A growing number of residents are turning too fishing as a recreational outlet in the Burgenland region, prompting a surge in demand for angling courses and exams. Officials report a more than 20 percent increase in fishing exam administrations between 2024 and 2025, with 419 exams administered last year alone. The rising popularity is also attracting a more diverse group of anglers, as evidenced by increased female participation and the recent appointment of Burgenland’s first State Fishing Master.
LR Schneemann: „Der Ansturm auf unsere Vorbereitungskurse und Prüfungen ist ungebrochen“
A surge in popularity is driving record numbers to fishing courses and exams in the Burgenland region, with more women than ever taking up the sport.
The Burgenland region is experiencing an unprecedented boom in fishing, with courses and exams seeing steadily increasing enrollment for years. Demand reached a new high in 2025, prompting officials to add extra course dates to accommodate the growing interest. The number of fishing exams administered rose by over 20 percent, from 348 in 2024 to 419 in 2025. “The demand for our preparatory courses and exams remains unbroken,” said Dr. Leonhard Schneemann, the regional councilor responsible for hunting and fishing.
The increase in female participation is particularly noteworthy. While 22 women passed the fishing exam in 2024, that number climbed to 25 in 2025. “This trend shows that fishing is no longer a male domain,” Schneemann emphasized. “More and more women appreciate the connection to nature and the responsible management of our waters.”
Fishing is gaining traction as a relaxing escape from daily life, a way to connect with nature, and a traditional hobby practiced responsibly. The growing number of participants in fishing courses, coupled with the increasing popularity among women, underscores this trend. This rising interest highlights the need for comprehensive knowledge, clear regulations, and a strong commitment to nature, species, and animal protection – best delivered through expert instruction.
The courses cover everything aspiring anglers need to know, from fish biology and water ecology to the legal framework governing fishing practices. The training is organized by the Hunting and Fishing Service Center, which serves as a central hub for education, information, and support.
First State Fishing Master Appointed
As of July 1, 2025, Burgenland has a dedicated State Fishing Master, Martin Heissenberger. This newly created position, established by the 2022 Fisheries Act, is a voluntary role intended to serve as a voice and point of contact for the approximately 8,500 anglers in the Burgenland region. The 2022 Fisheries Act also improved the requirements for fishing qualifications and streamlined the mutual recognition of fishing licenses across different states.
Six Course Dates Scheduled for 2026
Due to continued high demand, the Hunting and Fishing Service Center has scheduled six course and exam dates for 2026:
- Saturday, January 24, 2026
- Saturday, January 31, 2026
- Saturday, June 13, 2026
- Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Saturday, December 12, 2026
Registration is available through the Hunting and Fishing Service Center in Neutal or online.
Download Pressefoto:
Bildtext Landesfischereimeister: LR Leonhard Schneemann with State Fishing Master Martin Heissenberger.
Bildquelle: Büro LR Schneemann
Eisenstadt, January 2, 2026
Landesmedienservice Burgenland
7000 Eisenstadt, Landhaus, Europaplatz 1
Tel: 02682/600
Fax: 02682/600-2278
post.presse(at)bgld.gv.at
www.burgenland.at
