4 States With Tourist Fishing Licences
| State | Cost | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brandenburg | €12 | 1 year | Lakes near Berlin, pike fishing |
| Mecklenburg-Vorpommern | €23 | 28 days | Baltic Sea, lakes, cheapest coastal option |
| Schleswig-Holstein | €38 | 28 days | Baltic Sea, online purchase, sea trout |
| Thuringia | €19 | 3 months | Rivers, longest duration |
Other Options (Without Exam)
Commercial Trout Ponds
In NRW and Lower Saxony, many commercial trout ponds don't require a fishing licence. Entry: €15–50/day, equipment rental available. Perfect for families and total beginners.
Guided Fishing Tours
Some professional guides include all permits. Ask for "geführtes Angeln" (guided fishing). Available at most tourist destinations.
Important Rules
- You STILL need a water permit (Angelkarte) for specific waters — even with a tourist licence
- Catch & Release is mostly illegal in Germany — keep what you catch
- Fish must be killed humanely: stun first, then kill (Herzstich)
- Respect closed seasons (Schonzeiten) and minimum sizes
→ Back to: Fishing Licence Germany
FAQ
Can I really fish without an exam in Germany?
Yes, in 4 states: Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia. You get a tourist fishing licence (Touristenfischereischein) — no exam, no prior knowledge required.
Which state is best for tourist fishing?
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein are ideal — both have Baltic Sea access. MV is cheapest (€23/28 days). SH offers convenient online purchase (€38/28 days).
Can I fish in the ocean without any licence?
No — you still need a Fischereischein or tourist licence for sea fishing. But you do NOT need a water permit (Angelkarte) for ocean fishing.
Are commercial trout ponds an option?
Yes! In some states (NRW, Lower Saxony), commercial trout ponds waive the licence requirement. Entrance fee (€15–50/day) covers everything. Great for families!