’ve bought a fishing permit. And those who want to fish in privately owned waters need to have a permit from the owner.
Fishing cards, as I mentioned earlier, come from the mayor in your area. This is based on passing an examination on the Inland Fisheries Act conducted by the Polish Angling Association. You can get details on when and where to take the exam from the individual boards of PZW districts.
Fees and Regulations
Now, let me say, if you’re part of the Polish Angling Association, there are some additional fees involved, like membership and water protection fees. But, don’t get fooled into thinking that just paying your membership fee allows you to fish in PAA waters. That’s a no-no! You’ve got to pay the fishing fee to be able to fish in your home district and other districts.
For instance, if you’re from Kielce or Tarnobrzeg district, you can fish in PAA waters in the entire Świętokrzyskie province, only if you’ve paid the fishing fee. But, remember, this is not the norm everywhere. Information about this can be found at the offices of PZW district boards.
For foreigners and non-PAA members, fishing fees are set by the competent management of the district. You can get more information about the specific fisheries and their fees from the PAA district boards.
Complying With the Inland Fisheries Act
Here’s a thing I know for sure – when fishing, it’s paramount to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Inland Fisheries Act and any related regulations. If you’re fishing in PAA waters, you’ll also need to follow the PAA Amateur Fishing Regulations. Pay special attention to the daily fishing limits set out in the regulations. These limits do not apply to anglers fishing in waters of other fishing hosts unless mentioned in the permit.
The manager of the water body should lay out the angler’s rights and responssibilities in the permit or the regulations of the fishery. Remember, any floating equipment used for fishing should be registered and visibly marked on both sides with a registration number. A heads-up – many resorts rent out boats to tourists that are not registered. Be aware of this when planning your next fishing adventure. So, armed with this knowledge, you’re all set to make your fishing trip in Poland a success.
References:
- https://www.pzw.org.pl/home/
