So you are about to embark on the big lap, I’m sure the idea of doing a spot of fishing is in your plan. However did you know that each state has its own rules and regulations on fishing? Some states even require you to purchase a license before casting a line.
The following states/territories do not require licenses:
- NT (restrictions can be found here: http://www.nt.gov.au/dpifm/Fisheries)
- SA (regulations can be found here: http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishing/recreational_fishing)
- ACT (restrictions can be found here: http://www.environment.act.gov.au/)
Western Australia:
If you are going to be doing any of the following then a license will be required and can be purchased here http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/:
- Recreational Boat Fishing
- Rock Lobster
- Marron
- Abalone
- Netting
- South West Fresh Water Angling
Queensland:
Anglers do not require a licence to fish recreationally in Queensland, except if fishing in some stocked areas. For a list of these areas and details of the license please see here: https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/rules-regulations
Victoria:
A Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) covers, all forms of recreational fishing in all of Victoria’s marine, estuarine and inland waters. You can purchase various types of licenses from 3 days to 3 years.
You will not need a licence to fish in Victoria if you are:
- under 18 years of age;
- 70 years of age or over;
- Some type of concession cards – See details in the link below.
To purchase one or find out more license details please follow this link: https://vfa.vic.gov.au/recreational-fishing/fishing-licence
Victoria provides a recreational fishing guide in both hard copy, online and digital mediums. Online version can be found here: https://vfa.vic.gov.au/recreational-fishing/recreational-fishing-guide
NSW:
New South Wales is a bit like Victoria where the majority of people require a fishing licence. Details of fishing licenses in NSW can be found here: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/recreational-fishing-fee
Rules and Regulations can be found here: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/fishing-rules-and-regs
To make this a little bit more confusing there is a small area which receives a 50% discount on fishing licenses. Details of the discount which can be received fishing in the Tweed Concession area are here: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/recreational-fishing-fee/exemptions
There are some concessions for pensioners, concession holders etc. They can be found here: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/recreational-fishing-fee/exemptions