Fishing with children in Bremen: license, age & rules
Fishing with children in Bremen: license, age & rules
Bremen is small but rich in water – the Weser, harbor basins, city moats, and the many small bodies of water all around are practically inviting you to cast a line with the kids. And honestly, there is hardly anything more beautiful than seeing your child watch the float (that’s the little bobber that signals a bite) go under for the first time and seeing their eyes light up. To ensure this moment happens without any nasty surprises, it’s worth taking a quick look at the Bremen rules. Don't worry – we make it easy to understand, even if you’ve never held a fishing rod yourself.
We explain exactly what the fishing license (Fischereischein), youth fishing license (Jugendfischereischein), and permit (Erlaubnisschein) mean on our overview page Fishing with children in Germany.
The most important rules in Bremen for children
- No youth fishing license: There is no specific youth fishing license in Bremen. This is different from some other federal states – there is no simplified "children's license" for independent fishing here.
- Fishing alone? No. "Persons who have not yet reached the age of 14 may only fish when accompanied and under the supervision of a holder of a fishing license" (§ 36 Para. 1 BremFiG). Note: The law does not require legal adulthood here – just a valid fishing license. Since this is issued starting at age 14, the supervising person could, according to the wording, also be a minor.
- The regular fishing license: This is available from age 14 – the prerequisites are having reached the age of 14, having your primary residence in Bremen, and having passed a fishing exam taken before a recognized state fishing association (§ 35 Para. 1 Sentence 1 BremFiG). It is valid for an unlimited time (§ 35 Para. 3). Only then is your child allowed to go out on their own.
- Very young children: Even the youngest can join you at the water – but only under the supervision of a fishing license holder. A statutory minimum age is not specified in the Bremen Fishing Act. The important thing is being accompanied by an authorized person.
- Fishing permit / fishing card: An individual needs a fishing permit (Erlaubnisschein) if they are "exercising the right to fish in a body of water in which they are not the authorized fisher or fishing tenant" (§ 39 Para. 1 BremFiG). In some Bremen waters – such as the Weser within the state borders, the Kleine Weser, the Lesum up to the Burger street bridge, and the tidal part of the Geeste – the fishing license is sufficient according to the supreme fisheries authority. Otherwise, the rule is: get a fishing card; don't just skip it "for a quick try."
In short: In Bremen, you accompany your child to the water as an angling adult until they can take the exam and get their own license at 14. A relaxed model where you are out and about together from the very beginning.
How to ensure a successful start
Start small: A simple float, a light leader, and a quiet spot by the water are perfectly sufficient for the first attempts. Children love it when something happens quickly – so choose a body of water where even a small fish bites occasionally, so the excitement doesn't fade. It is better to plan short sessions rather than a whole day; attention spans are limited, and a good ending ensures your child will be keen to go again next time. You can find a clear guide to which rod, reel, and accessories are suitable for which age on our fishing gear for children by age page.
And because it is often windy and damp by the water early on, it is worth having suitable clothing: robust, weather-resistant, and naturally cool fishing apparel for children and teenagers ensures that your offspring won't want to go back to the car shivering after half an hour.
Children & Teenager Angler T-Shirts
Robust, comfortable, and with the fish motifs that little anglers love.
Where can you get the right license in Bremen?
There is no separate youth fishing license in Bremen – children under 14 fish under the supervision of an adult license holder. You can get the regular fishing license at the Citizens' Service Center (BürgerServiceCenter) of the City of Bremen; you need to bring your certificate of having passed the fishing exam, your ID card, and a passport photo. You can prepare appointments and documents via service.bremen.de.
Children & Teenager Angler Hoodies
Robust, comfortable, and with the fish motifs that little anglers love.
Always additional: the rules of your water body
Very important, no matter where you fish: In addition to the general rules described here, the specific regulations of the individual body of water always apply. Every lake, river, and stretch of coast has its own fishing 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 quotas, or restricted bank areas. These water-specific rules are usually printed directly on the permit (the fishing card) or are available from the issuing body (angling club, water manager, authority). Check and observe them before every fishing day – in case of doubt, the rules of the respective body of water take precedence over the general information on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a youth fishing license for children in Bremen?
No. There is no separate youth fishing license provided in Bremen. Therefore, children under 14 years of age do not fish with their own simplified license, but exclusively when accompanied and under the supervision of an adult who possesses a fishing license.
At what age can my child take the fishing exam in Bremen?
The regular fishing license is possible in Bremen from the age of 14 – after passing the fishing exam. From then on, your child is allowed to go fishing independently.
Is my eight-year-old child allowed to join me at the water and fish in Bremen?
Yes, very young children may fish, but only under the supervision of a fishing license holder. The Bremen Fishing Act does not specify a fixed legal minimum age – what matters is being accompanied by an authorized person.
Do I need a fishing permit in addition to the license in Bremen?
Yes. In addition to the fishing license, you always need a fishing permit (Erlaubnisschein) for the respective body of water. The fishing card specifies where and under what conditions you are allowed to fish.
Can my child go fishing alone in Bremen?
Not under the age of 14. Children under 14 in Bremen may only fish when accompanied and under the supervision of a fishing license holder. Your child may only fish independently from the age of 14 with their own fishing license.
We strive to provide you with accurate information and update these pages regularly. This 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 🎣
As of: September 2026