A GREAT HOBBY SPORT
Fishing in Cyprus can be a fun and rewarding experience thanks to its long coastlines, clear Mediterranean waters, diverse marine life and several of its freshwater reservoirs. This hobby sport is open to beginners as well as experienced anglers all over the island, and several fishing enthusiasts enjoy the popular pastime all year round.
FRESH & SALTWATER FISHING
Cyprus offers a variety of fishing opportunities that include both fresh and saltwater fishing. Freshwater fishing is mainly conducted at the island’s several dams and reservoirs, whilst saltwater fishing is readily available throughout the coastal island. Cyprus has over 20 reservoirs open to anglers for freshwater fishing. Most are stocked with an impressive variety of fish. These include trout, largemouth bass, carp, pikeperch, silver bream, grey mullet, bass, catfish and roach. The coastal areas are just as abundant, offering sea bream, sea bass, mullet, snapper, amberjack, tuna, octopus and squid.
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 some protected areas that do not permit fishing also exist. 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, always offering friendly advice. Some also offer guided fishing tours and daily boat hire.
GENERAL FISHING ADVICE
Pelagic species such as tuna and bonita are more common in late spring to early autumn. Bottom-dwelling fish such as grouper and dentex can be caught year-round in rocky areas. 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. 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 can 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.
AN ABUNDANCE OF FISH
COMMON FISHING OPTIONS
SALTWATER FISHING
Coastal and offshore sea fishing: Common spots include rocky shores and fishing piers along the Cypriot 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. Depth varies; some charters go to offshore banks for pelagics; others stay closer to reefs.
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, 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 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.
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
A FISHING PROGRAM
A fishing training programme is being launched in the east of the island, offering a specialised theoretical and practical knowledge course for local fishermen on the island. The programme is also aimed at holders of professional fishing licences A and B, and also for the re-issue of coastal vessel skipper certificates.
The project is organised within the framework of the Local Development Strategy implementation for the Fisheries Areas of the Districts of Larnaca and Famagusta.
Amongst other things, the training sessions will include two modules that will 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
KEY FACTORS
Fishing in Cyprus offers diverse saltwater and freshwater opportunities, with peak activity in spring and summer. Offshore, anglers target Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Amberjack, while shore fishing is best on rocky coasts, such as Akamas, in the west, and Cape Greco in the east. Freshwater fishing is also popular, and stocked dams offer Carp, Bass, and Trout. Trolling and deep-sea fishing are best for larger fish, while spinning and jigging work well near reefs. All fishing at night is prohibited, and using scuba gear for fishing is also illegal.
SALTWATER FISHING
Typical saltwater species include Sea bass, bream, grouper, tuna, snapper, barracuda, octopus, and squid. Fishing charters are available in popular coastal fishing areas, and early morning and late evening are considered the best times for maximising fish activity. No license is required for shore angling. Fishing is possible along the promenade in Paphos. A specific bay near the castle at the Paphos harbour is a good float fishing area.
FRESHWATER FISHING
Cyprus has over 20 dams that contain fish, such as Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Trout, Pikeperch, Carp, and Tilapia. A permit is required for freshwater fishing in dams and for spearfishing. Freshwater licenses can be obtained from the DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND MARINE RESEARCH, which will also supply a full list of regulations. Fishing the early mornings and late evenings avoids high heat during the summer, and both Fly and bait fishing are also common. Local tackle shops can provide specialised lures like the ‘senko’ for bass.
