Which states require a recreational fishing licenses?

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:

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