Recreational fishing at sea 

Verified 12 December 2025 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Do you want to practice recreational fishing at sea and wonder what rules to follow? This page gives you the information you need to know and, if necessary, directs you to the competent interregional directorate for the sea.

Some rules evolve from 10 january 2026 on the registration of recreational fishermen at sea and the declaration of catches.

Until 9 January 2026 included

There are several types of recreational fishing at sea (also known as marine recreational fishing):

  • The fishing on foot shall be exercised on the foreshore when the tide is low
  • The fishing on board is practiced on the shore, generally at rising tide, without the use of any boat
  • The fishing from a craft or vessel (recreational fishing)
  • The underwater fishing can be practiced from a boat or from the coast.

Recreational fishing at sea is recreational or sporting. To practice sport fishing, you must be a member of a national sport organization or have a national sport license.

The product of recreational fishing must not be sold. It is intended for the consumption of the fisherman and his family.

Recreational fishing at sea can also consist of release of live fish immediately after capture (practice of no-kill).

FYI  

Fishing on foot can also be practiced on the part of rivers or canals where the waters are salty.

Recreational fishing of certain species may be forbidden, subject to authorization, or framed : fishing zones and periods, use of certain types of fishing gear, registration of the fisherman and declaration of catches, declaration of landing of certain species…

You must inquire with the local maritime authorities to know the specific rules in each fishing zone :

The rules vary according to the fishing zones.

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Mediterranean Sea

Recreational fishermen must register via the mobile application “Catchmachine”, available on smartphone from the Google Play Store and the App store, in the following areas: Calanques National Park, Cerbère-Banyuls Marine Nature Reserve, Gulf of Lion Marine Nature Reserve and Cap Corse and Agriate Marine Nature Reserve.

It is also possible to register on the Catchmachine website.

Recreational fishing in the Mediterranean: register on CatchMachine

In addition, the following species are subject to specific formalities:

  • Recreational fishing of bluefin tuna is subject to authorization and declaration.
  • Accidental capture of swordfish or albacore tuna must be declared.

Telesisaap: online application for recreational fishing authorization for bluefin tuna

Application for a recreational fishing authorization for bluefin tuna

Declaration of landing of bluefin tuna in a recreational fishery

Declaration of incidental catch of swordfish or albacore tuna in recreational fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea

You must inquire with the local maritime authorities to know the specific rules in your region:

You can download the order of 26 october 2012 : Annex I indicates the minimum catch sizes and weights of fish and other marine organisms and Annex II indicates the method to be followed.

Marking consists of removal of the lower caudal fin.

You can download the order of 17 may 2011 which indicates the list of species to be marked.

Recreational fisherman on board or underwater fishing from a vessel must mark specimens of species caught as soon as they are put on board. However, this rule does not apply to specimens that are kept alive on board in a holding tank for release or those that are released immediately after being caught as part of the catch and release. Apart from the tagging operation, the specimens caught must be kept whole until they are landed, the tagging must not prevent the measurement of the size of the fish.

The underwater recreational fisherman practicing from the shore  must mark specimens of species caught as soon as he reached the shore.

The recreational angler practicing from shore and the recreational angler must mark specimens of the species caught from capture.

National rules shall apply concerning the on-board recreational fishing and the underwater recreational fishing.

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On-board fishing

The following equipment is authorized:

  • 2 longlines each with a maximum of 30 hooks
  • 2 lockers
  • 1 foëne
  • 1 net or salabra
  • Lines managed for a maximum of 12 hooks, a lure being equivalent to a hook, except cases provided for by local regulations.
  • 1 toothed grapple, only in the Mediterranean Sea
  • 1 trammel net under certain size limits, only in the North Sea, Channel and Atlantic except in areas established by local regulations.
  • 1 tile per ship and 3 scales per person on board, only in Brittany, Pays de Loire and Aquitaine.

On board ships and craft, gear for hauling up fishing lines and fishing gear on board are prohibited: locker winch, net winch, mechanized jib or electric or hydraulic assistance mechanism.

However, electrical equipment of the power-line turn or electric reel type is permitted up to a maximum of 3 electrical equipment per ship, each with a maximum power of 800 watts.

Any immersion device preventing the raising of a machine for inspection shall be prohibited.

Underwater Fishing

The following fishing practices are prohibited :

  • Use a breathing apparatus for diving. The simultaneous possession of breathing apparatus and underwater fishing gear is prohibited except with exceptions granted by the prefect.
  • Use a fishing gear whose developed propulsive force is derived from the detonating power of a chemical mixture or from the expansion of a compressed gas, unless the compression of the gas is obtained by the action of a mechanism operated by the fisherman
  • Hold on board and simultaneously use a special underwater fishing device and an underwater scooter
  • Fishing between sunset and sunrise
  • Fishing within 150 m of a vessel or boat or marked fishing gear
  • Catch fish caught in gear or nets placed by other fishermen
  • Use a bright fireplace to attract or search for fish
  • Use, for the capture of crustaceans, an oak or a special device for underwater fishing
  • Keep loaded out of the water a special device for underwater fishing.
    Use a spear gun if the fisherman is under 16 years of age.

The fisherman must indicate his presence by means of a buoy to locate his position.

You must inquire with the local maritime authorities to know the specific rules in your region:

If you do not respect the rules of recreational fishing, you risk a fine up to €22,500. The material used to commit the offense may be confiscated.

From 10 January 2026

There are several types of recreational fishing at sea (also known as marine recreational fishing):

  • The fishing on foot shall be exercised on the foreshore when the tide is low
  • The fishing on board is practiced on the shore, generally at rising tide, without the use of any boat
  • The fishing from a craft or vessel (recreational fishing)
  • The underwater fishing can be practiced from a boat or from the coast.

Recreational fishing at sea is recreational or sporting. To practice sport fishing, you must be a member of a national sport organization or have a national sport license.

The product of recreational fishing must not be sold. It is intended for the consumption of the fisherman and his family.

Recreational fishing at sea can also consist of release of live fish immediately after capture (practice of no-kill).

FYI  

Fishing on foot can also be practiced on the part of rivers or canals where the waters are salty.

Recreational fishing of certain species may be forbidden, subject to authorization, or framed : fishing zones and periods, use of certain types of fishing gear, registration of the fisherman and declaration of catches, declaration of landing of certain species…

You must inquire with the local maritime authorities to know the specific rules in your region:

The rules vary according to the fishing zones.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

Mediterranean Sea

The rules vary depending on the type of fishing.

Fishing on foot

As of January 10, 2026, recreational anglers aged 16 and over must register at least one day before the day of its fishing action if it targets the following species:

  • Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus)
  • Sea bream (Pagellus bogaraveo) 
  • Dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus). 

If the recreational fisherman catches these species, he must declare its catches on the same day capture, before 11:59 p.m.

The fisherman must register and make catch declarations via the mobile application " CatchMachine ”, available on smartphone from the Google Play Store and the App store, in the following areas : Calanques National Park, Cerbère-Banyuls Marine Nature Reserve, Gulf of Lion Marine Nature Park, Cap Corse and Agriate Marine Nature Park. In other areas, the fisherman must make the steps via the site or the mobile application RECFishing or mobile application CatchMachine.

The registration is valid 12 months.

Recreational fishing in the Mediterranean: register on RECFishing

Other fishing

As of January 10, 2026, recreational anglers 16 years of age and older must register at least the day before the day of its fishing action regardless of the target species.

He must declare its catches on the same day capture, before 11:59 p.m.

The fisherman must register and make catch declarations via the mobile application " Catchmachine ”, available on smartphone from the Google Play Store and the App store, in the following areas : Calanques National Park, Cerbère-Banyuls Marine Nature Reserve, Gulf of Lion Marine Nature Park, Cap Corse and Agriate Marine Nature Park. In other areas, the fisherman must make the steps via the site or the mobile application RECFishing or mobile application CatchMachine.

The registration is valid 12 months.

Recreational fishing in the Mediterranean: register on RECFishing

In addition, the following species are subject to specific formalities:

  • Recreational fishing of bluefin tuna is subject to authorization and declaration.
  • Accidental capture of swordfish or albacore tuna must be declared.

Telesisaap: online application for recreational fishing authorization for bluefin tuna

Application for a recreational fishing authorization for bluefin tuna

Declaration of landing of bluefin tuna in a recreational fishery

Declaration of incidental catch of swordfish or albacore tuna in recreational fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea

ICES zone 7 (Channel-North Sea)

As of January 10, 2026, recreational anglers 16 years of age and older must register at least one day before the day of its fishing action if it targets the following species:

  • Pollachius pollachius
  • Bar (Dicentrarchus labrax) 
  • Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus)
  • Sea bream (Pagellus bogaraveo).

If the recreational fisherman catches these species, he must declare his catch on the day of the catch, before 23:59.

In areas where a local registration scheme is mandatory, the fisherman must register and make catch declarations through that scheme. In other areas, the fisherman must make the steps via the site or mobile application RECFishing.

The registration is valid 12 months.

Recreational fishing in the Mediterranean: register on RECFishing

In addition, recreational fishing of bluefin tuna shall be subject to authorization and landing declaration.

Telesisaap: online application for recreational fishing authorization for bluefin tuna

Application for a recreational fishing authorization for bluefin tuna

Declaration of landing of bluefin tuna in a recreational fishery

ICES zone 8 (Atlantic Bay of Biscay);

As of January 10, 2026, recreational anglers 16 years of age and older must register at least one day before the day of its fishing action if it targets the following species:

  • Pollachius pollachius
  • Bar (Dicentrarchus labrax) 
  • Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus)
  • Sea bream (Pagellus bogaraveo).

If the recreational fisherman catches these species, he must declare his catch on the day of the catch, before 23:59.

In areas where a local registration scheme is mandatory, the fisherman must register and make catch declarations through that scheme. In other areas, the fisherman must make the steps via the site or mobile application RECFishing.

The registration is valid 12 months.

Recreational fishing in the Mediterranean: register on RECFishing

In addition, recreational fishing of bluefin tuna shall be subject to authorization and landing declaration.

Telesisaap: online application for recreational fishing authorization for bluefin tuna

Application for a recreational fishing authorization for bluefin tuna

Declaration of landing of bluefin tuna in a recreational fishery

FYI  

At the moment there is no case considered to be ‘sensitive’ in overseas. The declaration of fishing activity and catches made does not therefore at this stage concern recreational fishermen at sea in overseas.

The catch report shall contain the following information:

  • Quantities of each species, caught and conserved, where possible by measuring the length of catches to estimate live weight, and the number of individuals.
  • Number of individuals of each species caught and released, and where possible, the estimated quantities by measuring the length of catches.

This information shall be provided by geographical area, by type of recreational fishing at sea (on board, underwater, from the shore, on foot on the foreshore), and by type of fishing gear.

In addition, you must inquire with the local maritime authorities to know the specific rules in your region:

You can download the order of 26 october 2012 : Annex I indicates the minimum catch sizes and weights of fish and other marine organisms and Annex II indicates the method to be followed.

Marking consists of removal of the lower caudal fin.

You can download the order of 17 may 2011 which indicates the list of species to be marked.

Recreational fisherman on board or underwater fishing from a vessel must mark specimens of species caught as soon as they are put on board. However, this rule does not apply to specimens that are kept alive on board in a holding tank for release or those that are released immediately after being caught as part of the catch and release. Apart from the tagging operation, the specimens caught must be kept whole until they are landed, the tagging must not prevent the measurement of the size of the fish.

The underwater recreational fisherman practicing from the shore  must mark specimens of species caught as soon as he reached the shore.

The recreational angler practicing from shore and the recreational angler must mark specimens of the species caught from capture.

National rules shall apply concerning the on-board recreational fishing and the underwater recreational fishing.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

On-board fishing

The following equipment is authorized:

  • 2 longlines each with a maximum of 30 hooks
  • 2 lockers
  • 1 foëne
  • 1 net or salabra
  • Lines managed for a maximum of 12 hooks, a lure being equivalent to a hook, except cases provided for by local regulations.
  • 1 toothed grapple, only in the Mediterranean Sea
  • 1 trammel net under certain size limits, only in the North Sea, Channel and Atlantic except in areas established by local regulations.
  • 1 tile per ship and 3 scales per person on board, only in Brittany, Pays de Loire and Aquitaine.

On board ships and craft, gear for hauling up fishing lines and fishing gear on board are prohibited: locker winch, net winch, mechanized jib or electric or hydraulic assistance mechanism.

However, electrical equipment of the power-line turn or electric reel type is permitted up to a maximum of 3 electrical equipment per ship, each with a maximum power of 800 watts.

Any immersion device preventing the raising of a machine for inspection shall be prohibited.

Underwater Fishing

The following fishing practices are prohibited :

  • Use a breathing apparatus for diving. The simultaneous possession of breathing apparatus and underwater fishing gear is prohibited except with exceptions granted by the prefect.
  • Use a fishing gear whose developed propulsive force is derived from the detonating power of a chemical mixture or from the expansion of a compressed gas, unless the compression of the gas is obtained by the action of a mechanism operated by the fisherman
  • Hold on board and simultaneously use a special underwater fishing device and an underwater scooter
  • Fishing between sunset and sunrise
  • Fishing within 150 m of a vessel or boat or marked fishing gear
  • Catch fish caught in gear or nets placed by other fishermen
  • Use a bright fireplace to attract or search for fish
  • Use, for the capture of crustaceans, an oak or a special device for underwater fishing
  • Keep loaded out of the water a special device for underwater fishing.
    Use a spear gun if the fisherman is under 16 years of age.

The fisherman must indicate his presence by means of a buoy to locate his position.

Moreover, from 10 january 2026, whatever the type of recreational fishing at sea, the marking of sleeper machinery is mandatory: each sleeper gear must be identifiable and linked to the fisherman using it or its owner.

The marking of sleeper machinery must follow the following format.

  • Nets : on labels attached to 1er higher row and, for the buoy(s) at the ends of the net, on tags or directly on the buoy(s)
  • Longlines : on labels attached to the line and point of contact with the mooring buoy(s) or directly on the mooring buoy(s)
  • Traps, traps, traps and nerves : on labels attached to the gear and, for the buoy(s), on labels or directly on the buoy(s)

Each label must be:

  • Made of a durable material
  • Securely attached to the machine
  • With a minimum width of 65 mm
  • Of a minimum length of 75 mm.

Sleeper gear used for recreational fishing shall also be adequately marked to indicate the presence of the fishing gear on the surface of the water or ice.

In addition, you must inquire with the local maritime authorities to know the specific rules in your region:

If you do not respect the rules of recreational fishing, you risk a fine up to €22,500. The material used to commit the offense may be confiscated.

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