Beware: This seemingly innocent activity could cost you EUR 500 at Lake Balaton!

Lake Balaton is a popular summer destination not only for beachgoers but also for anglers. However, many are unaware that strict regulations apply to fishing at designated swimming areas, and a seemingly innocent angling trip could end up costing as much as HUF 200,000 (about EUR 550) if rules are ignored.

Where is daytime fishing prohibited?

A government decree (78/2008. IV. 3.) specifies that during the summer season, fishing is prohibited at designated bathing sites from sunrise to sunset. The regulation exists to protect swimmers’ safety, and violations can be treated as misdemeanours, Pénzcentrum reports.

Designated bathing areas are marked with buoys and signs, and anglers must vacate these spots during the day. However, the rule does not apply at night: from sunset to sunrise, fishing is permitted even at designated sites, confirmed by Balatoni Halgazdálkodási Nonprofit Plc. (BHNP Plc.).

Freedom to fish at public beaches, sometimes

The situation is different at unofficial swimming spots, commonly known as public beaches (szabadstrandok). If a shoreline lacks buoys or warning signs, it’s not considered a designated bathing area, meaning fishing is unrestricted both day and night. Anglers are free to cast their lines here, as long as they don’t disturb swimmers.

Still, it’s important to note that classifications aren’t always clear-cut. Take, for example, the Gumirádli public beach (szabadstrand) in Balatonakarattya. Despite its name, it is officially recognised as a designated bathing site, as marked by signs and buoys. Therefore, daytime fishing is prohibited, and violations can result in hefty fines running into the hundreds of thousands of forints.