A comprehensive guide on fishing in Montenegro for tourists: what to expect, how and where to fish, costs, types of fish you can catch, and tips for finding a boat. This and much more is covered in the article. Fishing is a very popular pastime among locals, especially retirees. But let’s dive into the details.

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tuna fishing in montenegro
There’s a rumor you can catch a tuna from the shore in Montenegro. I don’t believe it. But catching one from a boat? That’s a different story.

Fishing in Montenegro: general points

Fishing in Montenegro is a beloved hobby and activity for both locals and tourists. However, fishing experiences vary greatly, ranging from casual free fishing to luxurious excursions costing €300–€400. Surprisingly, the difference in catch might not be significant. Let’s break it down:

  • Lakes: Montenegro boasts around 40 notable lakes. Fish are plentiful and fishing is common.
  • Rivers: Dozens of rivers crisscross the country, with the largest being the Tara River. Most rivers are mountainous, featuring fast, icy streams. Here, anglers typically catch grayling and river trout.
  • The Adriatic Sea: Montenegro’s coast is washed by the Adriatic Sea, offering abundant opportunities for sea fishing. The link is a large article: where you will learn everything about the sea in Montenegro.
grayling in the rivers of montenegro the tara river
Here is such a big grayling was caught in the Tara River in Montenegro

Key Tips for Fishing in Montenegro

  1. Bait Shortages: There’s a significant lack of live bait in Montenegro—you won’t find maggots, worms, or bloodworms. Locals predominantly use spinners, lures, and wobblers. From the shore, bread and dough are common baits. Occasionally, mussels or chicken hearts are used, but these are exceptions.
  2. No Feeder Fishing: If your idea of fishing involves using ground bait, a feeder rod, and casting from the shore, you might be disappointed. This style isn’t typical here.

What Fish Can You Catch in Montenegro?

Lakes: Primarily trout, char, and possibly perch. Species like bream and roach are rare. While lake fishing is possible, most tourists come for sea fishing—why fish in a lake abroad when you can do the same at home? Montenegro isn’t renowned for its lake fishing.

Note on Lake Fishing:

Fishing is permitted in nearly all of Montenegro’s national parks (Durmitor, Biogradska Gora, Lake Skadar). Bring your own equipment. A one-day fishing license costs between €5 and €20. Trout is the main catch in these waters. Detailed information on these locations is available in the article: National Parks of Montenegro.

Sea Fishing: Here’s a list of the most common fish you can catch along Montenegro’s coast:

  • Sea bass
  • Swordfish
  • Grouper (a type of salmon)
  • Dentex
  • Moray eel (delicious and a must-try!)
  • Dorado
  • Sea eels
  • Top Trophy Fish:
    Tuna is the most sought-after prize for anglers in Montenegro. However, tuna fishing trips are also the most expensive.
how to catch barracuda in montenegro
Fun Fact: The barracuda is one of the largest fish that frequently ventures close to the shore.

Spearfishing in Montenegro:

Spearfishing is legal and very popular among locals. Using underwater guns or crossbows, they hunt fish near rocky areas, far from beaches. This method is less common among tourists but remains an exciting option for the adventurous.

Unsurprisingly, sea fishing is the most popular choice for visitors. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced angler, Montenegro offers a unique and unforgettable fishing experience on the Adriatic Sea.

Sea Fishing in Montenegro: Everything You Need to Know

General Information

  • Sea fishing in Montenegro is allowed anywhere there’s sea access, with only one restriction: fishing is prohibited on city beaches.
  • You’ll need a license for sea fishing, which costs about €10 per day in 2025. However, here’s the catch:
    • If you’re fishing from the shore, nobody checks for a license. It’s unlikely anyone will care whether you’ve purchased one or not.
    • If you’re going on a fishing trip by boat, the organizer typically handles the licensing for you.

So yes, technically a license is required, but as a tourist, you probably won’t have to worry about it.

Shore Fishing in Montenegro

Most beaches in Montenegrin cities are shallow, with deep waters starting quite far from the shore. Since fishing is prohibited on beaches, anglers head to the rocky areas that are found throughout the coastline.

Advantages of Shore Fishing

  • It’s free: No need to pay for access or a boat.
  • What you’ll need: Most people use spinning rods with classic lures like spinners, spoons, and wobblers. It’s possible to catch small barracuda, moray eels, or sea bass.
  • Depth is key: In areas where the water gets deep quickly, you might find people dropping a weighted line with a hook and bait such as dough or bread, mainly to catch small fish.
fishing in the bay of kotor in montenegro
In the city of Kotor, for example, the promenade offers water depths of around 20 meters just 10 meters from the edge. It’s a convenient and accessible spot for fishing.

Best Spots for Shore Fishing

  • The Bay of Kotor is ideal, with depths exceeding 10 meters just five meters from the shore. Casting a spinning rod 50 meters out can give you access to depths of 30 meters or more.
  • If you’re staying by the open sea rather than the bay, look for rocky areas. These can usually be found about 500 meters away from the main beach in any coastal city, such as Budva, Bečići, Petrovac, Dobra Voda, or Ulcinj.
fishing in montenegro
In cities outside the Bay of Kotor, look for these rocks. Here you can fish.

Bring your gear with you! Fishing shops are rare in Montenegro and not as common as in other countries. A compact travel rod, a reel, braided line, and a small box of lures should suffice.

Remember to rinse your reel with fresh water after every saltwater fishing trip to prevent damage from the corrosive sea salt.

Boat Fishing in Montenegro

Finding a boat for sea fishing is easy in any Montenegrin city. Marinas are filled with boats advertising fishing trips, including in the Bay of Kotor.

montenegro fish
In any marina in Montenegro, you’ll find boats like these with sea fishing ads. That’s what you need.

What to Expect from a Boat Fishing Trip:

  • Distance: Boats usually travel 3–10 km from the shore.
  • Duration: Trips typically last half a day or even a full day.
  • Equipment: All fishing gear and bait are provided by the organizer.
  • Catch: You can keep what you catch.

Fishing Methods Used on Boats:

  1. Trolling: This involves dragging lures behind the moving boat. Common catches include tuna, sea bass, barracuda, and sometimes even moray eels.
  2. Deep-Sea Fishing: The boat anchors, and anglers fish at depths of 30–40 meters using live bait such as mussels or pieces of octopus. Typical catches include moray eels, dorado, squid, and various other species.
everything about fishing in montenegro prices
Trolling on a boat looks like this. You can even enjoy a beer if the waves aren’t too rough.

Good to know:

Most trips include both methods—trolling and stationary deep-sea fishing. While trolling is more exciting, it often requires patience, as hours may pass without a single bite. Deep-sea fishing tends to be more consistent, with better chances of success.

Fishing Costs in Montenegro

Standard Boat Fishing Trip:

  • Price: Around €450 for a 5 hours (gear and bait included).
  • Capacity: Typically, a boat accommodates up to two anglers. Additional people, such as family members, may join as passengers at no extra cost, but this must be arranged with the captain in advance.
  • Cost-sharing: If you team up with another angler, the cost is usually €150 per person.
  • Here you can book a boat with a captain online and go fishing (from Budva).

Good to know:

Open-sea fishing can be challenging due to motion sickness. Avoid overcrowding the boat, as turning back to shore for ill passengers could ruin the experience for everyone.

Tuna fishing is offered as a premium experience and costs approximately €500 per trip.

Why the Higher Price?
Tuna fishing trips involve an additional expense: the captain purchases around 60 kg of small baitfish (typically sardines, which cost €1/kg at the market). These are used as chum during trolling to attract tuna and other large predators. The higher cost essentially covers this extra bait, increasing your chances of catching tuna.

montenegro fishing price what you can catch
While it’s possible to catch tuna without this preparation, the added effort significantly improves your odds.

Final Tips and Budget Advice

  • Fishing in Montenegro is a diverse and rewarding experience, whether you’re fishing from the shore or heading out to sea.
  • For those planning an extended trip, consider renting a yacht for a day or even a week. Surprisingly, it can be more affordable than staying on land, especially when split among a group.
  • For budgeting tips, including how much to bring and where to spend, check out our guide to budgeting your Montenegro vacation.

Conclusion: Fishing in Montenegro attracts thousands of tourists every year with its variety of options. Whether you prefer the simplicity of shore fishing or the thrill of deep-sea adventures, the country has something for everyone.

Tight lines and good luck!

Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Montenegro

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