Chile : Activities : Sport Fishing

Introduction
Basic Aspects
Destinations
Recommendations
Equipment
Books
Services

Your equipment depends upon the type of fishing that you wish to do. It consists of a line, with or without ballast, that has fishhooks and that can be handled directly or with the aid of a structure that facilitates its handling. For this sport, nets, traps, harpoons, firearms and hooks, among others, cannot be used.

Sport fishing is characterized as not being necessarily competitive. The "fight" is between the fisherman and the fish, under certain rules that the sportsman imposes himself. It is satisfying not only because of its close contact with nature, but also the satisfaction of capturing a fish and returning it back to its environment in good condition.

There are four types of fishing:

1. - Spinning: this is where the equipment has an artificial decoy or bait tied to a line; in this equipment, the weight needed for launching is provided by a decoy or other external element other than the line.

2. - Fly Fishing: this type uses equipment with an artificial decoy called a "fly", together with a special line called a "leader"; here, the weight necessary for launching is provided by the line. The launching is done with the rod.

3. - Catch and Release:  is a type of fly fishing, in which the captured fish is freed immediately back into the water, in good condition.

4. - Drag or Trolling: uses personal fishing equipment, equipped with an artificial decoy or bait, according to the type of fish, and tied to a line which is dragged from a boat.

Sport fishing in Chile

Our country is an excellent destination for fishermen worldwide. With a coastline more than four thousand kilometers long as well as countless rivers and lakes, Chile offers incredible scenery as well as a wealth of species.

Sea fishing is practiced along the length of the Chilean coast, with the most common species being: sole, tuna, bonito, sierra, sea bass, rollizo, sarge, tollo, vieja and San Pedro, among others. 

Fresh water fishing is practiced mainly in the Central, South and Austral zones and in the Magellan regions(regions V to XII). The numerous rivers, lakes, lagoons, dams, estuaries and reservoirs that exist throughout this territory contain mainly pejerreyes, carpas, tencas and different species of salmon.

(source: Sernapesca)

Furthermore, you must obtain a permit to practice this sport. There are two kinds of sport fishing permits or licenses: for Chilean citizens and resident foreigners, and for foreigners. The licenses are allocated by the National Fishing Service - Servicio Nacional de Pesca (SERNAPESCA) - that has branches throughout the country.

Current legislation...

Related articles

• Fly Fishing Guide
  

• Be respectful of nature.
• Do not dump garbage. If you brought it, take it with you. If you find any litter and are able to dispose of it properly, it would be very much appreciated.
• Practice "catch and release", that is, return the captured specimens to the river.
• Do not fish more than the number of specimens allowed by law, and respect the allocated sizes and minimum weights.
• Respect the closed seasons of the species.

Safety

• Use the proper equipment outlined by fishing laws and regulations.
• Always go accompanied in potentially dangerous areas.

Stores

• Lonely Planet Chile & Easter Island
• Adventure Handbook Central Chile

More alternatives on texts in our Book section.

Fishing Lodges

Mallín Colorado
El Yelcho
El Barranco
El Pangue
Isla Monita Flyfishing Lodge

For more information on accommodation, see our Hotels section.

>> More Activities