Getting Your Fishing Licence NSW - What You Need To Know

Fishing in New South Wales presents some of the greatest opportunities for anglers to get in touch with nature and to catch a wide variety of species of fish. To make sure your trip is enjoyabl and legal, knowing what is required to have a fishing license NSW is vital. Below is a comprehensive guide of everything you need to know before you cast a line in NSW waters, including who needs a fishing licence in NSW.

Is a Fishing License NSW Important?

In NSW, recreational fishing licence is required of anyone who wants to fish in salt and fresh waters. This includes bait line fishing, spearing and bait collecting. If you’re 18 or over and fishing in NSW waters, you’ll need a licence. These licenses directly fund fisheries management and conservation.

However, there are some exceptions. Those under 18 are exempt, to promote youthful involvement. Aboriginal people are exempt whilst fishing for cultural purposes. Certain concession card holders such as some Pensioner Concession Card or DVA Veteran Gold Card holders are also exempt. If you're fishing on a licensed charter, the operator can include clients on their own exemption certificate. Always have evidence of your licence or exemption in your possession when you go fishing.

What is the Cost and Duration of a Fishing License NSW?

Each state has a different process, and it is easy to get a NSW recreational fishing licence with costs arranged to suit whether you want to fish once or forever.

Current Fees (as at 25th July, 2024)

If you are planning to fish often in NSW, here is a list of the applicable costs.

• 1-year License: For $35, you can get an annual license.

• 3-year Licence: For $85, you can enjoy fishing in NSW waters for 3 years.

Short-Term Licence Options

Visitors and people who may only want to come for a short fishing trip also have the option of choosing short term recreational fishing fees, so there’s no need for a big annual commitment.

• 3-Day Licence: For $7, you can get a 3 day license, ideal for a weekend trip or a staycation.

• 1-Month Licence: For $14, you can get a 1-month license. It is great for a longer stay, or testing the waters before making a longer term purchase of a fishing licence.

Don't forget to check the most recent pricing on the official Service NSW website before applying for one.

How Can I Apply For A Fishing License NSW?

The easiest and preferred method to obtai or renew your fishing license NSW is online through the Service NSW website. This digital method keeps you flexible and helps you get your licence with an ease at home or on the go. It is an easy-to-use application that lets you perform all the required steps. Just head to the main Service NSW website and type in recreational fishing licence to start an application.

To apply online successfully you will need to have the following:

• Identification (ID): Your complete name, date of birth and current address is required. While you are not usually required to upload your physical ID documents, it is used for proof of identity. The email or mobile number you use to get in touch should be the one that is linked or registered with your MyServiceNSW Account so you can enjoy an easy, more personalised experience when you're accessing your digital licence.

• Payment Details: A credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard) is required to pay the licence fee. The Service NSW platform uses of a secure payment gateway for all transactions.

After applying and paying successfully, you will get a instant digital confirmation. This typically arrives as an email receipt, and acts as your interim valid licence for immediate use. For 1 year and 3 year licences you can choose to receive a physical plastic card by post.

For ease and convenience add your recreational fishing license to the MyServiceNSW app. That way, you can have a digital copy for your phone. Download the app and log in with your MyServiceNSW Account, then select ‘Add your licence’ in ‘Wallet’. This digital licence is a legal version and is highly recommended to enable quick presentation to fisheries officers at compliance checks.

Are There Exemptions To Getting a Fishing License NSW?

Although a fishing licence NSW is mandatory for most adults, there are a few groups of people who are not required to hold one. Anybody declaring an exemption should ensure they have the relevant proof because fisheries officers conduct checks often.

Here is a list of people who are exempted from having a fishing license.

• Under 18s: You do not require a licence if you’re under 18 years of age. Another exemption includes an adult helping an under 18-year-old with a single rod or prawn net.

• Pensioners and Seniors Card Holders (Conditions apply: Exemption are applicable to the following card holders.

1. Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card.

2. DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs) Pensioner Concession Card.

3. DVA Veteran Gold Cards with 'TPI' (Totally and Permanently Incapacitated) or 'EDA' (Extreme Disablement Adjustment) printed onthem.

4. DVA letter stating 70% or more as a disability pension.

Please note that regular Seniors Cards, Health Care Cards and the DVA Veteran White Card do not allow an exemption.

• People fiishing on a licensed charter boat: If you are fishing on a boat under a commercial business or a professional guided fishing experience, you may be exempt if the operator is the holder of a Recreational Fishing Fee Exemption Certificate. Check it with the operator every time.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fishers: In most cases, Aboriginal people do not need a recreational fishing licence for cultural and traditional fishing.

• Private Dam Fishing: For private dam fishing, where it is a two-hectare or smaller surface area, the dam is not linked to public waters from the time of filling, and in less populated bands,you don’t need a fishing license.

For full details and updated information, including specific conditions and valid concession cards), always refer to the latest information published on the official NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) website.

Are There Any Recreational Fishing Limits and Rules in NSW?

Following the rules and observing limits when recreational fishing in New South Wales is not only a legal requirement, it is crucial for the sustainable management of fish stocks and the health of waterways for future generations. These rules cover everything from acceptable tackle to creel limits and all the prohibited waters.

Number of Rods or Lines To Operate

You can only use four fishing rods or handlines simultaneously (in both saltwater and freshwater. All lines must be attended, in that they should fall within 50 yards of you and be under your line of sight. There are specific restrictions for the number of hooks per line which is generally three hooks or three gangs where one gang not to exceed five hooks.

Size and Bag Limits for Most Common Species

Bag and size limits are important conservation tools. Bag limit is the number of fish per species in a 24-hour period that an individual is allowed to possess. Legal length is the minimum allowable size. For instance, Dusky Flathead must be within the 36cm-70cm range, with the bag limit being 5. Murray Cod, a popular freshwater fish, has a minimum length of 55cm and maximum of 75cm, you can keep a maximum of 2 and it is closed from September to November. Those differ widely between species and region.

Specific Provisions for Yabbying, Netting and Freshwater Species

For methods other than regular line fishing, there are regulations in place.

• Yabbying: Opera House nets are not permitted in any NSW waters for environmental reasons. Authorized gear is open pyramid lift nets or hoop nets no more than five per vessel in total and baited lines without hooks.

• Use of Nets: Casting nets are allowed. Net restrictions on bait or prawn nets can include minimum sizes, mesh sizes and limitations on use.

• Freshwater Species: There are a number of native freshwater species such as Australian Bass that have closed seasons to allow breeding and others that are protected and cannot be harvested.

Fishing Zones and Reserves with Prohibitions and Restrictions

Some areas are prohibited zones to protect fragile marine and freshwater ecosystems. These include marine park sanctuary zones and aquatic reserves. Some river sections or estuaries will inevitably be closed either temporarily or permanently for any reason to protect the vulnerable species of fish or for management purposes. Check the updated regulations, particulary on the FishSmart NSW app or the NSW DPI website, before leaving shore as you could be fined if found to be not complying.

Powering Your Next Fishing Adventure

 

On a multi-day fishing trip, especially if you’re going off-grid to the coast or staying in a remote riverside location, a decent amount of power makes a huge difference to safety and comfort. No need to use bulky and loud generators, because the BLUETTI AC240 outdoor portable power station is beneficial. This waterproof and dustproof battery power system is ideal for anglers to recharge everything from basic gear to comfort amenities.

Consider keeping your catch cold in a mini fridge, lighting your camp up with LEDs or even finding the best fishing ground with a powered fish finder. The BLUETTI AC240 can handle charging your GoPro or running an electric fillet knife. Recharge from the sun and stay out longer with 1.5x the battery life in one rugged and portable device. It is the perfect companion for the serious fisherman who wants to stay longer, fish smarter and a lot more comfortable.

Here’s a rundown of its estimated operating times for popular fishing gear.

What are the Penalties For Fishing Without a License?

If you do not comply with recreational fishing regulations in New South Wales, especially when it comes to the obligatory fishing licence NSW, you could face harsh penalties.If you are caught by a fisheries officer fishing without a current and valid fishing licence or are unable to provide it when asked, it will cost you a $200 fine. Another $75 separate fine if you have a licence but don’t have it on you at the time police ask for it.

On the spot fines are often administered for first time offences, but more serious or continued breaches of fishing rules can result in serious legal penalties. Fishing without a licence in NSW can land you with a maximum penalty of $2,200 if the matter goes to court. In addition to this, a court can also allute even larger fines for other, more severe offences, such as exceeding your bag limits, catching fish that are too small or using illegal fishing gear. Offences re-offended or breached seriously can lead to a criminal record, and it may affect future legal position. Fisheries officers likewise have the power to confiscate fishing gear employed in the commission of an offence.

The NSW DPI undertakes comprehensive and routine compliance patrols in all NSW waterways including the coast, estuaries, rivers and impoundments. Fisheries officers are strategically located and have a higher visibility during increased fishing pressure. Through a combination of land, boat, and, more and more, airspace patrols of surveillance devices, drones, especially, have greatly expanded reach and monitoring capability, these patrols cover a vast area.

Do You Need A Fishing License in Other Australian States?

Since Australia’s system of fisheries management is conducted on a state and territory level, fishing licence NSW can only be used in New South Wales waters. If you plan to fish in other parts of Australia, you will have to buy a licence for that area.

Each of the state and territories have their own specific laws. In Victoria, you will need a licence for most types of recreational fishing. Normally, a licence is not needed in QLD for tidal waters however, it is for certain stocked impoundments. In Western Australia, some activities, such as rock lobster or netting, have specific licences, but general line fishing usually does not. Recreational fishing licences are generally not required in South Australia or the Northern Territory. Tasmania requires a freshwater licence for inland waters and gear licences for selected marine species.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you need a licence to fish off the beach?

Some beaches may allow you to fish from their shore, but if you want to catch fish, you still require a fishing licence NSW if you are 18 years or over and don’t otherwise fit within one of the exemptions.

2. Do you need a license to catch and release?

Yes. The point of the mandatory fishing licence is that you are partaking in the action of recreational fishing whether you keep it or not.

3. Does the same rule apply to yabbying?

Yes. Yabbying is covered under the same NSW fishing licence requirements. There are also some rules around surrounding yabbying gear, including the prohibition of Opera House nets and caps on other net types.

4. Can your license cover more than one person?

No. A NSW fishing licence is given to a person and is a personal document, not generally transferable. Every individual 18 years and over engaged in recreational fishing must carry a recreational fishing licence with them. There is an exemption when the adult is assisting a person under 18 with a single rod or prawn net and the assisting adult doesn’t need an additional license.