Storing and taking fish

Some anglers temporarily store fish. You do this to photograph them later, keep them fresh, or use them as bait.

Temporarily storing fish

Temporarily storing fish is allowed. The Fisheries Act 1963 does not mention this. Never store fish during a closed season. Observe the minimum size for the species. A fishing-rights holder may specify in a written permit that you must immediately return certain species.

VISpas

On the waters listed in the Joint List of Dutch Fishing Waters there is no general obligation to immediately return caught fish, except for eel. Within an angling federation or at a specific waterbody the permit may require that certain species be returned immediately.

This is stated in the federation conditions or the waterbody’s provisions. Many federations prohibit possession of pike and carp. They often also set a limit on the number of zander you may have.

Note: For VISpas holders, the general terms and conditions (no. 12) set a maximum of 10 dead freshwater fish larger than 15 cm.

Small VISpas

Holders of the Small VISpas may not kill or take fish. You must return caught fish unharmed to the same water. Except for eel, you may temporarily store fish unless the specific water requires immediate return.

Keepnet

Store your fish according to the keepnet code. Use a keepnet or a bucket large enough. Refresh the water regularly. The keepnet code is published in the Joint List of Dutch Fishing Waters.

If you keep fish in a way that causes animal suffering, you commit an offence under the Health and Welfare of Animals Act (arts. 36 and 121). The penalty is specified in art. 122 of that Act.

Taking fish

You may take fish outside a closed season. Observe the minimum size. Taking fish is only allowed if the written permit allows it. Many permits limit the number or prohibit taking certain species.

VISpas

Eel must always be returned immediately by VISpas holders. For other species, possession of dead fish is limited to a maximum of 10 dead freshwater fish larger than 15 cm.

Federation conditions or the specific waterbody may impose stricter rules. Most federations prohibit possession of pike and carp. They often also set a limit on the number of zander you may have. For example, the IJsselmeer has a take limit of 5 perch and 2 zander.

Small VISpas

Holders of the Small VISpas may not kill or take fish. Except for eel, you may temporarily store fish in a keepnet or bucket.

Always check the federation conditions and the conditions for the waterbody before you store or take fish.