A GREAT HOBBY SPORT
Open to beginners and experienced fishing enthusiasts across the island, this popular hobby-sport is a popular pastime that offers a fun and rewarding experience. With this in mind, fishing enthusiasts often enjoy diverse saltwater and freshwater fishing all year round. A diverse range of marine livestock is available for saltwater across the island’s long, uninterrupted rural coastline, and several dams and reservoirs offer a whole range of freshwater options.
FRESHWATER FISHING
Stocked with an impressive variety of fish, Cyprus has over 20 reservoirs and dams that are open to anglers for freshwater fishing. Fishing in the early mornings and late evenings is considered the best time for maximising fish activity and avoiding high heat during the summer. Both fly and bait fishing are common, and local tackle shops can provide specialised lures like the ‘senko’ for bass. Trout, Largemouth Bass, Carp, Catfish, Tilapia, Pikeperch, Silver Bream, Grey Mullet, and Roach are also available. A permit is required for freshwater fishing in dams, and these licenses can be obtained from the DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND MARINE RESEARCH, which will also supply a full list of regulations.
SALTWATER FISHING
The Cyprus coast is just as abundant, offering Sea Bream, Sea Bass, Grouper, Mullet, Snapper, Barracuda, Amberjack, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Octopus and Squid. Shore fishing tends to be best near rocky coasts. These include Akamas to the west and Cape Greco to the east of the island. Spinning and jigging also work well near reefs. With peak activity in spring and summer, several fishing charters are available in popular coastal fishing areas for offshore anglers to target larger fish like Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Amberjack. Fishing in the early mornings and late evenings is considered the best time for maximising fish activity and avoiding high heat during the summer. No license is required for shore angling, but a permit is required for spearfishing. Fishing is possible along the promenade in Paphos, and a specific bay near the castle at the Paphos harbour is a good float fishing area. Fishing at night or while using scuba gear is prohibited.
GENERAL FISHING ADVICE
While the Mediterranean isn’t strongly tidal, seas are generally calmer in the mornings. With this in mind, dawn and dusk are generally the more productive times for fishing. Pelagic species such as tuna and bonita are more common in late spring to early autumn, but bottom-dwelling fish, such as grouper and dentex, can be caught year-round in rocky areas. A light to medium rod, approximately 2 to 4 metres, with a range of 15 to 40 grams in weight, and a small spinning reel works for smaller shore species. Booking a local guide or charter operator can greatly improve success and safety. Boat trip charters often provide necessary fishing gear. Tackle shops, fisheries offices, and fishing clubs all offer spot-specific tips, rentals, and advice on local fishing rules.
Practical steps to get started
Step 1: Decide on the mode of fishing. These often include shore, boat charter, or freshwater.
Step 2: Check licensing requirements for the intended fishing area.
Step 3: Contact a local licensed charter operator or tackle shop for up-to-date rules and the best spots.
Step 4: Bring appropriate gear or rent on-site and a basic tackle setup suitable for Mediterranean fish species. Be prepared to dispose of line and hooks properly, avoid protected areas, and follow any applicable catch-and-release practices.
A FISHING LICENSE
A FISHING LICENSE is required to fish in Cyprus. It can be applied for online at the DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND MARINE RESEARCH. Regulations are in place that dictate the size and quantities of caught fish, and there are restrictions in place for some protected areas that do not permit fishing. Further information regarding this can be obtained from the DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND MARINE RESEARCH. As well as renting and selling fishing equipment, local tackle shops and most fishing shelters also act as a good source of information. They are often knowledgeable, and they tend to offer friendly fishing advice. Some also offer guided fishing tours and daily boat hire.
POPULAR FISHING STORES
Super Action Sports Centre Deryneia
Tel: 23 825 180
Ck Fishmania Xylofagou, Larnaca
Tel: 99 674 619
KN Fishing Stores Nicosia
Tel: 22 041 744
Ninos Sports Limassol
Tel: 25 372 667
Fish hunter Paphos
Tel: 26 930 088
Blue Adventure Polis Chrysochous
Tel: 99 699 089
APPLYING FOR A FISHING LICENSE
All individuals that do not possess a valid fishing license are not allowed to engage in any fishing activity on the island. A FISHING LICENSE can be applied for online and all applicants will receive an sms and an email confirmation after their submission. All applications are then processed within two working days. All licences expire on December 31st of the year in which the licence is issued.
For further information
Tel: 22 807 818
Tel: 22 807 829
Email: licenses@dfmr.moa.gov.cy
COMMON FISHING OPTIONS
SALTWATER FISHING
Coastal and offshore sea fishing: Common spots include rocky shores and fishing piers along the island’s coastline. These include Ayia Napa, Protaras, Larnaca, Limassol, and Paphos in particular, but other places like the village of Zygi, which is famous for its fish restaurants, are also popular. Expect species such as white mullet, sea bream, and goatfish near rocks.
Surf fishing: Best in the early morning or late evenings, this form of fishing is available from both beaches and rocky ledges. This form of fishing is geared toward catching small to medium fish, as larger specimens can be elusive.
Boat charter fishing: A popular option for sport and food fishing, most charters stay closer to reefs or go to offshore banks for pelagics.
Trolling or bottom fishing trips can target species like:
- Bluetip tuna, bonito, albacore (seasonal)
- Amberjack, grouper, dentex
- Barracuda, swordfish (seasonal in deeper waters)
- Common sea bream, parrotfish, and snapper on bottom rigs
- Seasonal squid (inshore and around piers)
Permits: A standard local fishing license is often required, but some exemptions or day passes are available. Rules on this however, vary by vessel and location.
Size limits and quotas: Current regulations limit fish sizes, impose bag limits, and protect certain fish species. Some coastal zones and marine protected areas have restrictions in place on fishing gear, locations, and times. All of these use local signage.
FRESHWATER FISHING
Reservoir Fishing: Cyprus has several reservoirs and rivers that offer barbel, carp, bream, and occasionally catfish.
Licensing and rules: A fishing license for freshwater fishing is required, and rules can vary and are dependent on different angling clubs. Local tackle shops or tourist offices supply information regarding the correct licensing authority.
A FISHING PROGRAM
A fishing training programme, offering a specialised theoretical and practical knowledge course for local fishermen, is now available on the island. Organised within the framework of the local development strategy implementation for the fisheries areas of Larnaca and Famagusta districts, the scheme is aimed at holders of professional fishing licences A and B, and can also be used for the re-issue of coastal vessel skipper certificates.
Amongst other things, training sessions include two modules. These include a basic safety refresher course and a medical first aid course. The training programme will accept a maximum of 24 trainees and a minimum of 10.
Development Company of Larnaca & Famagusta
Tel: 24 815 280
Email: info@anetel.com
GENERAL FISHING ADVICE
NO LICENSE REQUIRED
No license is required for standard rod and line fishing from the shore or on chartered boats. Shore fishing in rocky areas, particularly around Paphos in the west and Cavo Greco in the east, is excellent for targeting Seabass, Grouper, and Bream. Shrimp bait paste or light lures are advisable for this type of fishing. A half-day or full-day boat charter, departing from Limassol or Paphos Harbours are highly recommended. Boat charters often target Albacore Tuna during July, and Mahi-Mahi from September to November.
LICENSE REQUIRED
A specialised permit for freshwater fishing in dams or reservoirs is required. A fishing license stipulates that only one rod with a single hook is allowed and that seasonal catch limits apply. The Yermasogeia Dam in the Limassol district and the Achna Dam in the Famagusta district are largely considered the best reservoirs for landing Carp and Largemouth Bass.
