Spearfishing in Fethiye (and Lionfish)

Boat & Sea

The rocky coastline, islands and coves around Fethiye are popular with spearfishers. In Turkey spearfishing is legal for amateurs, but only on a breath hold: scuba or any other air supply is banned, as are torches and hunting between sunset and sunrise. Since 1 January 2026 everyone using a speargun needs an Amateur Fisher Certificate (Amatör Balıkçı Belgesi). A marker buoy is mandatory, and hunting is not allowed in buoyed swimming areas (1 May – 30 September), harbours, marinas and protected zones. Amateurs may not sell their catch. A special target is the lionfish (aslan balığı): an invasive species from the Red Sea that eats young native fish and is spreading along the Turkish Mediterranean and Aegean. It can only be caught effectively with a spear, so spearfishers are encouraged to take as many as they can. About payment: as of October 2026 there is no state payment for lionfish. The Ministry of Agriculture's per-fish payments cover invasive pufferfish (balon balığı): from 23 September 2026, 10 TL per fish for seven pufferfish species and 35 TL for the silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus), paid to fishers for fish registered in the system. Lionfish is sold to restaurants and fishmongers instead (around 150 TL/kg in summer 2026). Lionfish competitions are also held, for example by Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, with prizes for the biggest catch.

Key facts

  • Location: Fethiye Bay and the coast around Fethiye
  • Duration: 2–4 hours per dive session
  • Season: Year-round; water is warmest June – October (wetsuit needed in winter)
  • Estimated cost: Own gear or a guided session; Amateur Fisher Certificate required since 1 January 2026

Highlights

  • Breath-hold hunting along rocky shores and islands
  • Invasive lionfish – a target that helps the sea
  • Clear water with 15–25 m visibility on calm days
  • Lionfish meat is excellent once the venomous spines are removed

Frequently asked questions

How do I book Spearfishing in Fethiye (and Lionfish)?

Get the Amateur Fisher Certificate before your first dive – ask at the Fethiye District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry (İlçe Tarım ve Orman Müdürlüğü). Gear is sold in Fethiye's fishing and diving shops; local freediving clubs and dive centres can arrange guided sessions and show you safe spots. Spearfishing from a boat with a skipper is the easiest way to reach the islands. To sell lionfish legally or ask about pufferfish payments, contact the same Directorate – payments go to registered fishers.

Any local tips for Spearfishing in Fethiye (and Lionfish)?

Lionfish spines are venomous: handle with thick gloves, cut the spines off with scissors, and if you are stung, put the wound in hot water (as hot as you can bear) and see a doctor. Never dive alone, always tow your buoy, and keep well away from boat lanes. Check minimum sizes and the daily catch limit for amateurs before you go – fines for breaking the rules start at around 4,700 TL and the gear and catch are confiscated. Pufferfish are deadly poisonous: never eat them.

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