Method

Learning to fish: your first steps

The best way to learn to fish is to keep it simple: German fishing licence (Fischereischein), an all-round rod, a quiet water and patience. Here is your roadmap.

Good for

Plan your first fishing day

What you need

German fishing licence (Fischereischein) and a fishing permit for the water
An all-round rod with a semi-parabolic action to start with
Small to medium fixed-spool reel with monofilament line
Floats, split shot, running leads, swivels and hooks in a few sizes
Bait: maggots, sweetcorn and worms
Landing net, disgorger or pliers, tape measure
Priest and sharp knife for killing fish humanely
Weatherproof clothing, a seat and a bag for rubbish

Step by step

Get your German fishing licence (Fischereischein): you attend a preparation course and pass the fishing exam. The rules are set by each federal state, so ask a club or the fisheries authority.
Get permission: in Germany you need a fishing licence and a fishing permit for the water almost everywhere. You get the permit through a club, the leaseholder or as a day ticket.
Read the rules for the water: they tell you which baits, times and catch limits apply to that particular water.
Start simply: float fishing for roach on a pond or small lake usually brings the first bites quickly.
On the water: look after the bank and plants, keep your distance from other anglers, and take line scraps and rubbish home with you.
Deal with the fish: any fish you keep, stun and kill straight away in a humane way. Fish that have to go back, unhook quickly in the water.
The first time, take someone with experience or go fishing with a club, that is how you learn fastest.

Common mistakes

Starting without a fishing permit: even with a fishing licence, you cannot fish every water.
Buying too much tackle, and too specialised, all at once.
Not being able to deal with the fish: have someone who can do it safely show you how to stun and kill.
Ignoring the rod's casting weight: rigs that are too heavy can break it.

Tips

Only fish if you also want to use the fish you catch. Animal welfare rules require this.
An angling club often offers courses, waters and people who will help you on the bank.
Ask in the local tackle shop about waters and baits that are working right now.

Quick questions

Do I need a fishing licence to fish?

In Germany you need a German fishing licence (Fischereischein) and a fishing permit for the water almost everywhere. Each federal state sets its own exact rules, exceptions and tourist licences. Ask the fisheries authority or a club.

How do I kill a fish properly?

First stun it with a firm blow to the head, for example with a priest. Straight after that, kill it with a deep cut that severs the blood vessels between the gill arches and the heart. Have someone show you the first time.

Which fishing method is easiest for beginners?

Float fishing for coarse fish such as roach is a good start: the tackle is simple, you see the bite on the float and on many ponds bites come quickly. After that you can try legering, feeder fishing or spinning.

Check the rules

Closed seasons and minimum sizes are set by each German state (and by each country abroad) and can be stricter on individual waters. We are building an overview with sources and check dates. Until then, check the local fishing regulations and the rules of the club or permit for your water.

Sources (5)

Last checked 2026-10-10. Found a mistake? Write to [email protected].

Know more?

Additions, photos of your catches or a mistake in the text: write to us and we will gladly credit you as a helper.

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