(-) What is it?
Fishing tourism is an activity complementary to professional artisanal fishing which, through touristic-recreational practices, offers the opportunity to make known, enhance and hand down the techniques and the socio-cultural aspects of the ancient trade of fishing, as well as the knowledge and protection of the marine environment. At the same time it offers fishermen the opportunity to supplement their income, hosting on board the fishing boats a certain number of people other than the crew, in accordance with the current regulations on the matter (ministerial decree 13 April 1999, number 293 – Official Gazette no. 197 of 23 August 1999).
What do you do?
Short excursions along the coast and sport fishing. Observation of professional fishing activities: on board the tourist can observe various methods and techniques of fishing such as the casting and hauling of a trammel net, a longline or a fish pot, and learn the traditional techniques of the professional fisherman.
Dining on board or on land: when the type of boat allows it, it is possible to enjoy directly on board dishes based on very fresh fish, of prized but little-marketed species, the so-called “poor fish”, cooked according to the recipes of the local seafaring tradition.
When and who can take part?
Fishing tourism can be practised all year round in favourable sea conditions, by day and by night (night-time activity can be carried out within 6 nautical miles on boats authorised for local coastal fishing, and within 20 nautical miles on those authorised for near coastal fishing). It is feasible for everyone; the authorised boats can also host children under 14 if accompanied by an adult and are equipped with all the equipment necessary for the safety of the passengers. The maximum number of people who can be taken on board to carry out the activity is set at 12.
Why fishing tourism
The “fishing tourist” has the opportunity to spend a splendid day on a boat, to get to know the seafaring culture and the traditions of artisanal fishing, to participate actively in the enhancement and safeguarding of the resources of the marine ecosystem. Fishing tourism thus represents a new form of sustainable tourism. A day of fishing tourism entails a consumption of fuel and a quantity of fish caught decidedly lower than a normal day of fishing.
Fishing tourism in Versilia (the fishing of poor fish)
The coastline that runs from Viareggio to Marina di Massa is an excellent area for fishing. The conformation of the coast allows, at every time of year, one to try one’s hand at the various techniques of bottom fishing, giving all enthusiasts the chance to obtain excellent results.
Strolling on the pier of Viareggio, next to the viale Margherita known as the “passeggiata”, or climbing onto the rocks in the Darsena, one often comes across many fishermen, who gather for hours thanks to the passion, the friendship and the love they have for the sea.
The fishing boats leave early in the morning from the pier of Viareggio, and after about 2 hours of navigation, they begin to look for a spot in the open sea that is rich in fish.
The anchor is dropped and the operations begin to attract the fish close to the boat, while the discard fish of the previous day is thrown into the sea. The rods are prepared by the crew according to the type of fish and the depth of the area.
During the day a breakfast and a lunch are served based on fish caught and cooked by the crew.
The return is expected around 5:00 p.m.
Alternatively, trips are organised to spot the dolphins present in considerable numbers in our area, or trips requested by divers for their dives.
Bookings
MAS 500 VG3838 (Cooperativa Mare Nostrum): PELLEGRINI MORENO Mob. 346 0443889
EVOLUTION VG3836 (Cooperativa Mare Nostrum): MALLEGNI ALFO Mob. 360 597689
GIOVANNA 1 VG 3468 (Cooperativa ESPERIA): MERCATALI STEFANO Mob. 339 3293616
NUOVO BAGLIORE VG3611 (Cooperativa COPAV): TREMAROLI MARCO Mob. 328 2050658
SAN ANTONIO I VG3809 RUSSO SALVATORE Mob. 338 4565307
GRANFIA VG 3642 NANNI PIETRO Mob. 333 7128531