Fishing in Spanish: A vocab guide for everyone who likes to fish in Spanish

Fishing in Spanish

Get our free email course, Shortcut to Conversational.

Have conversations faster, understand people when they speak fast, and other tested tips to learn faster.

More info

Fishing, 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 línea lateral
Spine La columna vertebral
Jaw La mandíbula

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 río
Stream El arroyo
Pond El estanque
Reservoir El embalse
Canal El canal
Estuary El estuario
Bay La bahía
Inlet La ensenada
Gulf El golfo
Sound El estrecho
Sea El mar
Ocean El océano
Seaside La costa
Coastline El litoral
Shoal El bajío
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.

0

Get our FREE 7-day email course, Shortcut to Conversational

The exact strategies you need to become conversational in Spanish this year. Join the course now, before we come to our senses and charge for it!

This blog is presented by BaseLang: Unlimited Spanish Tutoring for $179 a Month. Learn more here.