The sea around Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands are rich in various fish species.
Fishing is allowed everywhere except in national parks, please note that you will still need a valid fishing license. To buy the license you must show ID such as an identity card or passport.
Tuna Fishing in Dubrovnik
Experience the adrenaline surge as you reel in an impressive fish!
Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned angler, you'll have the opportunity to challenge yourself with various techniques such as trolling, bottom fishing, jigging, inchiku, and spinning. Cast your line for tuna and swordfish near the Elaphiti Islands, try your hand at local fishing methods, and enjoy the visit the Blue Cave on Kalamota Island!
Fishing in Dubrovnik - General Information
The coastal parts of Dubrovnik Region are rich in small and medium game fish. Most interesting species for fishermen’s are Two-banded bream (crnoguza), European sea bass (smudut, brancin), common sea bream (pagar), white sea bream (šarag) and gold base (ovrata). When eating in restaurants, it is a safe bet to order any of the fish species mentioned above because they all have top quality white and tender meat.
Big game fishing
The deeper parts are offering the challenge of fishing for big game, with Yellow tail Amberjack (Orhan), Swordfish (Iglun), Bluefin tuna (Tuna) and, the king of them all, the Dentex (Zubatac), being the preferred game. Big game or deep sea fishing is not very organized in Dubrovnik Region, and it is mostly with private fisherman that such trips can be arranged.
Private fishing tour in Dubrovnik
Sail the Adriatic alongside your experienced captain.
Take in the picturesque views of charming islands and hidden beaches while honing your fishing skills. Regardless of your expertise level, you'll receive guidance on bait usage, equipment handling, and the appropriate tactics for different fish species. Depending on the conditions, you'll employ various techniques such as bottom fishing, trolling, free lining, drifting, spinning, and jigging.
Spearfishing
Spearfishing has deep roots and a very long tradition in Dubrovnik Region. The underwater relief offers a variety of bottoms and the underwater visibility is very good. The most interesting game for spearfishermen is all of the game mentioned above, together with various mullets, brown meagre and, of course, the queen among them all, the grouper. Using a speargun for fishing is prohibited with a recreational fishing license; spearfishing is permitted only with a dedicated spearfishing license.
The fish population has decreased over the years, please note that there are strict regulations about the game size and the total daily catch limit.
Fishing Licenses and Regulations
Fishing is regulated by law and before going fishing it is necessary to obtain a license. In order to do that, one must show his ID (passport, driver's license etc.) upon purchase. Licenses are issued by tourist agencies and offices, diving centers and clubs in all towns along the coast. If you plan to fish during your vacation it is wise to establish the location and working hours of the office responsible for issuing the licenses.
Licenses are issued for recreational angling, underwater gun fishing, hand trolling, long lining and tuna fishing. The whole Adriatic is open for fishing and special limitations are applied in aquaria of national parks (Mljet, Kornati, Brijuni, Krka ), and for some specific locations. Upon obtaining the license, you will receive a list of limitations and off limit zones, the minimum of allowed catcasures and a list of the permitted fishing tools. The license fee depends on whether you want a daily, weekly or monthly license.
Daily license is valid 24 hours from the hour of purchasing on the date which is written in the license.
It is also possible to buy a license for recreational sea fishing via the Ministry of Agriculture-Directorate of fisheries web site. After the successful purchase, a confirmation will be sent to the given e-mail address and you instantly become the owner of the fishing license. Annual licenses can be bought via authorized dealers for recreational licenses at sea or at Ministry of Agriculture-Directorate of fisheries in Zagreb and Field offices (Pula, Rijeka, Senj, Zadar, Šibenik, Split and Dubrovnik).
Price for daily, 3-day and 7-day license for foreign citizens
1 day license for recreational fishing - 7,96 €
3 days license for recreational fishing - 19,91€
7 days license for recreational fishing - 39,82 €
1 day big game fishing - 15,93€
3 days big game fishing - 39,82€
7 days big game fishing - 79,63€
Mediterranean ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, administration of fishing and agriculture, local offices who provide information and issues licenses:
- Dubrovnik: M. Majorice 4, tel: 020 332-393
- Pula: Sv. Teodora 2, tel: 052 591-323
- Rijeka: Demetrova 3, tel: 051 214 877
- Senj: Trg Cilnica 1, tel: O53 882-697
- Zadar: Zrinsko-Frankopanska 38, tel: 023 316 091
- Šibenik: Trg P. Šubica 2, tel: 022 244 018
- Split:: Prilaz Brae Kaliterna 10, tel: 021 591 366
- Ploče: Trg K. Tomislava 16, tel:020 7679 273
Authorized persons in tourist offices and harbour master's branch offices:
- Cavtat: Kralj Ðuro, Ispostava Lučke kapetanije
- Vis Island: Darlić i Darlić, Riva Sv. Mikule 13, Komiža, tel: 021 713-670 Ionios, Vis
- Korčula Island: Atlas, Obala 3, Vela Luka, tel. 020/812-078 MM SUB, Lumbarda, tel: 098 285-011
- Lastovo Island: Rakić Goran, Ispostava Lučke kapetanije, Ubli Jančić Marin, Pasadur, tel: 020 805 009
- Makarska: Andrijaševic Ratko, Kralja P. Krešimira IV 86 ZAGREB: Apne Arbanas, Kaptol 14, tel: 01 481 46 02 NAVCOM: Moscenička 19, tel: 01 369 52 06
Important Notice
The sea police is patrolling the waters of Dubrovnik Region regulary. If you, upon inspection, have game smaller than allowed, the catch is confiscated and you will be legally prosecuted.
Spearfishing during night is strictly forbidden.
The Date shell, which habituates inside rocks, is protected by law. If caught, the fines can be up to several thousand euro.
It is true that the Date shell is the most valued shell among lovers of sea food, but its exploitation destroys the sea bottom for many years ahead. It is forbidden to have on the menu, but still offered in restaurants. Please have this in mind and decline if offered. With declining demand there is a chance to preserve our magnificent underwater world for future generations as well.
The noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis) is a strictly protected species, and any disturbance or deliberate removal of live or dead individuals (empty shells) is prohibited.
Populations of the noble pen shell throughout the Mediterranean, including the Adriatic Sea, have been affected by a deadly infection causing mass die-offs. Mortality rates have reached 100% in many locations. Due to the dramatic population decline, the noble pen shell has been classified as a critically endangered species globally within just one year.
More information about this critically endangered and strictly protected species, as well as its mortality, is available on the website of the Institute for Environmental and Nature Protection under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition.
Feeling lost in all the regulations? We can help you organize your perfect fishing trip in Dubrovnik, feel free to contact us: