Fishing on the Baltic Sea is more than a hobby, it is a reason to get up early. The same beaches, bays and piers where we kite and surf are often first-class fishing spots. Here you will find the best spots, which fish bite when, what you need to know about the fishing licence and closed seasons, and how to get onto the water from a SUP or belly boat. Honestly explained, without the fisherman’s tall tales.
The best fishing spots on the Baltic Sea
Many of our watersport areas are also top fishing spots. One spot, two passions:
- Eckernförde Bay: a classic for the belly boat and for sea trout, easy to reach.
- Rügen (Wittow & Schaabe): wide surf beaches for flatfish and sea trout.
- Schönhagen & the Schlei mouth: leopard ground, popular with surf anglers.
- Rerik & Salzhaff: shallow water, flatfish territory, relaxed for learning too.
- Hohwacht Bay & Fehmarn: long coastlines, many entry points, wind from many directions.
Which of these areas are also worth it for kiting and surfing, you can see in our spot overview.
Which fish bite, and when
- Sea trout: the star of the Baltic. Best time spring and autumn, minimum size 40 cm. Closed seasons differ by federal state, more on that below.
- Garfish: the herald of spring, usually arrives in May and June in great numbers along the coast, perfect for beginners.
- Herring: in spring close to the coast to spawn, often from the pier, ideal for getting started.
- Flatfish (plaice, flounder): the bread-and-butter fish for surf fishing, from summer into autumn.
Important and honest: A catch ban for anglers has applied to cod in the Baltic since 2024. So plan your trip around sea trout, garfish, herring and flatfish, not cod.
SUP and belly boat fishing
This is where fishing and watersport meet: from a stand-up paddleboard or belly boat you reach drop-offs and weed beds you would never reach from the beach. Quiet, mobile, closer in. A SUP, which you may already own, becomes a fishing platform. Just watch the wind and weather, out on the water safety counts double.
Surf fishing from the beach
The way to get started, plain and simple: you need a long surf rod, a reel with enough line, distance-casting sinkers and a rig with two or three hooks. Onshore wind brings food and fish to the shore, slightly churned-up water is often better than a mirror-calm sea. Cast out, rod in the holder, wait, and enjoy the sunrise.
Fishing licence and rules, short and honest
To fish on the Baltic Sea you need a permit. Anyone without a fishing licence can get a holiday fishing licence in Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, which is valid for a limited time (usually 28 days) and is easy to obtain online. On top of that come the closed seasons and minimum sizes, which differ by federal state: sea trout has a minimum size of 40 cm, in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern a coastal closed season from 15 September to 14 December, on the coast in Schleswig-Holstein none. Rules change, so the rule is: before the trip, quickly check the official requirements of the federal state. That is part of fair fishing.
Fishing and watersport, the perfect weekend
Cast the rod at sunrise in the morning, hit the board at midday when the wind picks up, and in the evening grill at the campsite right by the spot. The Baltic makes it possible, both in one place. Take a look at the areas, pack rod and board, and treat yourself to a weekend that connects both.
Note: As soon as our partners are in place, you will find recommendations for rods, reels and lures here. Until then: the content stands on its own, even without a single click.