Burgenland to expand fishing courses as demand continues to rise

More than 8,000 people now fish in Burgenland, and preparation courses run by the province are often fully booked weeks in advance, ORF reported. The programme is expected to expand next year.

Since the fishing law was amended four years ago, participants have had to complete a preparation course and a final examination. The course covers questions including where fishing is permitted, which fishing equipment to use and how to avoid unnecessary suffering to animals.

“The aim is to acquire basic knowledge,” lecturer Philipp Peier said during a course at the Herics inn in Großpetersdorf.

The courses are booked out for weeks, with the next available places not expected until three months from now. State fishing master Martin Heißenberger said the province would increase the number of courses next year.

“Our courses are heavily booked, or rather overbooked,” Heißenberger said. “We will adapt to the trend and offer more courses.”

Interest has been rising for some time, particularly among young people and women. Burgenland recorded 419 fishing examinations last year, a 20 percent increase compared with 2024. Women now account for 25 percent of participants.