If you’re planning to cast your line in the waters of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, in 2024, it’s crucial to understand the fishing licence requirements. While the state doesn’t issue traditional fishing licences, you are legally required to pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee to fish in both freshwater and saltwater. However, there are certain exemptions to this rule.
Who Needs to Pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee?
In general, anyone over the age of 18 must pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee to legally fish in the state’s waters. This includes activities such as:
Spearfishing
Hand lining or hand gathering
Trapping
Bait collecting
Prawn netting
Being on or near NSW waters with fishing gear in possession
The fees for the NSW Recreational Fishing Licence in 2024 are as follows:
$7 for 3 days
$14 for 1 month
$35 for 1 year
$85 for 3 years
Once you have paid the fee, you will receive a receipt that serves as proof of payment. It’s important to carry this receipt with you while fishing, as you may be asked to present it by an authorised officer.
Who is Exempt from the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee?
Despite the general requirement for adults to pay the fishing fee, there are several exemptions. You do not need to pay the fee if you are:
– Under the age of 18 – An adult assisting a person under the age of 18 to take a fish using a single rod or to take prawns using a single dip or scoop net – Fishing in a private dam with a surface area of 2 hectares or less – An Aboriginal person – The holder of a current Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card issued by Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) – The holder of a DVA Gold Treatment Card endorsed “Totally and Permanently Incapacitated” (TPI) or “Extreme Disablement Adjustment” (EDA) – The holder of a letter from the DVA stating that you receive a disability pension of 70% or higher, or an intermediate pension
Obtaining Your NSW Recreational Fishing Licence
There are several ways to pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee in 2024:
Online through the Service NSW website
By phone at 1300 369 365 (Visa or Mastercard only)
In person at a Service NSW Centre or through a fishing fee agent
Once you have paid the fee, you can add your digital licence to your MyServiceNSW Account or the Service NSW app for convenience.
Regulations and Restrictions
While the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee allows you to fish legally, there are still regulations and restrictions in place to protect the state’s marine life. These include:
Limits on the number and size of certain fish species you can catch
Restrictions on the type and amount of fishing gear you can use
It’s important to familiarise yourself with these regulations before heading out to fish, as penalties may apply for non-compliance.
Conclusion
In summary, if you’re planning to fish in NSW waters in 2024, it’s essential to understand the requirements for the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee. While most adults over the age of 18 must pay the fee, there are several exemptions, particularly for minors, Aboriginal people, and certain pensioners and veterans. By paying the fee and familiarising yourself with the regulations, you can enjoy a safe and legal fishing experience in the beautiful waters of New South Wales.