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Fishing in Italy

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We are going to Italy for 3 weeks in September. We will be in Milan, Brescia, Florence, and Sorrento. The one thing my husband keeps asking is "Doesn't anyone FISH in Italy?" He would gladly forego all the sightseeing and museums to go fishing. I've been searching the web, but there is relatively little information, and most of what I find is a couple of years old. I've tried looking for fishing in Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda, and fishing charters in the Mediterranean from Genoa, Naples, and Sorrento -- all areas we will be near. Another possibility would be fishing the Arno in Florence.

So -- has anyone had any experience fishing in Italy or know anything about it? I'd like him to have 1 or 2 days at least to do his thing while I do mine. What are the regulations? How do you get a permit/license? What does it cost? Can you get a license over the counter or does it have to be ordered and how long does it take? Can you easily fish the lakes and rivers or do you have to hire a guide? Can you rent equipment? Are fishing charters available in the Mediterranean?

Hoping there are some fishermen out there who have done this and can offer advice. Thanks in advance.

Posted by
16895 posts

This boat rental company that Rick's Italy book recommends in Sorrento also say they can provide fishing tackle. If your husband is a good talker and true fisherman, he might strike up a conversation with others at the marina. For Lake Como, I only find fishing regulations in Italian, but the tourist office should also be able to advise you.

Posted by
29 posts

Thanks Laura. I would think that, unless they are taking out a group of people, it would be expensive -- but we will look into it when we get there.

Posted by
16243 posts

First you need to decide where you want to fish. Hunting and fishing are regulated locally, therefore rules change from a Region to Region.
For Tuscany you need to deposit €10 to the postal account specified in the link below. The easiest way is to go to a post office and do it. Tell them you need to make a VERSAMENTO POSTALE. They will give you a form that you fill. Then you pay at the counter. The Italian post offices also offer banking services. The recipient is REGIONE TOSCANA TESORERIA REGIONALE, the causale (reason) is TASSA PER ESERCIZIO PESCA. The postal current account is number is below.
http://www.firenze.fipsas.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=61%3Alicenza-di-pesca&catid=2%3ARegione+Toscana&Itemid=173
All you need is a receipt for that postal payment and a photo ID as proof, in case someone checks. €10 will buy you a 15 day license. The one day license is good only for competitive events.
I never rented equipment. I didn't fish much except when taken by some of my uncles or cousins who were also avid fishermen. I used their equipment. You can ask for a NEGOZIO DI CACCIA E PESCA (hunting and fishing store). They are all over the place. For sure they sell equipment, not sure about renting it.
Fishing in the Arno in Florence is not what I would consider ideal. I fished in it many times growing up in Florence and I even ate the fish I caught. I'm still alive, although chances are I will not live as long as those who never ate the fish from the Arno. If you do fish in the Arno, try to do so east of the city, before the waters touch the city's polluting s**t. Good luck.

Posted by
29 posts

Grazie Roberto
I'm printing a copy of your reply for reference when we get to Firenze.

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