Fishing in Andalucia

Inland waters Spain has much to offer the angler and there are good coarse fish, including large barbel and carp, in it's rivers and lakes. Spain offers good sport when it comes to fly fishing and in some areas, trout grow impressively large. Spain is not yet in the forefront when it comes to angling but this may change in the near future.

There are 64 fishing preserves in the Nature Parks of Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas and of Sierra Nevada. There is a small town between Malaga and Granada called Rio Frio in the foothills of the Sierra de Loja. Trout fishing here is recorded back to 1664 and in recent times there have been record catches. There is an all year round season here. Information and permits from: Alberge de Pescadores de Rio Frio, Riviera de Rio Frio s/n, 18300 Loja, (Granada) Tel: +34 958 32 31 77.

Most of the large lakes within Andalucia are located in the centre of the region and are of huge proportions. Although offering a peaceful and scenic setting, they actually offer very little else. One exception to this is the large lake near Fuente de Piedra which is just a short drive away from Antequera. The lake here is the most extensive within Andalucia and is a nature reserve. The lake is of elliptical shape, about 6.5km long and 2.5km wide. It is the most important breeding ground for flamingos in the Iberian Peninsula and they can be clearly seen from the edge of the lake or from the modern visitors centre.

One of the most outstanding facts about the lake is that it is a salt lake and during the dry season, the salt beds can be seen. The salt has been exploited on a commercial basis since Roman times, until the 1950's. The lake is now managed by the Andalucian Government who are painstakingly continuing to improve visitor's facilities there and at the same time, ensuring the safe future of the wildlife.

At present there are no refreshment facilities alongside the lake but on the edge of the lake is the small village of Fuente de Piedra in which you will find bars and restaurants as well as a good tourist office. Very little English is spoken in the village and here you can sample true Andalucian culture. A good time to visit is on the 1st and 2nd February when the village celebrates Candelaria, or the 22^nd –25^th July when the Santiago fair takes place

Ocean fishing The Atlantic and Mediterranean shorelines are ideal for fishing. Many of the marinas provide everything required for a day of open sea fishing and in most ports you can find day trip organisers at reasonable prices. Swordfish fishing is most spectacular. From July to September swordfish are found off the coasts of Almería, Granada and Malaga, as well as in the Bay of Cadiz. There is also tuna fishing in the open sea around Barbate, Zahara or Conil in Cadiz, and Isla Cristina in Huelva. Mackerel, sea bass, big toothed pampano, blue fish, and spotted bass are common catches. There are many big competitions during the summer.

Underwater fishing This pastime is becoming increasingly popular but you will need a licence issued by the local authorities. You may use a snorkel tube, mask and mechanical harpoon gun but underwater fishing with scuba equipment is forbidden.

Licence requirements There is no true national licensing system but you do need a regional license. The price of the license will vary from 5€ - 12€. You can buy a Spanish license (licencia de pesca) at the fishing department of the regional administrative office. Fly or tackle shops can assist you in filling out the forms, and processing the license. The local tourist office will advise you, or if you are in the UK or you can contact Spanish Tourist Office, 57 St James Street, London SW1A 1LD (Tel: 0171-499 0901).

An angling licence is required for fishing in reservoirs, rivers and estuaries. They are obtainable from an office of the 'Delegación Agencia Medio Ambiente' (AMA). There is one office in each of the provincial capital cities. An angling licence is also obtainable from branches of the 'Caja Rural' bank. The tourist office also publishes an interesting full-colour map on fishing in the country.

There are both public and private waters in Spain and you will need an additional permit to fish some of the really good waters, of which there are three types:

Free (libre) waters that don't require a special permit.

Restricted (cotos) waters that do require a permit (usually awarded through a lottery system).

Fisheries (intensivos) are the last type of waters. You can usually buy a permit for them in the local pub or a shop near the water (river or lake).