Minimum sizes of common species in the Spanish waters.

Please pay attention to the exception rules for specific species and areas. These regulations of course only apply if you want to take the caught fish with you. If you practice Catch & Release, you have nothing to worry about.

Names of the species are mentioned in Catalan / Spanish and Latin (Scientific).

Please also take notice of the general rules & regulations.

NB: Spain has several coast lines and for each coast line different minimum sizes may apply. Below you will find the minimum sizes for the Mediterranean side. For the minimum sizes for other coast lines please visit Tabla de Mareas.

Minimum sizes for recreational fishing in coastal waters (Mediterranean side)

Marine reserves

Marine reserves are a specific measure that contributes to achieving a sustained exploitation of resources of fishing, establishing specific protection measures in delimited areas of traditional fishing grounds. These areas, in whose selection their state of conservation is taken into account, must meet certain characteristics that allow the improvement of the reproduction conditions of the species of fish and the survival of their juvenile forms. The effect of a marine reserve is manifested by a significant recovery of the fishing grounds in which it is inserted as a result of the dispersal of the species whose reproduction has been protected in it.

Spain had several areas that are marine reserves. Cabo de Gata-Níjar, Cabo de Palos – Islas Hormigas, Cabo Tiñoso, Levante de Mallorca – Cala Rajada, Isla Dragonera, Isla de Alborán, Islas Columbretes, Isla de Tabarca, Masía Blanca.

Regulations concerning recreational fishing and minimum sizes will change from time to time. Since the permits we request for you come from the government of the Balearic Islands, the permit you receive will always contain the current rules and regulations for the Balearic Islands applicable at the time of issuing the permit. We advise you to always check what the applicable rules are at the moment you exercise your fishing rights in Spain or Canary Islands. Although the rules and regulations in the Spanish territory are very similar, there can still be small differences that you should take into account. Visit the website of the government of Spain, the Balearic Islands or the Canary Islands for the most recent information about regulations and the minimum sizes.