Fishing in North Cyprus

Fishing in North Cyprus photo by: Izzet Zorlu [ enlarge photo ]

The North Cyprus coast has a wide diversity of fish, but not in overwhelming numbers since the waters are low in nutrients, and therefore low in plankton. However, the keen fisherman can both see and catch fish in these clear seas, including rainbow and peacock wrasse, parrot fish, red soldier fish and red or grey mullet. All these fish also make a very tasty meal! Further out to sea there are small sharks and rays, while octopus lurk in the rocks below.

Types of North Cyprus Fishing

Most Turkish Cypriot commercial fishing boats use nets or baited lines, while sport fishermen tend to use rods, multiplier reel and trolling. The great thing about a fishing holiday in North Cyprus is that the weather is usually kind, and you can fish out at sea for most days of the year. In addition to the fish listed above, the North Cyprus sports fisherman might hope to land mackerel, cod, plaice, sea bass, sea bream and eels. In fact, there are over 80 species in North Cypriot waters.  Big game fish include tuna, micneri and swordfish, although the latter is becoming increasingly hard to find without a long trip south.

North Cyprus Fishing Forum Board

Cyprus Fishing Trips

You can join a Northern Cyprus fishing trip by simply walking along the harbour side at Kyrenia, and seeing which boat takes your fancy. Boats are also available for charter, and include deep sea fishing trips for the more experienced angler. Alternatively, the village of Bogaz in the Northern Cyprus Karpas Peninsula offers fishing trips, and there are some nice fish restaurants along its harbour side for an excellent meal at the end of a hard day’s fishing!

Fishing in North Cyprus reservoirs

Fishing in the North Cyprus reservoirs is permitted only with a special licence. Licences are issued by the Head Office of the Fisheries Department and Marine Research in Lefkosia (North Nicosia), or from District Offices of the Fisheries Department.

Face to face with Cyprus Fish

If you want to get up close and personal with fish, why not join a scuba diving trip? Learn more about diving in North Cyprus.