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A Guide on How to Get a Fishing License in Hong Kong (+ Best Fishing Spots!)
- How do I get a fishing license in Hong Kong?
- METHOD 1. In person
- METHOD 2. By post
- Online
- How old should I be to be able to apply for a fishing license in Hong Kong?
- When can I apply for a fishing license in Hong Kong?
- How long is the validity of a fishing license in Hong Kong?
- Where can I go fishing in Hong Kong?
- Shek Pik Reservoir
- Siu Sai Wan Promenade
- Happy Fish Farm
- Where can I shop for fishing gear in Hong Kong?
- Kuying HK
- Decathlon HK
- Po Kee Fishing Tackle Co Ltd
- WORLD Fishing Centre
- What fishing tours should I join in Hong Kong?
- Tail Chasers
- Boat Paradise Co.
- SEA-E-O Yachting — Junk Boat, Yacht Rental & Charter Boat
Thinking of angling in Hong Kong? Well then, you’ll need a fishing license. Lucky you, as we’re here to take you through the process of getting one.
Plus, to make sure you get to enjoy the license to the fullest, we’ll also share with you some of the best fishing spots that our staff here at Happy Hongkonger know and love. Let’s get started!
How do I get a fishing license in Hong Kong?
There are different ways to get a fishing license in Hong Kong. You can submit your application online, by post, or by going to the Water Supplies Department.
Let us guide you through the steps of each of the methods below.
METHOD 1. In person
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Number of steps | 4 |
| Time to perform | 1 hour or less |
| Things you need | Proof of identity |
If you feel more comfortable applying for a fishing license in person, this is how you do it.
Step 1. Prepare the requirements
Of course, to be able to get your fishing license, you must first pass the complete set of requirements. This includes proof of identity (passport, identity card, etc).
Note that you need to be over 13 to get a license here!
Step 2. Head to a customer enquiry center
Bring your requirements with you when you head to the customer enquiry center. You can go to the one in Wan Chai or the one in Tai Kok Tsui. You can refer to the directions on how to get there through Google Maps here and here, respectively.
Before going to either customer enquiry center, please take note of the following:
- Even if both are open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, the service hours for fishing licenses are only from 9:15 AM to 5 PM.
- They are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and during public holidays.
Step 3. Receive the demand note
Once you’ve submitted your application form, they will give you a demand note. The demand note states the fee that you need to pay. Currently, the fee is HK$33.
Step 4. Pay the license fee
You can pay the license fee at the following: China Resources Vanguard Supermarket, VanGO Convenience Store, 7-Eleven Convenience Store, Circle K Convenience Store, or even the post office!
After paying, you can get your license by surface mail or by having it sent to the above places for collection.
METHOD 2. By post
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of steps | 3 |
| Time to perform | 30 minutes or less |
| Things you need | Proof of identity (copy only), application form (completed), envelope, check worth $33 HKD, |
Luckily, you also have the option to not go through the hassle of going to the customer enquiry center. If you want something quicker and easier, you can apply for a fishing license in Hong Kong by post!
Step 1. Complete the application form
Print the application form that you can find here and fill it out completely.
Step 2. Write a cheque
Before you panic, the image of a cheque above doesn’t represent the fee for applying for a fishing license using this method. It’s still just HK$33 at the moment.
Make sure to make the cheque payable to the “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”. Additionally, your cheque must be crossed.
Step 3. Submit
Once you’ve gathered and completed all the requirements, you should be all set! Address the package to:
The Water Authority
43/F Immigration Tower,
7 Gloucester Road,
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Before you send it, do note of the following:
- Make sure to include the exact fee because if you happen to provide less than the asked amount, your application will be rejected.
- Don’t forget to include your home or work address in the envelope.
You can expect to receive your license via surface mail too.
Online
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of steps | 4 |
| Time to perform | 5 to 15 minutes |
| Things you need | Credit card, internet access |
Applying for a fishing license online is the easiest way if you have Internet access (of course) and a credit card (for the fee).
Step 1. Go to the Water Supplies Department Website
In order to apply for a fishing license online, you have to go to this link.
Step 2. Read the terms
Once you agree to the terms, tick the checkbox you’ll find at the end of the declaration, then click next.
Step 3. Fill up the form
You have to fill up the form with all the needed information (last name, first name, HKID number, and passport number).
Step 4. Pay the fee
To pay the fee, you have to use your credit card. If it goes through – great, you’re practically done!
If it doesn’t, it might be because the bank that issued your card doesn’t support online payments. It might be best to opt for other methods if that’s the case!
Anyway, you can expect to receive your fishing license via surface mail.
How old should I be to be able to apply for a fishing license in Hong Kong?
You have to be at least 13 and above to be able to apply for a fishing license in Hong Kong.
When can I apply for a fishing license in Hong Kong?
You can apply for a fishing license in Hong Kong all year round.
How long is the validity of a fishing license in Hong Kong?
The fishing license in Hong Kong is valid for 3 years.
Where can I go fishing in Hong Kong?
Let’s say you already have a fishing license. Of course you’d want to know where the best places are to go fishing.
That’s why we’re here! A lot of the people from our staff here at Happy Hongkonger fish as a hobby. According to fishing enthusiasts, here are the best places to go fishing.
1. Shek Pik Reservoir
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/ojMttzYzPkcCua9z5
If a quiet fishing spot is what you seek, the Shek Pik Reservoir is one of the best places to enjoy a tranquil atmosphere. It’s very far from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.
This one’s also perfect for beginners because the water is calm. Now, if you’re a pro, you might be thinking that means there’s not enough challenge or variety in this spot. Not so!
There are a lot of freshwater species that people spot while they’re here. There are more common ones like carps and even rare ones like sisoridfish.
Pro tip:
If you want to complete your outdoorsy adventure, why not try to go camping? Check out Tsin Yue Wan Campsite, one of the best campsites in Hong Kong! For the directions, check Google Maps.
2. Siu Sai Wan Promenade
Direction: https://goo.gl/maps/849AKsF7A1LEsUBG7
Address: 28 Siu Sai Wan Road, Siu Sai Wan, Hong Kong
Contact details: +852 2562 2137
If you’re bringing the whole family with you, you’re going to want to check out Siu Sai Wan Promenade!
Surprisingly, this one is in a residential area, so you’ll feel an exciting mix of urban and remote. You’ll see that it’s quite far away from the city center, but it’s worth the trip if fishing is what you aim for.
Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, you’ll surely find this spot exciting! This is based on the staff of Happy Hongkonger themselves.
3. Happy Fish Farm
Website: https://www.yl.hk/relax/
Address: Hong Kong, 流浮山上白坭村154號
Contact details: +852 2472 6009
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday 8 AM – 8 PM
Price: $100 HKD (fishing only), $230 HKD (fishing, bait, and rod)
This is where people usually go when they’re very green to fishing. Pros would usually recommend this to beginners especially if they’re going fishing by themselves.
The reason for this is the water is calm and it’s well stocked with fish. That last part might sound a bit weird if we don’t add that you’ll actually be fishing in their artificial fishponds.
It’s quite large – 120,000 square ft., so there’s plenty of fish and space for everyone who’s curious to try it out. This place has different carps and blotched snakehead.
Pro tip:
This is also quite well known for the wonderful views that people can enjoy here. Stay until sundown if you want to see a spectacular view of the sunset.
Where can I shop for fishing gear in Hong Kong?
Getting your very own fishing gear is convenient, especially if you’re planning on doing it a lot. We collected our favorite spots and listed a few of them below.
We based this list on their variety of products, service, and cost.
1. Kuying HK
Website: https://kuyinghk.wixsite.com/
Our favorite thing about Kuying is that their products are of high quality. That said, they’re still priced quite reasonably.
This company specializes in fresh water and salt rods. They say that each rod that they sell is made with a specific target in mind. This just means that each of their rods has its own charm and uses!
2. Decathlon HK
Website: https://www.decathlon.com.hk/en/browse/c0-all-sports/c1-fishing/_/N-41wa5o
Decathlon is basically a one-stop shop for everything sports and outdoor activity related gears. Fortunately, this includes fishing.
Fishing enthusiasts love shopping here because it’s quite accessible. Shopping from their website is such a breeze. Decathlon also has several stores in Hong Kong – in Causeway Bay, Tseung Kwan O, and Mong Kok.
3. Po Kee Fishing Tackle Co Ltd
Website: https://pokeetackle.com
Address: 1/F, 6 Hillier St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Contact details: +852 2544 1035
Operating hours: Monday – Saturday 10 AM – 6:30 PM; Sunday Closed
Po Kee Fishing Tackle Co has been in the fishing-related industry since the 60s, when they first built their shop where they sell sport fishing goods.
As you can already tell, business boomed and now here they are offering a fine selection of gear. From rods, reels, and hooks, to lures, line & leader, and terminal tackles, they have everything a fishing enthusiast could ever dream of.
4. WORLD Fishing Centre
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/SNBbJMV2s242yss37
Address: Hong Kong, Causeway Bay, Hennessy Rd, 375-379號, Lee West Commercial Building, 一樓
Contact details: +852 3612 4789
Operating hours: Monday – Friday 11 AM – 8 PM; Saturday 10 AM – 7 PM; Sunday 10 AM – 6 PM
WORLD Fishing Center offers all the fishing essentials one can think of. From fish boxes and clothes to fishing rods and shoes, you name it, they got it.
Since there aren’t a lot of shops like this here, this is quite well known in the fishing community in Hong Kong.
They don’t have a website, however, so you’ll need to swing by their physical store to secure the goods you might need.
What fishing tours should I join in Hong Kong?
In the mood to try a fishing tour? We think this is perfect for beginners who would like someone to show them the ropes before they get started. Here are some recommendations:
1. Tail Chasers
Website: https://www.tailchasersfishing.com
Address: 6 Hillier St, Central, Hong Kong
Contact details: +852 9122 0695
Operating hours: Thursday – Sunday 7:30 AM – 5 PM
Tail Chasers is the perfect tour to join if you like the thrill of catching bigger fish like Marlin, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, etc. The boat that they use is a Kidusi that’s 46.6 ft!
We know it’s quite easy to be intimidated by this but don’t worry! They welcome people without paying attention to their fishing experiences.
You can join a private charter (10 people max) or a random group. Either way, we know you’re going to have fun!
2. Boat Paradise Co.
Website: https://www.boatparadise.co/fishing
Address: Woon Lee Commercial Building, 7号 Austin Ave, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Contact details: +852 9072 1791
Operating hours: Monday – Friday 10 AM – 6 PM; Saturday and Sunday Closed
Boat Paradise Co. offers a lot of fun activities by the water such as ocean parties, lunch on the ocean, watersports, and a lot more. Of course, this includes fishing as well!
They have 3 kinds of fishing options that you can try.
One is squid fishing, which is seasonal. The best time to do this is from April to September.
Next is deep water fishing, which we recommend to someone with a bit more experience.
And lastly, they also have overnight deep water fishing on a fast boat!
3. SEA-E-O Yachting — Junk Boat, Yacht Rental & Charter Boat
Website: https://www.sea-e-o.hk/squid-fishing
Address: Rm 709, Wing Cheung Industrial Building, 109 How Ming St, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
Contact details: +852 5489 4061
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
SEA-E-O mainly focuses on squid fishing. As mentioned, the best time to do this is around April to September because that’s the time when a lot of squid appear in the waters in Hong Kong.
We included this in our recommendations because after catching a squid, you can ask them to cook for you. Now, that’s the freshest seafood that you can ever taste!
They have several boats to choose from, each with its own charm. If you want something fancy, they also have a luxury boat option!
