Whether you're after giant pike on the Müritz or sea trout in the bays around Rügen, the angling possibilities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are as vast as in almost any other German federal state. 2,000 lakes, nearly 26,000 km of rivers and streams, and around 2,000 km of coastline offer anglers an abundance of options!
In this article we explain how to prepare quickly and efficiently for the fishing licence exam in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, what costs to expect, and what other requirements you need to meet before you can finally start fishing.
We've summarised the key facts in the table below — the detailed text that follows covers everything in depth!
Key Facts at a Glance:
Responsible regional association |
Landesanglerverband Mecklenburg-Vorpommern e.V. |
Is there a difference between the fishing licence ('Fischereischein') and the fishing permit ('Fischereierlaubnisschein')? |
The 'Fischereischein' is proof of personal competence under state law and is normally obtained by passing the fishing exam. The 'Fischereierlaubnisschein' is the permission to fish a specific water or stretch of water. The 'Fischereischein' is generally a prerequisite for obtaining a 'Fischereierlaubnisschein'. To fish legally in Germany, you need both documents on virtually all waters. |
What are the requirements to sit the fishing exam in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern? |
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Are there special provisions for people with disabilities? |
An exemption from the fishing licence requirement applies to disabled or ill persons who are classified as severely disabled under § 2 Para. 2 of Book Nine of the German Social Code, or who can demonstrate by means of an official medical certificate that they are unable to sit the fishing exam. Where the exemption is claimed, individuals must be supervised by an adult licence holder. Proof of severe disability or the official medical certificate must be carried at all times while fishing, together with a fishing permit for the water in question, and must be presented to authorised inspectors on request. |
Is there a junior fishing licence in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern? |
No. Children up to the age of 14 may fish under the supervision of a licence holder without having to pass an exam first — and they can sit the exam for the official fishing licence from as young as 10! |
Where do you register for the fishing exam? |
The mayors of towns and municipalities not belonging to an administrative district in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and the heads of administrative offices, are responsible for conducting the fishing licence exam. (--> Contact) |
Where and when does the exam take place? |
Find out where and when exams are scheduled HERE |
Are preparatory courses compulsory for the fishing exam in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern? |
No! |
How long is the fishing licence valid in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern? |
The fishing licence is valid for life throughout Germany, in conjunction with the relevant permit and, where applicable, the fishing levy. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the annual fishing levy is €10. |
How is the fishing exam in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern structured? What does it cover? |
The fishing exam in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern consists solely of a five-part, theory-based multiple-choice test covering:
To pass, you must answer at least 45 of the 60 questions correctly, including at least 6 questions from each category. |
What costs should you expect for the fishing licence in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern? |
1. Preparation (optional): Online preparatory course with Anglerschmiede = €119 |
Table of Contents
- I. Fishing in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- a. Endless Possibilities
- b. The Fishing Licence and the Fishing Permit
- II. The Fishing Licence in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- 1. How the Exam Works
- 2. What Exactly Does the Exam Cover?
- 3. How Long Do I Need to Study?
- a. Requirements for the Fishing Exam
- b. Registration for the Fishing Exam
- c. Structure and Content of the Fishing Exam
- d. Exam Preparation
- e. How Do You Receive Your Licence After Passing?
- III. Tourist Fishing Licence
- IV. Fishing Without a Licence – Fines
I. Fishing in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Beautiful spot, isn't it?
a. Endless Possibilities
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is, without exaggeration, a paradise for anglers of every kind. The Mecklenburg Lake District, deserted Baltic beaches, secluded ponds, and rivers of every size — the landscape offers extraordinary variety, and thanks to the comparatively low population density, you'll always find a spot where you can enjoy the finest hobby in the world entirely on your own terms!
To target perch, zander and company successfully and legally, you generally need two important documents beyond the right tackle — two documents that the legislature could have named more distinctly: the 'Fischereischein' AND the 'Fischereierlaubnisschein'.
b. The Fishing Licence and the Fishing Permit
Although the terms sound similar, there is a significant legal difference between the two:
- The 'Fischereischein' (colloquially the 'Angelschein' or fishing licence) is the basic requirement for fishing in almost every German federal state. It is a certificate of personal competence as defined by state law and is normally tied to passing the fishing exam. Simply put: the legislation of most federal states requires anyone who wants to fish to first demonstrate — in an exam — that they have the theoretical and practical ability to fish in accordance with certain principles of conduct.
- The 'Fischereierlaubnisschein' (also known as a fishing permit, licence, angling card or water permit) is simply a private-law authorisation to fish a specific water or stretch of water. In other words: the owner or leaseholder may allow a third party — usually for a fee — to fish their water. This permit does not, however, certify the holder's competence or knowledge.
You need both documents for almost all waters in Germany. The exam-based 'Fischereischein' is the essential prerequisite, not least because most permit issuers — owners, leaseholders, tackle shops, and platforms such as Fiskado — require you to present your fishing licence before they'll issue a permit.
Important! There is a significant legal difference between fishing without a 'Fischereischein' and fishing without a 'Fischereierlaubnisschein'. Fishing without a 'Fischereischein' is a regulatory offence that can be punished in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern with a fine of up to €75,000. Fishing a water without a 'Fischereierlaubnisschein' — that is, without the owner's or leaseholder's permission — constitutes the criminal offence of poaching (§ 293 StGB) and can be punished not only with a fine but with a custodial sentence of up to 2 years!
II. The Fishing Licence for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Under state law, a fishing licence ('Fischereischein') is required for fishing in almost every German federal state*. Wherever you want to fish in Germany, you simply won't get far without one.
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*In Lower Saxony this is technically not the case; however, in practice, fishing rights holders (owners and leaseholders) only issue fishing permits to holders of a valid 'Fischereischein'. |
In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, you prove your knowledge of fish, waters and fisheries law in a theory exam. To be admitted to the exam, the following requirements must be met.
a. Requirements for the Fishing Exam
- Minimum age: 10 years
- Registration by the deadline (at least one week before the exam date) via this application form
- Valid passport or national identity card
b. Registration for the Fishing Exam
The mayors of towns and municipalities not belonging to an administrative district in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and the heads of administrative offices, are responsible for conducting the fishing licence exam. For an overview of exam dates, go HERE.
c. Structure and Content of the Fishing Exam
(1) How the Exam Works
The fishing exam in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is a purely theoretical test!
You answer 60 multiple-choice questions drawn from 6 different subject areas, and you have 120 minutes to complete the paper.
Important! You must bring valid ID on exam day — either your national identity card or passport. Don't forget a ballpoint pen that writes in blue or black ink either.
(2) What Exactly Does the Exam Cover?
Much like a driving theory test, there is a fixed question bank covering 5 subject areas:
- General fish biology: mainly questions on body structure, organ functions, diseases and similar topics relating to fish, crustaceans and lampreys
- Species-specific fish knowledge: mainly questions on the characteristics of individual fish families and species — reproduction, preferred habitat, physiognomy, etc.
- Water and habitat knowledge: mainly questions on different types of water and their characteristics
- Tackle and equipment: mainly questions on the gear and accessories used in fishing
- Fisheries law: mainly questions on the state fisheries law, protected species found at and around waters, and anglers' rights and obligations
12 questions are selected from each subject area for the exam, drawn from a total pool of 1,180 questions. To pass, you must answer at least 6 questions correctly in each subject area and at least 45 questions correctly overall.
(3) How Long Do I Need to Study?
You'll want to set aside some preparation time, but there's no need to stress — the scope of the exam is clearly defined. Giving an exact figure is tricky, but fitting study around everyday life, work and family, 4–6 weeks is a realistic target.
d. Exam Preparation
There are several ways to prepare for the fishing exam. If you enjoy working through books, you can cover the relevant topics through self-study. Alternatively, courses are available — either in person or, for those who prefer to learn flexibly at their own pace, online!
Online Fishing School: Get Your Licence From the Sofa?
There are several worthwhile online fishing schools whose digital courses are accessible at any time, offering a family-friendly and efficient alternative to in-person exam preparation. We'd particularly like to recommend Anglerschmiede, which has been part of Pike & Perch since 2023.
One objection sometimes raised is that in-person courses may make the practical preparation easier. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern that point doesn't really apply, since the exam here is entirely theoretical. That said, Anglerschmiede offers digital equipment-assembly exercises and highly detailed tutorial videos that leave no questions unanswered. All it takes is a little discipline to actually practise the rigs or knots you've learnt — in your living room or wherever you happen to be studying. Another major advantage of Anglerschmiede is that they take the bureaucratic hassle off your hands and, if you'd like, will handle your exam registration for you!
e. How Do You Receive Your Licence After Passing?
With thorough preparation, the exam should be straightforward. Afterwards, you can apply for your fishing licence.
Here is the official application for a lifetime fishing licence in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. When applying at the Lower Fisheries Authority, you will also need a recent passport photo, a valid identity document, and your certificate of passing the fishing exam (original and copy).
---> List of fishing licence issuing offices <---
The fishing licence in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is issued for life, but an annual fishing levy of €10 is payable, and you will of course still need a 'Fischereierlaubnisschein' for each water you fish, as mentioned above!
III. Tourist Fishing Licence
A dream for visitors: the tourist fishing licence!
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has a noteworthy special provision: visitors have the option of obtaining a tourist fishing licence without having passed the fishing exam. This licence is valid for 28 days and can be extended within a calendar year for a fee. It doesn't matter whether you live in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, in another German federal state, or outside Germany altogether. The application must be submitted in writing, and you must present a valid identity document!
---> Issuing offices for the tourist fishing licence <---
Costs
- Initial issue including fishing levy stamp: €24
- Extension (multiple extensions possible): €13
You will of course also always need a 'Fischereierlaubnisschein' for the specific water you intend to fish!
IV. Fishing Without a Licence – Fines
As mentioned earlier, fishing without private-law authorisation — that is, without a 'Fischereierlaubnisschein' — is classified as a criminal offence (§ 293 StGB, poaching) and can be punished not only with a fine but with a custodial sentence of up to 2 years.
There are also other infractions which, while not criminal offences, nonetheless constitute regulatory offences punishable by a fine of up to €75,000. HERE you'll find a list of regulatory offences under the fisheries law of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
