THE FISHING EXAM AND FISHING LICENCE IN GERMANY - A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

Fishing in Germany requires official permission in the form of a fishing licence. This document ensures that every fisherman has the necessary knowledge about fishing laws, sustainable fishing practices and the protection of aquatic ecosystems. In this guide, you will find detailed information about the fishing test, how to obtain a fishing licence and its cost and validity.

FISHING LICENCE IN GERMANY

FISHERIES RESEARCH - REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURE

FISHING LICENCE AND FISHING PERMIT IN GERMANY 
Fishing in Germany requires an official licence. This document ensures that every fisherman has the necessary knowledge about fishing laws, sustainable fishing practices and the protection of aquatic ecosystems. In this guide, you will find detailed information on the exam for a fishing licence, how to obtain a fishing licence and its cost and validity.

FISHING LICENCE EXAM - REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURE
CONDITIONS

To get a fishing licence, you have to pass a fishing exam in most federal states of Germany. As a rule, you must be 14 years or older to be admitted to the exam. This exam includes both theoretical and, in some states, practical elements. Various topics are covered, including fishing knowledge, knowledge of equipment, legal knowledge and water protection.

PROCEDURE OF THE EXAM
The fishing exam is usually designed as a multiple-choice test and is supplemented by practical demonstrations where handling fishing gear and properly killing fish can be tested. The exact content and scope of the exam may vary depending on the federal state.

APPLY FOR A FISHING LICENCE

AFTER THE EXAM
After you have successfully passed the fishing exam, you will receive an exam certificate that serves as proof of your qualification. With this certificate, you can then apply for the actual fishing licence from the relevant municipal or local authorities.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

  • Examination certificate
  • Current passport photo
  • Identity card or passport
  • Possibly an application form, depending on the competent authority

COST AND VALIDITY OF THE FISHING LICENCE

The cost and validity of a fishing licence in Germany may vary from state to state, as fishing legislation falls under the federal states. Here you will find detailed information to give you a better overview.

COST OF FISHING LICENCE

  • Examination fee: The cost of taking the fishing licence exam varies depending on the state and the preparation course provider. The cost is usually between €15 and €100.
  • Course fees: Fishing licence exam preparation courses can vary in cost depending on their scope and duration. Prices usually range between 70 and 250 euros.
  • Issuing costs: After passing the exam, the fishing licence must be applied to the competent authority. The cost of issuing a fishing licence can range from 10 to 50 euros.
  • Fishing fee: In many states, in addition to the fees for issuing a licence, an annual fishing levy is levied, which is used for the maintenance and protection of waters. This levy also varies by state and can be between €5 and €20 per year.

VALIDITY OF THE FISHING LICENCE
The validity of a fishing licence also depends on the state:

  • Limited validity: In some states, the fishing licence is issued for a specific period - usually for one year or five years. At the end of this period, the licence must be renewed, which is usually done simply by paying and submitting the new fee.
  • Lifetime validity: Some federal states offer the option to buy a fishing licence that is valid for life. This option is often more expensive to issue for the first time, but saves the recurring costs and red tape of renewal.

RENEWAL AND REPLACEMENT

  • Renewal: For fishing licences that are valid for a limited period, a renewal must be applied for at the end of the period. The cost for this is usually lower than the cost of the initial issue and often includes only the renewed payment of the fishing fee.
  • Replacement in case of loss: If a fishing licence is lost, a replacement document can be requested from the issuing authority. There is usually a charge for this, which is based on the authority's administrative costs.

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS

YOUTH FISHING LICENCE
Young people who have reached the age of 10 and have not yet reached the age of 16 can obtain a youth fishing licence. This entitles the holder to fish under the supervision of an adult fishing licence holder.

SPECIAL FISHING LICENCE
A special fishing licence can be issued under certain circumstances to persons unable to take the regular fishing test due to physical, mental or psychological limitations. Again, fishing is only allowed under the supervision of a valid fishing licence holder.

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