Can You Fish Without a License in NSW in 2024?

In New South Wales, fishing is a popular pastime enjoyed by many, but it’s important to understand the regulations surrounding recreational fishing licenses. While an official license isn’t required, anglers must pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee and carry a receipt as proof of payment when fishing in both freshwater and saltwater waterways.

Who Needs to Pay the Recreational Fishing Fee?

Generally, anyone over the age of 18 must pay the NSW recreational fishing fee to legally fish in the state. This applies to various fishing activities, including spearfishing, hand lining, hand gathering, trapping, bait collecting, and prawn netting, as well as when carrying fishing gear in, on, or near bodies of water.

Exemptions from the Recreational Fishing Fee

While most anglers must pay the fishing fee, there are a few exemptions:
Children and teenagers under the age of 18
Adults assisting a child or teenager under 18 to fish with a single rod or catch prawns with a single dip or scoop net
Aboriginal people
Anglers fishing at a private dam smaller than 2 hectares
Centrelink Pensioner Concession cardholders
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Pensioner Concession cardholders
DVA Gold cardholders endorsed “Totally and Permanently Incapacitated” (TPI) or “Extreme Disablement Adjustment” (EDA)
Holders of a DVA letter stating they receive a disability pension of 70% or higher, or an intermediate pension

If you are exempt from paying the fishing fee but have already paid, you can apply for a refund by downloading the required form online and submitting it to the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Cost of the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee

The cost of the NSW recreational fishing fee varies depending on the duration of your fishing trip:
3-Day License: $7.00
1-Month License: $14.00
1-Year License: $35.00
3-Year License: $85.00

Paying the fishing fee for a year or three years also comes with a physical plastic receipt.

Regulations for Recreational Fishing in NSW

In addition to paying the fishing fee, anglers must adhere to various regulations set by the NSW Department of Primary Industries:
Saltwater fishing: A maximum of 10 snapper, 5 yellowtail kingfish, 5 Australian salmon, and 1 marlin (with a limit of 1 of each species) per fishing excursion
Freshwater fishing: A maximum of 2 hand lines or rods per person, with no more than 2 hooks on each line
Gear restrictions: A maximum of 4 rods or handlines per person, with lines restricted to 3 hooks per line or 3 gangs of hooks with no more than 5 hooks per gang

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the regulations and size limits for specific fish species before heading out on the water.

Where to Purchase Your NSW Recreational Fishing License

You can purchase your NSW recreational fishing license online through the Service NSW website. The process is straightforward and requires providing the date you want your license to start, the duration of your license, and your payment information.

In conclusion, while an official license isn’t required, anglers in NSW must pay the recreational fishing fee and carry a receipt as proof of payment when fishing in both freshwater and saltwater waterways. By understanding the exemptions, cost, and regulations surrounding recreational fishing in NSW, anglers can enjoy their favorite pastime while ensuring they comply with the law.