Welcome to Portugal, a beautiful country with a long coastline that stretches for over 850 km. Here, you can find some of the best fishing spots in Europe. If you are a sport fisherman planning a holiday in Portugal, then this blog post is for you. Today, we will talk about minimum sizes of fish that you can catch in the Portugal mainland sea shore and why it is important to respect them.
Fishing is a popular activity in Portugal, and it has been a part of the culture for centuries. The Portuguese coastline is rich in fish, and you can find a variety of species such as sea bream, sea bass, mackerel, and more. However, the abundance of fish in our waters does not mean that we can catch as much as we want. As responsible fishermen, we need to ensure that we are not harming the environment and the fish populations. This is where the minimum size of fish comes in.
Remember to get a fishing licences before you go fishing in the Portuguese shore it is mandatory. If you don’t know how you can find a full guide about how to do it online, here.
The minimum size of fish is the smallest size at which a fish can be caught legally. In Portugal, each species has its own minimum size, and it is important to know these sizes before you start fishing. The minimum size is determined by the government and is based on scientific studies of fish populations. The aim of the minimum size is to protect fish populations from overfishing, which can lead to the extinction of certain species.
What to do with an undersize fish?
When you catch a fish that is below the minimum size, you must release it back into the water. This may seem like a waste of a good catch, but it is essential for the sustainability of the fish population. By releasing the fish, you are allowing it to grow and reproduce, which will help maintain the fish population in the long run. So, as a responsible fisherman, you need to respect the minimum size and release any fish that does not meet the requirements.
Keeping Fishing sustainable
It is also important to remember that fishing is not just about catching fish. It is about the experience, the thrill of the catch, and the connection to nature. By respecting the minimum size, you are ensuring that future generations can also enjoy the same experience. Overfishing can lead to a decline in fish populations, which means that there will be fewer fish to catch in the future. By practicing sustainable fishing, we can help maintain the fish populations for future generations to enjoy.
So, what are the minimum sizes of fish in the Portugal mainland shore? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular species.
Sea Fishing minimum sizes
- Anchovy: 12cm
- annular sea bream: 14cm
- Atlantic horse mackerel: 15cm
- Atlantic Salmon: 55cm
- Axillary seabream: 18cm
- Bastard Sole: 18cm
- Bib: 17cm
- Black Sea Bream: 23cm
- Blackspot Seabream: 33cm
- BlueFin Tuna: 30kg or 115cm
- Brill: 30cm
- Brown Trout: 30cm
- Common two-banded sea bream: 17cm
- Dreamfish: 18cm
- Eel: 22cm
- European conger: 58cm
- European pilchard: 11cm
- European plaice: 27cm
- Flounder: 22cm
- Four-spot megrim: 20cm
- Hake: 27cm
- Herring: 20cm
- Mackerels: 20cm
- Meagre: 42cm
- Mullet: 20cm
- Pandora: 15cm
- Pollack : 30cm
- Red mullet: 18cm
- Red porgy: 20cm
- River herring: 35cm
- Sand steenbras: 15cm
- Sea lamprey: 60cm
- Seabass: 36cm
- Sheepshead bream: 22cm
- Sole: 24cm
- Sparus aurata 19cm
- StingRay: 60cm
- Swordfish: 25kg or 125cm
- The Boge: 15cm
- Turbot: 30cm
- Undulate ray: 97cm
- Wedge sole: 15cm
- White seabream: 17cm
- Whiting: 27cm
- Zebra Sea Bream: 27cm
Make sure to check the minimum size for each species before you start fishing. If you are unsure, you can always ask a local fisherman or check with the local authorities.
How to measure a fish?
Now, you may be wondering, how do I measure the fish to ensure it meets the minimum size? The easiest way is to use a measuring tape or ruler. Simply measure the fish from the tip of its nose to the end of its tail. If it meets the minimum size, then you can keep it. If it is below the minimum size, then you must release it back into the water.
Remember, fishing is not just about catching fish. It is about respecting nature, the environment, and the fish populations. By practicing sustainable fishing, you can help maintain the fish populations for future generations to enjoy. So, when you are fishing in the Portugal mainland shore, make sure to respect the minimum size and release any fish that does not meet the requirements. Let’s work together to ensure that our fish populations remain healthy and abundant.
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