[Updated: September 2025] — This guide is aligned with Montenegro’s new Law on Recreational & Sport Fishing adopted in June 2025.
Fishing in Montenegro is hugely popular among locals and visitors alike. With crystal-clear Adriatic water, protected bays and easy shore access, it’s one of the Balkans’ best places to cast a line. This updated guide explains the new license types, where you can fish, the daily catch limit, what’s prohibited, and how recent changes affect tourists and residents. If you plan to enjoy fishing in Montenegro during your holiday, read this first to stay compliant and make the most of your trip.
Types of Fishing in Montenegro (2025)
Under the new law, recreational & sport categories include:
Shore fishing
Boat fishing
Spearfishing (with a speargun) – see our full guide: Spearfishing in Montenegro – Rules & How to Get a Permit
Fly fishing (rivers & lakes) – see our Beginner & Advanced Fly Fishing Guide
Big-game fishing – new in 2025 (tuna, swordfish and other large pelagics)
Fishing Licenses in Montenegro – What You Need
From 2025, the following licenses exist:
Daily license (shore/boat)
Daily spearfishing license
Daily big-game license (for tuna, swordfish & other large pelagics)
Multi-day license (up to 30 days)
Annual license
- Children under 14 may fish without a license, but only under adult supervision.
Who issues licenses?
Licenses are issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and can be sold via authorized sport-fishing clubs (as practiced so far). Diving clubs may issue daily licenses for spearfishing.
Prices: Set by the Ministry via a dedicated bylaw. Until the official tariff is republished, many clubs reference the previous practice (indicative only):
Tourists / non-residents (temporary):
1 day €5 • up to 5 days €10 • up to 10 days €15 • up to 30 days €30–60Residents (annual):
Without speargun €20 • With speargun €40–60 • Under 18 €5
(As soon as the Ministry/Association publishes the new tariff, we’ll update this section.)
Also read: Lures for Fishing in the Adriatic – Everything You Need to Know.
Where to Get a Fishing or Spearfishing License (2025)
These clubs have traditionally issued licenses on the spot (ID + payment):
Kotor – Sport Fishing Club “AMA” (Kostanjica). Annual spearfishing license historically €60.
Bar – Sport Fishing Society “Sipa” (Port of Bar, near the fish market).
Budva – Sport Fishing Club “Širun” (via the Budva Tourist Office or directly at the club; usually same-day issuing).
Herceg Novi – Underwater Activities Club “Novi” (Meljine/Savina; active year-round, competitions & diver education).
For a broader list of registered clubs, check the Sports Fishing Association of Montenegro (official association website).
Daily Catch & Key Rules
Daily bag limit: up to 5 kg of fish/other marine organisms + one specimen over 5 kg.
Electronic catch log is mandatory — catches must be reported through the official app/registration system.
Big-game fishing:
Requires a special daily big-game license.
If fishing from a boat, the vessel must have an AIS (Automatic Identification System).
The catch must be reported to the Fisheries Monitoring Center and your club at least 1 hour before landing.
Prohibited Methods & Activities
Selling your catch (recreational/sport fishing is non-commercial).
Towed/drag nets, gillnets, purse seines, dredges, longlines (parangals) in sport fishing.
Electro-mechanical devices stronger than 800 W.
Spearfishing at night or by persons under 18.
Combining scuba tanks with a speargun.
Where Is Fishing Allowed in Montenegro?
Fishing in Montenegro is allowed along almost the entire coastline, except in protected areas (national parks, marine reserves and zones under special protection).
Boka Bay (Bay of Kotor) deserves a special mention: thanks to its sheltered waters, it’s perfect for calmer, year-round fishing — ideal if you’re new to fishing in Montenegro or prefer relaxed shore sessions. The whole littoral is fish-rich: from open-sea points on Luštica and Ulcinj, to the tranquil shores of Risan and Perast.
Planning your sessions? Read our guide: Best Time to Fish in the Adriatic – Tides, Moon Phases & Seasonal Tips.
Conclusion
The new law brings more freedom (no rod-number cap, higher effective daily take with the “+1 large fish” rule) but also more responsibility (electronic catch reports, strict big-game conditions). If you want a hassle-free fishing in Montenegro experience: get the right license, follow local rules, and enjoy the Adriatic — responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to take a test to get a license?
No. Licenses are issued without a test, but you must follow the law.
Where can I buy a fishing license?
At authorized clubs and diving centers (for spearfishing). The Sports Fishing Association of Montenegro publishes official information and contacts.
Can tourists fish without a license?
No. Only children under 14 may fish without a license, and only under adult supervision.
Can I buy a fishing license online?
Not at the moment. Online purchase is currently unavailable.
What are the fines for illegal fishing?
From €100 to €20,000, depending on the offense (e.g., fishing without a license, banned gear, selling the catch).
If you enjoy educational content and true stories from the Adriatic, subscribe to our newsletter — fresh tips and local reports straight to your inbox.
Also read: 3 interesting fish facts that help anglers.
Send us your fishing stories, photos and videos! The best submissions will be featured on our blog or socials with your name or nickname.
Email: newsletter@kotorfisherman.com
