Fishing Restrictions — Who Can Be Fined Even at Home.

Fishing Restrictions — Who Can Be Fined Even at Home
Fishing Restrictions — Who Can Be Fined Even at Home

Fishing is a popular hobby among Ukrainians that allows one to relax, recharge, and enjoy nature. However, while at the waterbody, anglers must adhere to established requirements. Moreover, fines can be imposed even without reaching the water.

Why Anglers Can Be Fined Even Away from the Waterbody

Fishing is allowed with rods of any type, provided that the total number of hooks does not exceed five per person. Catching with a spinning rod is also allowed — from the shore or a boat. However, the daily catch limit is restricted:

  • up to 30 crayfish;
  • no more than three kilograms of fish per person.

Yet, in practice, not everyone adheres to the established requirements. Frequently, instances of using prohibited tackle are recorded at waterbodies.

Furthermore, even the storage, manufacture, advertisement, or sale of prohibited fishing gear constitutes an administrative offense. In this case, fines range from 153 to 357 UAH (from 9 to 21 non-taxable minimums) with mandatory confiscation of prohibited tackle. For advertising such means:

  • up to 1,700 UAH for citizens;
  • up to 4,250 UAH for officials.

Which Tackle Can Result in a Fine in 2025

Some anglers manufacture, store, and even use prohibited tackle, which is a serious breach of the law. The Ukrainian Fish Protection Patrol indicates that this includes:

  1. Gaffs, nets, trawls — tackle with sharp hooks.
  2. Landing nets, drags, spider nets, parachute nets, screens, and seines — various types of nets.
  3. Electric fishing rods — a dangerous device that kills all fish within a radius of up to 20 meters.

What Is the Fine for Using Prohibited Tackle in 2025

Using such tackle is considered a serious violation of fishing regulations. According to part 4 of Article 85 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses, this carries a fine of up to 680 UAH with confiscation of tackle and illegal catch.

If the violation caused significant damage, criminal liability ensues under Article 249 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. In such a case, the offender faces a fine of up to 1,700 UAH or imprisonment for up to three years with confiscation of all equipment and catch.

Earlier, we noted that having a private pond is not only a hobby place but also a business opportunity. Ukrainians are increasingly renting waterbodies for fishing, recreation, or bird breeding.

We also reported that fishing is popular among people of various ages. While there are usually no access issues on rivers, rented ponds often lead to disputes. Lessees may refuse to let anglers fish, as they stock the waterbody at their own expense and believe they have the right to impose restrictions.

Ukrainians love fishing as a way to relax and recharge with positive energy from nature. However, it is important to remember the demands and restrictions that exist in this area to avoid unpleasant surprises in the form of fines and sanctions for violating the rules of fishing.


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