Fishing in Spanish: A vocab guide for everyone who likes to fish in Spanish
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More infoFishing, a timeless pursuit connecting humans with nature’s bounty, transcends language barriers. Whether you’re casting your line into the serene waters of a lake or braving the tumultuous waves of the ocean, the pastime resonates universally whether you’re fishing in Spanish or in any other language.
In this comprehensive vocabulary guide, we delve into the realm of fishing terminology in Spanish, from essential gear to the diverse array of fish species, shedding light on the nuances of language along the way.
Gear and equipment
To embark on your fishing adventures, you need to be equipped with the right tools. Whether you’re chatting with local anglers, browsing Spanish fishing forums, or exploring fishing spots in Spanish-speaking regions, knowing the lingo opens doors to new opportunities for fishing in Spanish! So whether you approach fishing as a hobby or a profession, let’s see the necessary vocab fishing gear in Spanish.
English fishing gear | Spanish fishing gear |
Boat | El bote |
Fishing rod | La caña de pescar |
Reel | El carrete |
Hook | El anzuelo |
Lure | El señuelo |
Bait | El cebo |
Fishing net | La red de pesca |
Bobber | La boyas |
Waders | Las botas de agua |
Life jacket | El chaleco salvavidas |
Flashlight | La linterna |
Headlamp | La linterna frontal |
Tackle box | La caja de aparejos |
Multi-tool knife | La navaja multiusos |
Fish finder | La sonda de pesca |
Marine GPS | El GPS marino |
Fillet knife | El cuchillo fileteador |
Polarized sunglasses | Las gafas de sol polarizadas |
Sunscreen | El protector solar |
Portable cooler | La nevera portátil |
For other clothing items that aren’t related specifically to fishing in Spanish, check out our post on clothing in Spanish.
Names of Fish in Spanish
Knowing the names of fish in Spanish enhances communication, facilitates adherence to regulations, aids in navigation and targeting, promotes learning, and shows respect for local culture and environment. For anglers, this knowledge enriches the fishing experience, enabling effective communication about specific species of fish in Spanish.
One notable distinction in Spanish fishing terminology is the differentiation between pez and pescado. While both terms refer to fish, they are used in distinct contexts.
Un pez refers to a living fish, denoting the creature in its natural state, swimming freely in water. When discussing fish in an aquarium or observing them in their habitat, los peces is the appropriate term for fish in plural while un pez is a fish. For other species, see our post on animals in Spanish.
On the other hand, pescado refers to fish that have been caught, harvested, and prepared for consumption. When ordering fish at a restaurant or purchasing it from a market, you would use the term pescado. See our other related posts for lessons on different foods in Spanish, traditional Hispanic dishes, how to order food at a restaurant, and on Spanish kitchen vocabulary.
English | Spanish |
Bank of fish | El banco de peces |
Shoal of fish | El cardumen |
Trout | La trucha |
Salmon | El salmón |
Sea bream | El besugo |
Tuna | El atún |
Sardine | La sardina |
Hake | La merluza |
Swordfish | El pez espada |
Cod | El bacalao |
Catfish | El bagre |
Sole | El lenguado |
Herring | El arenque |
Bass | El robalo, La lubina |
Snook | El robalo blanco |
Snapper | El pargo |
Mahi-mahi | El dorado |
Croaker | La corvina |
Anchovy | La anchoa |
Grouper | El mero |
Lobster | La langosta |
Conger eel | El congrio |
Squid | El calamar |
Shrimp | El camarón |
Shark | El tiburón |
Fish anatomy in Spanish
Understanding the anatomy of fish is essential for anglers and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re studying fish biology or simply curious about the inner workings of these aquatic creatures, exploring their anatomy provides valuable insights into their adaptation to life underwater and it equips you with a solid foundation for discussing fish in Spanish with confidence and precision. We only have a few of these same words for our human body parts in Spanish!
English | Spanish |
Fins | Las aletas |
Tail (caudal fin) | La cola (aleta caudal) |
Dorsal fin | La aleta dorsal |
Anal fin | La aleta anal |
Pectoral fins | Las aletas pectorales |
Pelvic fins | Las aletas pélvicas |
Scales | Las escamas |
Gills | Las branquias, Las agallas |
Mouth | La boca |
Eyes | Los ojos |
Lateral line | La lÃnea lateral |
Spine | La columna vertebral |
Jaw | La mandÃbula |
Places to fish in Spanish
Whether you prefer the tranquility of freshwater lakes, the excitement of flowing rivers, or the vast expanse of the open ocean, exploring different bodies of water opens up a world of diverse fishing opportunities, each offering its unique challenges and rewards. Here’s a list of various bodies of water where anglers can cast their lines and pursue their passion. With these locations in mind, you can ask other anglers for directions in Spanish.
English | Spanish |
Fresh water | El agua dulce |
Salt water | El agua salada |
Lake | El lago |
River | El rÃo |
Stream | El arroyo |
Pond | El estanque |
Reservoir | El embalse |
Canal | El canal |
Estuary | El estuario |
Bay | La bahÃa |
Inlet | La ensenada |
Gulf | El golfo |
Sound | El estrecho |
Sea | El mar |
Ocean | El océano |
Seaside | La costa |
Coastline | El litoral |
Shoal | El bajÃo |
Reef | El arrecife |
Fjord | El fiordo |
Marsh | El pantano |
Lagoon | La laguna |
Delta | El delta |
Fishing in Spanish: Verbs
Embarking on a fishing expedition involves a dynamic interplay of actions and skills, and knowing what to name them is fundamental when learning about fishing in Spanish. Whether you’re casting your line into tranquil waters or battling against the currents, knowing these verbs will help you navigate the intricacies of fishing in Spanish with confidence and finesse.
English | Spanish |
To go fishing | Ir de pesca |
To fish | Pescar |
To catch | Atrapar |
To reel in | Enrollar el sedal, Recoger el sedal |
To cast | Lanzar, Arrojar [la caña, la red] |
To bait | Cebar |
To hook | Pescar |
To release | Liberar |
To swim | Nadar |
Conclusion: Fishing in Spanish
Congratulations on reaching the end of our journey into the world of fishing in Spanish! Now armed with a wealth of knowledge, you’re ready to tackle any angling adventure with confidence and ease.
Through the course of our post, we explored the essential gear and equipment needed for fishing, dived into fish names in Spanish, uncovered the nuances of fish anatomy, and even ventured into various bodies of water where anglers can cast their lines.
With this new knowledge of how to fish in Spanish, you’ll definitely have an easier time connecting with local anglers, exploring new fishing spots, and immersing yourself in the rich culture of fishing in Spanish.