Fishing regulations in Montenegro are essential for anyone planning to cast a line in the Adriatic – whether you’re a local angler, a recreational fisherman, or a tourist exploring the coast. This guide outlines the most important rules for 2025, including protected species, seasonal bans, allowed gear, and more.
📘 Legal Framework
Fishing at sea in Montenegro is governed by several key legal acts:
- Law on Marine Fisheries and Mariculture (Official Gazette of Montenegro, No. 56/09 and 47/15)
- Rulebook on Sport-Recreational Fishing at Sea (Official Gazette of Montenegro, No. 45/2024)
- Order on Closed Seasons for Juvenile Fish and Marine Organisms (Official Gazette of Montenegro, No. 26/2015)
These laws apply to all recreational and sport fishing activities in Montenegrin coastal waters issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Montenegro.
❌ Protected Species – Banned Year-Round
Several marine species are under strict protection and cannot be caught, kept, or traded at any time of the year:
- Red Coral (Corallium rubrum)
- Noble Pen Shell (Pinna nobilis)
- Seahorses (Hippocampus spp.)
- Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas)
- Certain Sharks (e.g., Thresher shark, Great white shark)
- Hammerhead Sharks (Sphyrna spp.)
- Whales and Dolphins (Cetacea spp.)
If accidentally caught:
- Alive? Release immediately back to the sea.
- Dead? Must be reported and handed over to authorities.
These rules are mandatory – even for incidental catches.
🛑 Seasonal Bans – Closed Periods (Lovostaj)
According to the official Order on Closed Seasons, issued based on the Law on Marine Fisheries and Mariculture, catching of juvenile fish and certain marine organisms is prohibited during specific times of the year to ensure their reproduction and population recovery.
If you’re unsure whether a species is under protection or subject to seasonal bans, it’s advisable to release the catch and consult the official list or your local fishing club.
⚠️ Recording accidental catches of protected species is mandatory and must be entered into the fishing logbook, as prescribed by Montenegrin law.
⚙️ What Gear Is Allowed in Recreational Fishing?
The type of gear you may use depends on your age and fishing license. The Rulebook on Sport-Recreational Fishing defines exact limits:
🔹 For persons under 18 years old:
- Up to 2 trolling lines or handlines with a maximum of 3 hooks each
- Up to 2 squid jigs (hooks for cephalopods) used with a light ≤ 400 candelas
- Up to 2 fishing rods, each with a maximum of 3 hooks
🔹 For persons over 18 years:
- Everything listed above, plus:
- 1 speargun
- 1 harpoon or trident
- 1 fish or octopus trap (≤ 1 meter in diameter)
⚠️ Note: Spearfishing is only allowed with a surface buoy. The use of scuba tanks is strictly prohibited as per fishing regulations in Montenegro.
Read more in our article on this topic:
👉 Spearfishing in Montenegro – Rules and License Info
📏 Daily Catch Limits
Regardless of the type of license, as per fishing regulations in montenegro recreational anglers can keep:
- Up to 3 kg of fish and other organisms per day, or
- 1 individual fish heavier than 3 kg
✅ Catches during registered sport competitions are exempt from this limit.
❌ Selling your catch is prohibited.
🚫 Additional Prohibitions
According to Montenegrin law, it is forbidden to:
- Spearfish at night
- Use any underwater breathing equipment while fishing
- Use explosives, electric current, poisons, or narcotics
- Fish using light stronger than 400 candelas (unless specially authorized)
- Use boats with glass bottoms for fishing
All gear must comply with the law, and illegal methods are subject to penalties.
👮♂️ Inspections and Penalties
Fishing inspectors routinely patrol the coast. Violations are punished under Article 68 of the Law on Marine Fisheries and Mariculture, including:
- Fines
- Confiscation of fishing gear
- Temporary fishing bans
Want to know more about licenses and how to get them?
👉 Fishing in Montenegro – Licenses, Rules & Tips
📬 Stay Informed – Subscribe
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✅ Final Thoughts
Following fishing regulations in Montenegro is not only a legal obligation – it’s also a way to preserve marine life for future generations. Whether you’re fishing from the shore, a boat, or underwater, make sure you stay informed and fish responsibly.
