What is the SaNa training?

SaNa (Sachkunde-Nachweis) is the competency certificate required in Switzerland in many cases to fish in compliance with legal regulations and animal welfare. It is not only about “being allowed to fish”: it also teaches you the essential basics for handling fish correctly, understanding aquatic environments and adopting a responsible approach.

For a beginner, it is the best entry point into serious, legal and sustainable fishing.

Is the SaNa training mandatory?

Yes, in many cases. In Switzerland, the requirement depends on the canton, the type of water and the duration of the permit. As a general rule, to obtain a fishing permit valid for more than one month, the SaNa certificate is required.

However, there are situations where fishing may be allowed without the certificate, for example with certain short-term permits or according to specific cantonal regulations. This is why you should always check the local rules before you go fishing.

Why this training is important for a beginner

When you start fishing, you often think first about gear or techniques. Yet the most important basics are elsewhere:

• knowing the fishing regulations that apply in your canton;
• respecting the fish and limiting its suffering;
• identifying species and understanding their habitat;
• adopting safe and responsible behaviour at the water’s edge;
• better preparing your outings and avoiding costly mistakes.

The SaNa training helps you acquire these reflexes right from the start.

What you will learn during the SaNa preparation

Preparation for the exam covers in particular:

• the legal basics of fishing in Switzerland;
• animal welfare principles as applied to fishing;
• best practices for catching, handling and humanely killing a fish;
• essential fishing techniques;
• knowledge of native fish and crayfish species;
• the basics of aquatic environments, their protection and fisheries management.

For a beginner angler, this knowledge helps avoid many mistakes in the field and allows you to progress much faster.

How does the SaNa training work?

The principle is simple: you prepare using the official teaching material, then you register for an official SaNa course. At the end of the process, you take a control exam. Once you have passed the exam and it has been validated by the instructor, you receive your SaNa certificate.

The digital certificate is sent by e-mail. A physical card can also be obtained; it is mandatory in the canton of Geneva.

How much does the SaNa training cost?

The total cost generally consists of three separate elements:

• the administrative fees for issuing the SaNa card;
• the cost of the teaching material;
• the course fee charged by the organiser or instructor.

In other words, it is not a single price but a combination of fees linked to registration, preparation and the course itself.

What is the best study material?

To prepare well for the exam, the most effective way is to work with the official SaNa manual. At GiantFish, we offer the Official SaNa Book – Swiss Sport Fishing Certificate, a resource that is particularly suitable for beginners.

This official manual includes:

• the official learning objectives;
• clear, illustrated explanations;
• the essential fishing techniques;
• species knowledge;
• the basics of water protection and respect for fish;
• the SaNa exam code included.

It is an excellent way to progress through self-study before attending the official course.

Practical tips for passing the SaNa exam

1. Start with the official manual: it structures the topics in the right order.
2. Revise regularly: 20 to 30 minutes a day is often better than a long last-minute session.
3. Work on the regulations section: this is often what beginners underestimate.
4. Learn to recognise the most common species.
5. Understand the logic of animal welfare: it is not just theoretical, it is fundamental in the field.
6. Always find out about the rules in your canton before your first outing.

After the exam: what happens next?

Once you have passed the exam, you receive your SaNa certificate. In most cantons, the digital version is sufficient. If you need a physical card, it can be requested separately. In case of loss, there are also procedures for obtaining a new document.

Keep in mind, however, that having SaNa does not replace other local requirements: depending on where you fish, you will still have to buy the corresponding permit and comply with cantonal regulations.

Our advice for getting started

If you are a beginner, do not try to rush things. Start by building a solid foundation: understanding the regulations, best practices, knowledge of fish and responsible behaviour. This is exactly what SaNa preparation is for.

To start in the best conditions, we recommend the official SaNa manual available on GiantFish. You will save time, study the right content and arrive at the course with much more confidence.

Conclusion

The SaNa training is an essential step for anyone who wants to fish seriously in Switzerland. For a beginner, it helps avoid mistakes, understand their responsibilities and practise fishing in compliance with the law, the fish and the environment.

Before registering for your course, take the time to prepare properly with a reliable resource. The Official SaNa Book is there to help you take this first step in the best possible way.