NSW DPI
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) was formed in July 2004 with the amalgamation of several sectors including NSW Fisheries. Within the DPI is the Fisheries, Compliance and Regional Relations Division which manages the sustainable, commercial and recreational use of NSW fisheries’ resources. In regard to recreational
fishing, this is managed by a branch within this division called Wild Harvest Fisheries.
TIP |
Please use this article as a guide only and take the time to find out more about recreational fishing rules and regulations in New South Wales. |
Recreational Fishing in NSW
You must obtain a recreational
fishing licence if you wish to fish in fresh or saltwater anywhere in
New South Wales. You are required by law to pay the NSW Recreational
Fishing Fee and carry a receipt showing the payment of the fee. These fees are outlined below:
- Three day recreational fishing licence is $6.00
- One month recreational fishing licence is $12.00
- One year recreational fishing licence is $30.00
- Three year recreational fishing licence is $75.00
These fees apply for spear
fishing, hand lining, hand gathering, trapping, bait collecting and prawn netting or when in possession of
fishing gear in, on or adjacent to waters. For more information, click
Recreational fishing licence fee
Protected and Threatened Species
There are several protected and threatened species in NSW, meaning if you catch one, they must be immediately released unharmed to the water. There include: estuary cod, black cod, giant
Queensland grouper, elegant wrasse and grey nurse shark to name a few.
Bag Limit and Possession Limit
The daily bag limit is the maximum number of fish that an individual angler can catch in a single day and have in their possession. Bag limits vary depending on the species of fish. Click here for
Bag and size limits - saltwaterIf the fish is not included in the bag and size limit tables, then a maximum daily bag limit of 20 applies. This table also shows the size limits, which are considered as the total length measurement of a fish, whether it is fork-tailed or round tailed, is taken from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail. In regard to possession limits; for all saltwater species, the daily bag limit is the possession limit and it applies to all areas of the state.
Fishing Closures
Local NSW DPI Fisheries Offices should be contacted for the latest
fishing closure information for specific locations. There is a comprehensive list of local saltwater and freshwater closures. Click here for
Fishing closures and restrictions
More Fishing Rules
When it comes to line
fishing, there are a number of important rules in place that must be followed.
These include having no more than 4 rods or lines to be used or set by any one person at any one time. Others rules for line
fishing include:
- No more than 3 hooks or 3 gangs of hooks attached per line (a gang of hooks should have no more than 5 hooks)
- One line may have 6 single hooks with lure attached to be used by the method of hand jigging only
- No more than 3 treble hooks attached to a lure
- Jagging is illegal (hooking, or attempting to hook, fish other than through the mouth)
- Drift lines are banned
There are some activities in regards to recreational
fishing that are deemed illegal. Some of these activities include keeping prohibited size fish and selling recreational catches. Please be aware that there are many more rules and regulations designed to protect fish stocks in NSW.
WA Fishing Rules
Fishing in Australian salt and fresh waters is governed by state rules and regulations and must be strictly followed as these laws are in place to ensure fisheries are ecologically sustainable. This guide touches on the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in Western Australia.
[Feature Story]
Fishing Spots in WA
Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in Western Australia and provides some helpful tips.
Topics Index
Each Topic contains a range of detailed and useful articles on products, services and issues. This section is full of practical tips, ideas, photos and factual information. Each topic has links to relevant Manufacturers, Retailers and Operators that can be found in our Directory; plus links to relevant Posts in our Forum; and links to related Trader listings.
Fishing
Our Fishing index page includes Favourite Catches, tips for River & Estuary Fishing, Beach Fishing and Offshore fishing, as well as Fishing Rules and Regulations for every state of Australia. Next time you're off on a trip with the rods and reels, check out this page for the latest tips & information.
Fishing Spots in QLD
Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in Queensland and provides some helpful tips.
Offshore Fishing
Ever wondered why some offshore boat anglers catch more quality fish than others? The main key to success lies with knowledge, experience, and of course - plenty of practice!! Like anything, developing good knowledge and habits earlier on - makes better practice. This article will give you a brief heads up on offshore fishing techniques - including rigs, technology and much more.
VIC Fishing Rules
Fishing in Australian salt and fresh waters is governed by state rules and regulations and must be strictly followed as these laws are in place to ensure fisheries are ecologically sustainable. This guide touches on the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in Victoria.
QLD Fishing Rules
Fishing in Australian salt and fresh waters is governed by state rules and regulations and must be strictly followed as these laws are in place to ensure fisheries are ecologically sustainable. This guide touches on the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in Queensland.
SA Fishing Rules
Fishing in Australian salt and fresh waters is governed by state rules and regulations and must be strictly followed as these laws are in place to ensure fisheries are ecologically sustainable. This guide touches on the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in South Australia.
NT Fishing Rules
Fishing in Australian salt and fresh waters is governed by state rules and regulations and must be strictly followed as these laws are in place to ensure fisheries are ecologically sustainable. This guide touches on the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in the Northern Territory.
TAS Fishing Rules
Fishing in Australian salt and fresh waters is governed by state rules and regulations and must be strictly followed as these laws are in place to ensure fisheries are ecologically sustainable. This guide touches on the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in Tasmania.
Fishing Spots in SA
Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in South Australia and provides some helpful tips.
Fishing Spots in NT
Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in the Northern Territory and provides some helpful tips.
Fishing Spots in TAS
Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in Tasmania and provides some helpful tips.
Fishing Spots in NSW & ACT
Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in New South Wales (including ACT) and provides some helpful tips.
Fishing Spots in VIC
Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in Victoria and provides some helpful tips.
Inland Fishing
Australia is the world’s driest inhabited continent with 70% receiving between 100 and 350mm of rainfall annually. So with such little rainfall, you may wonder whether Australia has a good freshwater fishery. This article explores Australia's inland fishing possibilities and includes a general overview of what to catch, where and how.
Beach Fishing
Put on your wet weather overalls, berley up the water and cast a 70 plus metre line to get past the breakers - this is the typical lifestyle of the dedicated beach angler. With around 7000 beaches to choose from, Australia offers plenty of opportunities to target coastal fish such as tailor, salmon and mulloway.
