Fishing with children in Baden-Württemberg: License, age & rules
Fishing with children in Baden-Württemberg: License, age & rules
Imagine this: It’s early morning at the Neckar, the mist is still hovering over the water, and standing next to you is your child with wide eyes, holding a fishing rod for the very first time. It is precisely for such moments that Baden-Württemberg is a fantastic spot – from Lake Constance to the small streams in the Black Forest and the quiet local club waters around the corner. And the best part: Since the 2024 reform, young anglers have been able to get to the water earlier than ever before. We will take you by the hand and explain everything so that you can understand it immediately, even without any fishing experience of your own.
We explain exactly what the fishing license (Fischereischein), the youth fishing license (Jugendfischereischein), and the permit (Erlaubnisschein) mean on our overview page Fishing with children in Germany.
The most important rules for children in Baden-Württemberg
Here are the facts, compact and easy to understand:
- Youth fishing license from age 7: "Persons who have reached the age of seven but have not yet reached the age of sixteen may be issued a fishing license for youth (youth fishing license)" (§ 32 Para. 1 FischG BW, version of the amending act dated October 15, 2024). It is issued "until the end of the calendar year in which the young person turns sixteen" (§ 32 Para. 2 Sentence 1). This allows your child to go to the water without their own fishing examination.
- Fishing alone? No. "It only entitles the holder to fish under the supervision of a person who is at least eighteen years old and holds a valid fishing license" (§ 32 Para. 2 Sentence 2 FischG BW). Incidentally, the Baden-Württemberg law does not contain a criterion that the supervisor "must be able to intervene at any time" – that is a sensible recommendation, not a requirement. Your child may perform the actual fishing process itself – casting, detecting bites, reeling in the fish. The accompanying adult is, so to speak, the co-pilot.
- Fishing examination from age 10: The examination age was NOT lowered with the 2024 reform; it remains possible from age 10. Admission is granted to "anyone who has participated in a recognized preparatory course within the meaning of § 16 and has reached the age of ten at the time of the examination" (§ 15 Para. 2 Sentence 1 State Fishing Ordinance). Two things are important here: The age limit is in the Ordinance, not in the Fishing Act – it does not even appear in the Act itself. And age alone is not enough: without the recognized preparatory course, there is no admission, and anyone who cannot provide proof of it on the day of the examination will be excluded (§ 15 Para. 4 Sentence 2 LFischVO). Anyone who passes the examination may then fish completely without supervision (a permit for the body of water and parental consent are still required). However, the association tends to recommend the age of 14 – this is a recommendation, not a requirement. So don't stress, let your child take their time.
- Very young children under 7: Caution is advised here. An explicit "helper" rule for children under 7 is not in the BW Fishing Act – unlike in Hesse or Brandenburg, for example. In practice, it is widely accepted that little ones may help (holding the rod, bringing the fish in), but not unhook, stun, or kill the fish. Please do not rely on this blindly: ask your club or the fisheries authority in advance, and always leave tasks relevant to animal welfare to the adult.
- Permit/fishing card: You ALWAYS need this in addition. The fishing license generally allows you to fish, while the permit (the "fishing card") allows it at a specific body of water. Both belong together.
- Fishing tax – waived for youth licenses: "Holders of youth fishing licenses are not obligated to pay the fishing tax" (§ 36 Para. 1 Sentence 4 FischG BW). For everyone else, it is between 6 and 30 euros per calendar year; the exact amount is determined by the State Fishing Ordinance (§ 36 Para. 2 No. 1).
Special features in Baden-Württemberg
The big innovation: With the 2024 reform, the entry age was lowered from 10 to 7 years. This is a real gain for all fishing families, because children can now get to the water much earlier with their own license – albeit under supervision. So, if you have a child of primary school age who is enthusiastic about fishing, you can get started very early here.
How to get off to a successful start
Keep the first outing short and relaxed – an hour at the water is completely sufficient for the first few times; it's better to go more often than for too long. Focus on coarse fish like roach or bream (coarse fish = fish that feed on plants and small animals, not predatory fish), as they bite more frequently and thus create a sense of achievement. And use light tackle that fits well into small hands. We show you which rod, reel, and hook are suitable for which age clearly at Fishing gear for children by age.
To ensure your youngster is warm, dry, and has the right spirit at the water, you will find the right fishing clothing for children and teenagers here – robust, comfortable, and with fish motifs that make every little angler's heart beat faster.
Children & Teenager Angler T-Shirts
Robust, comfortable, and with the fish motif that little anglers love.
Where can you get the youth fishing license in Baden-Württemberg?
You can get the youth fishing license (for 7 to 16-year-olds, without an exam) from the municipal or city administration of your place of residence – usually at the citizens' office (Bürgerbüro). Bring with you: ID card or birth certificate of the child, a passport photo, and the consent (signature) of the parents. For the later regular fishing license, the certificate of the passed fishing examination is added. Some municipalities allow the application to be prepared via service-bw.de; the license is usually issued on-site. Documents and fees are determined by each municipality – if in doubt, check with your local authority.
Children & Teenager Angler Hoodies
Robust, comfortable, and with the fish motif that little anglers love.
Always additional: the rules of your body of water
It is very important, no matter where you fish: beyond the general rules described here, the special regulations of the specific body of water always apply. Every lake, river, and coastal section has its own water regulations with its own requirements – for example regarding permitted fishing methods and baits, the number of rods, closed seasons and minimum sizes, night fishing and the use of keepnets, catch limits, or restricted shore areas. These water-specific rules are usually printed directly on the permit (the fishing card) or are available from the issuing body (fishing club, water manager, authority). Check and observe them before every fishing day – when in doubt, the rules of the respective body of water take precedence over the general information on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
From what age is my child allowed to fish in Baden-Württemberg?
Since the 2024 reform, your child can fish under supervision from the age of 7 with a youth fishing license. Children under 7 may only participate as helpers (e.g., holding the rod) but may not unhook, stun, or kill the fish themselves.
Does my child need a youth fishing license in Baden-Württemberg?
Yes. For children from age 7 until the end of the year in which they turn 16, the youth fishing license is the right way to go. This allows your child to fish without their own fishing examination – however, only under the supervision of an adult fishing license holder.
Is my child allowed to fish alone in Baden-Württemberg?
With the youth fishing license, no – they always need an adult fishing license holder as a supervisor who can intervene at any time. However, your child may perform the actual fishing process entirely by themselves. Anyone who passes the fishing examination at age 10 may fish without supervision afterwards, provided they have a permit and parental consent.
Do I need an additional fishing card?
Yes, the permit (fishing card) for the respective body of water is always necessary in addition. The fishing license alone is not enough – it grants the general right to fish, while the fishing card grants it for that specific water.
When can my child take the fishing examination in Baden-Württemberg?
From the age of 10 – the 2024 reform did not change this. The age limit is stated in § 15 Para. 2 Sentence 1 of the State Fishing Ordinance, not in the Fishing Act. For this, your child must have attended a recognized preparatory course; without this proof, they will be excluded on the day of the examination (§ 15 Para. 4 Sentence 2 LFischVO). The State Fishing Association recommends an age of 14 – as a recommendation, not a requirement. Anyone who passes may fish independently afterwards with a permit and parental consent.
We strive to inform you accurately and update the pages regularly. The information is provided without guarantee. Please point out any inconsistencies to us so that we can update the information.
Tight Lines – your Fin-Buddies Team 🎣
Status: September 2026