Fishing and Angling

Fishing Examination

The fishing examination is a state examination organized twice a year, usually in March and November, by the District Regulatory Office in its function as the Lower Fisheries Authority (UFB).

The dates of the fishing examinations are announced in good time via the public announcements of the Oberberg District.

As part of this examination, sufficient knowledge about fish, fishing equipment and its use, handling of caught fish, and fishery and animal welfare regulations is tested by the Fishing Examination Committee of the Oberberg District in the examination parts

• written part (questionnaire),

• practical part (identification of fish species, functional and proper assembly of a fishing rod)

is tested.

After successfully passing the fishing examination, you will be entered into the NRW Fisheries Register as a person knowledgeable in fisheries by the UFB. The entry of your data (name, first name, if applicable maiden name, date of birth, place of birth, nationality, address, if applicable email address) in the register and the proof provided to you entitles you to obtain a fishing license from the competent authorities.

You can apply for the fishing license online at the responsible state office or analogously at your local municipal administration.

If you wish to fish in a federal state of Germany that does not have a digital fishing license system like North Rhine-Westphalia, you can formally apply for a classic fishing examination certificate for a fee at the UFB.

Admission Requirements

• At least 12 years old (for minors, a written consent from the legal guardian(s) is required)

• Residence in the Oberberg District (exceptions possible)

• Timely application for admission to the fishing examination (at least four weeks before the first examination date)

• Timely payment of the examination fee before the fishing examination. Please have proof of payment of the fee ready for spot checks on the day of the examination.

Costs

• The fishing examination is subject to a fee (initial examination 50 euros, for repetition 30 euros)

• Exceptions to the examination location can be approved (current fee 15 euros)

Attending a private course facilitates preparation but is not mandatory.