Brazil fishing regulations: size and bag limits

Licensing:

• combined — residents A single federal recreational fishing licence (Licença de Pescador Amador ou Esportivo) issued by SAP/MAPA is valid for 1 year across the entire national territory, in both salt and fresh water (except protected areas). Non-boating (desembarcada) category R$20/yr; boating (embarcada) category R$60/yr. Obtained online via the gov.br SINPESQ portal., non-residents Foreign anglers may apply with a valid Brazilian CPF; the same national licence and fees apply. As of late 2025 the process was simplified for visiting tourists.

Some rules may have changed since our last verification — always confirm with the authority before you fish.

FishRadar regulations are summaries for informational purposes only and are NOT a legal source. Brazil requires a federal recreational fishing licence (SAP/MAPA, via gov.br), but catch limits, minimum sizes and closed seasons (defeso) are set per species and per river basin by IBAMA / ICMBio and change frequently. Nationally PROTECTED species may not be taken: directed fishing for the mero (goliath grouper, Epinephelus itajara) is banned by federal moratorium, and all species on the Lista Nacional Oficial de Espécies da Fauna Ameaçadas de Extinção (e.g. sawfishes and many sharks and rays) are prohibited to capture, transport, store or sell. Always confirm the current rules and a species’ protected status with the federal authority, ICMBio and the relevant state/basin office before fishing.