Authority for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture

Apply for exemption from the fishing license requirement

You can apply for an exemption from the fishing license requirement.

Detailed description

If you want to fish, you usually need a fishing license. In certain circumstances, an exception to this rule can be made.



Anyone under the age of 15 may fish with a hand rod without a fishing license, provided that the person is under the supervision of an adult fishing license holder. You do not need written permission for this exception.



Anyone who is unable to take a fishing test due to a disability may fish with a hand rod when accompanied by an adult fishing license holder. You can apply for an exemption from the responsible authority for this. You do not necessarily need the exemption, but only if you want to have proof that fishing without a fishing license is permissible, just to be on the safe side.



Anyone who takes part in a guided fishing tour or an event organized by a training club on their own or leased waters does not need a fishing license, provided that up to three participating anglers without a fishing license are directly supervised by at least one person with a fishing license. In addition, at least one instructor must be present at the event or fishing tour.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • You belong to the eligible group of persons
    • Persons under 15 years
    • People with disabilities
    • Participants in a guided fishing tour or other event organized by a training club in its own waters or leased waters

Documents required

If applicable, proof that you belong to the eligible group of persons.

Please note

Valid fishing licenses from other federal states, for which a fishing test had to be taken, are recognized in Hamburg. If you hold such a fishing license and want to fish in Hamburg, you still have to pay the Hamburg fishing fee.

Deadlines

No

Procedure

If you wish to apply for an exemption for a person with a disability, please refer to the information provided in the links.

Processing time

Immediately

Fees

No

Legal remedies

No

Legal basis

§ 9 Hamburg Fisheries and Angling Act


www.landesrecht-hamburg.de/bsha/document/jlr-FischGHA2019pP4/part/X

Address and contact information

Authority for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture

We have a limited number of customer parking spaces. To reserve a parking space, please contact our receptionist by e-mail at zugang@bsw.hamburg.de or by telephone on +49 40 428 40 - 50 50. Our working hours are: Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m , Friday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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Keywords: Fishing tax Fishing without a license fishing Exemption

Last updated: 06.02.2026