Fishing guide · Lake Maggiore · Orta · Varese

At least 5 hours. In summer a session can run to 10 hours, in winter to 8. We agree the exact length together when you book.

Yes. Rods, reels, artificial lures, nets, catch logbook and all technical gear are provided on board. You only need weather-appropriate clothing, polarised sunglasses if you have them, and your documents for the licences.

For Italian anglers: government type B licence (23 EUR, 12-month validity) and FIPSAS card (30 EUR adults, 6 EUR for those born in 2011 or later). For non-residents: type D licence (Lombardy 23 EUR, Piedmont 14 EUR, 3-month validity) plus FIPSAS. For boat fishing add the navigation permit (10 EUR daily, 100 EUR yearly Varese, 50 EUR yearly Maggiore). I help with the paperwork before the session.

Yes, I work with beginners often. First sessions cover the basics: how to hold the rod, how to cast, how to read the sonar, how to land the catch. No minimum experience required, just willingness to learn.

Yes, the Kimple Adventure 446 Northen has space for two people and one companion. The companion pays neither the guide fee nor the navigation permit. If they only come along and don't fish, no FIPSAS.

If conditions make fishing dangerous or pointless (strong wind, storms, lake in flood), we reschedule for free. I make the call the evening before, after checking forecasts.

Pike: May-January, peak post-spawn. Perch: June-January, excellent in autumn. Zander: April-October; at night we fish from the shore, because on Lake Maggiore and Lake Varese fishing from a boat is not allowed from one hour after sunset to one hour before dawn. Catfish: June-September, peak activity. I'll advise the right season for the species you want to target.

Minimum sizes for target species: pike 45 cm with closed season 15 March - 31 May, perch 18 cm with closed season 15 March - 31 May, zander 40 cm with closed season 15 March - 31 May. Daily limits: 2 pike, 25 perch, 2 zander. Protected species, always off-limits: eel, alborella, pigo, grayling, savetta, native sturgeons and crayfish. Agone cannot be fished either, because of the DDT emergency. FIPSAS card mandatory: €30 adults, €6 for those born in 2011 or later, €5 for people covered by Italian Law 104, art. 3, para. 3. Boat permit: €10 a day, €20 a week or €50 a year, free for those born in 2011 or later, paid by postal slip or bank transfer to the Sezione Provinciale Pescatori del VCO. I handle all the paperwork for my clients, you just bring your ID.

Payment is handled directly with me at booking time, by phone or WhatsApp. No online deposits, no automated booking systems. Method (cash, bank transfer, etc.) agreed case by case.

You are booking a fishing guide. I run the boat, as on a charter, but the service is the technical session: we agree the lake at booking, I pick the spots for the season, set up the technique and we handle the catch together. I work as a solo guide, up to three guests on board, gear included. I am registered with AIGUPP, the Italian association of professional fishing guides, certification 320/25.