Fishing with children in Saarland: license, age & rules
Fishing with children in Saarland: license, age & rules
Small but sweet – this is especially true for Saarland when it comes to fishing. The Saar river, the idyllic Bostalsee, plus countless ponds and club waters surrounded by greenery: distances here are short, and the next beautiful spot by the water is never far away. That is exactly what makes Saarland so pleasant for families – you don't have to drive for hours to get the youngsters hooked on fishing. We will take you by the hand and explain everything in such a way that you will understand it immediately, even without any prior fishing experience.
We explain exactly what the fishing license, youth fishing license, and permit mean on our overview page Fishing with children in Germany.
The most important rules in Saarland for children
Here are the facts, compact and easy to understand:
- Youth fishing license up to 16 years: "For persons who have not yet reached the age of 16, the fishing license may only be issued as a youth fishing license, unless they have passed the fishing examination and have reached the age of 14" (§ 28 Para. 1 SFischG). The law does not specify an explicit minimum age. The youth fishing license is, so to speak, the "beginner's ID" that allows your child to go to the water. It is issued for one calendar year (§ 29 Para. 1 No. 1 SFischG).
- Fishing alone? No. "The youth fishing license only entitles the holder to fish under the supervision of an adult who holds a fishing license" (§ 28 Para. 2 SFischG). Important: The accompanying person must be both – an adult and a holder of a fishing license themselves. An adult companion without their own license is not sufficient.
- Fishing exam from 13, own license from 14: Anyone who has "not yet reached the age of 13" cannot be admitted to the fishing examination (§ 30 Para. 3 No. 1 LFO). The exam is therefore possible at 13, but the regular fishing license can only be issued once the age of 14 has been reached (§ 28 Para. 1 SFischG). Anyone who passes at 13 will continue to fish with the youth fishing license until their 14th birthday. The examination also requires a club internship, participation in a preparatory course, and, for minors, parental consent (§ 30 Para. 1 and 3 LFO) – registration alone is not enough.
- Very young children: They are only allowed to go to the water under supervision. The law does not state an exact minimum age – in case of doubt, you should ask the state association (we are not sure about this and deliberately do not provide fixed numbers).
- Permit/fishing card: You ALWAYS need this in addition. The fishing license (or youth fishing license) generally allows fishing, while the permit (the "fishing card") allows it at a specific body of water. Both belong together.
How to get started
Keep the first trip short and relaxed – an hour by the water is plenty for the start; it's better to go more often than for too long. Ensure that an adult fishing license holder is always present as a supervisor, because without one, nothing works for children in Saarland. 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 provide a sense of achievement. We show you clearly which rod, reel, and hook are suitable for which age at Fishing equipment for children by age.
To ensure your youngsters are warm, dry, and in the right spirit by the water, you will find the right fishing clothing for children and teenagers – robust, comfortable, and with fish motifs that will make any 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 Saarland?
You can get the youth fishing license (up to 16 years) from the municipal or city administration of your place of residence; fishing is done with a hand rod under the supervision of an adult license holder. Bring with you: ID card or proof of age, a passport photo, and parental consent. The initial issuance costs about €5. For the regular fishing license, the certificate of the passed fishing examination is also required.
Children & Teenager Angler Hoodies
Robust, comfortable, and with the fish motif that little anglers love.
Always additionally: the rules of your water body
Very important, no matter where you fish: beyond the general rules described here, the specific regulations of the actual water body always apply. Every lake, river, and coastal section has its own water regulations with its own requirements – for example, regarding permitted fishing methods and bait, the number of rods, closed seasons and minimum sizes, night fishing and the use of keepnets, catch limits, or restricted shoreline areas. These water-specific rules are usually printed directly on the permit (the fishing card) or are available from the issuing authority (fishing club, water manager, authority). Check and observe them before every fishing day – in case of doubt, the rules of the respective water take precedence over the general information on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
At what age can my child fish in Saarland?
The youth fishing license is available in Saarland up to the age of 16. The law does not specify an explicit minimum age. Very young children are only allowed to go to the water under supervision – you should ask the state association about the exact minimum age.
Does my child need a youth fishing license in Saarland?
Yes, for children and teenagers up to 16 years of age, the youth fishing license is the correct path. It allows your child to fish – however, only under the supervision of an adult who holds a fishing license.
Is my child allowed to fish alone in Saarland?
No. Your child may only fish under the supervision of an adult who holds a fishing license (§ 28 Para. 2 SFischG). Only after passing the fishing examination and reaching the age of 14 is the youth license no longer required, and they are allowed to go to the water independently (§ 28 Para. 1 SFischG).
At what age can my child take the fishing exam in Saarland?
From the age of 13: Anyone who has "not yet reached the age of 13" cannot be admitted to the examination (§ 30 Para. 3 No. 1 Landesfischereiordnung). However, the regular fishing license is only available at 14 (§ 28 Para. 1 SFischG) – anyone who passes at 13 continues to fish with the youth fishing license until then. Registration also requires a club internship, a preparatory course, and parental consent (§ 30 Para. 1 and 3 LFO).
Do I need an additional fishing card?
Yes, the permit (the fishing card) for the respective water is always additionally required. The fishing or youth fishing license alone is not enough – it allows fishing in principle, while the fishing card allows it at a specific body of water.
We strive to inform you accurately and update the pages regularly. The information is provided without guarantee. Please point out any discrepancies so that we can update the information.
Tight Lines – your Fin-Buddies team 🎣
As of: September 2026