VIC DPI
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) employs more than 2,600 staff who work from about 80 locations across the state. The department was established in December 2002 and is one of 10 Victorian Government departments, reporting to the Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Energy and Resources. The division that takes care of
fishing and aquaculture is Fisheries
Victoria.
TIP |
Please use this article as a guide only and take the time to find out more about recreational fishing rules and regulations in Victoria. |
Recreational Fishing in VIC
You must obtain a Recreational
Fishing Licence (RFL) for all forms of recreational
fishing in any of
Victoria's marine, estuarine and freshwaters. This includes taking, or attempting to take, any species of fish by any method such as line
fishing, bait collection, gathering shellfish, yabby
fishing, prawning and spear
fishing. You will not need a licence to fish if you are under 18 years of age or if you are a holder card such as a Victorian Seniors Card or Veterans’ Affairs Card to name a few.
There is a number of Victorian Recreational
Fishing Licence options for Victorian anglers to purchase and are outlined below:
- Two day recreational fishing licence is $5.50
- 28 day recreational fishing licence Is $11.00
- One year recreational fishing licence is $22.00
- Three year recreational fishing licence is $60.00
The RFL may be purchased to come into effect on a future date for up to one year from the date of purchase. An RFL may not be loaned or transferred to another person. Revenue from
fishing licence fees is being spent to improve angling opportunities and fish habitats in
Victoria. For more information, click
Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence
Protected Species
There is a list of species including threatened fish and crustacea that are protected by the Flora and Fauna Guarantee (FFG) Act 1988. This list is continuously updated so it is wise to be aware of all the species that must not be taken. Some
fish species that are fully protected and therefore must not be taken are Australian grayling and trout cod. If a trout cod is accidently caught, it must be carefully and immediately returned back to the water. There are authorisations made under the FFG Act which allow recreational
fishing for Murray cod, silver perch, southern bluefin tuna and a few others, however, there are strict conditions to follow and these rules are outlined in the
Victorian Recreational Fishing GuideThere are a number of species such as pipefish and seahorses that are fully protected under the Fisheries Act 1995 and the taking or possessing of these as well as any others listed is prohibited without a permit issued under the Act.
Bag Limit, Possession Limit and Fishing Closures
There are many PDFs available from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) website, all of which have easy to follow information regarding the rules and regulations for recreational
fishing. There are some detailed and rather visually attractive sections on bag and possession limits, conditions regarding specific protected fish such as Murray cod as well as closures for freshwater and saltwater
fishing within
Victoria. The scale fish bag/possession limits restrict the combined take or possession of all scale
fish species (other than noxious species and the listed ‘exempted species’) to a total of 40 fish per person. More information on this is provided in the PDFs titled ‘Limits and Closed Seasons’ in the
Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide
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
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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.
NSW 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 New South Wales.
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.
