Fishing requires patience and stillness, but also skill and strength. It can be done in rivers, seas, ponds and lakes, and many who enjoy this activity don’t do it to see how many fish they can catch, but rather as a way to enjoy the natural setting.Generally, one can fish in any body of water in which it is not explicitly prohibited. Nevertheless, a distinction is made between free waters, in which anyone with a fishing licence can fish, and controlled fishing areas, for which a special permit is required. The Consell de Pesca fishing council is responsible for proposing the regulations for each season, which are then approved by an order from the Ministry of the Environment.Inland fishing, or fishing in hinterland waters, lakes, rivers, etc., is one of the main recreational and leisure activities. In order to fish, one must have a licence, which can be obtained from the regional services and offices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Action, Ministry of the Environment and Housing or the Federació Catalana de Pesca Esportiva y Càsting fishing federation. One can also obtain a provisional licence from the fishermen’s guilds by paying a fee.A licence is also needed for recreational sea fishing, which can be done individually or as a group. This licence authorises surface fishing from land or from a boat. The federation licence for recreational fishing authorises participation in competitions organised by the societies.One of the most popular fishing styles in Catalonia is catch-and-release fishing. The technique is based on the conservationist philosophy that helps maintain the sea population.There are many species that can be caught, but one must keep in mind the limitations regarding the minimum legal size of each.To get started or take a course, the best thing to do is to go to one of the many associations, clubs or societies that exist throughout Catalonia. The Societat de Pescadors d’Esparreguera (in the region of El Baix Llobregat), Pineda de Mar fishing club (in Maresme) and Associació de Pescadors Esportius de Barcelona are some examples.