Fishing is a popular pastime in Australia, offering anglers the opportunity to enjoy the country’s diverse waterways and catch a variety of fish species. However, before you can cast your line, it’s important to understand the fishing license requirements in each state. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the fishing license regulations in Western Australia, Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales for 2024.
Western Australia
In Western Australia, a fishing license is required for a wide range of fishing activities. If you plan to do any of the following, you’ll need to purchase a license from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website:
Fishing from a boat, the shore, or a jetty
Fishing for marron (freshwater crayfish)
Fishing for abalone
Fishing for rock lobster
Fishing for south-west freshwater angling
Fishing for freshwater angling (south-east)
Fishing for freshwater angling (north)
Fishing for freshwater angling (south-west)
Fishing for freshwater angling (south-east)
Fishing for freshwater angling (north)
The cost of a fishing license in Western Australia varies depending on the type of license and the duration. Licenses are available for a day, a week, a month, or a year. Concessions are available for seniors, pensioners, and children under the age of 16.
Queensland
In Queensland, a fishing license is not required for recreational fishing in most cases. However, there are some exceptions:
A license is required for fishing in freshwater dams and lakes managed by Sunwater or Seqwater.
A license is required for fishing in the Great Sandy Strait, which includes the waters between the mainland and Fraser Island.
A license is required for fishing in the Moreton Bay Marine Park.
If you need a fishing license in Queensland, you can purchase it online through the Queensland Government website. The cost of the license depends on the type and duration.
Victoria
In Victoria, a Recreational Fishing License (RFL) is required for all forms of recreational fishing in marine, estuarine, and inland waters. Unless you are exempt, you must hold a current RFL when fishing in Victoria. Penalties apply for fishing without a license.
You can purchase a Victorian fishing license online through the Service Victoria website, which is the easiest and cheapest option. Licenses are available for a day, a week, a month, or a year. Concessions are available for seniors, pensioners, and children under the age of 18.
New South Wales
In New South Wales, anyone over the age of 18 needs to pay a recreational fishing fee and carry a receipt showing proof of payment to legally fish in NSW waters. This applies to both freshwater and saltwater fishing, as well as activities such as spearfishing, hand lining, hand gathering, trapping, bait collecting, and prawn netting.
You can purchase a NSW recreational fishing license online through the Service NSW website. Licenses are available for three days, one month, one year, or three years. Concessions are available for seniors, pensioners, and children under the age of 18.
It’s important to note that fishing licenses in Australia are generally not valid across state borders. If you plan to fish in multiple states, you’ll need to purchase a license for each state.
In addition to purchasing a fishing license, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations and restrictions in each state. This includes understanding size and bag limits, protected species, and any seasonal closures.
By following the fishing license requirements and regulations in your state, you can enjoy a safe and responsible fishing experience in Australia. Happy fishing!