An activity that can be alluring for those who buy a villa in the Costa Blanca is to really the vicinity of the Mediterreanean Sea and other bodies of water can be a fishing excursion. Whether this is being done for sport or for food it is something that many find to be a relaxing and sometimes exiting passtime. This is something that becomes a familiar site along the coast and can enrish your lifestyle whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler. The homeowners living in the Costa Blanca offers various fishing opportunities to suit all levels and requirements.
We are blessed in this beautiful area where we have made our home in Spain to have a choice of fishing possibilities from calm sheltered bays to open offshore fishing, as well as some inland freshwater places to angle. Coastal waters are often shallow close to the shore which is ideal for those who are just starting their fishing experience and here you will find a variety of species including mackerel, sardines and sea bass, all extremely popular for Mediterranean recipes. Offshore is for more experienced fishermen who where larger fish like tuna, dorado and sometimes marlin can be found. For those who prefer a day in the countryside freshwater fishing then there are several reservoirs, rivets and streams in the Costa Blanca hinterland where trout and barbel can be caught if you’re lucky.
If you are intending to fish regularly you may wish to purchase your own equipment and will find that the essential items are the rod and reel, line of the correct length and type of the size of fish you are hoping to catch. In addition you will require hooks of different varieties suitable for the species you might encounter, baits and lures which mimic the natural prey of the fish. There are several shops along the coast which well everything you might need and have years of experience to be able to give advice on your purchase. However, before you begin you will also need to check that you have a valid fishing license before beginning.
This area of Spain offers the chance to explore and enjoy a variety of fishing methods. Popular ones include surf fishing which involved casting your line from the beach into the waves. Boat fishing for off shore adventures if you buy or rent a boat which allows access to deeper water and the opportunity to find larger fish and rock fishing where you cast your line from the rocky cliffs along the shore. Plus, of course, fresh water fishing by rivers, lakes and reservoirs in the beautiful Costa Blanca mountains and countryside. It’s perhaps a good idea to join a local fishing club and participate in excursions with an expert local fishing guide to begin your angling adventure.
You will need to contact your local town hall to apply for and obtain the correct fishing licenses and regulations for the permits you require depending upon the type of fishing you will be participating in. It is important to know which fish you can keep both from salt and fresh water areas and which must be thrown back. Mostly this will come down to size limits so that the younger generations of certain fish are not depleted. Restrictions may also exist as to how many fish you may be allowed to catch per day or per trip and there may be closed seasons and protrected areas in marine and nature reserves where fishing is restricted or prohibited. Fines if you are not careful might be costly so do make sure that you are fully informed.
If you have just moved to your new home in the Costa Blanca and are not yet sure if angling is the sport for you it is possible to get a taste for it prior to investing in your own equipment. Most excursion operators will have all the necessary equipment for hire as well as licenses and insurance in place but, do check this! You can enjoy offshore fishing excursions looking for big game like Tuna and Swordfish or bottom fishing where the line is dropped to the bottom of the sea to catch snapper and other species. Fly Fishing excursion along the Coastal waters or freshwater streams of the Costa Blanca can also be arranged, this targes the smaller but speedy species of fish. An excursion that many enjoy is night fishing where you can find different species to those found in the daytime. There are several companies in towns along the Costa Blanca coast who offer fishing trips or charger boats so ask around locally and you’ll soon be bringing dinner home to grill!!!
As well as many other delights we have living in the Costa Blanca the hobbies we begin help us to settle in to our new home, meet people and make friends and generally give us a great quality of life. Fishing in the area, providing all regulations to ensure sustainability are adhered to, can be both exhilarating if out sea in deep water or relaxing if casting off from the shore with a gentle sea breeze and the sound of the wave lapping on the beach or rocks. Mediterreanean cuisine includes so much fish and seafood, how nice to bring home a mackrel or two to grill for a self-sufficient evening meal!!!